User manual ALTO L-8

User's Manual L-8 8-CHANNEL MIXING CONSOLE WITH DIGITAL EFFECTS LTO www.altoproaudio.com Version 1.2 August 2004 R English SAFETY RELATED SYMBOLS CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN the recommended fuse type as indicated in this manual. Do not short-circuit the fuse holder. Before replacing the fuse, make sure that the product is OFF and disconnected from the AC outlet. Protective Ground This symbol, wherever used, alerts you to the presence of un-insulated and dangerous voltages within the product enclosure. These are voltages that may be sufficient to constitute the risk of electric shock or death. This symbol, wherever used, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions. Please read. Protective Ground Terminal AC mains (Alternating Current) Hazardous Live Terminal ON: Denotes the product is turned on. Before turning the product ON, make sure that it is connected to Ground. This is to prevent the risk of electric shock. Never cut internal or external Ground wires. Likewise, never remove Ground wiring from the Protective Ground Terminal. Operating Conditions Always install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. To avoid the risk of electric shock and damage, do not subject this product to any liquid/rain or moisture. Do not use this product when in close proximity to water. Do not install this product near any direct heat source. Do not block areas of ventilation. Failure to do so could result in fire. Keep product away from naked flames. OFF: Denotes the product is turned off. WARNING Describes precautions that should be observed to prevent the possibility of death or injury to the user. CAUTION Describes precautions that should be observed to prevent damage to the product. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Read these instructions Follow all instructions Keep these instructions. Do not discard. Heed all warnings. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. Power Cord and Plug WARNING Power Supply Ensure that the mains source voltage (AC outlet) matches the voltage rating of the product. Failure to do so could result in damage to the product and possibly the user. Unplug the product before electrical storms occur and when unused for long periods of time to reduce the risk of electric shock or fire. External Connection Always use proper ready-made insulated mains cabling (power cord). Failure to do so could result in shock/death or fire. If in doubt, seek advice from a registered electrician. Do Not Remove Any Covers Within the product are areas where high voltages may present. To reduce the risk of electric shock do not remove any covers unless the AC mains power cord is removed. Covers should be removed by qualified service personnel only. No user serviceable parts inside. Fuse Do not tamper with the power cord or plug. These are designed for your safety. Do not remove Ground connections! If the plug does not fit your AC outlet seek advice from a qualified electrician. Protect the power cord and plug from any physical stress to avoid risk of electric shock. Do not place heavy objects on the power cord. This could cause electric shock or fire. Cleaning When required, either blow off dust from the product or use a dry cloth. Do not use any solvents such as Benzol or Alcohol. For safety, keep product clean and free from dust. Servicing Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel only. Do not perform any servicing other than those instructions contained within the User's Manual. To prevent fire and damage to the product, use only 1 PREFACE Dear Customer: Thanks for choosing LTO L-8 8-Channel Mixing Console With Digital Effects and thanks for choosing one of the results of LTO AUDIO TEAM's work and researches. For our LTO AUDIO TEAM, music and sound more than a job... are first of all passion and let us say... our obsession! We have been designing professional audio products for a long time in cooperation with some of the major brands in the world in the audio field. The LTO line presents unparalleled analogue and digital products made by Musicians for Musicians in our R&D centers in Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom and a large range of state of the art algorithms which have been developed by our Software Team for the last 7 years. Because we are convinced you are the most important member of LTO AUDIO TEAM and the one confirming the quality of our job, we like to share with you our work and our dreams paying attention to your suggestions and your comments. Following this idea we create our products and we will create the new ones! From our side, we guarantee you and we will guarantee you also in future the best quality, the best fruits of our continuous researches and the best prices. Our LTO L-8 8-Channel Mixing Console with Digital Effects has 4 mono (these are provided with Ultra Low Noise microphone preamplifiers and Phantom Power at +48 Volt) and 2 stereo input channels, and each of them is provided with a 3 bands graphic equliser for HI, MID and LOW controls. It is specifically designed for professional appliance. To our surprise, it provides 24 bits digital stereo effect processor with 256 presets and small and exquisite modeling. Seeing is believing, let's meet the LTO L-8. Nothing else to add, but we would like to thank all the people that made the LTO L-8 8-Channel Mixing Console with Digital Effects a reality available to our customers, and thank our designers and all the LTO staff, people who make possible the realization of products containing our idea of music and sound and are ready to support you, our customers, in the best way, conscious that you are our most important member. Thank you very much LTO AUDIO TEAM 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................................4 2.FEATURES...........................................................................................................................................................5 3.READY TO START?...............................................................................................................................................6 4.CONTROL ELEMENTS.......................................................................................................................................7 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 The mono MIC/LINE channels.....................................................................................................................8 INPUT LEVEL setting...................................................................................................................................8 LOW-CUT FILTER........................................................................................................................................8 STEREO INPUTS........................................................................................................................................9 The 3 BANDS EQUALISER..........................................................................................................................9 AUX SEND..................................................................................................................................................10 PAN............................................................................................................................................................10 PEAK..........................................................................................................................................................10 LEVEL.........................................................................................................................................................10 4.10 INSERT.......................................................................................................................................................10 4.11 MASTER SECTION ...................................................................................................................................11 -MAIN MIX LEVEL -LED METER -2 TRACK signal path -AUX RETURN -POWER LED -PHANTOM LED -PHONES/CONTROL ROOM -24 BIT DIGITAL EFFECTS -DFX FOOTSWITCH -PHONES -STEREO AUX RETURN -AUX SEND 1 AND 2 -2-TRACK IN/OUT 4.12 REAR PANEL .............................................................................................................................................13 -POWER -PHANTOM -AC INLET WITH FUSE HOLDER -MAIN MIX OUTPUT -CONTROL ROOM OUTPUT 5.INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION.....................................................................................................................14 6.FOR THE EXPERTS WHO WANT TO KNOW MORE..........................................................................................17 7. PRESET LIST........................................................................................................................................................18 8.SYSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAMS.............................................................................................................................25 9.TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION..............................................................................................................................26 10.WARRANTY.........................................................................................................................................................28 3 1. INTRODUCTION Thank you very much for expressing your confidence in LTO products by purchasing LTO L-8 8 Channel Mixing Console with Digital Effects. The L-8 8 Channel Mixing Console with Digital Effects is a professional compact mixer. You will get the smooth, accurate more natural and open sound from this apparatus, and it is really ideal for small gigs, recording and fixed PA installations. The L-8 8 Channel Mixing Console with Digital Effects is packed with feature that can not be found in other consoles of its size: 4 mono (these are provided with Ultra Low Noise microphone preamplifiers and Phantom Power at +48 Volt) and 2 stereo input channels, and each of them is provided with a 3 bands graphic equaliser for HI, MID and LOW controls; 24 bit effects processor; 256 effects (16 presets 16 variations); 2 AUX sends with separate level control on each channel; highly accurate 12-segment bar graph meters and ultra low noise discrete MIC pre-amps with +48V Phantom power and 2-Track inputs assignable to main mix, control room / headphone outputs. Your L-8 is very easy to operate but we advise you to go through each Section of this Manual carefully. In this way you will get the best out of your L-8. 4 2. FEATURES The L-8 8 Channel Mixing Console with Digital Effects is designed for professional appliance. It will provide the following features: 5 MIC input channels with gold plated XLRs and balanced LINE input 2 stereo input channels with balanced TRS jacks Ultra-low noise discrete MIC pre-amps with +48V Phantom power Extremely high headroom offering more dynamic range Balanced inputs for highest signal integrity Warm, natural 3-band EQ on each channel 24 bit digital effects processor 256 effects (16 presets 16 variations) Effect on/off by means of MUTE switch or a footswitch connected to the DFX FOOTSWITCH Switch-able Low-cut filter on each mono channel Peak LED on each channel AUX send 2 switch-able to PRE/POST fader AUX send 1/2 per channel for external effects and monitoring Control room and headphone outputs 2-Track inputs assignable to main mix, control room / headphone outputs Highly accurate 12-segment bar graph meters Inserts on MIC channels 5 3. READY TO START? 3.1 Please check the AC Voltage available in your Country before connecting your L-8 to the AC socket. 3.2 Be sure that the main power switch is turned off before connecting the Mixer to the AC socket. Also, you should make sure that all Input and Output Controls are turned down. This will avoid damages to your speakers and avoid excessive noise. 3.3 Before turning on the L-8 you shall connect it to a power amplifier and turn-on the mixer BEFORE the power amplifier. Once you have finished your working session you shall turn the mixer off AFTER the power amplifier. 3.4 Before disconnecting the L-8 always turn-off the Power switch. 3.5 Do not use solvents to clean your L-8. A dry and clean cloth will be OK. 6 4. CONTROL ELEMENTS MIC 1 2 3 1 MIC 2 MIC 3 MIC 4 STEREO AUX RETURN LEFT(MONO) RIGHT AUX SEND 1 L 2-TRACK IN/OUT 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 LEFT RIGHT R 2 2 LTO 8-CHANNEL MIXING CONSOLE WITH DIGITAL EFFECTS R L-8 TAPE IN BAL OR UNBAL BAL OR UNBAL BAL OR UNBAL BAL OR UNBAL TAPE OUT LINE IN 5/6 2 3 1 LINE IN 7/8 DFX FOOTSWITCH LINE IN 1 TRIM LINE IN 2 TRIM LINE IN 3 TRIM LINE IN 4 TRIM LEFT (MONO) MIC (MONO) +15dB 0dB -45dB LINE 60dB MIC LOW CUT 75Hz 18dB/Oct +15dB 0dB -45dB LINE 60dB MIC LOW CUT 75Hz 18dB/Oct +15dB 0dB -45dB LINE 60dB MIC LOW CUT 75Hz 18dB/Oct +15dB 0dB -45dB LINE 60dB MIC LOW CUT 75Hz 18dB/Oct LEFT (MONO) TRIM RIGHT RIGHT PHONES 0dB 60dB MIC 0 EQ HI 12kHz 0 EQ HI 12kHz 0 EQ HI 12kHz 0 EQ HI 12kHz 0 EQ HI 12kHz 0 EQ HI 12kHz -15 0 +15 -15 0 +15 -15 0 +15 -15 0 +15 -15 0 +15 -15 0 +15 15 14 13 12 11 16 1 2 3 4 5 6 10 9 8 16 1 7 PRESETS MID 2.5kHz -12 0 +12 -12 0 +12 MID 2.5kHz -12 0 +12 MID 2.5kHz -12 0 +12 MID 2.5kHz -12 0 +12 MID 2.5kHz -12 0 +12 MID 2.5kHz LOW 80Hz -15 +15 0 -15 +15 0 LOW 80Hz -15 +15 0 LOW 80Hz -15 +15 0 LOW 80Hz -15 +15 0 LOW 80Hz -15 +15 0 LOW 80Hz 15 14 13 12 11 2 3 4 5 6 1. VOCAL 1 2. VOCAL 2 3. LARGE HALL 4. SMALL HALL 5. LARGE ROOM 6. SMALL ROOM 7. PLATE 8. TAPE REVERB 9. SPRING REVERB 10. MONO DELAY 11. STEREO DELAY 12. FLANGER 13. CHORUS 14. REVERB + DELAY 15. REVERB + FLANGER 16. REVERB + CHORUS 10 9 8 7 VARIATIONS DFX MUTE PEAK 0 L CLIP 10 7 R 1 AUX 1 PRE AUX 1 PRE AUX 1 PRE AUX 1 PRE AUX 1 PRE AUX PRE POWER - D F X +15 2 / 0 +15 - POST (PRE) D F X +15 2 / 0 +15 - POST (PRE) D F X +15 2 / 0 +15 - POST (PRE) D F X +15 2 / 0 +15 - POST (PRE) D F X +15 2 / 0 +15 - POST (PRE) D F X +15 2 / 0 +15 +15 AUX2/DFX TO AUX 1 0 PHANTOM 8 4 2 0 -2 8 8 8 8 8 8 POST (PRE) PAN PAN PAN PAN BAL BAL +15 AUX RTN 1 0 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 -4 -7 2TK TO MIX -10 -20 LEFT 0 RIGHT LEFT 0 RIGHT LEFT 0 RIGHT LEFT 0 RIGHT LEFT 0 RIGHT LEFT 0 RIGHT +15 AUX RTN 2 (DFX) -30 2TK TO CTRL ROOM 8 OUTPUT LEVEL 0 PEAK PEAK PEAK PEAK PEAK PEAK 8 LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL PHONES / CONTROL ROOM MAIN MIX LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5/6 7/8 7 8 - +15 - +15 - +15 - +15 - +15 - +15 8 8 8 8 8 8 - MAX - +15 4.1 The mono MIC/LINE channels 1 These are Channel 1 through Channel 4. You can connect balanced, low impedance microphones to the XLR socket. On the 1/4" phone jack you can connect either a microphone or a line level instrument. You shall never connect an unbalanced microphone to the XLR socket if you do not want to damage both the Microphone and the Mixer. 48 Volt phantom power MIC 1 2 3 1 4 BAL OR UNBAL 1 It is available only to the XLR Mic sockets. Never plug in a microphone when phantom power is already on. Before turning phantom power on, make sure that all faders are all the way down. In this way you will protect your Stage Monitors and Main Loudspeakers. LINE IN 1 TRIM 2 4.2 INPUT LEVEL setting 2 +15dB 0dB -45dB LINE 60dB MIC LOW CUT 75Hz 18dB/Oct This Control is provided with 2 different indication rings: One is for the Microphone and the other for the Line levels. When you use a microphone you shall read the OUTSIDE ring (0-60 dB), When you use a Line level instrument you shall read the INSIDE ring (+15~-45 dB). For optimum operation you shall set this control in a way that the peak LED will blink also occasionally in order to avoid distortion on the input channel. 3 POWER ON PHANTOM 4 OFF 4.3 LOW-CUT FILTER 3 By pressing this button you will activate a 75 Hz low frequency filter with a slope of 18 dB per octave. You can use this function to reduce hum and stage rumble when using microphones. 8 4.4 STEREO INPUTS 5 LINE IN 5/6 2 3 1 These are Channel 5 through 8. They are organised in stereo pair and they are provided with 1/4" TRS phone sockets. If you connect only the left jack, the input will operate in mono mode. LINE IN 7/8 LEFT (MONO) MIC (MONO) LEFT (MONO) 5 TRIM RIGHT RIGHT 0dB 60dB MIC 4.5 The 3 BANDS EQUALISER A 3-band equaliser is provided for all input channels with a wide range of frequency adjustment. 0 EQ HI 12kHz 4.5.1 HI 6 -15 0 +15 6 This is the Treble control. You can use it to get rid of high frequency noises or to boost the sound of cymbals or the high harmonics of the human voice. The gain range goes from -15dB to +15dB with a center frequency of 12 kHz. MID 2.5kHz -12 0 +12 7 4.5.2 MID 7 -15 +15 0 This is the Midrange control. It can affect most fundamental frequencies of all musical instruments and human voice. An attentive use of this control will give you any very wide panorama of sound effects. The gain range goes from -12dB to +12dB and the center frequency is 2.5 kHz. LOW 80Hz 8 1 AUX PRE - 4.5.3 LOW 8 This is the Bass control. Boost male voice or kickdrum and bass guitar. Your system will sound much bigger than what it is. The gain range goes from -15dB to +15dB and the center frequency is 80 Hz. D F X +15 2 / 0 +15 8 POST (PRE) 8 PAN LEFT 0 RIGHT PEAK - +15 LEVEL 9 8 4.6 AUX SEND 9 0 These two controls are used to adjust the level of the signal sent to AUX buses, and their adjustable range goes from to +15dB. AUX1 is configured as PRE-FADER, so, generally, it can be used for monitor application. While AUX2 is configured as POST-FADER, therefore, most of the times, it will be used for effects and processors input, however, you can also changed it to PRE-FADER configuration according to the specific application. (For more detail, please see chapter 6.) In this typical compact unit, excluding sending out directly to the external effect or processor equipment, AUX SEND2 will also be sent to the internal onboard effect module. -15 -15 EQ HI 12kHz 0 +15 MID 2.5kHz -12 0 +12 LOW 80Hz +15 0 1 AUX PRE 4.7 PAN 10 - This is the PANORAMA control, or balance control. You can adjust the stereo image of the signal via this Control. Keep this control in center position and your signal will be positioned in the middle of stage. Turn this control fully counterclockwise and the signal will be present only on the left speaker and vice-versa. Of course a wide number of intermediate positions is available. D F X +15 2 / 0 +15 8 9 POST (PRE) 8 PAN 10 4.8 PEAK 11 LEFT 0 RIGHT Inside your L-8 the audio signal is monitored in several different stages and then sent to the PEAK Led. When this Led blinks, it warns you that you are reaching signal saturation and possible distortion. The PEAK Led will blink with a level that is 6dB before actual clipping. 11 PEAK 12 +15 LEVEL 4.9 LEVEL 12 This Control will adjust the overall level of this channel and set the amount of signal sent to the Main output. 4.10 INSERT 13 Insert points are provided for the Mono Mic Channels. When you insert a jack in the insert socket, the signal will be taken out after the Input Gain Control (Trim), sent to an external processor such a compressor-limiter, and returned into the channel strip immediately before the EQ section. Of course, the jacks used must be stereo (Tip Send/ Ring Return). CHANNEL INSERT (PRE-FADER/PRE-EQ TIP SEND/RING RETURN) CH4