D&R Orion User Manual

ORION

USER

MANUAL

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OrionXOwners Manual

Introduction and Product Overview

1.0 The Chassis system - description

1.0The Orion chassis system

2.0Master section - description

2.1Solo section

2.2CRM section

2.3Oscillator section

2.4Communications section

2.5Auxiliary send masters

2.6Studio section / Phones section

2.7Master inputs / outputs

2.8Master meters / Channel meters / Phase meter

3.0"LCRS" in-line module - description

3.1Input section

3.2Equalizer section

3.3Auxiliary send section

3.4Monitor section

3.5Floating Subgroup section

3.6Channel assign / Fader section

3.7Automation

For inputs / outputs - see 4.7

4.0Standard in-line module - description

4.1Input section

4.2Equalizer section

4.3Auxiliary send section

4.4Floating Subgroup System

4.5Monitor section

4.6Channel assign / Fader section

4.7Inputs / outputs

5.0Dual Stereo Aux Return module - description

5.1Input section

5.2Equalizer section

5.3Aux send section

5.4Floating Subgroup System

5.5Channel assign / Fader section

5.6Inputs / outputs

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6.0Optional Patchbay - description

6.1Patchbay - points

7.0Instructions for operation

7.1The Tracking session

7.2The Playback session

7.3The Overdub session

7.4The Remix session

7.5The MIDI or Virtual Session

8.0 Installation - electrical

8.1Local Electrical Voltage

8.2Electrical Wiring

9.0Installation - audio

9.1Interface with Power Amps

9.2The Initial Hook-up

9.3Shields & Grounds of Equipment

10.0Master Section Connectors

10.1Connecting the Master Module # 1

10.2Connecting the Master Module # 2

10.3Connecting the Master Module # 3

10.4Connecting the Master Module # 4

10.5Connecting the In-line / LCRS Module

11.0Troubleshooting and servicing

11.1Troubleshooting

11.2Removing a module

11.3Patchbay - servicing

12.0 Specifications

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Letter from the Prez

Dear Orion owner,

Thank you for selecting the D&R Orion series.

The Orion was created using the latest in computer aided design and assembling technology and incorporates the most advanced circuit components available which results in the Orion being another D&R product unsurpassed in the electronics industry.

We value your suggestions and would appreciate you taking the time to complete and return the questionnaire included at the front of this manual (once you become familiar with your Orion). We listen and learn from your comments and you can be assured that our research and development department will take your comments very serious.

Built to the highest standards, we are confident that the Orion will help produce "state of the art" recordings for many years and wish you much success.

With kind regards,

D. de Rijk

President, D&R Electronica b.v.

RAISING

THE

STANDARD

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Orion Recording Console

The D&R Orion series is a balanced, 8 or 16 buss, in-line format recording and mixing console designed to take the central role in a recording, mixing, or post production facility.

The Orion is completely modular and can be configured to precisely suit your particular system requirements. Due to the fact that all inputs and outputs can be connected using the individual module and master section connectors, the Orion patchbay is entirely optional. When the Orion patchbay is installed, the Orion can be interfaced using 25 pin sub D multipin connectors. If you have your own patchbay or perfer to wire your own, individual input / output connectors (rear of meterbridge) can be used for the interface. If you ordered your Orion short-loaded and without the patchbay, you may install the patchbay at a later date.

To become completely familiar with your Orion and gain the maximum benefit from its use, we recommend that you read this manual thoroughly. It will provide important information about all aspects of the Orion including; installation, operation, and servicing.

If we can be of any assistance to you, don't hesitate to call.

Head Office / Factory:

D&R Electronica B.V.

Rijnkade 15B

1382 GS Weesp

The Netherlands

Tel: (-) 31 2940 18014

Fax: (-) 31 2940 16987

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THE CHASSIS SYSTEM

1.0 The Orion Chassis System

The Orion is available in three frame sizes; 30, 38, and 51 (larger frames can be special ordered). The basic frame has four blank modules, two are located on the extreme left and right of the frame and two more are on the left and right of the master section. The extreme left and right blanks cannot be used for input modules as they conceal mechanical constructions, however, the blanks on either side of the master can be replaced with input modules. A heavy duty rack-mount power supply, master modules, and internal cable harness are included.

Note: Due to the LCRS module and standard in-line module being the in-line design format, we will refer to both as in-line modules. As always, with D&R you can pick and choose how many of any of the three modules you want and where you would like them in the frame.

The frame 30 will fit 32 input modules (in-line, or dual stereo modules), 4 master modules, and 2 blank modules. The standard configuration has (from left to right) 24 in-line modules, 4 master modules, and 6 duel stereo return modules. Custom configurations are available at no extra charge.

The frame 38 will fit 40 input modules (in-line or dual stereo modules), 4 master modules, and 2 blank modules. The standard configuration has (left to right) 24 in-line modules, 4 master modules, 8 in-line modules, and 6 dual stereo return modules. Custom configurations are available (no charge).

The 51 position frame will fit 40 input modules (in-line or dual stereo modules), 4 master modules, patchbay, and 2 blank modules. The standard configuration has (from left to right) 24 in-line modules, 4 master modules, 8 in-line modules, 6 dual stereo return modules, and patchbay. Custom configurations are available at no extra charge. The 51 position frame can accept up to 54 input modules if the patchbay is not utilized.

Both the master section and patchbay can be installed wherever most suitable, but the request must be made at the time of ordering. If your requirements are for your patchbay to be remotely mounted, ask D&R for a custom quote. The Orion is available with or without the pedestal base and stabilizing beam. If ordered with console, the pedestal is not assembled for shipping. Assembly takes approximately twenty minutes.

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THE MASTER MODULES

2.0 Master section - description

The Orion has four master modules mounted in a single front panel . All inputs and outputs are located on the back of the meter bridge. The paragraphs below give a description of each module section.

2.1 Solo section

The Solo section has a master volume control with a center detent for nominal levels and a CHANnel to PFL (pre-fade listen) switch with an LED indicator mounted. When this switch is in the up position, all solo switches on the input modules are in the "stereo-in-place" mode when activated. With this switch in the down position, any solo depressed would be in pre-fade listen mode. An LED indicator is also fitted next to the solo level control to show when a solo circuit is activated.

2.2 CRM section

The CRM (control room monitor) section contains the electronics for monitoring all signal paths in the Orion.

CRM Source switching

From the top of this section, there are the four CRM signal sources. With all these switches in the up position, the CRM will monitor the stereo main outputs which is the sum of all the monitor sections (assigned on LCRS), Left / Right routing switches in the input / output modules, and all (assigned) stereo inputs from the dual stereo modules. The Orion has three dedicated balanced +4 dBv or -10 dBu tape machine returns which can be wired to the outputs of stereo master machines, cassette machines, CD players, or DAT recorders or to the Orion patchbay. Utilizing any of these switches enables playback or post tape monitoring of a master mix.

Aux 1-2 (7-8 if fitted with LCRS modules) can be monitored in stereo to allow the building-up of a stereo cue mix for the headphone system through the control room monitors.

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CRM level

The CRM level controls the output level to the control room monitors amps. The Orion has two CRM systems intended for use with large monitors and nearfield monitors which are switchable via the CRM 2 switch. We advise that nearfield monitors be wired to the CRM 2 output since the communication takes place over this monitor while dimming the main monitor.

MONO

The Mono switch allows the user to listen for any out-of-phase signals or merely used for monitoring your mix in mono.

Faders

Located in the bottom of the left two master modules (not drawn) are two 100mm mono faders which control the main stereo mix busses.

2.3 Oscillator section

A three frequency, low distortion, phase shift type oscillator is fitted. The three frequencies are; 100Hz, 1kHz, and 10kHz. Each frequency has its own front panel alignment trimmer and overall level control to adjust the oscillator for precise alignment of the console and tape machines. The level ranges from -35 dB to +20 dB with a detented mid-position calibrated at +4 dBv. The oscillator is routed to the stereo mix busses and switchable to the GROUPS.

NOTE: The CRM will dim 20dB when the oscillator is active.

The meters on the Orion are peak reading meters and will read -6 dB when a sine wave with a +4 dB output level is sent to the meter. Measuring the +4 dB output level of the channel or master with a AC voltmeter would produce a 1.22 volt reading. The LED meter would actually be reading -6 dB on the scale. When monitoring "program" material, you will see higher levels on the peak reading meters. A pair of analog VU meters are available as an option to fit alongside the master peak meters.

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Note: When aligning your tape machines to the peak meters on the console, do not set the peak meters to "0". The meters should be set to -6 on the console meters. If analog VU meters are used on the master section, they would be set to "0".

2.4 Communications section

The communications section allows all communication functions from the control room to the STUDIO, PHONES, and GROUPS. Each buss has its own assignment switch and is feed via the T.B. control and built-in condenser mic.

The T.B. REM. (remote) switch is for locking in the talkback allowing the engineer or producer to carry on a two way conversation with the studio from remote areas in the control room. When depressing this push-on push-off switch, you can communicate without holding down the talkback switch.

The talkback switch is a momentary type which allows you to talk to the headPHONES, STUDIO speakers, and 8 GROUP outputs as well as the "Floating Subgroup System". The stereo phone jack sockets located above the aux master sections are for checking (on stereo headphones) the mix being sent to either output section.

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2.5 Auxiliary send masters

The eight auxiliary master sections are identical in function. Mounted in the first module are aux sections 1, 3, 5, & 7 and mounted in the second module are aux sections 2, 4, 6, & 8. Each Aux master pot controls the sum of all channel or monitor aux send busses. The solo switch sends the (post fader) aux buss signal to the control room monitors. The associated LED lights indicating the activated solo switch. When using any aux send buss, turn the aux master full clockwise for the correct amount of output. If the input level of your effects device seems to be low, make sure the input gain on any module you are sending from is adjusted correctly. In order to adjust this control, refer to section 4.1 of this mauual.

2.6 STUDIO and PHONES section

The STUDIO section and PHONES section performs in a similar way to the CRM module, however, the signals are sent to the studio or phones amp from the CRM or Aux 1 & 2. If you press only the Aux 1 switch, you will hear only the Aux 1 buss (in mono) through the studio speakers (or the headphones) and if you press only the Aux 2 switch, you will hear only the Aux 2 buss (in mono) through the studio speakers (or headphones), however, if you press both Aux 1 and Aux 2 switches you will hear Aux 1 in the left studio speaker (or headphone) and Aux 2 in the right studio speaker (or headphone). When pressing both switches, you can have a stereo mix playing through the studio speakers (or stereo headphones).

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Also fitted in this section is a mute switch and level control with level ranges up to a balanced +4 dB nominal level (+26 dB maximum). The mute switch is used to mute the output of the studio or phones module. The studio output section can be used for feeding a completely separate mix to a second set of studio headphones.

2.7 Master Inputs/Outputs

The Orion has two methods of interfacing with external equipment such as two track master machines, signal processors, headphone amps, and power amps. Interfacing is possible using the connectors on the master back panels, through 25 pole sub D male connectors (if utilizing the optional patchbay), or a mixture of both. Listed below are all inputs and outputs for the four master modules. The next four drawings and paragraphs describe and explain the backplate and all connectors.

Master module # 1 & 2 (CRM & SOLO and OSCILLATOR & COMM.) This double backpanel houses (from top to bottom) the right and left master insert sends & returns, two track A, B, & C right and left playback inputs (from two track machines), -10 dBv right and left outputs, and +4 dB balanced right and left outputs fitted on male XLRs. Also fitted on male XLRs are CRM 1 & 2 outputs. The ground terminals and power supply connector are located on this backplate as well.

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Right and left master insert in and out.

Right and left two track A (playback)

Right and left two track B (playback)

Right and left two track C (playback)

Right and left -10dBv main outputs

Right and left +4 dB balanced main outputs

Power supply connector / Control room 1 output

Ground terminals and Control room 2 output

Master module # 3 & 4 (Aux masters 1 through 8 and Studio & phones sections). The connectors on this module backplate are the studio & phones stereo outputs and the balanced Aux 1 through 8 master outputs. The Phones jacksocket is a stereo 1/4" output which should be wired to the inputs of a stereo power amplifier intended to drive the headphones in the studio. The Studio jacksocket is a stereo 1/4" output which should be wired to the inputs of a stereo power amplifier intended to drive the Studio playback speakers.

Phones output and Studio output

Aux 8 output and Aux 7 output

Aux 6 output and Aux 5 output

Aux 4 output and Aux 3 output

Aux 2 output and Aux 1 output

Automation remote control

MIDI in, out, and thru din sockets

Aux sends 1 through 8 are used for sending signals within the console to eight different signal processors such as digital reverbs. These outputs are balanced (ground compensated).

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2.8 The Master, Channel, & Phase Meters

Master Metering

The Orion master is fitted with peak reading, high resolution, LEDbar meters with attack and release times which conform to world standards. The attack is 10msec. for a 20 dB range and the release is 1.5msec.

NOTE: Peak reading meters give a reading 6 dB below the actual level when using a sine wave. For example, +4 dBu at the output connectors would give a reading of -6 dB on the meter using the oscillator.

If U.K. reading ledbars are ordered, they will have attack and release times of 300msec. and a +4 dBu level on the output connectors will give a 0 dB reading on the meter.

Channel metering

Each in-line channel is fitted with peak reading, eleven segment LEDbar meters mounted in the meter bridge. The attack and release times conform to world standards. The attack is 10msec. for a 20 dB range and the release is 1.5msec.

NOTE: Peak reading meters give a reading 6 dB below the actual level when using a sine wave. For example, +4 dBu at the output connectors would give a reading of -6 dB on the meter using the oscillator.

Phase Meter

Fitted in the meterbridge is a phase corelation meter. This meter is used for checking for phase cancellations in the stereo mix or when miking anything in stereo. It is normal for your meter to display up to 90 degrees when monitoring in stereo.

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The LCRS Module (OrionX)

3.0 The LCRS Module - description

The Orion LCRS module is a basic input / output design (in-line) whereby all signal flow takes place from the microphone to the multitrack. Each LCRS module is shipped with an 11 segment LED bargraph meter. The following sections explain the many functions and features of this module.

3.1 Input section

The input section controls all incoming signals such as microphones, keyboards, or any line level device. Fitted at the top of the module is a 48V phantom power switch for powering condenser microphones or active direct

boxes.

The GAIN control is actually one knob which turns two pots adjusting two sets of electronics. If the MIC/LINE switch is in the up position, the GAIN control will adjust the microphone input and if the MIC/LINE switch is in the down position, the GAIN control will adjust the line input level. In order to make it more accessible, the PHASE switch is located next to the monitor fader. It is used for reversing the polarity (phase) of the microphone and line input.

3.2 Equalizer section

Just below the input section is the four band fully sweepable Extended Range "Hi-Def" (high definition) equalizer. The HF (high frequency) band has a boost or cut of 16 dB and is sweepable from 4kHz to 22kHz and is a shelving type. The HMF (high mid freq.) band sweeps from 600Hz to 15kHz. A

MIDS TO MONitor switch allows the two sweepable mids to be moved to the monitor equalizer creating a full four band sweepable equalizer in the monitor path. The LMF (low mid frequency) band sweeps from 40Hz to 1kHz. Both mid freq. bands are peak/dip types with a boost or cut of 16dB. The LF (low frequency) band starts at 10Hz and sweeps out to 500Hz. It is a shelving type with a boost or cut of 16dB. A high pass filter switch is fitted just below the equalizer to allow the user to cut the low frequencies below 100Hz. It is a 12dB per octave Butterworth type. An EQ in/out switch completes the channel equalizer section.

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