User manual ALESIS STUDIO 32 - REFERENCE MANUAL

ALESIS Studio 32 Reference Manual Contents CONTENTS Important Safety Instructions ................................................... 5 Safety symbols used in this product.........................................................................5 Please follow these precautions when using this product:.........................................5 Introduction ................................................................................. 7 How to use this manual ..........................................................................................7 For beginners..............................................................................................7 For the experienced: a quick overview ....................................................................9 About the Studio 32 ................................................................................................10 Basic Principles of Mixing & Multitrack Recording..................................................11 The stages of multitrack recording ..............................................................12 The different mixes and what they're needed for ....................................................14 Multitrack Mix ..........................................................................................14 Monitor (Control Room) Mix .......................................................................16 Aux Sends and Returns: Effects ...................................................................18 Guided Tour................................................................................. 19 Recorder Mix/Monitor Mix System..........................................................................19 Starting at the source: input and TRIM .......................................................19 The equalizer.............................................................................................20 Fader and assignment section ......................................................................20 Monitor 1/2 section .....................................................................................21 Aux Send/Return System ........................................................................................22 Aux sends...................................................................................................22 Stereo Aux Returns .....................................................................................22 Control Room System..............................................................................................23 Control Room source....................................................................................23 Solo/PFL ...................................................................................................23 Meters .......................................................................................................24 Hooking It Up............................................................................... 25 Unpacking and Inspection.......................................................................................25 Installing in a Rack................................................................................................25 Power ....................................................................................................................26 Avoiding ground loop noise .........................................................................27 Channel Inputs and Outputs....................................................................................28 Mic Inputs..................................................................................................28 Line Inputs.................................................................................................28 Tape Inputs................................................................................................29 Direct Outputs ...........................................................................................29 Insert.........................................................................................................30 Master Inputs and Outputs......................................................................................31 Main Outputs.............................................................................................31 Main Inserts...............................................................................................31 Group Outputs............................................................................................31 Control Room Outputs.................................................................................31 2 Track Inputs.............................................................................................31 Stereo Aux Returns .....................................................................................32 Monitor and Auxiliary Outputs...................................................................32 Headphones ..............................................................................................32 Chart of Connections ..............................................................................................33 Studio 32 Reference Manual 1 Contents Connecting to an Unbalanced -10 dBV Multitrack Recorder ..........................34 Connecting to a Professional +4 dBu Multitrack Recorder .............................35 Connecting to a 2-Track Mixdown Deck........................................................36 Connecting to a Control Room amplifier ......................................................37 Connecting to a Headphone Amp ................................................................37 Connecting to a Patchbay............................................................................37 Effects and Signal Processing ................................................... 39 Connecting Aux Sends and Returns to Outboard Effects .............................................39 Should you use one or two inputs to effects?..................................................40 Using Effects ..........................................................................................................41 Connecting Signal Processors to Insert Jacks..............................................................44 Multitrack Recording Applications ........................................... 46 Recording...............................................................................................................46 Setting Levels............................................................................................46 How to Record a Single Source to One Track.................................................48 Recording Multiple Sources to One Track.....................................................49 Recording Multiple Sources to Two Tracks (Stereo) ......................................50 Recording Tips ...........................................................................................51 About Metering ..........................................................................................51 Overdubbing ..........................................................................................................52 Using MONITOR 1/2 to Monitor the Multitrack ..........................................52 Using the Channel Faders to Monitor the Multitrack...................................53 Getting the Mix to the Headphones............................................................55 Monitoring MIDI Virtual Tracks.................................................................56 Bouncing Tracks..........................................................................................57 Playback/Mixdown................................................................................................59 Getting the Mix to the 2-Track Deck ...........................................................59 Mixdown Basics .........................................................................................59 Guidelines for a rough mix..........................................................................60 Sound Reinforcement Applications .......................................... 63 Creating a mono house mix......................................................................................63 Subgrouping with the Group Faders ........................................................................63 Stage Monitor Mix......................................................................................64 Alternate uses for the Monitor 1/2 section: Stereo recording during a live concert......65 Using Monitor 1/2 to feed a cassette deck.....................................................65 Using Monitor 1/2 as the PA mix during multitrack recording.......................66 Video Production and Post-Production.....................................................................67 Description of Controls ............................................................... 69 Channel Input Controls...........................................................................................69 Trim ..........................................................................................................69 Fader Source switch ...................................................................................69 Equalizer section....................................................................................................70 75 Hz switch ..............................................................................................70 EQ IN Switch ............................................................................................70 HIGH and LOW.........................................................................................70 MID EQ controls: LEVEL, FREQ, and Q.......................................................70 Auxiliary Send Section...........................................................................................72 AUX 3(5) SOURCE Switch.........................................................................72 AUX 3(5) and AUX 4(6) Sends.....................................................................72 TO 5/6 Switch (Aux Assign Switch)............................................................72 MONITOR 1/2 SOURCE switch .................................................................72 Studio 32 Reference Manual 2 Contents MONITOR 1/2 LEVEL, MONITOR 1/2 PAN ...............................................73 Channel Output Section..........................................................................................73 Channel PAN ............................................................................................73 MUTE........................................................................................................73 PEAK LED.................................................................................................73 -20 dB (Signal Present) LED........................................................................73 SOLO ........................................................................................................74 Group Assign Switches (1/2, 3/4) ................................................................74 L/R Switch................................................................................................74 Channel Fader...........................................................................................74 MASTER SECTION................................................................................................75 Power and Phantom indicators....................................................................75 Headphones Level and Source ....................................................................75 Phone jacks ................................................................................................75 Stereo Aux Return Section .......................................................................................75 MON 1/2 ...................................................................................................75 LEVEL.......................................................................................................75 L/R Assign Switch .....................................................................................75 GRP 1/2 Assign Switches (Stereo Aux Return A and B Only).........................76 GRP 3/4 Assign Switches (Stereo Aux Return C and D Only).........................76 SOLO IN PLACE Switch ...........................................................................76 Aux Master Controls ...............................................................................................77 Auxiliary Masters......................................................................................77 Monitor 1/2 Master.....................................................................................77 LINK TO L/R switch..................................................................................77 Control Room/Solo Section .....................................................................................78 Solo Master Level ......................................................................................78 Solo SIP/PFL switch ..................................................................................78 Control Room Level and Source ...................................................................78 MONO ......................................................................................................79 Master L/R Fader.......................................................................................79 Meters .......................................................................................................79 Group Master Controls ............................................................................................80 TO L/R switches ........................................................................................80 MONO switch ...........................................................................................80 Group 1--4 Master ......................................................................................80 L/R Master Fader.......................................................................................80 Back panel.............................................................................................................81 POWER switch ..........................................................................................81 Power cable................................................................................................81 PHANTOM Switch....................................................................................81 Control Room Out .......................................................................................81 2 Track Tape In...........................................................................................81 Main Outs..................................................................................................82 Main Inserts...............................................................................................82 Group Outputs............................................................................................82 Stereo Aux Return Input Jacks......................................................................82 Auxiliary Outputs (including Mon 1/2)........................................................82 Channel Input/Output Jacks (16).............................................................................82 Direct Out..................................................................................................82 Tape In ......................................................................................................83 Insert jack ..................................................................................................83 Line In jack.................................................................................................83 Mic In jack..................................................................................................83 Studio 32 Reference Manual 3 Contents Troubleshooting .......................................................................... 85 Troubleshooting Index ............................................................................................85 Maintenance/Service .............................................................................................86 Specifications............................................................................... 89 Frequency Response ................................................................................................89 Connectors..............................................................................................................89 Levels....................................................................................................................89 Impedance .............................................................................................................90 Noise performance (typical)...................................................................................90 Distortion (THD+N)..............................................................................................90 Power ....................................................................................................................90 Mounting dimensions ..............................................................................................90 Dimensional Drawings:..........................................................................................92 Gain Diagram ............................................................................... 93 Block Diagram ............................................................................. 94 Index............................................................................................. 96 Studio 32 Reference Manual 4 Introduction CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION How to use this manual You've taken the leap and purchased an Alesis Studio 32 Recording Console with Inline Monitor. Congratulations. At Alesis, we design equipment that's used by everyone from first-time users to engineers with decades of experience. In either case, the Studio 32 packs a lot of power into a small package, and we wrote this manual so that no matter what your background is, you can get the most out of it. For beginners The first two chapters are designed to give you a background in console operation. If you read them carefully, the rest of the manual will be easier to understand, and you'll be happier with your results. Mixers really aren't as difficult as they seem to be, but there's a lot of things going on at one time. Chapter 1: Introduction describes the capabilities of the Studio 32 and explains the basic principles of mixing and recording. Chapter 2: Guided Tour provides a brief tour of the Studio 32, and shows you how the basic principles of all console operation apply to the particular features of the Studio 32. Chapter 3: Connections details installation and power hookups, rear panel connections (inputs, outputs, and cables), and typical hook-up procedures. Chapter 4: Effects and Signal Processing contains information on how to connect external effects and how to use them properly. If you don't read any other chapter, read this one­effects send and return is one of the most misunderstood aspects of mixing consoles. Chapter 5: Recording Applications covers the various uses for the Studio 32 in multitrack recording, with step-by-step instructions on setting up and mixing techniques. Chapter 6: Sound Reinforcement Applications covers the Studio 32's features when it's connected to a PA system; but this chapter will also be useful for those doing live recording. Chapter 7: Description of Controls is a "dictionary" of each control for fast reference. Chapter 8: Troubleshooting. A guide to trouble-free operation, maintenance and service information. We have also included a block diagram, Gain Structure Chart and an Index. Studio 32 Reference Manual 7 Introduction We appreciate your feedback. If you have any suggestions on how to improve this manual, please write to us at: Technical Communications Dept. Alesis Corp. 3630 Holdrege Los Angeles, CA 90016 or via email at: alecorp@alesis1.usa.com Conventions The buttons, knobs, and rear panel connectors are referred to in this manual just as their names appear on the Studio 32, using all capital letters (Example: TRIM control, PAN knob, MIC IN jack, etc.). 7 When something important appears in the manual, an icon (like the one on the left) will appear in the left margin. This symbol indicates that this information is vital when operating the Studio 32. Studio 32 Reference Manual 8 Introduction For the experienced: a quick overview If you're already familiar with mixing consoles, here are some important points you need to know about the Alesis Studio 32 Recording Console. The Studio 32 follows commonly-accepted traditions for signal levels and routing. Channel Input Jacks: All inputs and outputs are balanced except the INSERT jacks and Stereo Aux Returns. All other 1/4" jacks are TRS 3-conductor types and may be used with +4 dBu balanced or -10 dBV unbalanced systems. The XLR and LINE IN jacks do not have a switch between them, and use the same TRIM control, so you can only use one of them at a time. The TAPE IN jacks are entirely independent, have no TRIM control, and can handle input levels up to +25 dBu. PEAK indicator headroom: The PEAK LED in each channel will light 5 to 6 dB before the onset of actual channel clipping. The same is true for the PK segment of the main meter (which corresponds to +18 dB over reference). PEAK is monitored both pre- and post-EQ. Monitor LINK TO L/R: Unlike most other monitors, the Studio 32's monitor busses are independent from the L/R mix, unless you LINK them to the L/R using the switch. Think of them as an AUX 1/2 send with independent input source selection from the channel source, which can be submixed into the L/R if desired. EQ: The 75 Hz high-pass filter switch is independent of the EQ and may be used even if the EQ IN switch is out. The midrange controls are fully parametric. The EQ section affects the channel path only, not the MONITOR 1/2 section. AUX: There are four post-fader Aux send busses, with two knobs from each channel. Both knobs in a channel are assigned to a pair of auxes by the same AUX ASSIGN switch: 3/4, or 5/6. The upper control can send from the Monitor or the Channel; the lower control is always from the channel. SOLO: Whether the SOLO keys function as SIP (stereo solo-in-place, also known as After-Fader-Listen or AFL) or PFL (Pre-Fader-Listen) is selected by a master solo status switch next to the Control Room section. The Stereo Aux Returns can only be soloed in SIP mode. FADERS and gain structure: The Group and L/R master faders are designed with a nominal "0" position at the top of their travel, not the 3/4 position. The channel faders have 10 dB of gain from the nominal position to the top of fader travel. Most other pots are marked with a nominal position (usually "2 o'clock"). The L/R, Group, and Direct outputs add an extra 6 dB of gain when used in balanced mode. Chapter 5 "Description of Controls" gives a knob-by-knob definition of each feature of the Studio 32, so if you know what the "Q" controls do, but you need more information on "LINK TO L/R", this is where you can look it up. In any case, please remember after you get started that this manual contains information that will help you get the highest level of performance from your Studio 32. Even an expert may pick up some creative alternative techniques that aren't obvious at first glance. To find what you need quickly, refer to the index at the back of the manual, or the Table of Contents. Studio 32 Reference Manual 9 Introduction About the Studio 32 The Studio 32 is an extremely flexible, 16-channel, 4-group plus L/R output, in-line monitor professional audio mixing console. The MONITOR 1/2 path of each channel has its own volume, pan, and access to the channel's upper Aux send knob, so you can mix or monitor the tape input while the main channel path mixes a mic or line input. Each monitor control has its own source switch, so it may be used as a conventional pre-fader auxiliary send as well as a tape monitor section. The MONITOR 1/2 mix may be linked to the main stereo output, but also features its own 1/4" output jacks. This flexible design allows full mix control of 32 sources, plus 8 aux returns, for a total of 40 sources at mixdown. For this reason, the Studio 32 is perfectly suited for professional project studios with a large number of MIDI sequencer-controlled sources that are synchronized with 16 tracks of ADAT. It also makes an excellent console for live sound reinforcement use. Each channel features a high-quality 3-band equalizer with a fully parametric (not just sweep) midrange band. The midrange Q (bandwidth) can be set as narrow as 1/6th of an octave, or as wide as several octaves, for boosting or cutting any frequency range desired. An EQ IN/OUT switch permits the entire EQ circuit to be bypassed when desired, maintaining the minimum signal path. A switchable 75 Hz high-pass filter removes low frequency rumble and noise. The Studio 32 uses fully balanced +4 dBu inputs on 1/4" jacks for all LINE IN and TAPE IN connections. The Studio 32 may also be used with unbalanced -10 dBV level equipment. Each channel has its own balanced Direct Out, so that simultaneous 16-track recording is possible. All channels feature a high-quality, low-noise balanced microphone preamp with globally switchable 48-volt phantom power for condenser microphones. Each input channel features a green "-20 dB signal present" LED and a red PEAK LED to warn of input signals that are too high for the present trim or EQ setting. The MUTE and SOLO switches use these same LEDs to indicate when a channel is muted or soloed. Effects mixes are handled by four post-fader Aux send busses, with two controls in each channel that are assignable to either Aux 3-4 or Aux 5-6. The upper control, labeled Aux 3(5), features its own input source select switch that allows it to provide an effects send from either the channel fader or monitor level control. The lower control, Aux 4(6), is a post-fader send that's always sourced from the main channel fader. Four Stereo Aux Returns (labeled A, B, C, and D) are provided, each with its own assignment switches and MON 1/2 send control. Returns may be routed to the stereo mix, the groups, soloed to the control room, and added to the monitor mix, so that effects may be added to the final mix, printed to multitrack, monitored on headphones, or any combination desired. The Studio 32 provides insert points on each channel and the stereo main outputs, for use with compressors and graphic equalizers. Control room monitoring is made simpler by stereo-in-place Solo on each main channel, which is globally switchable to PFL (Pre-fader listen). Each Auxiliary mix and Group may be previewed in the control room while leaving the rest of the signal path undisturbed. Two built-in headphone jacks with a separate source select switch allow you to hear either the control room source, or the monitor mix. Studio 32 Reference Manual 10 Introduction Basic Principles of Mixing & Multitrack Recording Source select, level control, and destination assignment When it's being used in a recording studio, the Studio 32's job is to control the volume, tone, pan and effects for many different inputs such as microphones, electronic instruments, and tape machines. You could think of this as the "where from" (source select) and "how much" (level control) function of the console. Then, it must route these signals to a monitor system and tape recorder so they can be heard and recorded: this is the "where to" (assignment) function of the console. The two-way signal flow of multitrack recording Using a console for recording is very different from a live PA application, where signal basically flows in one direction from the microphones to the speakers. During multitrack recording, signal flows two ways: from the input sources through the mixer to the recorder, and simultaneously back from the recorder through the monitor section to speakers or headphones so the musicians can play along with previously-recorded tracks. This two-way flow is what makes a true recording console more versatile than a PA-only console. Studio 32 Reference Manual 11 Introduction The stages of multitrack recording Most multitrack recording is a three-stage process. Instead of recording an entire musical group in a single take of a live performance, recordings are usually made one instrument at a time and built up in layers. Recording one instrument at a time makes it easier to fix mistakes of an incorrectly played part. The signal flow may seem complex, but it's easy to understand the functions of the Studio 32 once you understand the basic signal flows of each stage: tracking, overdubbing, and mixdown. Recording/Tracking When recording the first tracks, which define the tempo and basic structure of the song, signal flows in one direction: from the sources through the mixer to the recorder. Monitoring the playback from the multitrack isn't necessary, although you may need to provide a headphone mix, which can come either from the sources or through the multitrack (because at this stage, they're the same thing). Monitoring/Overdubbing In order to properly record a performance, the engineer, the producer, and all of the players must be able to hear what's going on. Traditionally, the engineer listens to speakers in the control room (where the mixer is). This is called monitoring. In the studio, the musicians listen to a cue mix in headphones while overdubbing. Adjustments to monitor or cue mixes should not affect the mix going to the recorder, so that recording levels remain set at the optimum, regardless of what the monitor mix needs to be. During overdubbing, it's easy to get confused, since there may be three or more separate mixes happening at the same time. As long as you keep them separate in your mind, and keep track of what's going where, the Studio 32 will let you get almost any sound mix you want. Mixdown In the final stage of multitrack recording, you take all the parts that were separated so they could be perfected, and recombine them so an audience can hear them. Mixdown is the "reverse flow": now the multitrack is the source (sometimes supplemented by MIDI-controlled "virtual tracks") and a 2-track stereo recorder is the destination. During this stage, the tracks are blended together, tonally enhanced with EQ and effects, positioned in the stereo field with the PAN controls, and finally recorded onto a mixdown tape deck (such as a DAT machine, 2Track reel-to-reel or cassette recorder, or 2 tracks of an ADAT). During mixdown, the engineer must hear the exact same mix the recorder is receiving. For this purpose, the Control Room section of the Studio 32 provides an external 2 TRACK input for listening to the output of the mixdown tape deck. Studio 32 Reference Manual 12 Introduction Studio 32 Reference Manual 13 Introduction The different mixes and what they're needed for Now that you understand the different sources and different destinations used during the three stages of the multitrack recording process, let's look at each one individually, without the other components getting in the way. Please note that these illustrations show the controls in the order they are electronically, and omit controls that don't apply to the mix being explained. Here are the mixes that you will control during a typical multitrack recording session: Multitrack Mix This mix goes from the sources (microphones or line inputs) to the tracks of the multitrack recorder. It is controlled by the Channel Faders and sent via the four Group Master Faders to the Group Output jacks. (If you need to record more than four tracks at once, some signals will go to the multitrack directly from Channel Faders via the Direct Out jacks.) In the multitrack mix, the goal is to set the controls so that each track is recorded as loud as it can be without distorting the recorder. For example, a microphone is plugged into channel 1, and its level is set by the TRIM control. The FADER SOURCE switch is left in the UP position (MIC/LN). After passing through the INSERT jack on the rear panel, signal may then pass through the 75 Hz filter (if its switch is down) and the EQ (if the EQ IN switch is down) on its way to the Channel Fader and MUTE switch. At this point, signal is available to the DIRECT OUT jack (where it may be connected to the multitrack); in any case it then goes on to the channel PAN and the 1/2, 3/4, and L/R assignment switches. The channel PAN affects what group (odd, even or both) the mic will be sent to. The mic is mixed with any other channel sources feeding the same group, via the Group Master faders to the selected track (in the illustration, Group and track 4). Please note a key concept: you can go from any channel input to any of the group or main outputs. Inputs and tracks are independent of each other. You can plug a mic into channel 1, and record it on track 4 without repatching. Studio 32 Reference Manual 14 Introduction MIC IN LINE TAPE IN IN Multitrack Recorder Mix (Groups and L/R) TRIM (to MON 1/2 SOURCE) FADER SOURCE INSERT jack 75 HZ HIGH MID FREQ Q LOW EQ IN (Post-EQ to MON 1/2 SOURCE when MIC/LINE is selected at both) FADER DIRECT OUT (to AUX sends) 1 GROUP OUTPUTS MAIN L/R OUTS & INSERTS MUTE 2 3 4 L/R PAN GRP 1/2 (combined with signals from other channels) GRP 3/4 L/R Studio 32 Reference Manual 15 Introduction Monitor (Control Room) Mix This mix is what the engineer and/or performer hears in headphones or the control room speakers. During overdubbing, this mix is typically controlled by the Studio 32's MONITOR 1/2 section, and sometimes by the L/R mix. In the monitor mix, the goal is to set the controls so the performer gets whatever mix they need so they can perform their overdubs as well as possible. In the engineer's mix, the goal is to make sure that he or she can hear any problems with the tracks being recorded, so they can be fixed before making more overdubs. In either case, the Studio 32 allows you to adjust the monitor and control room mix (change levels, pan position, or solo individual channels) without disturbing the signals being recorded to the multitrack. In the illustration, the microphone we recorded on track 4 comes back on TAPE IN #4. The MONITOR 1/2 source switch is set to the TAPE (up) position. The LEVEL pot (with the purple knob), and the MONITOR PAN determine the mix going to the MONITOR 1/2 MASTER. At this point, the CONTROL ROOM SOURCE switch is set to MON 1/2, so the engineer can adjust the monitor mix, and the HEADPHONES SOURCE switch is set to MON 1/2 as well, so that if the engineer hits any SOLO buttons, only the control room mix will be affected, not the headphone mix. Monitor PAN: Note that the Monitor PAN controls (the black knobs above the purple knobs) will not affect what track a signal is recorded on. They only affect the position in the control room speakers or headphones. On the other hand, the lower row of PAN controls for the channel faders will pan the signal from the microphone between two tracks of tape (if you're recording using the Groups instead of the Direct Outs). Sometimes you may need another mix for the musicians' headphones, since some musicians may need certain instruments louder or softer in the mix in order to hear their cues. In the Studio 32, a complicated cue mix will usually come from MONITOR 1/2, and less complicated ones may come from the post-fader AUX sends (if it's OK for the Aux mix to change if the engineer makes adjustments to the channel fader). Don't forget that MONITOR 1/2, instead of being used as one stereo mix, may be used as two mono mixes, with careful setting of the MONITOR PAN controls. Post-EQ, Pre-Fader: The EQ, 75 HZ filter, and INSERT jack do not affect the MONITOR 1/2 mix unless both the FADER SOURCE and MONITOR SOURCE switches have selected MIC/LINE as the source. This feature allows you to hear what the engineer is doing to the EQ, or to an effect device in the INSERT jack, when you're using the MON 1/2 mix for headphones or a stage monitor mix. But the EQ and INSERT never affect the TAPE side of the MONITOR SOURCE switch, or if the MIC signal is going through MON 1/2 while TAPE is going through the CHANNEL FADER. (For clarity, the drawing on the next page doesn't show this detail; see the Block Diagram on page Error! Bookmark not defined. for the complete signal flow.) Studio 32 Reference Manual 16 Introduction Monitor/Control Room/Solo System MIC LINE TAPE IN IN IN TRIM (EQ) (to channel FADER SOURCE switch) (MIC/LN source is post-EQ when both SOURCE switches are set to MIC/LN) MONITOR 1/2 SOURCE MON LEVEL MON PAN MONITOR 1/2 MASTER CONTROL ROOM SELECT SWITCHES (from AUX, GROUP, L/R masters and 2 TRK inputs) (Master solo takeover relay) CONTROL ROOM OUTPUTS MONO CONTROL ROOM LEVEL (Channel details on previous page) Channel fader (PFL feed) Any SOLO on console controls this relay electronically SOLO -20 (SIP) Channel PAN MASTER SOLO LED SIP/PFL SWITCH SOLO MASTER Studio 32 Reference Manual 17 Introduction Aux Sends and Returns: Effects The last important mix is usually used for adding effects (such as reverb, delay, chorus, etc.) to the mix. This may be part of the tracking and overdubbing stage, and is almost always part of the mixdown stage. The rows of blue knobs running across the center of the Studio 32 may be thought of as secondary submixers, with a little less independence from the other mixes, because they follow them in the signal path. This is the "send" side of the "effects send/receive" process. The upper row of AUX controls is capable of sending from either the MONITOR 1/2 mix (the row of purple knobs) or from the channel faders. Aux Sends (16) CHANNEL FADER MONITOR LEVEL (to monitor pan) MUTE (to channel pan and assign) AUX 3(5) SOURCE TO 5/6 AUXILIARY OUTPUTS 3 4 5 6 AUXILIARY MASTERS AUX 3(5) AUX 4(6) Once you've made an effect, it's no use unless you hear it, so the STEREO AUX RETURNS are four "miniature stereo channels" designed for effect returns. You may want to record effects to the multitrack, so they have GRP ASSIGN switches. The musicians may want some reverb in their headphones to help them stay on pitch, so it has a row of four MON 1/2 controls. The engineer may need to hear the output of a single effect device to change the delay time, so there are SOLO switches. And, of course, you want effects on the final mix, so they all have L/R ASSIGN switches. Except for the limitations of not having a mic preamp, EQ, post-fader Aux Sends, or mute, the Aux Returns are just like channels--they don't have to be used for effects. Consider them as an extra eight input channels especially for stereo line instruments such as synthesizers that already have their own internal effects. Stereo Aux Returns (4) STEREO AUX RETURNS L, R MON 1/2 RETURN LEVEL GRP 1/2 (or 3/4) (to Monitor 1/2 Master) (to GRP masters) L/R (to L/R master) Studio 32 Reference Manual 18 Guided Tour CHAPTER 2: GUIDED TOUR Recorder Mix/Monitor Mix System The Studio 32 is designed to accommodate the two-way signal flow required in a recording console. This is where signals are mixed, EQ'd and routed to the Aux sends, Groups and Left and Right Master outs. Each channel provides a Mic and Line Input plus a Tape In connector, where signals return from the multitrack recorder. Any input may be routed to either the main or monitor section of the channel, or even to both at once. This allows you to mix an input and monitor a tape signal simultaneously. Counting the Stereo Aux Returns, the Studio 32 has a total of 40 inputs to the main mix. These can all be mixed down to a master tape deck via the L/R Main outs. Starting at the source: input and TRIM Let's trace the signal flow from beginning to end. Note that the controls from top to bottom of each channel are not placed in the same order as they appear in the signal flow. To see the paths of the signal flow, refer to the block diagram on page Error! Bookmark not defined.. Each input module has three possible sources (line, mic and tape in) and two paths (the main channel and the monitor). First, the signal arrives at either the line or mic input of a channel; you should not plug into both at once. If using the mic input with a condenser microphone, the rear-panel PHANTOM switch will be turned on to provide phantom power (after the mics have all been plugged in). Next we come to the gray TRIM knob, which is used to set the initial level of the signal. It is Studio 32 Reference Manual 19 Guided Tour important to set this level properly, since high levels could lead to distortion and levels set too low will cause noise (see Setting Levels). Channel and Monitor source select switches: Each channel has its own FADER SOURCE SELECT switch, under the TRIM control, and MONITOR 1/2 SOURCE SELECT switch above the MONITOR 1/2 PAN control. These two switches are completely independent. · If both switches are up, the TAPE INPUTS can be heard through the MONITOR 1/2 controls, while the MIC/LINE input appears at the main channel controls. This is the position normally used for tracking and overdubbing. If both switches are down, the tape returns are on the main channel while the MIC/LINE input appears at the monitor controls. This is the position normally used for mixdown (with the main channel assigned to L/R) or for bouncing tracks (with the main channel assigned to the appropriate Group or Groups). If the FADER SOURCE switch is up and the MONITOR SOURCE switch is down, MIC/LN is chosen for both. This is the position that would be used if MON 1/2 is going to be used for a pre-fader stage monitoring mix. · · The equalizer EQ section: The EQ section affects only the signal on the Channel fader, not the signal of the monitor section. An EQ IN switch allows you to hear the signal "flat" with no EQ at the touch of a button. Once the fader source has been chosen, and the EQ IN switch is down, signal will flow through the green knobs in the EQ section. The EQ has three bands: the Hi & Lo EQ, and the fully-parametric Mid EQ. The Hi & Lo EQ are shelving-type EQs, with 12 kHz and 80 Hz shelving points and an adjustable boost or cut of ±15 dB. These act much like the bass and treble knobs found on most audio equipment: the "12 o'clock" position has no effect, and you turn to the right to get more of the frequencies and to the left to cut them. The Mid EQ has three knobs: one to set the amount of boost or cut, one to select the frequency you want to control (adjustable from 150 Hz to 15 kHz), and a "Q" or bandwidth control. The Q control adjusts how wide an area around the selected frequency should be cut or boosted, allowing you to be extremely specific about how you tailor your sound. To avoid low-end rumble and noise, turn on the 75 Hz high-pass filter, which removes frequencies below 75 Hz at a rate of 18 dB per octave. The 75 HZ switch has this effect even if the EQ IN switch is off. Fader and assignment section Channel controls: Finally, at the bottom of each channel we find the channel's fader, PAN knob, SOLO and MUTE buttons, PEAK and -20 LEDs, and a set of buttons that let you determine the channel routing, i.e., where it'll go to. The assignment switches can route the channel's signal to any of the four Groups and to the L/R Master. Studio 32 Reference Manual 20 Guided Tour Group mix: Once signals are routed to the Group section, you can use the GROUP FADERS to determine the total volume of all channels assigned there. In the studio, the Group output usually is connected to the inputs of a multitrack recorder, such as the Alesis ADAT. But in live performance applications, the Group Out jacks may be used to feed other amplifiers, broadcast feeds or even other mixers. Some engineers even use the Groups for extra effect sends. Subgrouping: During mixdown or in PA applications, the Groups may be "subgrouped" or assigned to the L/R Main mix, using the TO L/R buttons above the GROUP FADERS. so that the Group Master faders can be used to adjust the volume of several different inputs at once, such as multiple channels of drums or vocals. L/R master: Every input may be routed to the main left and right outputs, either directly or via a Group Master or the Monitor Link to L/R. Monitor 1/2 section In multitrack recording, once signal goes from the Group Outputs to the recorder, it comes back to the tape inputs. The TAPE IN jack has no trim control of its own; it is designed to handle the balanced or unbalanced line levels that all multitrack recorders generate. Each channel features an in-line monitor which selects either the tape return or the mic/line input source for the MONITOR 1/2 mix. The MONITOR 1/2 mix has its own MASTER LEVEL control and may be heard in several different ways: · · · · From its own output jacks connected to an external headphone amplifier the HEADPHONE jacks of the Studio 32, with the SOURCE switch down in the Control Room mix, with the MON 1/2 switch down in the L/R mix, if the LINK TO L/R switch is down Studio 32 Reference Manual 21 Guided Tour Aux Send/Return System Aux sends In the center of each channel module are the blue knobs that make up the Auxiliary Send section, which allows the signal to be routed to outboard signal processing equipment. There are two Aux knobs in each channel, but there are four different Auxiliary Masters and outputs. Since some people will use the Monitor section as an auxiliary send, it's numbered 1/2, and the other auxes are numbered 3 through 6. Both Aux Sends of any channel may be sent to Aux 3/4, or to Aux 5/6 by using the switch in the middle of the knobs: this is the AUX ASSIGN switch and it affects both knobs in the channel. The upper Aux knob has a unique capability: by pressing the AUX 3(5) SOURCE switch it can select either the Channel's signal or the Monitor's signal to send to Aux 3/5. In the Master section you'll find master level controls for all four Aux Sends. Stereo Aux Returns The Stereo Aux Returns, found near the top of the master section, are extra input channels designed for routing the signals back from signal processing equipment. Aux Returns can be thought of as very basic line input channels. The gray LEVEL knobs control how much effect will be added to the mix, either while tracking or mixing down. The purple MON 1/2 knobs control how much effect will be sent to the monitor section so you can hear it in the headphone or control room mix, independently of the amount going to the multitrack or stereo mix. If you are using a MIDI system with several keyboards, each with stereo signals, you can alternatively use the Stereo Aux Returns as additional line inputs. This is especially useful for keyboards that provide their own on-board signal processing, and therefore do not need to be routed to the other Aux Sends. Studio 32 Reference Manual 22 Guided Tour Control Room System The SOLO switches in each channel, along with the Control Room switches and Headphone section, make up the Control Room system of the Studio 32. This is the engineer's mix. It allows you to audition the different mixes that are going on at any given time and to hear individual inputs when needed, all without disturbing the other mixes that are going to the musicians, the PA system or recorder. It also controls the stereo meter display. Normally, the CONTROL ROOM OUT jacks are connected directly to the inputs of a stereo amplifier such as the Alesis RA-100, which power a set of near-field monitors such as the Alesis Monitor One or Point Seven reference monitors mounted within a few feet of the console. Control Room source The Control Room can selectively monitor the Main outputs (L/R), MONITOR 1/2, the Aux mixes, the Group mixes, or an external mixdown tape deck. The lowest switch which is pressed will be the source; if no switches are down, the L/R mix will be heard. Press the MONO button when you want to hear how a mix will sound in a single speaker; this will help you avoid phase cancellation problems. The Headphone outputs may receive signal either from MONITOR 1/2, or the same signal that the Control Room is hearing. Solo/PFL Regardless of what's chosen as the control room source, if any of the twenty SOLO buttons are pressed anywhere on the console, the solo mix automatically becomes the control room source. Because there are so many solo buttons, we make it easy for you to find the one that's "taken over" by turning on a green LED over the SOLO Studio 32 Reference Manual 23 Guided Tour switch. (When SOLO is not in use, these green LEDs will flash in response to input level, but they won't turn on solid.) There's also a master solo LED that shows you when the solo system is active. Like all mixes in the Studio 32, the solo system has its own MASTER control, which is used to adjust the level feeding the Control Room knob. Right below that is the SIP/PFL switch, which is a source-select switch for the entire solo system. When the switch is up, the solo source is SIP (for Solo-In-Place). This is the traditional "stereo solo" position that puts the soloed signal in the mix at the same volume and pan position as it is when the solo system is off. When the switch is down, the solo source is PFL (for Pre-Fade Listen), which allows you to hear what the channel source is in the control room, even if the fader is down, muted, or not assigned. The advantage of PFL is that you can use it to check signals before bringing them into the main mix (for example, to cue up a tape for playback or check to see what microphone is plugged in). In either SIP or PFL mode, the SOLO switches of the Studio 32 are "nondestructive", meaning that they never affect any other mix than the Control Room mix. Meters Generally, whatever you're hearing in the Control Room is what's being displayed on the L/R meters, including SOLO/PFL. Any channels that are soloed will appear on both the left and right meters. In PFL mode, this is a good way to set the TRIM level for the proper headroom. (See page Error! Bookmark not defined. for more about using the meters.) Studio 32 Reference Manual 24 Hooking It Up CHAPTER 3: HOOKING IT UP Unpacking and Inspection Your Studio 32 was packed carefully at the factory, and the container was designed to protect the unit during shipping. Please retain this container in the highly unlikely event that you need to return the Studio 32 for servicing. Upon receiving the Studio 32, carefully examine the shipping carton and its contents for any sign of physical damage that may have occurred in transit. If you detect any damage, do not destroy any of the packing material or the carton, and immediately notify the carrier of a possible claim for damage. Damage claims must be made by you. Contact your Alesis dealer. The shipping carton should contain the following items: · · · · · This instruction manual and a quick reference sheet Alesis Studio 32 with the same serial number as shown on shipping carton A pair of rack rails with screws to mount them to the side panels AC Power Cable Alesis warranty card and other literature 7 It is important to register your purchase; if you have not already filled out your warranty card and mailed it back to Alesis, please take the time to do so now. Installing in a Rack The Studio 32 may be simply set on a table, or installed in a standard 19" audio equipment rack. To rack mount the Studio 32, simply attach the provided rack ears to each side using the screws provided. If you wish to save rack space, you may remove the hand rest below the faders: 1. 2. Remove the screw holding the plastic end caps to the sides of the hand rest. Remove the end caps. Remove the four screws attaching the hand rest to the front panel. 7 Make sure you leave enough space at the top of any rack installation for the cables which must be plugged into the back panel. By using right-angle plugs, this may be kept to a single rack space if needed. Studio 32 Reference Manual 25 Hooking It Up Power Make sure you read the initial Important Safety Instructions chapter at the front of this manual. The Studio 32 works with a single standard line voltage and comes with a detachable AC line cord suitable for the destination to which the mixing console is shipped. Units sold in the United States are designed for use with 110 to 120 volt AC power only (nominal 60 Hz). The line cable cable is a IEC-spec AC power cable (do not substitute any other AC cord), which is designed to be connected to an outlet that includes three pins, with the third, round pin connected to ground. The ground connection is an important safety feature designed to keep the chassis of electronic devices such as the Studio 32 at ground potential. Unfortunately, the presence of a third pin does not always indicate that an outlet is properly grounded. You may use an AC line tester to determine this. If the outlet is not grounded, consult with a licensed electrician. When AC currents are suspected of being highly unstable in VAC and Hz, a professional power conditioner should be used. To connect power to the Studio 32: 1 Attach the female end of the AC power cord to the Studio 32's back panel and the male end to a good quality, noise-free AC power source of the proper rating. To apply power to the Studio 32, switch on the POWER switch on the back panel, so that it is in the | (on) position. 2 Do not operate any electrical equipment with ungrounded outlets. Plugging the Studio 32 into an ungrounded outlet, or "lifting" the unit off ground with a three-totwo wire adapter, can create a hazardous condition. Alesis cannot be responsible for problems caused by using the Studio 32 or any associated equipment with improper AC wiring. Studio 32 Reference Manual 26 Hooking It Up Avoiding ground loop noise In today's studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has its own computer chip inside, there are many opportunities for ground loop problems to occur. These show up as hums, buzzes or sometimes radio reception and can occur if a piece of equipment "sees" two or more different paths to ground. While there are methods to virtually eliminate ground loops and stray radio frequency interference, most of the professional methods are expensive and involve installing a separate power source just for the sound system. Alternatively, here are some easy helpful hints that a professional studio installer might use to keep those stray hums and buzzes to a minimum. 1 KEEP ALL ELECTRONICS OF THE SOUND SYSTEM ON THE SAME AC ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT. Most stray hums and buzzes happen as a result of different parts of the sound system being plugged into outlets of different AC circuits. If any noise generating devices such as air conditioners, refrigerators, neon lights, etc., are already plugged into one of these circuits, you then have a perfect condition for stray buzzes. Since most electronic devices of a sound system don't require a lot of current (except for power amplifiers), it's usually safe to run a multi-outlet box or two from a SINGLE wall outlet and plug in all of the components of your system there. KEEP AUDIO WIRING AS FAR AWAY FROM AC WIRING AS POSSIBLE. Many hums come from audio cabling being too near AC wiring. If a hum occurs, try moving the audio wiring around to see if the hum ceases or diminishes. If it's not possible to separate the audio and AC wiring in some instances, make sure that the audio wires don't run parallel to any AC wire (they should only cross at right angles, if possible). TO ELIMINATE HUM IF THE ABOVE HAS FAILED: A) Disconnect the power from all outboard devices and tape machines except for the Studio 32 mixer and control room monitor power amp. B ) Plug in each tape machine and outboard effects device one at a time. If possible, flip the polarity of the plug of each device (turn it around in the socket) until the quietest position is found. C) Make sure that all of the audio cables are in good working order. Cables with a detached ground wire will cause a very loud hum!! D) Keep all cables as short as possible, especially in unbalanced circuits. 2 3 If the basic experiments don't uncover the source of the problem, consult your dealer or technician trained in proper studio grounding techniques. In some cases, a "star grounding" scheme must be used, with the Studio 32 at the center of the star providing the shield ground on telescoping shields, which do NOT connect to the chassis ground of other equipment in the system. Studio 32 Reference Manual 27 Hooking It Up Channel Inputs and Outputs Each of the 16 channel modules on the Studio 32 contains an XLR balanced MIC IN connector, a 1/4" TRS balanced LINE IN jack, a 1/4" TRS balanced TAPE IN jack, a balanced 1/4" TRS DIRECT OUT jack, and a 1/4" TRS INSERT jack. Here are more detailed descriptions of each of these, and what they should be connected to. Mic Inputs The MIC IN of each channel is a standard female XLR-3 connector. The cable wiring is illustrated below: Balanced Mic Input 2 Hot 1 3 Ground Cold Socket (female) The MIC Input is designed to accept a wide range of balanced or unbalanced low impedance input signals. Each input can provide the +48 volts necessary for phantom-powered microphones on pins 2 and 3; this may be turned on and off with the PHANTOM switch. Avoid connecting a mic while the fader is up and phantom power is on. Do not connect a microphone and a line input to the same channel. Line Inputs The LINE IN of each channel is a 1/4" jack which will accept balanced or unbalanced line-level sources. "Line level" means that signals are typically in the 1/3 of a volt to 2-volt range, such as the output of synthesizers, keyboards, CD players, etc. This is in contrast to the much lower levels usually output by microphones (measured in millivolts). Unbalanced Line Input Balanced Line Input Signal Tip Hot Cold Tip Ring Sleeve Ground Sleeve Ground Tip Sleeve Tip Ring Sleeve Unlike the low impedance microphone input, this connection provides a high impedance (>10k) to the input signal, enabling most instruments to be plugged straight in without direct boxes or external preamplification. While the output of a standard synthesizer (or other equipment) can be plugged in using a 2-conductor Studio 32 Reference Manual 28 Hooking It Up 1/4" plug, balanced line sources may also be connected here using a "stereo" TRS plug as shown above. Line inputs may also be used for connecting additional effects returns, where additional post-effect equalization is required. Do not connect a line input and a microphone to the same channel. Tape Inputs The TAPE IN jacks area 1/4" balanced TRS connectors which will accept either balanced or unbalanced inputs. Usually, you'll connect the outputs of your multitrack tape machine here. There is no TRIM control for the tape input; it is designed to work with +4 dBu (balanced high level) or -10 dBV (unbalanced medium level) line signals. Depending on the position of the source switches of a channel, you can hear the tape input in the main channel, the monitor, or both at once. Tip: If you don't have a 16-track studio, you may use extra TAPE IN jacks to connect to the outputs of any line-level unit such as synthesizers or effects devices. Direct Outputs The DIRECT OUT jack on each channel is a balanced 1/4" connector which provides a direct output of the post-fader channel signal. It is set for a unity-gain output, so it can drive either +4 dBu or -10 dBV devices depending on the setting of the TRIM control and the fader. If you want to record a single source to a track of tape, connect this to the inputs of your multitrack tape recorder, or for any other application where you need a direct output. (The other option is to connect the Group Out jacks to the recorder, as explained on page 31.) Studio 32 Reference Manual 29 Hooking It Up Insert The INSERT connector is a TRS 1/4" jack which consists of an insert send (the tip of the TRS plug) and an insert return (the ring of a TRS plug), and is used to insert an outboard effects device (such as a compressor, EQ, or chorus) directly into the signal path of only one channel: the channel it is connected to (as opposed to the Aux system, which combines many different channels into an effect). For details on this, see page Error! Bookmark not defined.. Studio 32 Reference Manual 30 Hooking It Up Master Inputs and Outputs Along the top of the back panel above the master section of the Studio 32 you'll find most of the connectors that provide the outputs of the console: two 1/4" MAIN OUT connectors (plus two MAIN INSERT jacks), and four 1/4" GROUP OUT connectors. The CONTROL ROOM OUT jacks are under the power connector. See the next chapter "Effects and Signal Processing" for information about the Auxiliary Outputs. Main Outputs The left and right MAIN OUT jacks are two balanced TRS 1/4" jacks which provide the primary stereo mix of the Studio 32. These are normally connected to the inputs of a mixdown tape machine or a PA system amplifier. Main Inserts These are two TRS 1/4" jacks, each of which consists of an insert send (the tip of the TRS plug) and an insert return (the ring of a TRS plug). One is for the left channel and one is for the right channel of the stereo mix. They are used to insert a outboard stereo effects device (such as a compressor, limiter, reverb or EQ) directly into the main signal path, before the fader. A special Y-cable (stereo 1/4" plug to two mono 1/4" plugs, as shown on page Error! Bookmark not defined.) is required. Group Outputs The GROUP OUTPUTS are balanced 1/4" connectors which are usually connected to the inputs of a multitrack tape machine. If you want to send a mix of several channels to a single track, you'll use a Group Output. (The DIRECT OUT jacks can only send one source to one track.) Other uses for Group Outputs: In certain applications, such as video postproduction, a pair of Group Outputs may be used to provide a different mix than the Main Outputs, such as a mix containing music and effects but minus the dialog. Group Outs may also be used as a feed to an effect device, a separate section of a PA system, or for a surround sound encoder. Using four groups for eight tracks: Alesis ADAT recorders have normalling input features, which allow you to record on tracks 5-8 without repatching, even when the mixer output is connected only to tracks 1-4. There's more about this later in this manual, and in the ADAT manual as well. Control Room Outputs These outputs consist of two balanced TRS 1/4" jacks for the left and right signals coming from the Control Room Select switch. Normally, you'll connect these to the inputs of the amplifier for your control room monitor speakers. The signal level is controlled by the CONTROL ROOM knob. 2 Track Inputs These balanced 1/4" jacks are intended for the outputs of a mixdown tape machine, so you can hear it in the control room output without using up an input. This allows you to playback your mix without repatching. Studio 32 Reference Manual 31 Hooking It Up Stereo Aux Returns The STEREO AUX RETURNS are eight balanced 1/4" line input jacks that are most often used to connect to the stereo outputs of four external effect units. However, these may also be used as additional inputs for stereo sound modules, samplers or synthesizers, if desired. Monitor and Auxiliary Outputs The MONITOR and AUXILIARY OUTPUTS are six balanced 1/4" jacks which feed the signals from Monitor 1/2 and Aux 3-6. MON 1 and 2 are pre-fader, and are ideal for feeding a headphone amp for musicians in the studio to monitor themselves and other tracks already recorded onto tape. However, depending on your studio hookup, you may find it more flexible to connect headphones to the jacks on the top panel, which may be switched to receive the MONITOR 1/2 signal or the Control Room mix. Aux 3 - 6 are post-fader, and are normally connected to the inputs of outboard effects devices, like reverbs and digital delays. Headphones The headphone connectors (found on the upper right side of the console) are stereo 1/4" jacks which can drive most headphones. The signal level is controlled by the PHONES knob. The wiring scheme is shown below; most headphones label which side is left and right. Headphones Left Signal Right Signal Ground Tip Ring Tip Ring Sleeve Sleeve Tip Ring Sleeve Studio 32 Reference Manual 32 Hooking It Up Chart of Connections The Studio 32 may be easily interfaced with most other professional recording and audio equipment. All inputs and outputs, with the exception of the microphone inputs, use 1/4" jacks, and may be used with balanced or unbalanced circuits. The microphone inputs are standard balanced XLR type jacks. Input Mic Inputs Line Inputs DIRECT OUT (Direct) Tape In Inserts Aux Sends Aux Returns Group Outs Main L/R Outs Main Inserts Control Room Outs 2 TRACK IN Headphone Connector XLR 1/4" TRS 1/4" Mono 1/4" TRS 1/4" TRS 1/4" Mono 1/4" Mono 1/4" Mono 1/4" TRS 1/4" TRS 1/4" TRS 1/4" Mono 1/4" TRS Type Balanced Unbalanced or Balanced Unbalanced or Balanced Unbalanced or Balanced Unbalanced Unbalanced or Balanced Unbalanced or Balanced Unbalanced or Balanced Unbalanced or Balanced Unbalanced Unbalanced or Balanced Unbalanced or Balanced Unbalanced Studio 32 Reference Manual 33 Hooking It Up Connecting to an Unbalanced -10 dBV Multitrack Recorder Interfacing the Studio 32 with a typical multitrack recorder using semiprofessional unbalanced phono or 1/4" phone jacks is a simple process. Alternatively, if you are using one or more ADATs, it is recommended that you use the balanced inputs and outputs using the ELCO-type connector on the ADAT (see next page). To interface with a typical unbalanced multitrack recorder: 1 Connect any microphones or instruments to be recorded into the MIC or LINE INPUTS of channels 1 through 16. Connect the four GROUP OUTs to the corresponding tape tracks by using either 1/4"-to-RCA cables or 1/4"-to-1/4" cables. Alternatively, you may decide to connect individual channel DIRECT OUT jacks to the track you want to record, but this will require you to repatch every time you want to record a different channel on that track of the recorder. Connect the tape machine's outputs to the TAPE IN jacks of the same-numbered channels of the Studio 32. Whenever you want to hear the playback of the machine, track 1 will appear at the FADER SOURCE and MONITOR SOURCE switches of channel 1, track 2 will appear at channel 2, and so on. 2 3 Connecting your recorder(s) at the -10 dBV unbalanced level can yield good results, provided that the cables between the multitrack and the Studio 32 are no more than 20 feet long. If cable runs must be longer than that, or if your studio has noise and grounding problems, we recommend a +4 dBu balanced hookup if possible (see next page). Studio 32 Reference Manual 34 Hooking It Up Connecting to a Professional +4 dBu Multitrack Recorder Professional recorders typically feature 3-pin XLR connectors on their inputs and outputs. ADATs feature a multipin ELCO connector that takes care of all the channels (8 inputs, 8 outputs) on a single connector. The nominal signal level of these units is +4 dBu (1.23 volts). In either case, connect these decks to the TAPE IN jacks, not the MIC IN XLR jacks. ADAT: The best method for connecting an ADAT is to purchase an ELCO-to-TRS multipair cable, available from many different cable manufacturers. This will connect from the ELCO-type connector on the ADAT on one end, fanning out to sixteen tip-ring-sleeve quarter-inch phone plugs (labeled INPUT 1, OUTPUT 1 and so on) on the other end. This method assures full-balanced outputs from the ADAT to the TAPE IN jacks. The connection from the Studio 32's GROUP or DIRECT OUT jacks to the ADAT's inputs will also be balanced. The GROUP and DIRECT OUTS have plenty of headroom, with a maximum balanced output of +27 dBu before mixer distortion (although the ADAT's own maximum is +19 dBu). Balanced cables between the recorder and the mixer can be very long, if necessary, without adding noise. XLRs: If you have a video or old analog deck with XLR inputs and outputs, you will need: · An XLR female to 1/4" TRS cable for each output of the tape recorder; and, Sleeve (Ground) Tip (+) Pin 1 (Ground) Pin 3 (-) · Pin 2 (+) Ring (-) An XLR male to 1/4"TRS cable for each send to the tape recorder. This arrangement will give you a balanced connection for recording and playback in most cases. However, some recorders with XLRs may not be truly balanced, with pin 2 or 3 (depending on vintage) tied to ground, which may cause a ground loop. Also, depending on the characteristics of the deck, metering levels may not match between the deck and the Studio 32. You may need to increase the Studio 32's fader level in order to get enough level on the multitrack's meters. Some multitracks have high/low level input switches; follow the manufacturer's instructions on setting these properly. Studio 32 Reference Manual 35 Hooking It Up Connecting to a 2-Track Mixdown Deck The mixdown deck is where everything comes together: the final mix. This is your stereo master recording of the finished project (or a rough mix of a work in progress). A special pair of inputs of the Studio 32 are provided to hear the mixdown deck in the Control Room mix only. If you connect the mixdown deck to regular line inputs, you run the risk of feedback by accidentally recording the output of the 2-track to itself. To connect the mixdown deck to the Studio 32: Unbalanced connection: 1 Connect the Studio 32's MAIN OUTS Left and Right to the inputs of the Mixdown Deck using the appropriate cables (usually 1/4" phone to "RCA" phono). Note that the nominal output of the MAIN OUT in unbalanced operation is -2 dBu, about 6 dB "hotter" than the nominal level of an unbalanced mixdown deck. Lower the input level controls of the mixdown deck to achieve the desired signal level, or lower the L/R master fader a little to compensate. 2 Connect the Mixdown Deck's outputs to the Studio 32's 2 TRACK IN Left/Right Inputs using 2-conductor cables (usually phono-to-phone cables) or adapters. Balanced connection: If the mixdown deck has XLR outputs, make or purchase XLR-to-TRS phone plug adapters or cables, with pin 1 connected to the sleeve, pin 2 connected to the tip, and pin 3 to the ring. The phone plugs will always be male; 2 XLRs will be female and 2 will be male. (The convention is that XLRs always point in the direction of signal flow, so the mixdown deck's outputs are male and the inputs are female). 1 Connect a 1/4" TRS (3-conductor) -to-XLR male cable from the MAIN OUT L/R jacks to the XLR inputs of the mixdown deck. The 2 TRACK IN jacks of the Studio 32 are TRS balanced, and will accept +4 dBu balanced sources. Connect the output of the mixdown deck to these jacks. In the rare event that the 2-track has balanced 1/4" jacks, use TRS-to-TRS cables in place of XLRs. 2 Studio 32 Reference Manual 36 Hooking It Up Connecting to a Control Room amplifier Connect the Studio 32's Control Room L & R Outs to the inputs of the amplifier used for the control room monitor speakers. The CONTROL ROOM knob on the Studio 32 controls the level of the control room monitor speakers. Note: These jacks are also TRS balanced. You may use unbalanced 2-conductor cables if the power amp doesn't have balanced inputs. If the amp features XLR inputs, use a TRS 3-conductor phone-to-XLR-male cable. Connecting to a Headphone Amp Monitor 1 and 2 may be used to set up a separate cue mix for musicians to overdub to while listening to headphones. Connect the AUXILIARY OUTPUTS MON 1 and 2 to a suitable headphone amplifier, if you will use the monitor section separately. Tip: If you'd like your studio headphones to switch between MONITOR 1/2 and the Control Room mix, the HEADPHONE OUTS may be connected to an amplifier's inputs using a tip-ring-sleeve stereo splitter cable (the same type used for Insert cables). This also may be used for a second set of Control Room or studio playback monitors. Just keep the PHONES level control at 2 o'clock or less. Connecting to a Patchbay It may be easier in some installations to access everything by the use of a patchbay, which is several rows of jacks that are permanently connected to both the inputs and the outputs of the Studio 32, the multitrack tape machine, and all of the outboard equipment. This is much more convenient, but a more expensive method than described in the last section, and is not absolutely necessary for operation. In this case, the patching is the same as in the previous example except that it is now done on the patchbay instead of at the rear of the console and multitrack tape machine. With a patchbay, it is also easier to make use of the AUX SENDS and RETURNS of the Studio 32. Different effects may be repatched to receive signal from whatever Aux Send the session requires. For information on connecting to effects, see the next chapter. Studio 32 Reference Manual 37 Hooking It Up Studio 32 Reference Manual 38 Effects and Signal Processing CHAPTER 4: EFFECTS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING Connecting Aux Sends and Returns to Outboard Effects Aux Sends 3 through 6 are derived post-fader, which means that any changes in level in the fader will also cause a change in level at these as well. The Auxiliaries are normally used as effects sends and are connected to whatever outboard effects that are available (reverbs, chorus, multi-effects processors, delays) to be blended into the mix. Before you connect the Aux Sends, consider where you want the signals to come from: · · · All Auxes can receive signal from the channel fader if desired. Alternatively, Auxes 3 and 5 can receive signal from the Monitor. Auxes 3 and 5 can receive signals from Faders and Monitors from different channels simultaneously, if desired. Note: If you want to use a separate effect on each channel, use the INSERT jacks, not the Aux Sends (see next section). To connect the Aux Sends and Stereo Aux Returns to outboard effects: 1 Connect the Aux Sends (AUX 3, AUX 4, AUX 5, AUX 6) to the input or inputs of your outboard effects devices (like the Alesis QuadraVerb 2 or Midiverb 4). See the next page for more information about using stereo inputs (or not). Connect the Outputs of these effects devices back into the Studio 32's dedicated inputs, called STEREO AUX RETURNS. There are eight 1/4" STEREO AUX RETURN connectors (labeled in pairs as A, B, C, D as on the front panel), enough for 4 stereo, 8 mono, or any combination of mono and stereo devices. 2 You can use any Aux Returns you wish; but most people connect the outputs of the unit being fed by Aux Send 3 into Stereo Aux Return A, plug the unit fed by Aux Send 4 into Stereo Aux Return B, and so on. The only difference between the Returns is what groups they can be assigned to. Returns A and B may be assigned to Groups 1/2, and Returns C and D may be assigned to Groups 3/4. All Aux Returns can be sent to the L/R Main mix, which is the most common assignment for effect returns. Studio 32 Reference Manual 39 Effects and Signal Processing Should you use one or two inputs to effects? 7 If your effect unit has two inputs, in most cases you only need to connect from ONE Aux Send to the LEFT (mono) INPUT of the effect unit, but you will still connect both the LEFT and RIGHT OUTPUTS of the effect to the Stereo Aux Return. You may not need to connect anything to the right input of the effect, since many effect units use it only if the effect is connected directly between an instrument and an amplifier. In most mixing applications, you will set the effect's wet/dry balance all the way to wet. The effect device will generate an artificial stereo output from the signal input. Check the manual for your effect device for more information. On the other hand, true dual-channel effects processors (such as the Alesis Wedge and QuadraVerb 2) should be connected to two different sends to take advantage of the dual processing capability. Using MONITOR 1/2 as effects sends Note that Mon 1 and 2 can also be used as extra effect sends while mixing. Although Mon 1 and 2 are pre-fader, and normally used for monitoring while recording, they are perfectly suitable as effect sends, especially during mixdown, when you will want to maximize your ability to add effects to independent channels. Just remember that when you move a FADER up or down you won't be changing the level going to the effect via MON 1/2, since "pre-fader" means that they are independent of fader movement (the signal is not affected by the Studio 32 Reference Manual 40 Effects and Signal Processing Channel's MUTE button, either). As you change fader levels, you may need to make corresponding adjustments to MON 1 and 2 in order to maintain the desired balance between dry and effected signal. Using Aux Returns for extra line inputs The four Stereo Aux Returns also serve well as additional inputs, in case you run out of Channels. These are especially good for connecting the outputs of stereo keyboards, many of which provide on-board signal processing and do not require any equalization. Using Effects Effects such as reverb, chorus and delay are typically wired in a loop from an Auxiliary Send to a Stereo Aux Return (see the illustration on page Error! Bookmark not defined.). There are two basic stages to getting a low-noise, distortion-free signal flow from an effect device: SEND Adjust the send level from the Studio 32 to the effect device using the channel Aux Sends, the AUXILIARY MASTER, and the input controls of the effect device itself. This level should be as strong as possible without clipping the effect device, and without extreme settings on either the mixer or the effect. RETURN Assign the Stereo Aux Return to the destinations you want: · To hear effects in the headphone mix, raise the purple MON 1/2 controls in the Stereo Aux Return section. To hear effects in the control room or record them onto the mixdown deck, press the L/R assignment switch. To record effects onto the multitrack tape deck, press a GRP switch. Aux Returns A and B can send to GRP 1/2, and Aux Returns C and D can send to GRP 3/4. · · Most complaints of "noisy effects" are due to send levels that are too low and return levels that are too high. You must structure the gain properly between the Studio 32 and the effect device. Selecting an Aux Send: First, you must decide which Auxiliary Sends to use. There are four post-fader sends from the Studio 32, labeled Aux 3 through Aux 6 because MON 1/2 is considered a special type of auxiliary send. · To send a signal to the effect device from the monitor section, press the AUX SOURCE button down. This selects the post-monitor fader signal as the source of the AUX 3(5) knob directly below the switch. In a typical installation, Aux 3 is used for effect sends from the monitor. To send a signal to the effect device from the channel, use AUX 4 or AUX 6. The signal source for the lower AUX control always comes from the channel fader. · Studio 32 Reference Manual 41 Effects and Signal Processing In a typical installation, Aux 4 is used for effect sends from the channel. · To send signal from the monitor and the channel to the same effect device(s), press the AUX SOURCE button down and press the TO 5/6 switch. Use AUX 5 and 6 for a combined effect send. To set the level going to the effects device: 1 2 3 Set the Aux Send(s) in the input module to about "2 o'clock." Start the signal source(s); i.e., play the tape or instrument at typical levels. Raise the appropriate AUXILIARY MASTER to about "2 o'clock." To check the output level, select AUX 3/4 or AUX 5/6 as the Control Room Source, and set the Aux Master to a setting that gives an average meter reading of "0 dB" on the L/R meter. Raise the input control of the effects device until its meter or clip LED shows peak level, then lower the input control a bit. Consult the manual for the effect device for more information. Some effect devices have level setting switches on the back; these should be set so that a peak level can be reached with reasonable settings (neither too high nor too low) of the input control. 4 To set the level coming FROM the effects device: In most cases, the output level of the effect device itself should be set relatively high, at nominal or maximum. Lower the output of the device only if the meter keeps the +10 LED on when the Stereo Aux Return is soloed, or if the effect levels are too loud even at low settings of the Stereo Aux Return LEVEL controls. To hear effects in the control room monitors: It's possible to put effects into the monitor or headphone mix without recording them to the multitrack. 1 Press the L/R switch of the Stereo Aux Return. Make sure the GRP 1/2 or GRP 3/4 switches are in the up position. Otherwise, the signal will be assigned to the group and effects may be sent to the multitrack recorder. Raise the Stereo Aux Return's LEVEL control until you hear the desired volume of effect return. 2 Remember that you can SOLO the Aux Return to make adjustments to the sound, if desired, as long as the master solo select switch is in SIP (solo in place) mode (green solo master LED). You will be hearing the output of the effects device only, without any "dry" signal coming from the channel. Studio 32 Reference Manual 42 Effects and Signal Processing To hear effects in the headphone/cue mix: Often while recording, musicians would like to hear some reverb or delay in their headphone mix. It is possible to meet this need without actually recording the effect. If you're using L/R as the cue feed, follow the steps for "control room monitors" above. If the headphone mix's source is MON 1/2: 1 Select MON 1/2 as the Control Room source so you can hear what the studio is hearing. Raise the MON 1/2 control (the purple knobs) of the Stereo Aux Return(s) until the desired balance is heard. 2 To record effects onto the multitrack: In most cases, effects are added at mixdown instead of during tracking and overdubbing. However, you can "record wet" (with effects) in order to use the same device for some other effect at mixdown, or because the effect is essential to the part. To do this, you simply: 1 Assign the Stereo Aux Return to the Group that you're recording, by pressing the GRP switch. Returns A and B can be sent to Groups 1 and 2, and Returns C and D can be sent to Groups 3 and 4. (If this doesn't fit your needs, you will have to repatch.) To make sure you're hearing what's actually going to tape, make sure the L/R switch is up, and follow the procedure earlier in this section under "Recording Multiple Sources." 2 If the effect is stereo, it must be recorded onto two tracks. The left Aux Return input will go to the odd-numbered group (1 or 3) and the right Aux Return input will go to the even-numbered group (2 or 4). To record effects onto the mixdown deck: This procedure is the same as for hearing effects in the control room monitors described earlier: assign the STEREO AUX RETURNS to L/R and adjust the LEVEL controls. Studio 32 Reference Manual 43 Effects and Signal Processing Connecting Signal Processors to Insert Jacks Inserts are used to connect signal processing devices directly into the signal path of a Channel. Normally, the device connected would be one that shapes the dynamics or tone of a signal (such as a compressor, gate, or EQ), rather than an effects device (such as a reverb). It is also possible to insert a stereo signal processor into the signal path of the MAIN L/R OUTS, using the MAIN INSERT jacks. This is desirable when either a group of instruments, or the entire mix, needs to be processed. All INSERT jacks on the Studio 32 are TRS jacks containing both an output (send) and an input (return). The tip of the plug is the Send and will be connected to the Input of the effects device or processor, and the ring of the plug is the Return and will be connected to the Output of the effects device or processor. A special Y-cable consisting of a TRS 1/4" plug on one end and two mono 1/4" plugs on the other end is required. See the illustration below. Insert Jack S end Re turn G ro und Tip + = Send Ring Ring = Return S lee ve Sleeve = Ground (common) S lee ve Tip Ring Studio 32 Reference Manual 44 Recording CHAPTER 5: MULTITRACK RECORDING APPLICATIONS Recording Setting Levels Your job as operator is to set the audio levels in order to ensure the cleanest signal with the least amount of background noise (hiss or hum). To do this, it's important to set proper levels not only within the Studio 32 itself, but throughout the entire audio system. Here are some procedures to follow when you're operating the Studio 32 to achieve a gain structure (the signal level within each part of the system) that will give you professional results. Maintain Proper TRIM and Input Levels To set proper input levels on either a mic or line level signal: 1 With the mic or line level signal flowing through the Channel, depress the Channel's SOLO button. If there are any volume controls on the instrument itself, they should be set to maximum. Set the SOLO SIP/PFL switch to PFL (the MASTER SOLO LED will turn red). It doesn't matter if the channel fader is up or assigned to anything at this point. Observe the level on the MASTER LED Meter. Adjust the TRIM knob until the signal is above 0 (the top green LED) but below the yellow LED (labeled +10). It's OK if the top yellow lights during the loudest peaks, but if you ever see the CHANNEL PEAK LED flash, you are within 5 dB of signal overload. Turn down the TRIM knob until the PEAK LED stops flashing. 2 3 Note: There is no TRIM control for the TAPE IN jack, because it is designed to handle the full range of inputs generated by modern tape recorders. Maintain Proper Fader Levels In typical operation, the Channel, Group and Master FADERS should be run at about the "0 dB" or "nominal" position. NOTE: that's about 2/3 of the way up the channel fader travel, but all the way up on the Group and L/R faders. This position gives the best balance between maintaining adequate headroom and lowest noise. It also allows for any additional increase or decrease in level that might be required during mixing. Ultimately, the channel fader levels are dependent on the requirements of the mix; the nominal level is only a starting point. Studio 32 Reference Manual 45 Recording If a large amount of EQ is used, it may become necessary to decrease either the TRIM control, or the Channel FADER, or both. The EQ is capable of adding quite a bit of gain and is a frequent cause of overload distortion problems. The Studio 32 has been designed with plenty of headroom on the internal summing amplifiers (23 dB of headroom above a +4 dBu balanced output level). It is only possible to clip the mixer internally if several channels are at or near their maximum clipping point (with PEAK indicators flashing) and then sent at maximum gain to an output. You are in danger of this if: · the meter is hitting the top of its range ("PK") with the GROUP MASTER FADER set to nominal level, or the GROUP or MASTER FADER is set to -20 or lower, and the meter is reading 0 dB or above. · Once again, it may be necessary to decrease either the TRIM control, the Channel FADERS, or both, of each of the Channels assigned to the Group. Maintain Proper System Levels As a good rule of thumb, try to run most volume level controls of other equipment receiving signal from the Studio 32 (amplifiers, effect devices) at 3/4 or 75% of full, as well. This will decrease the possibility of overload distortion and keep the amount of background noise to a minimum. Studio 32 Reference Manual 46 Recording How to Record a Single Source to One Track When recording a single source appearing on one Channel onto a single tape track, it is usually best to use the DIRECT OUT of the Channel. This provides the most direct connection between the Studio 32 Mixer and the multitrack. To record a single source to a single track: 1 With a microphone or instrument connected to the desired input channel, set the TRIM and fader level correctly (see page 45, Setting Levels). Make sure the channel's FADER SOURCE switch is up. Connect the channel's DIRECT OUT to the Input of the desired tape track (see page Error! Bookmark not defined., Connecting to a Multitrack Recorder). Place the track you want to record into the "source" or "input" mode (usually by arming the track for recording). At this point, you may see the channel meter of the recorder respond to the microphone or instrument. Adjust the fader for the proper recording level. To monitor (listen to) the signal through the multitrack tape machine, make sure the TAPE/ML switch of MONITOR 1/2 is up and raise the Monitor 1/2 LEVEL of the track being recorded. Note that this Monitor control may be in a different channel strip, if you're recording onto a different-numbered track. 5 To hear MONITOR 1/2 in the control room, raise the MONITOR 1/2 MASTER control, select MON 1/2 as the control room source (by making sure all other Control Room Select switches are up), and raise the control room level. To hear it in the headphones, you may select MON 1/2 directly as the headphone source. 2 3 4 7 7 Be sure the L/R and Group Assign buttons of the Channel being recorded are in the "Off" position (up). Otherwise, this will cause the monitoring to be false since the signal will be heard from two sources: the Channel (source) and the Tape Monitor (return). NEVER select tape as the source of the channel (by pushing the upper FADER SOURCE switch down) when the tape recorder is in input or record mode and the DIRECT OUT is connected to the track input. This will cause feedback, since the tape will be trying to record its own output. Studio 32 Reference Manual