SD Series Software Reference
SD Series Software Reference Manual
Software Reference Version A for Software Versions 5.0.680+
0-1
SD Series Software Reference
Copyright © 2014 Digico UK Ltd
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form by any means without the written permission of Digico UK Ltd. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice, and does not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor. Digico UK Ltd shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of information or any error contained in this manual.
All repair and service of the SD products should be undertaken by Digico UK Ltd or its authorised agents. Digico UK Ltd cannot accept any liability whatsoever for any loss or damage caused by service, maintenance, or repair by unauthorised personnel.
Software License Notice
Your license agreement with Digico UK Ltd, which is included with the SD product, specifies the permitted and prohibited uses of the product. Any unauthorised duplication or use of Digico UK Ltd software, in whole or in part, in print or in any other storage and retrieval system is prohibited.
Licenses and Trademarks
The SD logo and SD name are trademarks, and Digico UK Ltd and the Digico UK Ltd logo are registered trademarks of Digico UK
Ltd. Microsoft is a registered trademark and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corp.
Digico (UK) Ltd
Unit 10
Silverglade Business Park
Leatherhead Road
Chessington |
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Surrey |
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KT9 2QL |
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England |
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Telephone: |
+44 (0)1372 845600 |
Fax: |
+44 (0)1372 845656 |
Email: |
sales@digiconsoles.com |
WWW:http://www.digico.biz
Manual Issue and Date: Issue A - 7th April 2014 - For Version 5.0.680+ Software
Licence Agreement
"Product": |
SD software product produced by Digico UK Ltd intended for use on Target Platform identified below. |
"Target Platform": |
Digico SD Digital Console systems. |
In return for the payment of the one-time fee, the Customer (identified at the end of this Agreement) receives from Digico UK Ltd a licence to use the Product subject to the following terms and conditions.
1.The Product may be used without time limit by the Customer on the Target Platform.
2.The Customer must register the Product with Digico UK Ltd. Registering the Product is deemed an acceptance of the terms and conditions in this agreement.
3.The Product and its licence are not transferable, and the Customer is not permitted to onward-license to any third party. The Customer indemnifies Digico UK Ltd against any and all claims and actions arising from third party use of copies of the Product made by the Customer.
4.The Customer agrees not to attempt to decompile the object code of the Product otherwise than in circumstances specifically provided for by law, and then only after consultation with Digico UK Ltd.
5.The Customer agrees not to use, or licence the Product for use, with equipment other than the Target Platform.
6.The Customer agrees not to modify the Product without the prior written consent of Digico UK Ltd.
7.This Agreement applies to any enhancement or upgrades that may become available for the Product.
8.This Agreement does not transfer any right, title, or interest in the Product to Customer except as specifically set forth herein.
9.Digico UK Ltd reserves the right to terminate this Agreement upon breach, in which event Customer shall thereafter only be authorised to use the Product to the extent that its contractual commitments to third parties require and then only where such commitments relate to use of the Product as authorised in the foregoing provisions of the Agreement.
LIMITED WARRANTY - Digico UK Ltd warrants for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase of the Product, the Product will reasonably execute its programming instructions when properly installed on the Target Platform. In the event that this Product fails to execute its programming instructions during the warranty period, the Customer's remedy shall be to return the Productto Digico UK Ltd for replacement or repair at Digico UK Ltd option. Digico UK Ltd makes no other express warranty, whether written or oral with respect of this Product.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY - Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, (a) the remedies provided above are the Customer's sole and exclusive remedies and (b) Digico UK Ltd shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including lost profit whether based on warranty, contract, tort, or any other legal theory.)
This agreement is made under the Laws of England.
LICENCENO: .................... ..........................................................
REGISTRATION DATE: ..... ..........................................................
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SD Series Software Reference
1.1 Introduction to Channel Types .............................................. |
.......1-2 |
1.2 Channel Input Setup - Common Elements ........................... |
.......1-2 |
1.2.1 Channel Strip Input Area ............................................... ....... |
1-2 |
1.2.2 Channel Delays .............................................................. ....... |
1-2 |
1.2.3 DiGiTube/Warmth ........................................................... ....... |
1-3 |
1.2.4 Naming Channels and Busses .................................... ....... |
1-3 |
1.2.5 Channel Safes ................................................................ ....... |
1-4 |
1.2.6 Copy Channels .............................................................. ....... |
1-4 |
1.2.7 Channel Presets ............................................................ ....... |
1-6 |
1.2.8 Channel Solos ............................................................... ....... |
1-7 |
1.3 Channel Output and Inserts - Common Elements ............... |
.......1-8 |
1.3.1 Channel Strip Output Area ............................................ ....... |
1-8 |
1.3.2 Channel Strip Insert Areas ............................................ ....... |
1-9 |
1.3.3 Console Output and Insert Routing ............................. ....... |
1-9 |
1.3.4 FX Presets .................................................................... ....... |
1-10 |
1.4 Input Channel Specific Functions ....................................... |
.......1-10 |
1.4.1 Trim and Track ............................................................. ....... |
1-10 |
1.4.2 Input Routing ............................................................... ....... |
1-11 |
1.4.3 Input Configuration ..................................................... ....... |
1-11 |
1.4.4 Channel Metering ......................................................... ....... |
1-12 |
1.4.5 Output Routing ........................................................... ....... |
1-12 |
1.4.6 Aux Busses and Assignable Controls ....................... ....... |
1-13 |
1.4.7 Group Outputs ............................................................. ....... |
1-14 |
1.4.8 Direct Outputs .............................................................. ....... |
1-14 |
1.5 Output Channels Specific Functions .................................. |
.......1-14 |
1.5.1 Unfolding Channels ..................................................... ....... |
1-14 |
1.5.2 Group Channels Specific Functions .......................... ....... |
1-15 |
1.5.3 Aux Channels Specific Functions .............................. ....... |
1-16 |
1.5.4 Matrix Channels Specific Functions .......................... ....... |
1-17 |
1.6 Channel Signal Processing .................................................. |
.......1-17 |
1.6.1 Channel Filters ............................................................. ....... |
1-17 |
1.6.2 Input Channel EQ ......................................................... ....... |
1-17 |
1.6.3 Output Channel EQ ...................................................... ....... |
1-20 |
1.6.4 Channel Dynamics ...................................................... ....... |
1-20 |
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SD Series Software Reference
1.7 LCD Functions........................................................................ |
.......1-22 |
1.7.1 Introduction to LCD Functions ................................... ....... |
1-22 |
1.7.2 Solo ............................................................................... ....... |
1-23 |
1.7.3 Solo Choice .................................................................. ....... |
1-23 |
1.7.4 GANG ............................................................................ ....... |
1-23 |
1.7.5 JOIN CG ........................................................................ ....... |
1-24 |
1.7.6 Assign Faders .............................................................. ....... |
1-24 |
1.7.7 Unassign Faders ......................................................... ....... |
1-24 |
1.7.8 Swap Faders (SD5/SD7) ............................................. ....... |
1-24 |
1.7.9 Move Faders (SD5/SD7) .............................................. ....... |
1-25 |
1.7.10 Copy Bank From ........................................................ ....... |
1-25 |
1.7.11 Copy Bank To ............................................................. ....... |
1-25 |
1.7.12 Clear Bank .................................................................. ....... |
1-25 |
1.7.13 Create Multi ................................................................ ....... |
1-25 |
1.8 Multi Channels........................................................................ |
.......1-25 |
2.1 System Menu ............................................................................ |
.......2-2 |
2.1.1 Diagnostics .................................................................... ....... |
2-2 |
2.1.2 Oscillator ........................................................................ ....... |
2-2 |
2.1.3 GPIO Relays ................................................................... ....... |
2-2 |
2.1.4 Security .......................................................................... ....... |
2-3 |
2.1.5 Signal Over Indicators ................................................... ....... |
2-4 |
2.1.6 Overview Clear Screen .................................................. ....... |
2-4 |
2.1.7 Keyboard Help ............................................................... ....... |
2-4 |
2.1.8 F10: Reset FX ................................................................. ....... |
2-4 |
2.1.9 F11: Reset Engine ......................................................... ....... |
2-4 |
2.1.10 F12: Reset Surfaces .................................................... ....... |
2-4 |
2.1.11 Set Date & Time ............................................................ ....... |
2-4 |
2.1.12 Quit to Windows (SD5, SD7) ....................................... ....... |
2-4 |
2.1.13 Restart (SD5, SD7) ....................................................... ....... |
2-4 |
2.1.14 Shutdown ..................................................................... ....... |
2-4 |
2.1.15 Shutdown All ................................................................ ....... |
2-4 |
2.2 Files Menu ................................................................................. |
.......2-5 |
2.2.1 Templates ....................................................................... ....... |
2-5 |
2.2.2 Session Structure .......................................................... ....... |
2-5 |
2.2.3 Load Session ................................................................. ....... |
2-7 |
2.2.4 Save Session ................................................................. ....... |
2-9 |
2.2.5 Save As New File ........................................................... ....... |
2-9 |
2.2.6 Load Presets ................................................................ ....... |
2-10 |
2.2.7 Save Presets ................................................................ ....... |
2-10 |
2.2.8 Global Set To Defaults ................................................. ....... |
2-11 |
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2.2.9 Session Notes .............................................................. |
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.......2-11 |
2.2.10 Session Report .......................................................... |
....... |
2-11 |
2.3 Layout Menu ........................................................................... |
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.......2-12 |
2.3.1 Fader Banks ................................................................. |
....... |
2-12 |
2.3.2 The Overview Display .................................................. |
....... |
2-13 |
2.3.3 Channel List ................................................................. |
....... |
2-13 |
2.3.4 Set Spill ......................................................................... |
....... |
2-15 |
2.3.5 Transport Control ........................................................ |
....... |
2-15 |
2.4 Snapshots Menu .................................................................... |
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.......2-16 |
2.4.1 Storing a Snapshot ...................................................... |
....... |
2-16 |
2.4.2 Recalling a Snapshot .................................................. |
....... |
2-16 |
2.4.3 Replacing a Snapshot ................................................. |
....... |
2-17 |
2.4.4 Editing Multiple Snapshots |
......................................... ....... |
2-17 |
2.4.5 Moving a Snapshot ...................................................... |
....... |
2-17 |
2.4.6 Renaming a Snapshot ................................................. |
....... |
2-17 |
2.4.7 Renumbering Snapshots ............................................ |
....... |
2-18 |
2.4.8 Deleting a Snapshot .................................................... |
....... |
2-18 |
2.4.9 Snapshot Undo ............................................................ |
....... |
2-18 |
2.4.10 Snapshot Groups ...................................................... |
....... |
2-18 |
2.4.11 Global Recall Scope .................................................. |
....... |
2-20 |
2.4.12 Individual Snapshot Recall Scope .......................... ....... |
2-20 |
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2.4.13 Snapshot Recall Times ............................................. |
....... |
2-21 |
2.4.14 Snapshot Crossfades ............................................... |
....... |
2-22 |
2.4.15 Snapshots and MIDI .................................................. |
....... |
2-22 |
2.4.16 MIDI Devices ............................................................... |
....... |
2-23 |
2.4.17 MIDI Program and MIDI List ....................................... ....... |
2-23 |
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2.4.18 Snapshot GPO Relays....... |
2-24 |
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2.4.19 Surface Offline & Snapshot Editing (Not SD11) ...... ....... |
2-25 |
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2.4.20 Auto Update ............................................................... |
....... |
2-25 |
2.4.21 Snapshots & MTC ...................................................... |
....... |
2-25 |
2.4.22 Snapshot Notes ......................................................... |
....... |
2-26 |
2.4.23 Snapshot Locked ...................................................... |
....... |
2-26 |
2.5 Options .................................................................................... |
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.......2-27 |
2.5.1 Surface ......................................................................... |
....... |
2-27 |
2.5.2 Faders ........................................................................... |
....... |
2-28 |
2.5.3 Solo ............................................................................... |
....... |
2-29 |
2.5.4 Delays ........................................................................... |
....... |
2-30 |
2.5.5 Disable .......................................................................... |
....... |
2-30 |
2.5.6 Brightness .................................................................... |
....... |
2-31 |
2.5.7 Meters ........................................................................... |
....... |
2-31 |
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SD Series Software Reference
2.5.8 Console ........................................................................ |
.......2-32 |
2.5.9 Status ............................................................................ ....... |
2-33 |
2.6 FX ............................................................................................. |
.......2-34 |
2.6.1 The Master FX Display ................................................ ....... |
2-34 |
2.7 Matrix Menu ............................................................................ |
.......2-35 |
2.7.1 The Matrix Panel .......................................................... ....... |
2-35 |
2.8 Graphic EQs Menu ................................................................ |
.......2-37 |
2.8.1 Graphic EQ Panel......................................................... ....... |
2-37 |
2.8.2 Ganging Graphic EQs .................................................. ....... |
2-37 |
2.8.3 Graphic EQ ALL Button ............................................... ....... |
2-38 |
2.8.4 Graphic EQ Presets ..................................................... ....... |
2-38 |
2.9 Control Groups....................................................................... |
.......2-39 |
2.9.1 The Master Control Groups Display ........................... ....... |
2-39 |
2.9.2 Control Group Fader Modes ....................................... ....... |
2-40 |
2.9.3 Control Group Mute Functions ................................... ....... |
2-41 |
2.10 Solos Menu ........................................................................... |
.......2-41 |
2.10.1 The Solo Panel ........................................................... ....... |
2-41 |
2.10.2 The No Solo Setup Display ....................................... ....... |
2-42 |
2.10.3 Assigning Solo Busses to Faders ............................ ....... |
2-43 |
2.10.4 Solo Outputs Routing ............................................... ....... |
2-43 |
2.10.5 Headphone Outputs .................................................. ....... |
2-43 |
2.10.6 Solo Meters ................................................................ ....... |
2-43 |
2.10.7 Solo As an Input Source ............................................ ....... |
2-43 |
2.11 Network and Mirroring ........................................................ |
.......2-44 |
2.11.1 Network Configuration .............................................. ....... |
2-44 |
2.11.2 Mirroring for the first time .......................................... ....... |
2-44 |
2.11.3 Mirroring Mode ........................................................... ....... |
2-45 |
2.11.4 Mirroring with a laptop PC ......................................... ....... |
2-45 |
2.13 Setup Menu ........................................................................... |
.......2-46 |
2.13.1 Audio I/O ..................................................................... ....... |
2-46 |
2.13.2 Port Selection ............................................................. ....... |
2-46 |
2.13.3 Port Hardware Configuration ................................... ....... |
2-47 |
2.13.4 Port Control ................................................................ ....... |
2-47 |
2.13.5 The Socket Display .................................................... ....... |
2-47 |
2.13.6 Socket Conforming ................................................... ....... |
2-47 |
2.13.7 Group and Socket Names ......................................... ....... |
2-48 |
2.13.8 Socket Options .......................................................... ....... |
2-48 |
2.13.9 Copy Audio ................................................................. ....... |
2-49 |
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2.13.10 Audio Sync ............................................................... ....... |
2-50 |
2.13.11 Timecode & Transport ............................................. ....... |
2-50 |
2.13.12 Macros ...................................................................... ....... |
2-51 |
2.13.13 The Macro Editor ..................................................... ....... |
2-52 |
2.13.14 Talkback ................................................................... ....... |
2-54 |
2.13.15 Text Chat (SD5, SD7) .............................................. ....... |
2-55 |
2.13.16 Video Link (SD7 Only) ............................................. ....... |
2-56 |
3.1 Console Audio Connections .................................................. |
.......3-2 |
3.2 Multi-Console setups............................................................... |
.......3-2 |
3.2.1 FOH & Mons sharing a stage DiGiRack (MADI) .......... ....... |
3-2 |
3.2.2 FOH & Mons sharing a stage SD Series Rack (MADI) . ....... |
3-3 |
3.2.3 FOH & Mons sharing DiGiRacks (Opto V220) .............. ....... |
3-4 |
3.2.4 FOH & Mons sharing SD Series Racks (Opto V221) ... ....... |
3-5 |
A1.1 Optocore V221 - Introduction ................................................... |
A1-4 |
A1.1.1 System Overview ...................................................... ....... |
A1-4 |
A1.1.2 Opto V220 (DiGiRacks) and Opto V221 (SD Racks) ....... |
A1-5 |
A1.1.3 Replacing DiGiRacks with SD Racks ..................... ....... |
A1-5 |
A1.1.4 Replacing SD Racks with DiGiRacks ..................... ....... |
A1-7 |
A2.1 The Audio IO Panel .............................................................. |
.......A1-8 |
A2.1.1 Layout ....................................................................... ....... |
A1-8 |
A2.1.2 Quick Start Guide for SD V370+ and Optocore V221....... |
A1-8 |
A2.1.3 Audio Sync .............................................................. ....... |
A1-12 |
A2.1.4 The Port List ........................................................... ....... |
A1-12 |
A2.1.5 Managing Ports ...................................................... ....... |
A1-12 |
A2.1.6 SD Rack Splits ........................................................ ....... |
A1-13 |
A3.1 SD Series Dual Loop Optocore Systems ...................... |
.......A1-13 |
A3.1.1 Important Considerations ...................................... ....... |
A1-13 |
A3.2.1 Setting up a Dual Loop System ............................ ....... |
A1-14 |
A3.2.3 Console Snd/Rcv Ports ......................................... ....... |
A1-14 |
A3.2.4 Single Loop Console on Loop 2 ........................... ....... |
A1-15 |
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Chapter 1 - Channel Types
SD Series Software Reference
Chapter 1:
Channel Types and Functions
1-1
Chapter 1 - Channel Types
1.1 Introduction to Channel Types
This chapter describes all of the functions available within the SD channel strips. The first two parts of the chapter will examine the Input/Setup and Output sections of each of the types of channel strip, and the third part will cover the in-channel signal processing, which functions in precisely the same way on each channel type. Those elements which are common to each channel type are dealt with first, and then those elements which are specific to a channel type are dealt with separately.
In order to understand this chapter, you will find it helpful to have read the "Getting Started" manual for your console.
1.2 Channel Input Setup - Common Elements
1.2.1 Channel Strip Input Area .....................................................
The channel strip input section is located at the top of the channel strip (shown below for an Input channel). This is where the channel inputs, snapshot safes, and solo bus feeds are configured. Some basic controls are displayed in the channel strip.
However, most of the input parameters are contained in the channel Setup display, accessed by touching the channel’s input or filters areas at the top of the screen. The Setup display also contains a number of channel configuration elements.
Note that channels without an external input selected display a simpler input section than that shown here. Note also that input channels can display a channel meter which hides the input and filters sections of the channel strip. Press the 'assign' down button to close the meter view.
The large pot at the top of the input area of the main channel strip controls the input level, and can be accessed using the encoder immediately above the channel strip (SD7,8,10) or using the "quick select" buttons (SD 5, 9,11). For Input channels which have ADC’s assigned to their inputs, this remotely controls the analogue gain of the mic pre-amp in the I/O rack. For all other input types, this is a digital level trim. The gain value is displayed to the right of the level pot.
To the left of the pot there is a phase reverse button which is grey when inactive and red when switched in.
1.2.2 Channel Delays .....................................................................
Delay controls are found in the Setup display. The delay can be switched on using the on button, which is ringed in red to indicate that it is on. The left-hand blue pot controls the course delay amount in milliseconds. The right-hand blue pot enables fine adjustments to be made to this amount, measured in samples. Both pots can be assigned to encoders by touching the on screen control.
It is also possible to enter a specific delay amount using a numeric keypad. To do this, touch the keypad symbol to the right of the delay on button in the Setup display, select the desired units from the buttons to the right of the number buttons (seconds, feet, metres, frames or bpm) enter to amount using the keypad, and press OK.
Note that altering the delay units in this keypad display will change them wherever they appear on the console.
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Chapter 1 - Channel Types
1.2.3 DiGiTube/Warmth .................................................................
The digitube area of the Channel Setup panel allows for the emulation of the non-linearities of a valve amplifier: At low levels the valve is almost linear and at high levels the valve starts to compress and exhibits “soft clipping.”
Click the on button to activate. The number of times the tube can be activated is dependent on which SD console you are using. Please refer to the Console comparison chart in the appendix for more information.
The drive control increases the gain into the valve and automatically reduces the output gain so that the volume stays the same (like gain tracking); the indicator shows how hard you are driving the valve and hence how much distortion is being introduced.
The bias control sets the symmetry of the distortion: At 0 the distortion is symmetrical and produces largely 2nd harmonic (and even) distortions; as the bias is increased, the distortion becomes more and more asymmetrical and starts adding 3rd (and odd) harmonic distortions. In effect, the bias controls the characteristics of the distortion; a lower bias produces a softer distortion, whereas as higher bias produces a harder distortion.
The warmth control (which is hidden if the on button is pressed) switches DIGItube on, sets it to its default settings, and hides the rest of the controls. There is no limit to the number of times warmth can be switched on.
1.2.4 Naming Channels and Busses ............................................
A large number of elements within the console can be custom named. Access to the naming facility is via black and white text boxes with down arrow and keyboard buttons to their right, such as shown here:
Note that the first text to be inserted from the Channel Name display when it is opened overwrites all previous text.
Note also that text that extends beyond the end of the text box will not be visible!
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Chapter 1 - Channel Types
To add a new word to the custom set, touch the box which you want to use and press edit, located next to the custom button, to bring up a QWERTY keyboard display. Type the required word and press OK. In this keyboard display, the Next button saves any text inserted in the current box and moves the keyboard to the next box in the custom list. To cancel the keyboard display, press CAN within the display, or press edit again. The words in the custom list are inserted into the channel name text box in exactly the same way as words in the standard list. Pressing custom again returns the display to the standard word set.
Tip: As custom names appear in the box in which they are typed, they are not automatically alphabetised. The user may find it helpful to define a system for ordering the custom page.
Note also that the standard word set cannot be edited.
1.2.5 Channel Safes .......................................................................
Note that the above diagram displays the Input channel safes. Output channels display a smaller list of available channel safes.
Select whichever parts of the channel you want to protect in this way by touching the appropriate button. To cancel a safe, press the relevant button again. The buttons turn red to indicate that they are safed. The presence of safes within the channel is also indicated by the label of the appropriate channel part turning red and the background colour of that channel’s name also turning red.
Channel elements which have been safed are indicated by their text displaying red in the channel strip.
Tip: When some elements of the channel are safed, a double-press on the SAFE button can be used to quickly clear all channel safes (SD5, SD7).
Note: Channel safes refer specifically to snapshot recalls and do not protect channel settings when using the copy from, copy to and presets functions described below.
1.2.6 Copy Channels ......................................................................
The Channel Settings area of the Setup display allow channel settings to be copied between channels. The left and right arrow buttons are used to move the Setup display to adjacent channels.
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Chapter 1 - Channel Types
The extent of the channel settings to be copied is selected using the scope buttons towards the bottom of the display. Each button lightens to indicate that it is included in the copy function. The number of source channels to be copied is defined either by selecting the appropriate grey numbered button, or by selecting the keypad button to the right of the numbered buttons, typing the required number of source channels into the numeric keypad which appears, and pressing OK. Press the LCD button (shown below) on the left-most source channel in order to action the channel copy. If more than one source channel has been selected, the settings of appropriate number of channels to the right of the source channel will copy to the channels to the right of the destination channel (The current Assigned channel).
For example, to copy the EQ settings on channels 1-8 to channels 9-16 respectively:
-Make channel 9 the Assigned channel and touch copy from
-In the scope area of the Copy Channels display, select only the eq button
-Set the number of channels to be 8.
-Press the LCD/select button on channel 1.
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Chapter 1 - Channel Types
The copy to button allows settings to be copied from this channel to other channels: Pressing copy to opens up a Copy Channels display:
Note that this is a different Copy Channels display from that opened by the copy from button.
The extent of the channel settings to be copied is selected using the scope buttons towards the bottom of the display. Each button lightens to indicate that it is included in the copy function. The number of destination channels to which this channel’s settings will be copied is defined either by selecting the appropriate grey numbered button, or by selecting the button to the right of the numbered buttons, typing the required number of source channels into the numeric keypad which appears, and pressing
OK. Press the LCD button (shown above) on the left-most destination channel in order to action the channel copy. If more than one destination channel has been selected, the settings of the source channel will copy to the appropriate number of channels to the right of the selected destination channel.
For example, to copy the EQ settings on channel 1 to channels 9-16:
-In the scope area of the Copy Channels display, select only the eq button
-Set the number of channels to be 8.
-Press the LCD/select button on channel 9.
If a copy from or copy to function is actioned by mistake, it can be undone by pressing the undo previous copy button in the current Copy Channels display.
Tip: Use copy to for copying one channel’s settings to a number of other channels; Use copy from to copy the settings of a group of channels to another group of channels.
1.2.7 Channel Presets ....................................................................
Presets are used for storing and recalling settings for channels, fx units, graphic EQs and the matrix. While each preset functions slightly differently, this section provides a basic understanding of how to use the various preset displays:
Note that a presets display will only list presets of the relevant type.
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Chapter 1 - Channel Types
To recall a preset, touch the name of the group containing the preset you wish to recall, and then touch the preset’s name. The recall scope buttons at the bottom of the some preset displays allow you to select which elements are recalled and which elements remain unchanged. The buttons are included in the recall when they are lit.
To save the current settings as a new preset, touch the group in which you want the preset to be stored and press the new button. The new preset is automatically named according to the preset type. To alter the preset’s name, type the new name using the keyboard display that appears (or the external keyboard) then, if relevant, touch and edit the number of channels’ settings that you want to store in the preset (the default is one channel). Now touch OK.
Note that pressing CAN in the keyboard display will cancel the display but create the new preset with its default name.
To save the settings as an update of a previous preset, press update, touch the preset you wish to overwrite, and press Yes in the confirmation display which appears.
Note that pressing CAN in the keyboard display will cancel the display but create the new group with its default name.
The edit name button allows preset names and group names to be edited, and the preset to be locked, preventing them from being edited, overwritten, or deleted. The button lightens to indicate that it is active. To edit a preset’s name, make sure the preset is unlocked (see below), activate the edit name button and touch the preset’s name. Type the new name in the keyboard display and press OK. To edit a preset group name, activate the edit name button and touch the group name. Type the new name in the keyboard display and press OK.
To delete a preset, press delete, touch the preset to be deleted, and press confirm. To delete a consecutive range of presets, press delete followed by select range, touch the first and last preset to be deleted and press confirm. To delete one preset, or a nonconsecutive range, touch each preset to be deleted and press confirm. To delete an entire group of presets, press delete followed by select all, then press confirm.
1.2.8 Channel Solos .......................................................................
Note: The solo busses are configured in the master solo displays, accessed by pressing the Solos button at the top of the Master Screen.
Note that each channel must be enabled for at least one solo buss.
Note that a list of channels with auto solo enabled is displayed in the auto solo section of the master solo display. The auto solo function has to be activated by pressing the blue enabled button below the auto solo list in the master solo display. Auto solo is disabled when in single solo mode.
Tip: If you are using effects returns, selecting auto solo can allow soloed tracks to be auditioned with their effects returns.
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1.3 Channel Output and Inserts - Common Elements
1.3.1 Channel Strip Output Area ...................................................
The channel strip output area makes up the lower half of the Channel Strip panel (shown below for an input channel). This is where the channel output routes are configured (including Aux outputs in the case of Input channels).
Up to 32 mono input channels can have their insert B point switched to a post fader insert point using the button in the Output Setup panel.
Note that Multi channels do not have their own insert controls – each multi-channel component's insert points are configured individually.
Some basic output and insert functions are found in the channel strip. However, most of the output and insert parameters are contained in the channel Output display, accessed by touching the channel’s output or insert areas.
Note that on Input channels, an aux display is opened by touching the aux area. To open the Output display, touch in the muting and naming area below the pan control.
Note that if there are any multi-channel busses in the Session Structure, the pan display will be different from that shown above.
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For all output channel types, there is a channel meter displayed in the channel strip. For Input channels, this part of the channel strip contains the aux outputs, as shown above. On stereo and multi-channel format channels, symbols below each meter indicates which component is displayed. LFE channels are indicated by a small box with a dot in it.
Note that input channels can display a meter in the top section of the channel strip. Meter sources are defined in the Options menu, described in the Master Section
Note that below the aux section of an Input channel, there is a pan control in place of the fx output button. When an effects preset has been assigned to that channel's Direct Out, touching this pan control brings up the FX preset controller display.
Towards the bottom of the channel strip there is a scribble strip text box displaying the channel names.
Note that the channel naming facility is found in both the channel Setup and Outputs displays.
Below the channel name, there is indication of the lowest group (Grp:) output (along with indication of the lowest direct output (Dir:) in the case of Input channels), and indication of any control group (CG:) to which the channel belongs.
(above the LCD button) silences all outputs from the channel apart from any which have been assigned pre-mute (this option is available for auxes and direct outs). Pressing the worksurface 2nd Function button to activate the HARD mute silences all outputs from the channel, including those which are assigned pre-mute. A dedicated HARD mute button can be found on both SD5 and SD7 worksurfaces.
SAFE button. This indicates that one or more of the channel's recall safes have been activated.
1.3.2 Channel Strip Insert Areas ...................................................
Channel strip insert areas include a button for switching that insert send on and off. The button is grey when the send is off, and red when it is on.
Below the on/off button, there is a display of the current insert routing. The send route is displayed on the left, prefixed by S:, and the return route is displayed on the right, prefixed by R:. If no routing has been selected, these areas are blank apart from these prefixes. If the channel is stereo, only the left side of the insert routing is displayed.
1.3.3 Console Output and Insert Routing .....................................
The Output displays for all channel types allow direct routing either to the external IO racks, or to one of a variety of internal locations, for both the channel’s main output (or direct output in the case of Input channels), and its insert send and return.
In addition to touching inside the output area of the channel strip, it is also possible to open each channel'sOutputs display from the Channel Lists display, opened from the Master Screen'sLayout menu: Activate the Edit button at the base of the display, expand the required channel type by touching its entry in the list, then touch the output column within the required channel row.
An outputs display will open within the Master Screen:
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Towards the bottom of the Outputs display, there are three buttons marked output (direct in Input channels), insert A and insert B. Selecting one of these buttons assigns that send (or send and return) to the signal routing area above it: When either insert is assigned, the ins A send or ins B send routing button appears in the left-hand column, and the ins A return or ins B return routing button in the right-hand column; When the output (direct output in Input channels) is assigned, the outputs (direct outs in Input channels) routing button appears in the left-hand column and the right-hand column is left blank. Pressing any of these routing buttons opens a routing display.
The mono > mono and mono > stereo buttons are used when routing a mono channel to internal fx units and Waves plug-ins (where available). When mono > mono is selected, the channel signal is routed to left side of an fx unit, or to a mono Waves rack input. When mono > stereo is selected, the channel is routed to both sides of the fx unit or Waves rack.
1.3.4 FX Presets .............................................................................
Note that column widths can be adjusted by dragging their borders within the title row. To return all columns to their default widths, press RESET WIDTHS, in the top left-hand corner of the window.
For more details of SD FX and FX preset management, please refer to the Master Section Chapter
1.4 Input Channel Specific Functions
1.4.1 Trim and Track ......................................................................
Relative Gain-Tracking - Snapshot Recalls Total Gain
“Relative Gain-Tracking” is implemented as a “Snapshot Recalls Total Gain” option at the bottom of the Snapshot Global Scope panel. When a snapshot recalls an input channel trim, it compares the snapshot’s stored analogue gain against the current gain on the channel’s input socket. If there’s a difference it offsets the value recalled by the trim. This only happens when the socket’s rack is in Receive Only, or the analog gain is not in Recall Scope.
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1.4.2 Input Routing .........................................................................
Inputs are routed using the channel Setup display, opened by touching in the input area of the channel strip. It is also possible to open the display from the Channel List display, opened from the Master Screen'sLayout menu: Activate the Edit button at the base of the display, expand the required channel type by touching its entry in the list, then touch the output column within the required channel row. A Setup display will open within the Master Screen:
Note that Multi-channel formats are configured in a different way from mono and stereo formats, as described later in this chapter
As the channel format affects a number of functions within the Setup display, it is advisable to select the format before any further configuration takes place. The current format of the channel is indicated in the channel strip by the number of meters displayed: One meter for mono channels and two for stereo.
The inputs available on an Input channel include feeds from the external IO racks, the local inputs on the back of the console and a variety of internal signals. Pressing either the main input or alt input routing button in the Setup display opens the Input Route display. The signal feeding each input can then be selected as described in the Getting Started section of this manual.
1.4.3 Input Configuration ...............................................................
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Stereo channels also have an m-s button, located above the input routing button, which switches in a decode function for replaying M-S signals as a normal stereo pair. There are three further buttons in this panel: L<>R swaps the channel’s left and right outputs, L>L+R sends the left signal to both left and right busses, and R>L+R sends the right signal to both left and right busses.
1.4.4 Channel Metering .................................................................
Channel meters can be displayed in the top section of the Input channel strip, in place of the input and filters areas. To do this, press the meter (SD7, SD5), rotary assign (SD8, SD10), screen scroll (SD9, SD11) up button, located on the console worksurface. If these encoders are initially assigned to the trim function, you will need to press the rotary assign up button twice to display the meters.
If you adjust any parameter which is hidden by the meters, the meters will be hidden momentarily, allowing adjustments to be viewed.
1.4.5 Output Routing .....................................................................
Signals can be fed from Input channels to four different places: aux busses, group busses, insert sends and direct outputs. Insert routing and basic direct output routing are described in the Getting Started Manual.
The top half of the output section of the Input channel strip contains the aux buss controls, as previous described. Below the auxes, there is a pan control, affecting the relative levels of the channel’s left and right outputs to any stereo routing destinations. The controls are formatted to match the format of the buss with the most components:
-Where there are only stereo or LCR busses, a simple pan slider is shown (see below left). Move the slider to adjust the pan. A text box indicates the panning position as a percentage from the centre towards the right.
-Where there are LCRS busses, a two-dimensional panning scope is shown (see below centre). Move the central grey square to adjust the position. Text boxes indicate the left-right and front-back position.
-Where there are 5.1 busses, a two-dimensional panning scope is shown, along with a pink LFE level control (see below right). Move the central grey square to adjust the position. Text boxes indicate the left-right and front-back position, as well as the LFE gain.
The pan of the Assigned channel can be controlled using the worksurface joystick (SD5,7,8,10). The pan control can also be assigned to one of the encoder rows. LR/LCR Blend is adjusted using the 2nd function button.
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1.4.6 Aux Busses and Assignable Controls ..................................
Within an Input channel strip, each aux send has a level trim and on/off switch to the right. The switch is grey to indicate that the send is off, and red to indicate that it is on. The trim level is displayed in dB on the right of the channel strip, underneath the aux number.
There are three places within the channel from which the aux sends can be fed, as indicated by the source display immediately to the right of the level trim:
PRE Pre-fader
POST Post-fader
Pre-M Pre-mute (and pre-fader)
The source position can be changed by pressing the worksurface 2nd function button and using the switches below the aux send encoders. The source for each aux can also be adjusted globally via the aux channel’s Setup display.
On stereo aux sends, there is a pan control to the right of the on/off switch. This can be adjusted by pressing the worksurface
2nd function button and using the rows of encoders below the worksurface screen. The pan controls for each aux can be globally linked to the channel fader via the aux channel’s Setup display.
At the bottom of the assigned channel SD7 worksurface controls, there are four dedicated aux encoders with buttons, which control four contiguous aux send pots and on/off switches for the Assigned channel:
The auxes controlled by these encoders and buttons can be selected using the scroll buttons to the left of the top encoder, and is indicated by purple ring on the on-screen aux sends.
Note that this assignment is channel specific and will be recalled if the Assigned channel is changed and returned to that channel.
The encoders and buttons immediately below the Channel Strip can be used to control either the aux sends, or a separate function. This function is referred to as the ‘locked’ function, as it does not change when the auxes are moved. The button at the end of each row, next to the LCD display, flips the assignment of that row between the aux sends and the locked function. Touching any on-screen aux send assigns the highest available encoder row to that send, and assigns any other available encoder rows to the aux sends below it. The scroll button outside the bottom left-hand corner of the screen can also be used to change which auxes are assigned to the encoders. (SD5,7,8,10)
Note that only six auxes can be displayed in the Channel Strip panel at once. The panel will always display the auxes assigned to the encoder rows below it. This means that the auxes controlled by the dedicated aux encoders in the channel worksurface controls may not be visible.
By default, the encoders control the aux level and the button controls the aux on/off status. However, by pressing the 2nd function button (located on the surface), the button becomes the aux’s source selector (toggling between PRE, POST or Pre-M), and the encoder becomes the pan control of a stereo channel. On mono auxes, the encoder has no second function.
It is also possible to show all of the aux sends for a channel in a single display and assign them to the rotaries beneath the screen. This is done by assigning the required channel to the aux controls (the assigned auxes will be displayed in dark purple with a dark purple surround) then touching one of the assigned auxes. The layout of the display indicates which encoder each aux is assigned to; if there are more sends than rotaries, the assignments becomes scrollable using the Screen Scroll function. The Picture below shows an SD7 with 36 Sends.
Once you have adjusted the auxes in this display, you need to close it manually before opening any other channel detail display.
Note that further worksurface assignments of auxes is available via the Surface, Faders and Solo tabs of the Options menu.
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1.4.7 Group Outputs .......................................................................
Group outputs are routed from within the groups section of the channel Outputs display. Touching the mono button to the left of the display produces a list of available mono groups in the right of the display, and touching the stereo or surround format buttons produces a list of the other types of group. These buttons 'light' to indicate that it is their group outputs list whicis currently displayed, and 'half-light' to indicate that there is routing to busses of that format which isn't shown in the display. Touching any of the groups within each list routes the channel to that group. Each channel can be routed to as many mono and stereo groups as have been created.
Unlit: mono routing inactive and not shown
Lit: stereo groups shown to right
Half lit: 5.1 routing active but hidden
Any mono groups being fed by a stereo channel will receive a L+R summed signal of the channel output.
The lowest selected group output is displayed in the channel strip, below the left side of the channel name, and the currently selected direct output is displayed below the right side of the channel name.
When a new session is created, the lowest numbered stereo group is always designated the Master. Therefore, all input channels are routed to it by default, and the master fader(s) are assigned to it.
1.4.8 Direct Outputs .......................................................................
Basic routing is described in your console's Getting Started section. Once the direct output has been routed, it is switched onby pressing the grey on button next to the output level meter in the grey area below the direct outs routing button. The direct out is taken post-fader by default, but can be switched to pre-fader or pre mute by pressing the button to the right of the on button. The current selection is displayed to the right of the button.
1.5 Output Channels Specific Functions
1.5.1 Unfolding Channels ..............................................................
Group and Aux Channels which are stereo or surround have an Unfold button above their meters, which is used to display the components of the signal in their own channel strip with a master channel displayed to their left.
In the top section of the unfolded Master channel, buttons for each component channel allow you to define which channel's elements are displayed in the Folded View.
Note that if component channels have different settings when linked, changes in hidden, linked channels will be made relative to the change in the Folded View channel, but the display will only reflect the Folded View channel.
Below the link buttons in the master, there are buttons for each element in the components' channels -trim & delay, filters & eq, dynamics and faders & mutes. Pressing one of these buttons will cause that element in all the channels to match those of the Folded channel.
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Folded View
Channel
Unfold Links
Settings
Fold
1.5.2 Group Channels Specific Functions ....................................
Note: With either the connect or clear all functions, you can exclude individual channels from the function by touching their faders when the button is pressed.
Group channel output routing functions are very much like Input channel output routing.
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Group output Busses can send audio to Aux output busses. Pressing the Aux send button, located above the output meter, will open the expanded aux panel and the sends will be assigned to the under screen rotaries.
To access the aux sends for a stereo, LCR, LCRS or 5.1 Group, the Buss must be unfolded to show the individual legs, each leg having it’s own aux send levels.
1.5.3 Aux Channels Specific Functions ........................................
As the Aux channel input signals are defined within the Input channels, there is no input selection available within the Aux channel
Setup display. There are, however, a number of configuration options in the top half of the Setup display:
The three buttons on the left, pre mute, pre fader and post fader, set the point in the channel from which the aux send is taken. The current send point is displayed next to the aux send level in the Input channels.
Note that send points can also be individually selected within the Input channel using the 2nd function button.
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Off sets the level to off and 0dB to 0db. fader sets each Input channel’s aux send level to match the level of its channel fader.
The remaining copy levels from buttons copy a different set of Input channel aux send levels to that aux send.
Note that when a copy levels from button has been pressed, send levels can still be individually readjusted within the Input channel.
Section 2.
1.5.4 Matrix Channels Specific Functions ....................................
As the Matrix channel input signals are defined within the Matrix inputs display, there is no input selection available within the Matrix channel.
1.6 Channel Signal Processing
Each channel type contains similar signal processing functions, including EQ and dynamics. Input channels also have high-pass and low-pass filters. Pressing on each of these areas of the channel strip will open the relevant signal-processing display.
1.6.1 Channel Filters ......................................................................
(All SD input channels and on SD8,9,11 output channels)
The filters section of the channel-strip is located below the input section of each input channel. It consists of two frequency pots, each with its own on/off button and a display of the filter’s cutoff frequency (the -3dB value) in Hertz. The on/off buttons are grey to indicate that the frequency band is off, and red to indicate that it is on. The low-pass filter is at the top and the high-pass filter is at the bottom, and both have a roll-off of 24dB per octave. The filters directly follow the input section in the signal chain.
The filters area is replicated at the top of the EQ/filters display, accessed by touching the EQ area of the channel strip. The filter can be configured using the dedicated filter encoders and buttons at the top of the channel worksurface controls:
A graphic representation of the filters is included in the EQ graph located below Insert A in the channel strip, described below.
The red line in the graph represents the current filter settings.
Note that the filters section of the input channel strip may be hidden behind channel meters. In this case, moving the filter encoders will cause them to be displayed momentarily. To hide the meters and retain a permanent display of the filter controls, press the assign down button, located to the left of the encoders above the screen.
1.6.2 Input Channel EQ ..................................................................
The SD input channel EQ has four bands, each of which can be made dynamic. The four EQ bands are colour coded: Blue for HF, green for HMF, yellow for LMF and red for LF. The in-channel display is located below Insert A and consists of a graphic representation of the current EQ and an on/off button. The button is grey to indicate that the EQ is off, and red to indicate that it is on. The green line in the graph represents the frequency response of the EQ, and the red line represents the response of the filters – each line goes bright to indicate that it is on. The extent and brightness of the clouded area in the bottom half of the graph also indicates which elements are on. The central frequency of each band is displayed by small lines in the band colours, along the bottom of the graph.
EQ and filters |
EQ off, |
EQ on, |
Dynamic EQ on |
Dynamic EQ on |
both off |
filters on |
Filters off |
bands 2+4, with |
band 2+4, with |
|
|
|
both bands off |
both bands on |
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Touching the EQ area of the channel strip brings up the EQ/filters display. The EQ section of the display is below the filters section, and has another graphic representation of the current EQ at the top. Touching this EQ graph will open an expanded view of the graph. The EQ can be configured using the dedicated encoders and buttons on the worksurface which follow the same layout as the display:
In both the EQ/filters display and on the worksurface, each band has a ± 18dB gain controller on the left, a frequency controller (ranging from 20Hz to 20kHz) top right and a Q control bottom right. Each pot has its value displayed to its right.
Bands can be switched between a bell curve (which is the default setting) and a Hi/lowshelf using the bell button.
On SD5/SD7, the bell button's2nd function allows the each band to be switched between prec (precision, where the Q is narrower on the cut curve than the boost curve) and class (classic, where the cut and boost Q curves are identical in width).
The EQ is switched on using the eq on button between the HMF and LMF controls which rings red to indicate that it is on.
Note that when a band is in dynamic mode, it can also be switched on and off individually in the dynamic display. See below.
Towards the bottom of the EQ/filters display are four grey buttons marked safe, flat, preset and copy to. Touching safe adds the EQ to that channel’s list of channel safes. Touching flat resets the EQ gain controls to 0dB. Touching preset brings up the
Presets display which can be used to save and recall presets. Touching copy to will open the copy to panel with the EQ section Pre Selected.
Below these buttons is a smaller round button which is also found at the bottom of the channel worksurface controls, for switching the signal-processing order. The default setting is EQ followed by dynamics, as indicated by the eq-dyn label being to the left of the button. Pressing this button reverses the order, as indicated by the labelling switching to an dyn-eq display to the right of the button.
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Dynamic EQ
When any dynamic EQ bands are on, a dynamic EQ icon appears above the EQ graph in the channel strip (as shown on the previous page). The four boxes beneath the icon indicate the status of each band – each box is empty (light grey) when the band dynamics are off, dark grey when the dynamics are on but the band is off, and coloured when the dynamics and band are on.
DiGiCo dynamic EQ can operate in two modes: 'over' or 'under':
To place the dynamic module into Over mode, ensure that the Over indication below the threshold control is not illuminated.
When the signal entering the module passes the threshold, the EQ adjustment (as determined by the frequency and Q controls) starts to be applied, up to a maximum adjustment, determined by the EQ band gain control. The manner in which the EQ adjustment is applied once the threshold has been reached is determined by the attack, release and ratio controls.
Gain : |
Sets the maximum EQ adjustment that could be applied |
Frequency / Q / Curve : |
Adjusts the EQ characteristics |
Threshold : |
Sets the threshold at which the EQ starts to be applied |
Attack : |
controls how quickly the dynamic module responds to level passing the threshold |
Release : |
adjusts how quickly the module responds to a fall in level |
Ratio : |
controls how quickly the maximum adjustment is reached once the threshold level is passed. |
Over Mode is generally used with a reduction in gain at a specific frequency, such that when the threshold is reached, a gradual reduction of level at that frequency is applied. This could be used to control a change in tonal characteristics as a singer pushes their voice to sing louder.
To place the dynamic module into Under mode, ensure that the Over indication below the threshold control is illuminated.
In under mode, the maximum EQ adjustment (as determined by the frequency, Q and band gain controls) is applied when the signal entering the module is below the threshold. As the signal level approaches the threshold, the EQ adjustment is reduced to the point where there is no EQ being applied at the threshold. The manner in which the EQ adjustment is reduced as the signal level approaches the threshold is determined by the attack, release and ratio controls.
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1.6.3 Output Channel EQ ...............................................................
The EQ located in each output Channel is similar in operation to the input channel EQ, with the following exceptions:
Output channel EQs have either have 4 Bands of EQ and HPF/LPF (SD8,9,11) or eight bands – four pre-insert and four postinsert (SD5,7,10). Buttons in the channel strip (pre-insert eq and post-insert eq) and in the EQ display (pre-insert bands and post-insert bands) select which set of bands is assigned to the worksurface and display controls. All eight bands are shown in the EQ graph, with the pre-insert bands shown in lighter shades than the post-insert bands.
The precision and classic buttons above the EQ bands only affect the four bands currently displayed, and not the full 8 bands available. The pre-insert bands do not have dynamic EQ or bell-shelf switching – the bell button is only used for switching between precision and classic Q shapes. (SD5,7,10)
1.6.4 Channel Dynamics ................................................................
The SD channel dynamics includes two dynamics modules. Module 1 is a fully configurable compressor which can be split into three frequency bands or configured as a de-esser; Module 2 can function as a gate, a ducker, or a compressor, all with highand low-pass filtering on the key input.
The in-channel display is located below the eq display, with Module 2's controls shown below Module 1's. Each module can be switched on by pressing the on/off switch in the upper left corner of its channel area. These buttons are grey when off and red when on.
The display includes an input (In) meter and a gain reduction (GR) meter. The input meter has arrows to its right which display the current threshold values for each module. Each arrow is distinguished by its colour, which matches its associated threshold pot.
When Module 1 is in Compressor or Multiband mode, threshold and gain pots, each with a value display in dB, are also shown in the channel strip (when in Multiband mode, the threshold pot affects all bands and the mid band's value is displayed). The Deesser only displays a threshold pot and its value. There is a threshold pot (with value display) shown for Module 2, with three status indication lights shown when in Gate or Ducker mode.
1: Compressor |
1: Multiband |
1: |
De-esser |
2: Gate |
2: Ducker |
2: |
Compressor |
Pressing anywhere in either module area brings up the expanded dynamics display.
To switch each module between its three modes, touch the button on the left of its expanded display, marked comp/multi/ desser for Module 1, and gate/duck/comp for Module 2. Both modules can be switched on using the on button below their
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threshold buttons. The joint input meter is shown in the expanded display, with the same threshold indication. In multiband channels, each component has its own meter.
The pots within the expanded display are automatically assigned to the worksurface encoders below the screen when the dynamics panel is expanded, as indicated by the matching coloured rings around the pots and encoders. When in Multiband mode, each band is assigned to a row of encoders. When Module 2 is also on, it appears in the bottom row of encoders.
Note that if the gate occupies the bottom row of encoders while the multiband compressor is on, the HF compressor band is not displayed, and the MF and LF bands both shift up a row.
At the top of the expanded display are buttons marked safe, presets and copy to. Touching safe adds the dynamics to that channel’s list of channel safes. Touching preset brings up the Presets display which can be used to save and recall presets. Touching copy to will open the copy to panel with the dynamics section pre selected.
If a link button is shown below the input meter, it allows two channels to be linked together. In other words, the other channel's signal is added to this compressor’s control circuit input, and this channel’s signal is added to the other channel’s control input. On stereo input channels, the link is always active and the button isn't shown. On stereo output channels, thelink button is available and the link is always between left and right components; it is active by default.
On mono or multiband channels, pressing this button brings up a dynamics link display listing Channels, Groups and Auxes signal groups in the left-hand side. When one of these signal groups is selected, their available signals are listed in the righthand side of the display. Select a signal to link to and close the display.
Note that when a link channel has no name, the display repeats the channel number.
Beyond the link function, the different modes of each module have completely separate settings: No settings are copied between them. If you switch from one mode to the other, the settings will be reset to there defaults. The controls specific to each mode of each module are described below:
Module 1: Compressor
In Module 1's compressor,threshold, attack, release, ratio and gain controls are provided, each of which function in the normal way. The compressor has an auto gain function which is switched on by pressing the auto gain button below the ratio pot. This function automatically adjusts the gain makeup when changes are made to the threshold, thus keeping the compressor output steady. The threshold knee can be switched between hard, mid and soft using the knee button in the right side of the module. The gain reduction (GR) meter is duplicated in this display.
Module 1: Multiband Compressor
In Module 1's multiband compressor, each band includes all of the parameters found in the single band compressor. The link function remains available for the whole compressor, and is not assigned to any band. The bands can be switched on individually using the on buttons in the left-hand side of each band, or together using the all on button in the display’s right.
The crossover frequency between bands is controlled using the purple and red pots to the left of the hi and lo bands. Each crossover has a range of 20Hz to 20kHz, and the crossover frequencies are displayed below each pot. Each band can be auditioned by pressing the listen button below each gain pot.
Important Note: In software versions earlier than V463, when any band is switched off, that band will not pass audio. In later software versions, bands which are off are bypassed rather than muted.
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Module 1: De-esser
The de-esser's controls are similar to those of the compressor, with the following exceptions: In the right side of the module,there is a band-pass filter control for the de-esser sidechain, with pots provided for the centre frequency and filter width. The -3dB points for the hi-pass (hp) and lo-pass (lp) frequencies are shown. The filtered sidechain can be auditioned by pressing the listen button. Note that there is no makeup gain included.
Module 2: Gate
There is a band-pass filter available: the width control adjusts the width of the band being passed, and the freq control moves that band through the frequency range. The hiand lo-pass sidechain filter frequencies are displayed.
To the right of the link button, there are red, amber and green status indication 'traffic lights'.
The ducker has exactly the same controls as the gate, though the sidechain performs the opposite function of ducking the signal rather than gating it.
Module 2: Compressor
Module 2's compressor is identical to the single band mode of Module 1, with the addition of the band-pass filter described above, and a sidechain input function (S/C) which functions exactly like the key function of the gate.
1.7.1 Introduction to LCD Functions .............................................
The LCD button/display is located above the channel fader, and is included in every channel in both the centre section and side sections of the consoles. The channel number is displayed in the top half and the current function mode of the button is displayed in the bottom half of the display and is also indicated by its colour.
LCD buttons (SD5,7) or Select Buttons (SD8,9,10,11) are able to fulfil a number of different functions, and are even involved in selecting their own function. These functions are accessed by pressing the lcd function button, located above the bank buttons on each section of the desk. When this button is pressed, LCD displays for the channels associated with it turn yellow, indicating that they have become function mode selectors:
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Chapter 1 - Channel Types
Selecting one of these options assigns that function mode to the LCD/select buttons for all the channels within the banks associated with that lcd function button.
There are twelve different function mode options.
1.7.2 Solo ........................................................................................
When an lcd function button is pressed, the left-hand LCD display is labelled SOLO. When SOLO mode is selected, the LCD/ select buttons become solo buttons. The bottom half of the LCD display indicates which solo busses are available to the channel, as defined in the channel Setup display and the SOLO CHOICE function mode (described below). The display also shows whether each buss is AFL or PFL, as defined in the top-left corner of the master solo display.
Note that this is the default mode of the LCD/select buttons, current when no other function modes have been selected.
1.7.3 Solo Choice ...........................................................................
When an lcd function button is pressed, the second LCD display from the left is labelled SOLO CHOICE. When this mode is selected, the LCD/select buttons are used to select the solo bus assignment for that channel, toggling between 1, 2 and 1+2.
1.7.4 GANG .....................................................................................
When an lcd function button is pressed, the third LCD display from the left is labelled GANG. When this mode is selected, the
LCD/select buttons are used for linking together all channel controls. All LCD/select buttons which are then pressed will have their controls linked. In the case of currently ganged channels, the LCD/select button can be used to remove them from their ganging group. The colour of the GANG symbols in the bottom left-hand corner of the on-screen channel display indicate what ganging groups exist: All faders which are ganged together will share one colour. Each time the GANG lcd function is selected, a new ganging group is started, as indicated by the GANG symbols turning a different colour.
To gang channels across different surfaces of the console, activate the GANG LCD function on each surface before starting to build the gang. A single cross-surface gang can then be created using the LCD/select buttons in the usual way.
To stop adding channels to the current gang and start a new gang, simply reselect the GANG LCD function.
When channels are ganged together, operating any of their channel controls will cause all other channels within the ganging group to replicate that movement. Pan and phase controls are not included in gangs.
Note that it is the level change associated with the fader movement which is replicated, not the physical distance the fader is moved.
Note also that when a ganged channel is muted, those channels within the ganging group which were already muted will stay muted. When the channel is then unmuted, all channels unmute, irrespective of whether they had been initially muted.
Note also that when any member of a gang is Assigned, the Undo function will always take the faders back to their position when the channel Assignment was made.
Channels can be temporarily isolated from Gangs by pressing the Option button.
Note that gangs cannot be edited once they have been created.
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