Page 1
Lightning
Radio Console
Technical Manual
June 2018
Page 2
Lightning Radio Console Technical Manual
©2018 Audioarts® Engineering*
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
AUDIOARTS ENGINEERING
600 Industrial Drive
New Bern, North Carolina 28562
252-638-7000
*a division of Wheatstone Corporation
Page 3
Attention!
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance
Notice:
Radio Frequency Notice
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this
product may cause radio interference, in which case, the
user may be required to take appropriate measures.
This equipment must be installed and wired properly in order to assure
compliance with FCC regulations.
Caution!
Wheatstone could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
Any modications not expressly approved in writing by
AudioArts Lightning /Sep 2018
Read Me!
Page 4
Attention!
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
THIS PRODUCT IS INTENDED FOR INDOOR USE ONLY
When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed.
DANGER - To reduce risk of electric shock read all instructions before using this power supply.
A power supply should never be left unattended when plugged in.
Always unplug this power supply from the main socket immediately after using.
WARNING - To reduce risk of burns, re, electric shock or injury to persons or animals:
1. Use this power supply only for its intended use as described below.
2. Do not use outdoors.
3. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Pay close attention when this power supply is used by, or near to,
children.
4. Use only attachments recommended by the manufacturer.
5. Never operate this power supply if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it has been dropped or damaged
or if it has fallen into water. In such cases return the power supply to an authorized dealer or service
centre for examination or repair.
6. Never drop or insert an object into any openings.
7. Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.
8. This power supply should be used near to a convenient and easily accessible mains socket.
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
Read Me!
Page 5
CONTENTS
Lightning Technical Manual
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 - Installation and Power
Console Overview .........................................................................1-2
Unpacking and Installing the Console ........................................1-3
Power Supply ................................................................................. 1-4
Failsafe Dual Redundant Supply ................................................................................1-5
Energizing ......................................................................................1-5
Audio and Control Wiring ............................................................. 1-6
Hook-Ups ........................................................................................ 1-8
Audio Connections .....................................................................................................1-8
Control Connections .................................................................................................1-10
Remote ON/OFF....................................................................................................1-11
External Start .........................................................................................................1-11
On Air Tally ............................................................................................................1-11
Input Panel - Audio and Control Connections Drawing ............1-12
Master Panel - Audio and Control Connections Drawing ......... 1-13
Console Flow Diagram .................................................................1-14
Chapter 2 - Controls and Functions
Input Panel .....................................................................................2-3
Sources ..................................................................................................................2-3
USB Port ................................................................................................................2-4
Using the USB Port... .........................................................................................2-4
... With a MAC ....................................................................................................2-4
... With a Windows
Other Computers................................................................................................2-4
General Considerations ......................................................................................2-5
Program Assign ......................................................................................................2-5
CUE Button ............................................................................................................2-5
Fader ......................................................................................................................2-5
Channel ON Switch ................................................................................................2-6
Channel OFF Switch ..............................................................................................2-6
Mic Preamp Card ...................................................................................................2-6
Master Panel ..................................................................................2-7
Callers ........................................................................................................................2-8
Taking a Caller Live to Air .......................................................................................2-8
Recording Calls ......................................................................................................2-9
®
PC .....................................................................................2-4
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
page Contents – 1
Page 6
CONTENTS
Control Room .............................................................................................................2-9
Source Select ........................................................................................................2-10
EXT Switch ............................................................................................................2-10
SPLIT CUE ............................................................................................................2-10
CONTROL ROOM Fader .......................................................................................2-10
HEADPHONE Fader ..............................................................................................2-10
BLUETOOTH .........................................................................................................2-11
Studio Control ...........................................................................................................2-12
Source Select ........................................................................................................2-12
CUE Level Control .................................................................................................2-12
TB (Talkback) Button .............................................................................................2-12
STUDIO Level Control ...........................................................................................2-12
TIMER Buttons ..........................................................................................................2-13
Meters .......................................................................................................................2-13
VU Meter Pairs ......................................................................................................2-13
METER Select Button ............................................................................................2-13
On Air LED .............................................................................................................2-13
Console Programming Options ..................................................2-14
Input Panel ................................................................................................................2-14
Talkback ................................................................................................................2-14
Mute CR ................................................................................................................2-14
On Air Tally ............................................................................................................2-14
Timer .....................................................................................................................2-14
Mic Preamp Card ......................................................................................................2-15
Mic Selection .........................................................................................................2-15
Phantom Power .....................................................................................................2-15
Master Panel .............................................................................................................2-15
Studio Dimn ...........................................................................................................2-15
Cue To Headphone................................................................................................2-15
Cue To CR .............................................................................................................2-15
Cue Mute ...............................................................................................................2-15
USB Source Selection ...........................................................................................2-16
Appendices
Appendix 1
Installing the Additonal Mic Preamp Card ..................................A-3
Appendix 2
Replacement Parts List .................................................................A-5
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
page Contents – 2
Page 7
INSTALLATION AND POWER
Installation and Power
Chapter Contents
Console Overview .........................................................................1-2
Unpacking and Installing the Console ........................................1-3
Power Supply ................................................................................. 1-4
Failsafe Dual Redundant Supply ................................................................................1-5
Energizing ......................................................................................1-5
Audio and Control Wiring ............................................................. 1-6
Hook-Ups ........................................................................................ 1-8
Audio Connections .....................................................................................................1-8
Control Connections .................................................................................................1-10
Remote ON/OFF....................................................................................................1-11
External Start .........................................................................................................1-11
On Air Tally ............................................................................................................1-11
Input Panel - Audio and Control Connections Drawing ............1-12
Master Panel - Audio and Control Connections Drawing ......... 1-13
Console Flow Diagram .................................................................1-14
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
page 1 – 1
Page 8
INSTALLATION AND POWER
Installation and Power
Console Overview
The midsized AudioArts Lightning console combines the best in a standalone con-
sole with the latest in modern conveniences such as USB and Bluetooth™ connectivity.
The Lightning comes in 12- or 16-channel tabletop congurations and has a modular
design with four channel Input panels, and a Master panel with linear faders for headphone
and control room level control. All faders are conductive plastic and all switches are LED
illuminated. Input channels have A/B source selection, with balanced line in for the A
source and trimmable -10 to +4 line in on B.
Standard features include four stereo program buses, two auto mix-minuses for callins, four mic preamps with variable gain trim and switchable +48V phantom power, plus
built-in headphone jack and CUE speaker. Additional four channel mic preamp card can
be tted if needed.
USB and Bluetooth connectivity onboard is useful for playing audio directly from a
PC or to output audio to edit in VoxPro or other recording software, as well as receive
and record calls from Bluetooth enabled cellphones or play cuts from MP3 players. The
console also contains a patchable AES input for connecting a digital source to any fader,
and built-in A/D conversion for the main program output so operators can access the
Program Air feed as balanced analog, AES3 digital, or both simultaneously.
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
page 1 – 2
Page 9
INSTALLATION AND POWER
Unpacking and Installing the Console
The AudioArts Lightning console is shipped as two packages.
One carton contains the console and “Installation and Connections Quick
Reference”; and the other contains the rackmount power supply, connecting
cable, and connector kit. Remove packing materials and store them in the
NOTE:
This console contains
static-sensitive devices.
Normal precautions
against static discharge
should be observed.
box for future use. Carefully place the console on your countertop (the
Lightning audio console is designed for countertop placement). The rubber
feet on the bottom keep the console from being easily moved when simply
placed on the counter.
Avoid proximity to any electromagnetic elds, such as large power
transformers, motors, and uorescent lighting xtures.
The console extends approximately 5-7/8" above the countertop at the
meterbridge. The hinged meterbridge will require 7-1/7" above the countertop
surface and 1" behind the rear meterbridge to open freely.
Do not connect the Lightning console to its power supply (and do not connect
the power supply to the AC power line) until instructed to do so.
5-1/16”
5-7/8”
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
36 -13/16”
5-7/8”
20 -1/16”
1-1/2”
page 1 – 3
Page 10
INSTALLATION AND POWER
Power Supply
The Lightning console is powered by an Audioarts Model SPS-130
rackmount power supply. This unit occupies a single 19" wide rack space.
Convection cooled, it requires ample ventilation space above and below
it. The SPS-130 generates heat in the course of normal operation.
Note the power supply (supplies) should be mounted in an equipment
rack within fteen feet of the console.
Once the supply is rackmounted, it
should be connected to the console using
the factory supplied 16' cable. The cable
has a 3-Circuit Receptacle Housing on each
end. The console’s power supply 3-Circuit
Header is located at the rear of the console,
toward the left end of the meterbridge
bottom pan when viewed from the rear of
the console. In case of redundancy use two
SPS-130 units. If you are using one supply, connect it to the console’s connector.
If you are using the failsafe option (two
SPS-130 supplies), connect the long power
supply cable to the center connector of the
rackmount failsafe panel. Then connect one
supply with a short cable to either of the
two remaining connectors on the failsafe
panel and connect the second supply with
a short cable to the last connector.
Console End
3-Circuit Header
Housing
PS Cable Pinout
1
RED
WHT
BLK
2
3
GROUND
+16 V
-16V
Front view of the SPS-130
rackmount power supply
Rear view of the SPS-130
rackmount power supply
1
RED
Power Supply End
WHT
BLK
3-Circuit Header
Housing
2
3
Note each power supply is tted with a 3-wire grounded AC cord
that should be plugged into a “clean” AC power source, that is, an AC
source that feeds only the control room audio gear. This source should
be a separate feed from those powering lighting, air-conditioning, or
any other non-audio machinery. The third pin ground wire of the AC
source should be tied to the central system ground point.
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
AudioArts Lightning / Jan 2019
The power feed recommended in the text is often
installed and referred to in
studios as an “isolated AC
ground” outlet. It is usually
orange in color.
page 1 – 4
Page 11
INSTALLATION AND POWER
Failsafe Dual Redundant Supply
Wheatstone failsafe power supply systems use two separate rackmount power supplies
for each piece of powered equipment. Though either is capable of running a full load on
its own, in failsafe operation both units run in tandem: if one fails, the other takes over,
assuring uninterrupted operation.
In order for failsafe systems to perform as designed, always have BOTH rackmount
supplies powered up and connected to their associated equipment.
Energizing
Assuming the Lightning console mainframe is properly placed, and its SPS-130
power supply (or supplies) correctly rackmounted and connected to the console, you
may now energize the rackmount power supply by plugging it into the AC mains. The
“POWER” LED on the power supply front panel should light up to indicate the presence
of the voltage. The console’s switches will assume factory default settings.
NOTE: To de-energize the control surface, unplug the rackmount power supply’s
AC cord from the AC mains. Never de-energize the console by disconnecting the cable
that connects the console and power supply together.
Once you have veried proper power-up, unplug the rackmount power supply to
de-energize the console. You may now proceed to wire up audio and control connections.
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
AudioArts Lightning / Jan 2019
page 1 – 5
Page 12
INSTALLATION AND POWER
Audio and Control Wiring
All audio I/O connections are made via RJ-45 and USB connectors on the rear panel
of the console and 3-position plug terminals on the Mic Preamp card.
MASTER PANEL INPUT PANELS
Input panel’s eight RJ-45 are line level stereo
inputs for A and B channels.
A four mic preamp card is for mono mic level
signals via four 3-position plug terminals to feed
internal adjustable preamps that feed Input panel’s
A channel.
Four Logic I/O RJ-45 provide logic inputs and
outputs for Remote ON/OFF and External Start.
These connectors are for Master panel:
Two RJ-45 CALL 1, 2 IN are mono line level inputs that are controlled by CALLER
faders.
Two RJ-45 CALL 1, 2 OUT are mono line level post fader summed trimmed outputs.
Two RJ-45 USB 1, 2 OUT are unbalanced line level stereo outputs.
Two RJ-45 EXT 1, 2 IN are balanced stereo line level inputs that feeds the monitor
circuits when EXT is selected.
BT IN/ BT OUT RJ-45 is an unbalanced line level stereo input/output for Bluetooth
connectivity. Bluetooth output may be connected to any of the console’s line level inputs
using a RJ-45 straight cable.
Digital source plugs into the AES IN RJ-45, passes through built-in A/D converter,
and feeds an Input panel’s fader by patching the D/A OUT RJ-45 connector to any of the
inputs channel’s RJ-45 using a RJ-45 straight cable.
RJ-45 CUE OUT is a balanced mono line level CUE output.
RJ-45 PGM1 AES is digital Program1 output.
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
page 1 – 6
Page 13
INSTALLATION AND POWER
RJ-45 HDPN OUT and HDPN PRE are balanced line level stereo post and pre fader
outputs.
Four PGM 1-4 OUT RJ-45 are balanced line level stereo Program 1-4 outputs.
RJ-45 CR OUT is balanced line level stereo Control Room output.
RJ-45 STU OUT and STU PRE are balanced line level stereo post and pre fader
Studio outputs.
RJ-45 TALLY is provided to hook up an interface to an Air Tally light. This output
comes from a set of relay contacts and is designed to switch a low DC voltage (30 VDC
maximum) at a moderately low current (2 ADC maximum) to activate a DC light, or to
activate an external DC relay which can then be used to activate an AC operated light.
Never bring AC power into the console on this or any other connector.
Two USB type B connectors are provided to
bring in and send audio through a USB connection
USB
to a computer.
A 3-Circuit Header is provided to accept console
Power
power from the external power supply.
One TRS jack is provided on the right side of
the console frame for the operator to plug in a set of
headphones. This is wired as a standard headphone
jack, with the left signal on the tip, the right signal
on the ring, and the sleeve connected to ground.
Headphone
Jack
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
page 1 – 7
Page 14
INSTALLATION AND POWER
Hook-Ups
The rear of the console has multiple RJ-45 connectors to plug in stereo line inputs, the
external inputs, caller connections to and from hybrid, a Bluetooth connection, as well as
providing studios, control room, microphones, PGM, and USB analog output connections.
A four mic preamp card is available for mono mic level signals via four 3-position
plug terminals.
Two USB port with type B connectors available for interfacing with a computer (see
page 2-4 for details).
Pinouts drawings on pages 1-12 and 1-13 show all wiring connection at glance.
MASTER PANEL INPUT PANELS
Audio Connections
Analog Stereo Inputs – RJ-45 (Input Panel)
The signals are analog stereo; balanced.
Pin 1 – HI
Pin 2 – LO
Pin 3 – HI
Pin 6 – LO
LINE INPUT LT
LINE INPUT RT
MIC 1 - MIC 4 Inputs – 3-position Plug Terminal
All signals are analog mono. The mic input level is normally -50dBu balanced.
Pin 1 – SH
Pin 2 – LO MIC IN
Pin 3 – HI
These connections are to the inputs
of four internal mic preamplifiers. The
outputs of the MIC1-MIC4 preamplifier
are internally wired to the Input dipswitch.
See page 2-15 for details.
Caller 1 & 2 In/Out – RJ-45
Signals is analog mono; balanced.
Pin 1 – HI
Pin 2 – LO
Pin 1 – HI
Pin 2 – LO
CALLER IN
CALLER OUT
EXT 1 & 2 Input – RJ-45
Signals is analog stereo; balanced.
Pin 1 – HI
Pin 2 – LO
Pin 3 – HI
Pin 6 – LO
EXT LT IN
EXT RT IN
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
page 1 – 8
Page 15
INSTALLATION AND POWER
USB 1 & 2 Out – RJ-45
The signals are analog stereo; unbalanced.
Pin 1 – HI
Pin 2 – SH
Pin 3 – HI
Pin 6 – SH
USB LT OUT
USB RT OUT
Headphone Out – RJ-45
The signals are analog stereo; balanced.
Pin 1 – HI
Pin 2 – LO
Pin 3 – HI
Pin 6 – LO
HDPN PRE LT OUT
HDPN PRE RT OUT
Pin 1 – HI
Pin 2 – LO
Pin 3 – HI
Pin 6 – LO
HDPN LT OUT
HDPN RT OUT
Digital In – RJ-45
The signal is AES digital.
Pin 1 – HI
Pin 2 – LO
AES IN
D/A Out – RJ-45
The signal is analog stereo; balanced.
Pin 1 – HI
Pin 2 – LO
Pin 3 – HI
Pin 6 – LO
LINE LT OUT
LINE RT OUT
Bluetooth In/ Out – RJ-45
The signals are analog stereo; unbalanced.
Pin 1 – HI
Pin 2 – SH
Pin 3 – HI
Pin 6 – SH
BT LT IN
BT RT IN
Pin 1 – HI
Pin 2 – SH
Pin 3 – HI
Pin 6 – SH
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
BT LT OUT
BT RT OUT
page 1 – 9
Page 16
INSTALLATION AND POWER
CUE Out – RJ-45
Signals is analog mono; balanced.
Pin 1 – HI
Pin 2 – LO
CUE OUT
PGM Out – RJ-45
The four PGM 1 - PGM 4 analog stereo balanced program outputs and one PGM1 AES
digital output.
Pin 1 – HI
Pin 2 – LO
Pin 3 – HI
Pin 6 – LO
PGM LT OUT
PGM RT OUT
Pin 1 – HI
Pin 2 – LO
PGM1 AES OUT
Control Room Out – RJ-45
The signal is analog stereo; balanced.
Pin 1 – HI
Pin 2 – LO
Pin 3 – HI
Pin 6 – LO
CR LT OUT
CR RT OUT
Studio Out – RJ-45
The signals are analog stereo; balanced.
Pin 1 – HI
Pin 2 – LO
Pin 3 – HI
Pin 6 – LO
Pin 1 – HI
Pin 2 – LO
Pin 3 – HI
Pin 6 – LO
STU LT OUT
STU RT OUT
STU PRE LT OUT
STU PRE RT OUT
Control Connections
Functions include remote on and off, tally, and start/stop for remote source machines.
The Start, Stop, Tally ON, and Tally OFF ports are opto-isolated.
1 - 4 Logic I/O – RJ-45
RJ-45 Pin 1 – Digital Ground
RJ-45 Pin 2 – Start
RJ-45 Pin 6 – Remote OFF
RJ-45 Pin 7 – Remote ON
RJ-45 Pin 8 – +5V Digital
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
page 1 – 10
Page 17
INSTALLATION AND POWER
TALLY – RJ-45
RJ-45 Pin 1 – On Air Tally N.O.
RJ-45 Pin 2 – On Air Tally Com
Remote ON/OFF
“Remote location” can also refer to a remote source machine that is feeding its audio to
the module in question. A contact closure (which may be sourced by the external machine),
will activate the module’s channel ON and OFF switches.
To turn the module ON and OFF from remote locations make following connections:
REMOTE ON – Momentarily connect Logic RJ-45 Pin 7 (Remote ON) and Digital
Ground (Pin1) to latch the module ON. (User-supplied momentary contact switch required.)
REMOTE OFF – Momentarily connect Logic RJ-45 Pin 6 (Remote OFF) and Digital
Ground (Pin 1) to latch the module OFF. (User-supplied momentary contact switch required.)
External Start
To Start remote source machines using ON/OFF switches make the following connections:
EXTERNAL START – Hook up the remote machine’s “start” control pins to the Logic
RJ-45 connector Pin 2 (Start) and Pin 1 (Digital Ground).
On Air Tally
Lets any programmed channel’s ON switch control an on-air light or other “micro-
phone on” indicator at a remote location. This control function provides a contact closure
between Pin 1 (On Air Tally N.O.) and Pin 2 (On Air Tally Common) of the TALLY RJ-45
whenever the channel is ON.
This signal can be used to control an externally powered tally light that requires a
continuous closure to function. Current should not exceed 2 amps at 30 volts DC.
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
page 1 – 11
Page 18
INSTALLATION AND POWER
LOGIC I/O
1-4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
MIC IN 1 - 4
DIGITAL GROUND
START
REMOTE OFF
REMOTE ON
+5V DIGITAL
3-Pos. Plug Terminal
MIC IN SH
MIC IN LO
MIC IN HI
TOP ROW
CHANNEL A IN 1 - 4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
LINE A LT IN HI
LINE A LT IN LO
LINE A RT IN HI
LINE A RT IN LO
BOTTOM ROW
CHANNEL B IN 1 - 4
1
1
2
3
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
LINE B LT IN HI
LINE B LT IN LO
LINE B RT IN HI
LINE B RT IN LO
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
Input Panel - Audio and Control Connections
page 1 – 12
Page 19
USB PORTS
TOP ROW BOTTOM ROW TOP ROW BOTTOM ROW TOP ROW BOTTOM ROW
PGM4 OUT TALLY
PGM1 AES HDPN PRE
USB 2 OUT EXT 2 IN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PGM 4 LT OUT HI
PGM 4 LT OUT LO
PGM 4 RT OUT HI
PGM 4 RT OUT LO
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PGM3 OUT STU PRE OUT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PGM 3 LT OUT HI
PGM 3 LT OUT LO
PGM 3 RT OUT HI
PGM 3 RT OUT LO
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PGM2 OUT STU OUT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PGM 2 LT OUT HI
PGM 2 LT OUT LO
PGM 2 RT OUT HI
PGM 2 RT OUT LO
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
TALLY N.O.
TALLY COM
STU PRE LT OUT HI
STU PRE LT OUT LO
STU PRE RT OUT HI
STU PRE RT OUT LO
STU LT OUT HI
STU LT OUT LO
STU RT OUT HI
STU RT OUT LO
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PGM 1 AES OUT HI
PGM 1 AES OUT LO
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
CUE OUT HDPN OUT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
CUE OUT HI
CUE OUT LO
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
D/ A OUT AES IN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
LINE LT OUT HI
LINE LT OUT LO
LINE RT OUT HI
LINE RT OUT LO
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
HDPN PRE LT OUT HI
HDPN PRE LT OUT LO
HDPN PRE RT OUT HI
HDPN PRE RT OUT LO
HDPN LT OUT HI
HDPN LT OUT LO
HDPN RT OUT HI
HDPN RT OUT LO
AES IN HI
AES IN LO
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
USB 2 LT OUT HI
USB 2 LT OUT SH
USB 2 RT OUT HI
USB 2 RT OUT SH
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
USB 1 OUT EXT 1 IN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
USB 1 LT OUT HI
USB 1 LT OUT SH
USB 1 RT OUT HI
USB 1 RT OUT SH
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
CALL2 OUT CALL2 IN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
CALLER 2 OUT HI
CALLER 2 OUT LO
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
EXT 2 LT IN HI
EXT 2 LT IN LO
EXT 2 RT IN HI
EXT 2 RT IN LO
EXT1 LT IN HI
EXT1 LT IN LO
EXT1 RT IN HI
EXT1 RT IN LO
CALLER 2 IN HI
CALLER 2 IN LO
PGM1 OUT CR OUT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
PGM 1 LT OUT HI
PGM 1 LT OUT LO
PGM 1 RT OUT HI
PGM 1 RT OUT LO
BT OUT BT IN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
CR LT OUT HI
CR LT OUT LO
CR RT OUT HI
CR RT OUT LO
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
BT LT OUT HI
BT LT OUT SH
BT RT OUT HI
BT RT OUT SH
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
BT LT IN HI
BT LT IN SH
BT RT IN HI
BT RT IN SH
Master Panel - Audio and Control Connections
CALL1 OUT CALL 1 IN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
CALLER 1 OUT HI
CALLER 1 OUT LO
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
CALLER 1 IN HI
CALLER 1 IN LO
page 1 - 13
Page 20
INPUT 1
START
MACHINE COMMON
ON TALLY
REMOTE OFF
REMOTE ON
ON
OFF
PGM1 PGM2 PGM3 PGM4
FRONT PANEL SWITCHES
L
A
LINE IN
B
MIC 1
MIC 2
MIC 3
MIC 4
A/B
R
SEL
T
FET
L
R
I
SW
R
M
+48V
+48V
PREAMP
+48V
(MONO)
+48V
INPUT 16
START
MACHINE COMMON
ON TALLY
REMOTE OFF
REMOTE ON
ON
OFF
PGM1 PGM2 PGM3 PGM4
FRONT PANEL SWITCHES
L
A
LINE IN
B
A/B
R
SEL
T
FET
L
R
I
SW
R
M
A udioarts Lightning
Flow Diagram
LOGIC ACNS
H
L
EXT 1 IN
EXT 2 IN
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
H
R
L
H
L
L
H
R
L
TB
L
E
V
E
L
TRIM
L
TRIM
R
H
L
H
L
H
L
CUE OUT
PGM 1 OUT
PGM1 OUT
TRIM
H
L
L
H
L
H
L
H
L
H
L
H
L
TRIM
LRL
TRIM
R
TRIM
L
TRIM
R
TRIM
L
TRIM
R
PGM 2 OUT
PGM 3 OUT
PGM 4 OUT
FET
SW
TRIM
R
TRIM
L
TRIM
R
TRIM
L
TRIM
R
VU
PGM1
VU
VU
PGM2
VU
VU
SWT
VU
VU
CUE
LOGIC
DIP
SW4
DIP
SW3
DIP
SW2
DIP
SW1
TIMER RESTART
TALLY
MUTE
CUE LOGIC
TB BUS
CUE
F
L
R
L
A
D
E
R
ON
FET
SW
R
FET
SW
PGM1
PGM2
PGM3
L
PGM4
R
L
R
GAIN
GAIN
GAIN
GAIN
DIP SW
MIC TO A
TO LINE INPUT
CHANNEL
MIC PREAMP
L
R
CUE
LOGIC
DIP
SW4
DIP
SW3
DIP
SW2
DIP
SW1
TIMER RESTART
TALLY
MUTE
CUE LOGIC
TB BUS
L
R
CUE
F
L
R
L
A
D
E
R
ON
FET
SW
R
INPUT MODULES
FET
SW
PGM1
PGM2
PGM3
PGM4
FROM
CALLER 1
FROM
CALLER 2
FET
SW
CUE
PGM1
PGM2
PGM3
PGM4
CUE
H
TO CALLER 1
L
H
TO CALLER 2
L
F
TRIM
H
L
H
L
A
D
E
R
F
TRIM
A
D
E
R
TB1
PGM1
FET
PGM2
FET
SW
SW
PGM3
SUM
SUM
SUM
TRIM
TRIM
ON
FET
SW
PGM4
PGM3
PGM4
EXT1
EXT2
MONITORS
L
AES OUT
R
L
R
1
2
PGM1 PGM2 PGM3 PGM4
EXT1 EXT2
FRONT PANEL SWITCHES
LOGIC
PGM1
PGM2
PGM3
FET
SW
PGM4
EXT1
EXT2
PGM1
PGM2
PGM3
FET
SW
PGM4
EXT1
EXT2
LOGIC
AES IN
USB I/O
PGM 1L
PGM 4L
PGM 1R
PGM 4R
DIP
SW
2
USB I/O
PGM 1L
SUM
PGM 4
PGM 1R
CALLERS
SUM
DIP
SW
3
TALLY
RELAY
DIP SW 1 - 4
CUE MUTE
SPLIT
MUTE
FET SW
DIP SW 1 - 2
CUE TO HDPN
SUM
FET
SW
L
R
L
E
V
E
L
H
L
L
HDPN PRE
H
R
L
L
L
HDPN
R
R
DIP SW 1 - 3
CUE TO CR
H
L
L
CR
H
R
L
H
L
L
STUDIO PRE
H
R
L
H
L
L
STUDIO
H
R
L
TB
FET SW
L
E
V
E
L
L
E
V
E
L
L
R
L
R
CUE
FET SW
MUTE
FET SW
DIM
FET SW
HDPN
JACK
SPKR
DIP SW 1 - 1
STUDIO DIM
PGM1 PGM2 PGM3 PGM4
EXT1 EXT2
TB
FRONT PANEL SWITCHES
L
R
D/A
USB #1
AUDIO OUT
L
R
(PATCHABLE)
L
AUDIO OUT
R
(PATCHABLE)
L
R
AUDIO OUT
USB #2
L
R
(PATCHABLE)
L
R
TB 2
LOGIC
ON
OFF
CUE2CUE1
PGM1 PGM2 PGM3 PGM4
FRONT PANEL SWITCHES
TB 1
TB 2
LOGIC
PGM3 PGM4 EXT 1 EXT2
FRONT PANEL SWITCHES
AUDIO IN
(PATCHABLE)
L
BLUE TOOTH
R
AUTO HOLD RESET START
FRONT PANEL SWITCHES
AUDIO OUT
L
R
(PATCHABLE)
TIMER
BT PAIR
FRONT PANEL SWITCH
MASTER MODULE
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
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Page 21
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
Controls and Functions
Chapter Contents
Input Panel .....................................................................................2-3
Sources ..................................................................................................................2-3
USB Port ................................................................................................................2-4
Using the USB Port... .........................................................................................2-4
... With a MAC ....................................................................................................2-4
... With a Windows
Other Computers................................................................................................2-4
General Considerations ......................................................................................2-5
Program Assign ......................................................................................................2-5
CUE Button ............................................................................................................2-5
Fader ......................................................................................................................2-5
Channel ON Switch ................................................................................................2-6
Channel OFF Switch ..............................................................................................2-6
Mic Preamp Card ...................................................................................................2-6
®
PC .....................................................................................2-4
Master Panel ..................................................................................2-7
Callers ........................................................................................................................2-8
Taking a Caller Live to Air .......................................................................................2-8
Recording Calls ......................................................................................................2-9
Control Room .............................................................................................................2-9
Source Select ........................................................................................................2-10
EXT Switch ............................................................................................................2-10
SPLIT CUE ............................................................................................................2-10
CONTROL ROOM Fader .......................................................................................2-10
HEADPHONE Fader ..............................................................................................2-10
BLUETOOTH .........................................................................................................2-11
Studio Control ...........................................................................................................2-12
Source Select ........................................................................................................2-12
CUE Level Control .................................................................................................2-12
TB (Talkback) Button .............................................................................................2-12
STUDIO Level Control ...........................................................................................2-12
TIMER Buttons ..........................................................................................................2-13
Meters .......................................................................................................................2-13
VU Meter Pairs ......................................................................................................2-13
METER Select Button ............................................................................................2-13
On Air LED .............................................................................................................2-13
Console Programming Options ..................................................2-14
Input Panel ................................................................................................................2-14
Talkback ................................................................................................................2-14
Mute CR ................................................................................................................2-14
On Air Tally ............................................................................................................2-14
Timer .....................................................................................................................2-14
Mic Preamp Card ......................................................................................................2-15
Mic Selection .........................................................................................................2-15
Phantom Power .....................................................................................................2-15
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CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
Master Panel .............................................................................................................2-15
Studio Dimn ...........................................................................................................2-15
Cue To Headphone................................................................................................2-15
Cue To CR .............................................................................................................2-15
Cue Mute ...............................................................................................................2-15
USB Source Selection ...........................................................................................2-16
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
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Page 23
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
Controls and Functions
Input Panel
Each Input panel of the Lightning console has four identical input strips.
Sources
Input channels have A/B source
selection, with balanced line in for
the A source and trimmable -10 to
+4 line in on B.
Recessed front panel trimpots,
located underneath the hinged
meterbridge, adjust the left and
right levels of the B source.
The Li gh tn in g console is
designed to handle up to 16 analog
stereo line inputs. These inputs
are typically used to connect to
machines, such as tape decks, cart
machines, CD players, etc., that
provide analog outputs.
The console also contains a
patchable AES input for connecting
a digital source to any fader, and
built-in A/D conversion for the
main program output so operators
can access the Program air feed as
balanced analog, AES3 digital, or
both simultaneously.
Additional four channel mic
preamp card can be tted if needed.
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Page 24
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
USB Port
The Lightning console contains USB 2.0 interface, available via two USB Type B
connectors located underneath the hinged meterbridge, to enable audio to pass between
the console and a USB port on a computer. The audio from the console to the computer
is selectable via two dipswitches (described in the “Console Internal Programming” section). Audio coming back from the computer via USB shows up as a stereo analog signal
on any input fader by using a RJ-45 straight patch cable between USB OUT and desired
input channel.
Using the USB Port . . .
Any computer having a USB port and installed drivers capable of passing and utilizing
digital audio data should work with the Lightning USB ports. Use a cable having a USB
Type B connector on the Lightning end and a connector on the other end that will mate
with the computer’s USB port; this will typically be a USB Type A connector.
. . . With a MAC
In general, this will be a plug-and-play process. The main concern is to choose the USB
Audio Codec under System Preferences>Sound as desired for audio input and/or output.
Then simply start the application.
. . . With a Windows® PC
When you rst connect the Lightning USB port to a PC running Windows you will
see the famous “found new hardware” sequence of messages. At some point this sequence
should end with a message that the new hardware is installed and ready to use.
Setting up any given application to use the Lightning USB ports will depend on the
application itself. Generally, you will need to select the appropriate device from a list of
devices in a Preferences dialog.
As an example, let’s look at Audacity. Audacity is a free, easy-to-use, multi-track audio
editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux and other operating systems. It
allows you to easily select audio inputs and outputs.
Select the USB Audio CODEC for input and output. You will be able to record audio
from the Lightning console and when you play it back, the audio will appear at the USB
OUT connector on the console.
Other Computers
If your computer does not use one of the above operating systems, or otherwise behaves
differently than described above, consult the documentation for that computer, operating
system, and/or application.
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CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
General Considerations
If any problems are encountered, please consider the following points:
• If you are not able to get the audio into or out of the USB port, check the USB
cable, its connections at both ends, and the port selection settings in the application you are using.
• If you have the audio owing where you want and it suddenly becomes intermittent
or disappears, check the USB cable and the connections at both ends.
• Once you have the USB audio under control it is a good idea to make a record of
the application being used, including its version number, the audio direction (into
or out of the computer), and all the settings that were required to make it work. This
information will be invaluable if you later have to troubleshoot the USB audio, or
set it up on another computer.
Program Assign
Output switches assign the selected source signal to any combination of
the console’s four stereo Program outputs – PGM1 - PGM 4. The button will
be lit when the source is assigned to its respective bus. To remove a source
from the bus, press the button again; the light will go off to indicate that the
source is no longer assigned to that bus.
The four Program outputs operate the same: the audio from the channel
connects to the assigned PGM bus post-fader and post-channel ON switch. In
other words, to hear the channel’s audio on a program bus the channel must
be assigned to that bus (the desired PGM button must be lit), the channel must
be turned on (the ON button must be lit), and the fader must be adjusted to
control the level of the channel audio going to the selected PGM bus.
Recessed front Master panel trimpots adjust the
left and right levels of PGM 1 and PGM 2 VU meters.
CUE Button
A CUE switch places the channel’s signal on
the console’s cue bus, where it may be heard on the meterbridge mounted cue
speaker, as an interrupt to the console operator’s headphones, and as an interrupt to the control room monitor speakers, if so programmed.
Press the CUE button. The channel’s input signal will be included in the
console’s CUE output at a level that is independent of the fader setting, and
the button will light. The fader does not need to be turned ON. To remove a
fader from cue, press the CUE button again; the light will go off to indicate
the channel is no longer assigned to cue.
Fader
Level is set by a long-throw fader. The fader is the sliding mechanism
that determines how strong is the presence of the input in some of the various
console outputs.
If the fader is all the way down (that is, pulled toward the console operator),
the signal will not be present in either of the two program main buses to which
it is assigned. As the fader is moved up (that is, pushed away from the console
operator) the signal will appear more strongly in each of the main buses to
which it is assigned.
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CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
Channel ON Switch
The channel ON switch turns the channel signal ON and res any channel ON
(START) logic mapped to the fader’s source signal. The switch LED lights to indicate
the channel is ON and the ON AIR LED will light on the left upper corner of the
meterbridge if so programmed (see the discussion of OnAir Tallies in the “Console
Internal Programming” section).
Channel OFF Switch
The channel OFF switch turns the channel signal OFF. The switch LED lights to
indicate the channel is OFF.
A Mic Preamp Card*
A four channel microphone preamplier card is tted if needed for analog mono
mic level inputs that used to connect to microphones, which typically put out signals at
relatively low signal strength, and therefore require more amplication (increase
in signal strength) to be properly audible in the output. Mic level sources are
pluged into the four 3‑pin headers located on the Mic Preamp card. Recessed
front panel multi-turn trimpots, located underneath the hinged meterbridge, are
for adjusting the level of each microphone input independently.
Example: With a microphone input of –60dBm @150ohm at the port, gain trim can set levels from
‑22dBu to +16dBu (note maximum preamp gain is +76dB) at the PGM outputs.
The microphone preampliers are internally wired to the Input dipswitch that can
be programmed to feed the A source to the fader where you will control the microphone
levels (described below in the “Console Programming Options” section).
*One is standard, additional cards are available as options.
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
AudioArts Lightning / Jan 2019
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Page 27
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
Master Panel
The Master panel includes the Caller Input, Control Room monitor, Studio monitor,
and Meters sections.
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
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Page 28
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
Callers
This section of the monitor panel contains the controls for two phone
hybrids or an IP phone system with analog connections. Phone systems have
two audio signals: a “From Network” signal which connects from the phone
system to the Caller1 and /or Caller 2 Inputs, and a “To Network” signal
which connects a mix-minus signal from the Caller 1 and/or Caller2 outputs
back to the phone system.
Each phone input (labeled CALLER 1 and CALLER 2) has independent
fader level control along with its own Cue (CUE1 and CUE 2) and Talkback
(TB1 and TB 2) buttons. The two Callers have common ON/OFF buttons
and PGM bus assignment buttons.
Only one PGM bus can be selected for the callers since the selection
both assigns the callers to the selected PGM bus and sends that PGM bus’
mix-minus audio back to both callers (the PGM bus mix-minus audio signal
is derived prior to the callers’ audio being summed into that PGM bus). Also,
the caller 1 audio is summed into caller 2’s output, and vice versa, so the
two callers can hear one another as well as the PGM bus mix-minus audio.
Because the two callers have a common ON/OFF control, both Caller 1
and Caller 2 will feed the assigned bus when the On button is lit. If you
have one caller live while answering a second call, the caller faders must be
used to control which caller is feeding the assigned PGM bus. For example,
if Caller 1 is live then the Caller 2 fader must be fully down (set to ∞). The
Cue 2 button would be lit so the board operator can hear the second caller.
To talk to the caller, the board operator would press/hold the TB 2 button. To
talk to the caller that’s on-air the board operator would press the TB1 button.
NOTE: On each fader channel, setup switch1 assigns one channel to feed
the talkback bus. Typically, only the board operator mic channel is set for
talkback. The talkback audio is derived pre-fader and pre-switch.
Four recessed trim pots (located below the hinged meter
bridge) adjust the incoming audio levels for Caller1 and
Caller2 and adjust the outgoing levels of the mix-minus
audio going to the Caller1 and Caller 2 outputs.
Taking a Caller Live to Air
If Caller 1 will go live to Air, the Callers channel is assigned to the bus
feeding air (typically PGM 1). Turn on Cue 1 so that the caller feeds cue. The
Caller 1 fader is potted up and the Caller 2 fader is potted full off. To talk to
the caller, the board operator press/holds the TB 1 button while talking. When
the TB1 button is not pressed the caller hears PGM 1.
To add the caller to the PGM 1 mix, turn On the Callers channel and adjust
the Caller 1 fader as necessary. If the board operator needs to talk to the caller
they would again use the TB 1 button to talk.
NOTE: Pressing TB1 cuts off the PGM mix-minus audio to the caller and
only talkback is heard.
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
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CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
Recording Calls
The
Lightning
has two USB ports. USB2 is designed to connect to a PC running
VoxPro, Audition, or other recording app. The Monitor panel has switches for selecting
the audio that goes to the computer. Turning on switch3 for USB 2 will send the audio
from the Callers to the left channel (switch1 must be off). Turning on switch 4 for USB2
will send a mono sum of the left and right channels of PGM4 (switch 2 must be off).
For example, if you want to record a conversation with Caller1, make sure that the
Caller2 fader is set to full off (∞) then adjust the Caller 1 fader for a good level on the
call recording app. Assign the Callers to any bus other than PGM 4 (for this example,
we will use PGM3). Assign your recording mic channel to the PGM4 bus, turn that
channel on and adjust the channel fader for a good record level. You will also need to
assign the mic channel to the same channel to which the callers are assigned (PGM3 in
this example) so that the callers can hear the mic. The caller will hear a mix-minus of
the bus to which it is assigned (PGM3). The callers will be recorded on the left channel
of the computer, and PGM 4 will be recorded on the right channel.
NOTE: The Caller Out 1 and 2 trim pot settings do not affect the Telco Record output
level.
TIP: To hear the caller, set Monitor dipswitch 1- 2 to on to feed Cue into the console
headphones or turn off dipswitch 1-4 so stop the cue speaker from muting while a
mic is live.
Control Room
This is the console operator’s monitor that allows the operator
to listen to the console’s four stereo Program outputs and two
external stereo line level inputs. This section of the console includes
the monitor level controls for the control room, headphone, and
cue circuits.
In a typical radio application the console is located in the
Control Room. Speakers in the Control Room allow the console
operator to listen to the console bus outputs to be assured that
the console is performing as desired. These speakers are fed by a
stereo signal from the console’s Control Room output. In addition
to the Control Room output, the operator may also desire to listen
to specic isolated faders via the cue system and the console’s
internal cue speaker, or may want to listen via headphones. Thus,
the control room monitor consists of the above mentioned level
controls, along with four program assign buttons, and an external
input buttons.
In some instances the console operator may also be performing
talent whose voice will be heard over the radio. The operator’s
microphone may thus provide a part of the signal that is going
out over the air. If that signal is the one being monitored with the
Control Room speakers, there is the potential for feedback. The
amplied signal from the Control Room speakers is picked up by
the microphone and amplied to a new, higher, level, which then
is once again picked up by the microphone. The signal quickly
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
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Page 30
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
rises to an ear-splitting screech. To prevent this, the operator’s
microphone is normally set to MUTE the Control Room output
to prevent the occurrence of feedback.
The master CUE circuit drives a meterbridge-mounted speaker,
and can be programmed to interrupt control room feed to the
control monitor speakers. It also automatically interrupts the
headphone feed.
Source Select
The bank of source select switches selects the audio signal sent
to the speakers and the headphones. This bank includes dedicated
switches for selecting program or external source. Simply press the
desired switch (PGM1 - PGM 4, EXT1, or EXT2) to listen to that
output bus or external source signal. The button will be lit when
the monitor is assigned to its respective bus. Adjust the volume of
the headphones and speakers with the respective fader.
EXT Switch
Pressing the EXT switch allows the operator to pick up the external input (useful for such items as tape recorders or air returns)
to listen.
SPLIT CUE
Activating the SPLIT CUE switch allows a summed (L+R)
version of the regular program to be sent to the right side of the
headphone output, while CUE audio is sent to the left side.
If CUE is allowed to interrupt the headphones (see the discussion of the CUE level Control below) and the SPLIT CUE button
is lit, then the normal headphone feed bus will be mono summed
to the left headphone and the CUE bus will be mono summed to the right headphone
anytime a channel is put into CUE.
CONTROL ROOM Fader
The CONTROL ROOM fader determines the overall loudness of the signal being
monitored as it appears in the Control Room speakers.
NOTE: If the Control Room is muted and you move the fader all the way up, then
remove the condition that has the Control Room muted, the sound in the Control
Room speakers will suddenly be VERY LOUD!
HEADPHONE Fader
The HEADPHONE fader determines the overall loudness
of the headphone output signal, which monitors the same
source as the Control Room speakers.
The headphone output signal appears at the headphone
jack, located on the right side of the console. The jack is provided as a place to plug in user-supplied stereo headphones
having an impedance of 60 Ohms or higher.
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
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CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
Bluetooth
Bluetooth module is located in the
console’s meterbridge.
The BLUETOOTH
PAIR button on the
Master panel is a toggle
action function. When
the button is lit, the blue
backlight LED’s on the meterbridge
below the timer display are also lit to
indicate the BT module is powered up.
Once powered up the BT module is in pairing mode, and the blue and red LEDs on the
BT module will be lit. Those LEDs are visible
through cutout (shown on the right) in the meterbridge when meterbridge is open.
When in pairing mode, a scan of Bluetooth devices from a phone or other Bluetooth
enabled device should show the device named Lightning# where # is a unique number
assigned at the factory so that multiple consoles can be distinguished from each other.
When pairing is complete, audio from the phone or other device will be present at the BT
OUT connector. This audio can then be fed to any console input by connecting a patch
cable from BT OUT to the input.
BT OUT INPUT
When the BLUETOOTH PAIR button on the Master panel toggles off, the button’s
LED goes out immediately. After the 20 seconds or so the blue LEDs on the meterbridge
will go out to indicate that BT module is powered down.
If the power is simply turned off to the console while BT is active, then the normal
clearing operation doesn’t take place. In that case, the BT module, once activated, will
pair with any active device in its table.
Android phones seem to work well with this scenario. Not so much so for iPhones.
Androids keep the Lightning entry in their table and once the BT module is repowered
and in pairing mode, a tap on Android prompts to re-pair and then all is good. However,
the iPhone also keeps Lightning in its table, but won’t allow re-pairing until console is
removed from the iPhone table manually and then re-scanned.
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
AudioArts Lightning / June 2019
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CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
Studio Control
In addition to the Control Room, there may be a Studio in which one or
more performers will be assembled, usually with microphones so that their
voices can become part of the mix. Speakers may be provided in the Studio to
allow the talent to listen to the control surface bus outputs at times that they
are not actually on air. These speakers are fed from the control surface’s stereo
Studio output.
The studio monitor section consists of STUDIO and CUE level controls, a
TB (talkback) button, and six monitor source select buttons (PGM1 -PGM 4,
EXT1 and EXT 2).
Source Select
The Studio monitor output has its own bank of source select switches
which select the audio signal sent to the studio speakers. This bank includes
dedicated switches for selecting program or external source. Simply press the
desired switch (PGM1 - PGM 4, EXT1, or EXT2) to listen to that output bus
or external source signal. The button will be lit when the monitor is assigned
to its respective bus.
CUE Level Control
The CUE level control determines the overall loudness of the cue signal as it
appears in the console’s cue speaker located behind the grill in the meterbridge.
Like the Control Room speakers, the cue speaker also has the potential for
feedback. To avoid this situation, operator mics that mute the Control Room
will also mute the cue speaker.
NOTE: If cue is muted and you turn the level control all the way up, then
remove the condition that has the cue muted, the sound in the cue speaker
will suddenly be VERY LOUD!
TB (Talkback) Button
The TB button lets the operator’s microphone signal interrupt the normal feed to the
studio speakers, allowing the operator to talk to the performers in the Studio.
When the talkback switch is pressed (it is momentary action), any inputs assigned to the
talkback bus (see the “Console Programming Options” section) will interrupt the regular
monitor signal being sent to the studio output.
If the Studio Dim dipswitch (described below in the Console Programming Options
section) is set to the ON position, the normal studio feed is not completely removed, but
is dimmed by 20dB.
STUDIO Level Control
The STUDIO level control determines the overall loudness of the signal being
monitored as it appears in the Studio speakers.
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
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CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
TIMER Buttons
The console timer is provided with an AUTO-RESTART function so that
input modules can automatically reset the timer display (located on the meterbridge) to zero and start a new count, allowing the announcer to easily track
his own pace. The AUTO START button must be lit to enable this function.
The START/STOP function halts the timer, holds the last count, and then
restarts and accumulates the count when depressed again
—
perfect for compiling
tapes of desired duration. The START/STOP button is lit while the timer is
counting.
RESET – Return to zero (if the timer is stopped it will hold at zero; if it is
running it will reset to zero and immediately begin counting up).
HOLD – When held down freezes the timer display (the counter keeps on
going); when released the display catches up to the current count.
Meters
The METERS section consists of three VU meter pairs on the console’s
meterbridge and a METERS select button located on the Master Panel.
VU Meter Pairs
VU meter pairs (PROGRAM 1, PROGRAM 2 and SWITCHED) are stereo LED
bargraph type meters.
The level of the signal being metered is indicated by the number of display elements
that are lighted. The more elements lighted, the stronger is the signal being displayed. The
right four LEDs in each bargraph are red to indicate when the signal level is approaching
a clipping (distorted) level. The next four LEDs are yellow, indicating a normal level
range, and the remaining LEDs are green. The top member of the pair indicates the level
of the signal’s left channel, while the bottom member of the pair indicates the level of
the signal’s right channel.
The left VU meter pair shows the level of the PGM 1 output, the middle pair shows
the PGM2 output, and the right VU meter pair (SWITCHED) shows the level of the
signal that is selected for it (PGM3, PGM 4, EXT1 or EXT2).
METER Select Button
The METER button selects the source for the switched meter pair, as indicated above.
On Air LED
The ON AIR LED, located above the Program1 meters, lights up when any of the
input channel is programmed by dipswitch to have the TALLY dipswitch activated, and
is also ON.
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CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
Console Programming Options
All programming, except the Mic Preamp card, is made via PCB-mounted dipswitches
located underneath the hinged meterbridge.
When a dipswitch position is up it is ON, looking from the operator.
Input Panel
Talkback
Typically, one of the console’s input modules will be used
for the control room console operator’s microphone. When
the console operator presses a TB switch on the console’s
Master module, the talkback bus (which is carrying his
microphone pre-fader, pre-on/off signal) will interrupt the
regular monitor signal being fed to the studio and talent will
hear his voice through the studio monitor speakers.
To accommodate those situations where more than one operator microphone is used,
any number of input modules may be assigned to feed the talkback bus.
TB BUS dipswitch positions 1- 4 allow the module’s audio to feed the talkback bus.
Mute CR
Input channels can be programmed to mute the control room speakers when the channel
is ON. Positions 1 through 4 of the MUTE CR dipswitch, when activated, automatically
mute the console’s control room and cue speakers when the corresponding channels 1
through 4 are turned ON. This is done to prevent feedback from the CR announcer’s mic.
At the same time the ON AIR LED in the meterbridge will light up.
On Air Tally
For controlling the “on-air” tally function, a relay is provided. Input channels
TYPICAL CONTROL ROOM ON-AIR TALLY CIRCUIT
USER-SUPPLIED RELAY TRIGGERED BY CONSOLE CR MUTE CIRCUIT
can be programmed via TALLY dipswitch
positions 1- 4.
The relay connections are available at
the TALLY RJ-45 connector mounted on
the Master panel. Connect the on-air light
to the external user-provided relay. Do not
bring on-air light AC connections to any pin
of any connector on the console.
INTERNAL AIR
TALLY RELAY
N.C.
N.O.
COM
TALLY RJ-45
CONNECTOR PIN
30VDC
2A
max
PIN
2
PIN
1
1N4002
RELAY CIRCUIT POWERED BY USER
SUPPLIED EXTERNAL SUPPLY
+
B40240
or equiv.
–
ECG
relay
YOUR
POWER
SUPPLY
Timer
The console’s digital timer can be programmed to automatically reset to zero and begin
counting up when the input channel’s ON button is pressed.
Turning on TIMER dipswitch positions 1- 4 activate timer restart for channels 1- 4,
respectively.
+
–
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
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Page 35
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
Mic Preamp Card
Mic Selection
Dipswitch SW2 positions 1 - 4 when ON will select the mic source
for the input channels 1- 4 (source A) respectively. To access these
switches, power off the console by disconnecting the AC cord from
the outlet or SPS-202, then remove the four mounting screws from the
Input panel so that the panel can be lifted from the console frame. The
switches are located on the underside of the panel. Replace the panel by
carefully setting the panel in place, being sure that the rear connectors
are properly aligned with the access holes in the rear of the frame, then
replacing the four mounting screws. Reapply power to the console by
reconnecting the AC cord.
Phantom Power
Dipswitch SW1 positions 1-4 enable phantom power for microphone inputs 1 - 4
respectively. This dipswitch can be accessed from the rear of the console and is located
next to the microphone audio input connectors. Having a switch in the up position turns
phantom ON.
Master Panel
Studio Dim
Normally, when the TB button is pressed, the operator’s
microphone signal interrupts the normal feed to the studio
speakers, allowing the operator to talk to the performers in
the studio. Turning on the STUDIO DIM switch causes the
normal feed to the studio to drop 20 dB when the TB button
is pressed, allowing the operator to talk over the normal audio
feed instead of completely interrupting it.
Cue To Headphone
Normally you would want the CUE speaker muted when you have a mic channel
turned on so the mic doesn’t pick up anything in CUE at the time. The CUE TO HDPN
dipswitch, when activated, allows the operator to hear CUE in his headphones when his
mic is turned on.
Cue To CR
The dipswitch CUE TO CR, when activated, sends cue to the control room.
Cue Mute
The audio from both the control room speakers and the console’s built-in meterbridge
speaker can easily be picked up by the console operator’s microphone. This is a potential
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
page 2 – 15
Page 36
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
source of feedback. For this reason the console provides muting to the control room output
and, optionally, the built-in cue speaker, whenever a mic programmed for control room
mute is turned ON.
Turning on the CUE MUTE dipswitch will mute cue whenever the CR output is muted
by an input channelset to activate the CR mute.
USB Source Selection
Two dipswitches are used to determine sources to feed the USB
links. Positions 1 and 2 should be on to feed USB1 and USB 2 with
PGM 1, while positions 3 and 4 should be on to feed USB1 with
PGM 4 and to feed USB2 with sum of callers and sum of L+R PGM 4,
respectively.
If PGM 1 is to be used, the PGM4 positions should be off, and if
PGM 4 is to be used, the PGM1 positions should be off. DO NOT
activate both PGM1 and PGM 4 simultaneously!
Dipswitch USB 1:
pos.1 selects PGM1 LT
pos.2 selects PGM1 RT
pos.3 selects PGM4LT
pos.4 selects PGM4RT.
Dipswitch USB 2:
pos.1 selects PGM1 LT
pos.2 selects PGM1 RT
pos.3 selects SUM OF CALLERS
pos.4 selects SUM OF PGM4 LT & PGM 4RT.
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
page 2 – 16
Page 37
APPENDICES
Appendices
Appendix 1
Installing the Additional Mic Preamp Card .................................A-3
Appendix 2
Replacement Parts List .................................................................A-5
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
page Appendix – 1
Page 38
APPENDICES
Appendix 1
Contents
Installing the Additional Mic Preamp Card .................................A-3
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
page Appendix – 2
Page 39
APPENDICES
Installing the Additional Mic Preamp Card
The additional Mic Preamp card comes complete with mounting hardware.
14-pin
Socket
Perform the following steps to install the Mic Preamp card:
• Turn off the power to the console.
• Remove the screws that hold the Input panel down,
and carefully remove the panel from the frame.
Caution: Ribbon cable will be plugged into the
panel.
• Place the Input panel face side down; remove the
three screws from the top of the PCB.
• Screw down three (440x3/16”Hex x1/4”long)
standoffs into #1, #2 and #3 positions. Note that
fourth standoff (pos.#4) comes assembled on the
card.
#2
#1
Screws
Input Panel
#4
#3
Standoffs
• Plug-in the Mic card’s 14-pin socket into the Input
panel’s 14-pin header and screw down three previously removed screws, and one supplied screw
(440x3/16 Phillips panhead) to secure the Mic
Preamp card.
Input Panel with Mic Preamp Card Installed
• Remove the metal plate from the rear of console
to get access to Mic’s connectors.
Metal Plate
• Set appropriate dipswitches to enable Mic Preamp to Input A. See “Console Programming
Options” on page 2-15 for details.
• Re-install the removed Input panel.
This completes the Mic Preamp card installation procedure.
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
AudioArts Lightning / June 2019
page Appendix – 3
Page 40
APPENDICES
Appendix 2
Contents
Replacement Parts List .................................................................A-5
For the most part there are no user‑replaceable parts in the
Lightning console. Exceptions are those controls and components that
in the course of normal use may need maintenance (i.e., faders, pots, ON/
OFF switches, etc.). A complete list of available components is shown
on the next page. Contact Audioarts Engineering technical support for
further information.
Audioarts Engineering (600 Industrial Drive, New Bern, North Carolina,
USA 28562) may be reached by phone at 252‑638‑7000, fax 252‑637‑1285,
electronic mail “techsupport@wheatstone.com”.
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
page Appendix – 4
Page 41
APPENDICES
REPLACEMENT PARTS - LIGHTNING CONSOLE
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION WS P/N
AEL-IP MODULE
AEL-MSTR MODULE
AEL-IP LOADED CARD
AEL-MSTR LOADED CARD MASTER PANEL LOADED CARD ASSEMBLY
AEL-MIC LOADED CARD MICROPHONE LOADED CARD ASSEMBLY
AEL-VU LOADED CARD VU METERS LOADED CARD ASSEMBLY
AEL-PWI LOADED CARD POWER INTERFACE LOADED CARD ASSEMBLY
AEL-BT LOADED CARD BLUETOOTH LOADED CARD ASSEMBLY
AEL BLANK FACEPLATE BLANK FACEPLATE 6.5”
FADER 100MM 10K DUAL AUDIO COND PLASTIC FADER
POT “STUDIO” 10K DUAL AUDIO POT w/1/4” SHAFT
POT “CUE” 10K SINGLE LINEAR POT w/30MM SHAFT
FADER KNOB WHITE FADER KNOB WITH BLACK LINE
POT KNOB 21MM BLACK KNOB FOR “STUDIO” POT
POT KNOB 15MM BLACK PUSH-ON KNOB FOR “CUE” POT
POT CAP 11MM BLACK CAP w/WHITE LINE KNOB FOR “CUE” POT
POT CAP 21MM BLACK CAP w/WHITE LINE KNOB FOR “STUDIO” POT
COMPLETE INPUT MODULE
COMPLETE MASTER MODULE
INPUT PANEL LOADED CARD ASSEMBLY
012300
012301
012322
012324
012326
012328
012320
012329
012356
540073
500029
520136
520051
520124
520125
530037
530319
SWITCH LAKEVIEW SWITCH w/SMALL CLEAR CAP & YELLOW LED
SWITCH LAKEVIEW SWITCH w/LARGE CLEAR CAP & WHITE LED
SWITCH LAKEVIEW SWITCH w/LARGE CLEAR CAP & BLUE LED
SWITCH LAKEVIEW SWITCH w/SMALL CLEAR CAP & RED LED
CONNECTOR 4x2 STACKED R/A SHIELDED RJ-45 CONNECTOR
CONNECTOR 2x2 STACKED R/A SHIELDED RJ-45 CONNECTOR
CONNECTOR USB-B R/A SHIELDED RJ-45
RTS JACK HEADPHONE JACK
HEADER 3 PIN HEADER
HEADER 6 PIN HEADER
HEADER 6 PIN R/A HEADER
HEADER 3-CIRCUIT R/A HEADER W/MOUNTING TABS
POWER SUPPLY SPS-130 RACKMOUNT POWER SUPPLY +/-16V 130W
POWER SUPPLY CABLE CABLE TO CONNECT CONSOLE AND POWER SUPPLY
POWER CONNECTOR POWER CONNECTOR W/PC TERMINALS, AC
POWER CORD 7 1/2” BLACK POWER CORD
SPEAKER CONSOLE METERBRIDGE SPEAKER
530315
530316
530317
530319
260086
260089
260090
260005
250062
250065
250163
270094
007570
007575
230071
150017
960016
MANUAL TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR LIGHTNING CONSOLE
AudioArts Lightning / June 2018
AudioArts Lightning / Jan 2019
012399
page Appendix – 5
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