Innovason SENSOFT 8.1, SENSOFT 9, SY48 User Manual

User Guide

InnovaSON ZC du Kenyah 56400 Plougoumelen France

Sensoft 8.1 full Sensoft 9 installation

(Sensoft 9 Addendum updates sections 3 and 4 of this user guide)

ril 2005

Headquarters

Zone du Kenyah

F-56400 Plougoumelen

FRANCE

tel : +33 (0) 297 24.34.34

fax : +33 (0) 297 24.34.30

www.innovason.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

Attention: veuillez consulter le chapitre 10 avant toute manutention ou utilisation de la console. Warning: please read carefully section 10 before handling or using the console. Achtung: bitte lesen sie zuerst Kapitell 10 for jedem Verladen oder Verwendung des Pultes.

Table of Contents

Section Page

1 Digital mixing in Live sound

1.A

1.B

1.C

1.D

Sensoft 8.1 :a brief history Fader assignment The assignable functions Spread zones

2 THE Sy48 CONSOLE

2.A

2.B

2.B.1 L.E.M : Optional External Mix Box 2.3

2.C

2.C.1 Dimensions and general information 2.6

2.C.2 The Quadfad module 2.8

2.C.3 The CHANNEL CONTROL panel 2.8

2.C.4 Screen and UTILITIES panel 2.8

2.C.5 On the front of the console 2.9

2.C.6 On the back of the console 2.9

2.C.7 Control layout 2.10

2.D

Sy48 : Overview of the product Personalization, options

Description of the Sy48

Precautionary measures, safety and

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

2.1

2.3

2.6

2.12

warnings

2.E

2.F

2.G

2.G.1 Audio connections 2.13

2.G.2 Internal Screen, external Screen 2.14

2.G.3 Connecting MIDI equipment 2.14

2.G.4 Connection of an external power supply 2.14

2.G.5 Connecting an external PC 2.14

2.G.6 Connecting an optional Stage-Box

2.G.7 Digital audio clock sync with external

2.G.8 Connecting headphones

2.H

2.H.1 Power up sequence 2.19

2.H.2 First checks 2.21

Manipulation and transport Power supplies and EC standards Connections

devices

Powering up

3 Sensoft 8.1

Your first mix : a simple step-by step

3.A

2.13

2.15

2.17

2.18

2.19

3.1

example

3.A.1 Console configuration 3.2

3.A.2 Patching.. 3.4

3.A.3 Some routing 3.6

3.A.4 Creating and using a subgroup 3.8

3.A.5 Spreading inouts 3.11

3.A.6 Creating and using a VCA 3.13

3.A.7 Spreading a Master 3.14

3.A.8 Spreading an Aux 3.17

3.A.9 Creating a matrix 3.18

4 Digital mixing in Live Sound

4.A

4.A.1 Control surface layout

4.A.2 Fader configuration : The Hardware

4.B

4.B.1 General characteristics 4.3

4.B.2 Layout of physical inputs 4.3

4.B.3 Universal analog inputs 4.4

4.B.4 Analog line inputs 4.4

4.B.5 Distant inputs (Stage Box) 4.5

4.C

4.C.1 X

4.C.2 Preamp to fader assignment grid (P

4.C.3 Pre-amp settings (Gain, 48V) 4.15

4.C.4 Delay 4.16

4.C.5 Phase inversion and the high-pass filter 4.17

4.C.6 Dynamics 4.18

4.C.7 Equalizer 4.21

4.C.8 Inserting an external device 4.22

4. C . 9 MUTE and CUE functions 4.25

4.D Mix busses

4.D.1 DSP resources: some important points 4.27

4.D.2 Spreading the outputs 4.28

4.D.3 Assignment of mix busses to physical

4.D.4 Basic principles of routing 4.37

4.D.5 Definition ‘pre/post fader’ and Pan

4.D.6 A special bus : the Matrix 4.47

4.D.7 The Monitor bus 4.49

4.D.8 Master busses 4.58

4.D.9 Bus processing and inserts 4.58

4.D.10 Hyperdrive outputs’ processing control 4.59

4.D.11 Principles of fader functions, Fader Mode 4.60

4.D.12 MUTE and CUE functions 4.62

4.E

Basic principle of the control surface

Configuration window

Audio inputs

Input signal path

FAD : the principles 4.6

IN)

outputs (Patch OUT)

settings on busses

The MUXIPAIRE bus, the Direct I/O

ATCH

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.6

4.10

4.27

4.32

4.41

4.63

grid

4.E.1 The Direct I/O grid 4.64

4.F

4.F.1

4.F.2 VCA Assignment 4.66

4.G

The VCA function

VCA function logic 4.65

Talk-Back

4.65

4.66

User Guide - © InnovaSON – February 2005

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

5 Structure of a performance

General description

5.A

5.B

5.B.1 File edition 5.1

5.B.2 Changing a file 5.4

5.B.3 Saving a file 5.4

5.B.4 Exporting, Importing, deleting a file 5.5

5.C

5.C.1 Saving a page 5.6

5.C.2 LOAD and GOTO a page 5.6

5.C.3 Inserting a page 5.7

5.D

5.E

5.E.1 Generalities 5.9

5.E.2 MIDI Program Change OUT 5.9

5.E.3 MIDI Program Change IN 5.11

5.E.4 MIDI Time Code Automation 5.12

5.E.5 Cross-Fade 5.14

5.E.6 The Cross-Time Fader 5.16

Files and pages management

Pages management

Navigating in a file

Automation (sequencing , calling up pages)

6 Advanced Functions

Generator and oscillator

6.A

6.B

6.C

6.D

6.E

FLAT function for resetting parameters Copy and Paste OverRam - Updating pages in RAM Relax Mode - disconnecting parameters

5.1

5.6

5.8

5.9

6.1

6.2

6.3

6.5

from the automation

6.F

6.F.1 What are I/O parameters ? 6.6

6.F.2 The link I/O grid 6.6

6.G

Link I/O - Input/ Output parameter links

Link Channel – channel parameter

6.6

6.7

links

6.G.1 What are the channel parameters ? 6.7

6.G.2 The channel link grid 6.8

6.H

6.I

Temporary cancellation of a link

MUXI window – display and modification

6.9

6.10

of outputs

6.J

Off Line – disconnecting the console

6.11

from the audio racks

6.K

6.K.1 The BANK Menu and general operation 6.12

6.K.2 Save and load shortcuts 6.13

6.L

6.M

Processing libraries

Request Mode (RQST)

The ADJ function – automatic

6.12

6.13

6.15

adjustment of preamps

6.N

Sending MIDI messages using the MUTE

6.16

buttons

6.O

6.P

Sending Fader Start MIDI messages LOCK – Password Protection for the

6.17

6.18

console

6.Q

The General Preferences window

7 Sensoft Offline

General operation of the mouse and

7.A

6.20

7.1

keyboard

7.B

Detailed operation and access to the

7.2

various windows

7.B.1 The HARDWARE CONFIGURATION window

7.2

7.B.2 The PATCH IN grid window 7.3

7.B.3 The PATCH OUT grid window 7.5

7.B.4 The DIRECT I/O and Insert Grid window 7.6

7.B.5 The LINK CHANNEL window 7.7

7.B.6 The LINK I/O window 7.8

7.B.7 The RELAX, FADER-START and MUTE

7.B.8 The PAN window 7.10

7.B.9 The PASTE and OVERRAM windows 7.11

7.B.10 The MUXI window 7.13

7.B.11 The main MIX window 7.14

7.C

MIDI MESSAGE windows

Summary of function access

8 INSTALLING AND

7.9

7.16

8.1

CONFIGURING SENSOFT 9

8.A

Downloading and preparing the installation

8.B

8.B.1 Re-installation, new version 8.2

8.B.2 Updating, new ‘release’ 8.4

8.B.3 Installing the Windows XPE operating

8.C

8.D

Installing SENSOFT

system

Configuration

Importing files created with earlier

versions of Sensoft

8.D.1 Grand Live files 8.10

8.D.2 Sy40 files 8.10

8.E Firmware update for DSP Sy48 and DSP Sy80

8.E.1 Launching the « DSP Loader » software 8.12

8.F Installing Sensoft on an external PC

9 Design Features

Introduction

9.A

9.B

9.B.1 SI-8D Module 9.3

9.B.2 SI-8D3 Module 9.4

9.B.3 MO-8D3 Module 9.5

9.B.4 XO-8D2 Module 9.6

9.B.5 DI-8S Module 9.7

9.B.6 DI-8Src Module 9.8

9.B.7 DO-8A Module 9.9

9.B.8 DO-8X Module 9.10

9.B.8B DO-8XES Module 9.10B

9.B.9 DSP Sy80 Module 9.11

9.B.10 DSP Sy40-8 Module 9.12

9.B.11 DM-Mk9 Module 9.13

9.B.12 MC-64 Module 9.14

9.B.13 SC-64 Module 9.15

9.B.14 SC-643tx Module 9.16

9.B.15 Sync-A Module 9.17

9.C

9.C.1 Use of Stage Box general rule 9.18

9.C.2 Modules installation and racks

9.C.3 M

9.C.4 Powering-up 9.21

9.D

9.D.1 BNC connections 9.22

9.D.2 Earth and perturbations 9.23

9.D.3 Transmission defaults and adjustments 9.23

Audio rack and modules

System Configuration and installation

configuration

ASTER console definition 9.20

Transmission on coaxial cable

8.1

8.2

8.5

8.8

8.10

8.11

8.16

9.1

9.2

9.18

9.20

9.22

User Guide - © InnovaSON - February 2005

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

9.E

9.E.1 Audio rack general Characteristics 9.24

9.E.2 Audio specifications 9.24

9.E.3 Signal path 9.26

9.E.4 EtherSound applications 9.27

Appendices

10 Sécurité . Safety . Wichtige.

10.A

Précautions, sécurité, avertissements.

9.24

10.1

Important messages - Wichtige Hinweise.

10.A.1 Symboles - Symbols - Symbole 10.1

10.A.2 Dangers – Warning – Achtung 10.2

10.A.3 Avertissements – Cautions - Vorschit 10.2

10.A.4 Remarques sur l'utilisation Operating notes – Hinweise zum Betrieb

10.3

User Guide - © InnovaSON – February 2005

1 DIGITAL MIXING IN LIVE SOUND

1.A Sensoft 8.1: a brief history

Several years have passed since InnovaSON introduced the first digital system designed to meet the needs of LIVE SOUND production: artists on-stage, impatient producers (tight budgets), live sound quality identical to studio recordings, complex productions, etc.

LIVE, for InnovaSON, is a “keyword” reflected in the products; products that are reliable, sturdy, and capable of working without a problem, show after show. Thought was not only given to limit size and excess weight (as freight in a lorry, car or plane), but also to speed up the installation, and especially of the sound engineer”, an essential condition in the creation of quality live performances.

to “free the spirit

INTRODUCTION 1-1

Thanks to the success of the MUXIPAIRE system, InnovaSON was in touch with numerous users, who all wished for a digital mixing desk that would, at last, satisfy all their requirements for live shows in the 21st century:

Total memory of the functions necessary for complete audio signal processing

Immediate reminder of the state of the whole console

Simple to use in spite of sophisticated automation

Sound quality without compromise

All the advantages of a completely computerised digital system

These are the essentials that InnovaSON settled on throughout the design of its range of digital consoles.

Designed from standard elements in InnovaSON’s modular (or custom) digital audio systems, InnovaSON consoles now benefit from the field experience gained from those previous products.

All the team at InnovaSON sincerely thank all those who brought another small stone to the structure, by their suggestions, particular requirements, or sensible comments. Although completely digital, InnovaSON consoles will not upset a user brought up on classic analogue systems; on the contrary, their original three-part concept (mixing desk, local and distant audio system racks), brings more flexibility and quality, without compromise.

Our greatest satisfaction will be to learn that each user has found, in Live Sound, a work tool perfectly adapted to their needs.

User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2004

1-2 INTRODUCTION

1.B Fader assignment

Sensoft 8.1 brings something new to the world of Live Sound – you define the number and position of all the functions necessary for your mix.

Naturally this number is determined, on one hand, by the number of faders on your control surface and, on the other hand, by the available DSP resources in your system.

The figure below gives the maximum number of resources that Sensoft 8.1 can handle on various InnovaSON consoles.

Resources available on InnovaSON consoles

Console Faders DSP module Mix busses Input channels Monitor circuits

Sy40

Sensory Live

(Upgrade Sy80)

Sy80

Sensory Live

(for the record)

Console faders can handle inputs coming from distant and local audio racks, as well as controlling the busses necessary for the different mixes required for these inputs.

47+1 DSP Sy40-8 26 48 3

71+1 DSP Sy80 48 = 32+16 80 3

80 DSP Sy80 48 = 32+16 80 3

71+1 DMMk-9 23 48 1

User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2004

1.C The assignable functions

Each of the console faders can handle the following functions:

INTRODUCTION 1-3

User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2004

1-4 INTRODUCTION

Each of the console faders can handle the following functions:

The number of faders available in this grid corresponds to that available on the console (shown here is the Sy80). The Grid functions in the same way for any console as long as it supports Sensoft 8.1. Later on in this manual we will show you how to access and use the configuration grid.

To give you the time to fully understand and master this feature, preset configurations allow you to quickly set the parameters of your console. Having first inserted the floppy disk “Examples”, use the Import function to load these standard configurations.

1.D Spread zones

Let’s take a few moments to consider the concept used by InnovaSON to exploit more physical inputs and mix busses than there are faders on the console, without having to resort to a system of layers. As you saw previously, InnovaSON designs consoles dedicated to, among other situations, live applications. It was therefore important to establish a design that took note of the following points:

A console with a size and weight lower than its analogue counterpart

Retention of the user-friendliness inherent in software previous to Sensoft 8.1

To always have a global view of the general state of the console on the monitor screen

To have to hand the maximum number of controls, for fast and effective user reaction

This last point made InnovaSON decide to implement the X

8.1.

Whether for the management of inputs or the management of busses, the general principle is the same: a full channel can control a single physical I/O or of a set of physical I/O. In the latter case, the channel can be compared to a “fader bank”, because every time it is selected, it spreads out all the channels it controls, in a zone defined by the user.

FAD function in the development of Sensoft

User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2004

The principle of spread channels

INTRODUCTION 1-5

The channels associated with one, or a group of, physical inputs

In the same way, Aux, Group or Master channels can spread thei L, R, C and M busses if necessary, in this case you can compare them to “Bus Banks”

The spread zone as defined by the user, made

up from as many X

FAD as neccessar

The figure above shows an example of 8 “banks”, each spreading 16 XFAD inputs. A swift calculation

shows that, in theory, you could control 8 x 16 = 128 inputs with only 8 + 16 = 24 faders…….what a dream!

One of the major points of Sensoft 8.1 is that the number of “banks", and their arrangement as well as the number of channels spread by the "banks", is defined by the user. Each user can effectively "draw" the console according to their own needs.

User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2004

2 THE Sy48 CONSOLE

2.A Sy48 : Overview of the product

The Sy48 console is a single block, 'all in one' system, with the local Mix Box and the control surface within the same frame. The Mix Box provides 6 slots for housing modules of 8 inputs or 8 outputs (analog, digital AES or Ethersound). Its modular structure lets you configure the inputs and outputs according to your needs. Hence, when used by itself, it can be equipped as shown below, with 32 mic/line inputs, 16 line inputs, 16 analog outputs with processing, and 16 line outputs.

THE Sy48 CONSOLE 2-1

32 mic/line inputs: SI-8D3 cards 16 line I/O 16 processed outputs: XO-8D2

The platform features everything you expect from a digital mixing console in a particularly compact frame weighing less than 40 kg, including :

48 motorized and assignable faders with immediate access to the main parameters (selection,

monitoring and mute) 48 LED bar-graphs for immediate metering of input or output signals A section for adjusting all the parameters of the current selected channel A section for managing memories A collapsible 12" screen for real time visualization of all the mix parameters An access panel to all the main functions (patches, monitoring, talkback circuit, …) A PC computer handles everything in the system A keyboard/track-ball drawer for labeling and access to advanced functions Space reserved for the local audio rack, where the I/O modules, the MC-64 controller and the DSP

Sy48 module can be found.

The digital aspect of the console is managed by the MC-Optical controller module, which generates the audio clocks, drives the bus, and handles communications with the console’s integrated PC. This module is equipped with BNC and optical connectors dedicated for the connection of a Stage Box, which then allows the remote management of 48 Mic/line inputs and up to 32 mix busses. Therefore, the slots of the local Mix Box can be equipped with more output modules, which leads to a maximum of 6 analog or AES output modules, plus the 16 line outputs available on the SubD25 connector… that gives us a total of 64 local outputs.

User guide - © InnovaSON - January 2005

2-2 THE Sy48 CONSOLE

Coaxial or optical cable transmission is not an option. Every InnovaSON platform is equipped with this transmission system. No need to invest in any format converter or other hardware to establish a connection between a Stage-Box and the Mix-Box. Just connect the MCoptical (card featured in the local rack) to the SCoptical (card featured in the remote rack) to immediately benefit from a digital transmission, where 64 channels can be exchanged between both audio racks..

In the local audio rack, on top of the MC

controller, one

OPTICAL

can find the DSP (digital signal processor) Sy48 module, which handles the digital processing of signals, and all the algorithms that the console functions may use. This module is equipped

with 4 Sub-D 25 connectors which can manage 16 inputs and 16

outputs of line level signals,

which therefore add up to the resources

provided by the I/O cards of the rack. Four Sub-D / XLR adapter cables are provided with the console. The firmware currently available in the DSP Sy48 card provides simultaneous mixing of 64 inputs (48 Muxi + 16 line inputs) to 34 mix busses (two of which are reserved for stereo monitoring). The mix busses have no predefined functionality. It’s up to you to use them as groups, sub-groups, auxiliaries, masters, matrixes, …

The inputs/outputs accessible via the SubD connectors can be used as line inputs o mix bus outputs, bus also as Insert Send/Return pairs to insert external processors.

As with any InnovaSON console, once the input and output cables are connected to their designated devices, you no longer need to touch them. All patching operations are done electronically and are memorized – all of which is managed directly from the control surface.

The Control Surface is relatively easy to understand; even beginners will rapidly feel at ease with the digital mixing provided by the Sy48.

The various console channels are equipped with motorized faders which move into position rapidly, quietly, and even feature a “sensory point” that can be felt under your fingers. Therefore, you always have the last memorized position in mind.

The bar-graphs located just above the faders provide direct metering of various working levels, after processing (dynamics, EQ) or before processing (reflecting the output level of the pre-amps), depending on the option selected in the general preferences.

User guide - © InnovaSON - January 2005

THE Sy48 CONSOLE 2-3

Last but not least, as soon as the console is switched on, the flat LCD screen displays the main mix window or, depending on preference settings, the other control windows of the platform. The internal computer drives the DSP in real time according to the actions taken by the user on the control surface. If necessary, the console’s internal PC can be removed and replaced by the external PC connection kit. You can therefore control the platform from any PC on which Sensoft has been previously installed.

To make things easier in a given situation, provision has been made to replace the internal flat screen by another SVGA standard screen. The keyboard and mouse can also be relocated (or replaced) by removing them from their drawer.

2.B Personalization, options

Each system, within certain limits, can be adapted to the latest performances and options of the InnovaSON range of products.

For this, please contact our authorized technical services for specific updates: DSP resources, Sensoft, advice, etc

2.B.1 L.E.M : optional External Mix Box

In certain situations, it could be more practical to access the audio cards without having to go around to the back of the console. In these cases, The L.E.M. option (for Local External Mixbox) is the solution. You also benefit from 8 slots instead of the 6 inside the console.

The L.E.M. is equivalent to the Sy48's internal audio rack, except it is located outside of the console. All the modules that would normally be fitted in the console's internal rack are 100%

compatible with the L.E.M.; no updating of the card is necessary to use the L.E.M.

The L.E.M. is the same local audio rack as the one used by the Sy80 platform. Therefore, you must follow the same rules concerning the location of the audio cards within the rack:

Always start by the output cards (XO, MO, DO) and then finish by the input cards (SI, DI), if you

are using any.

The Stage-Box (is you are using one) will follow the inverse rule: first the input cards, then the

output cards. Don't forget that the cards with the Hyperdrive option (XO-8D2, DO-8X, DO-8Xes)

do not work in a Stage-Box. Only the MO and DO-8A are designed to work in a Stage-Box.

User guide - © InnovaSON - January 2005

2-4 THE Sy48 CONSOLE

OPTICAL

DSP Sy48

Output cards

Input cards

A standard SG3100 audio rack is equipped with two internal power supplies, with automatic switchover if a problem was to occur on one of them. For the automatic switchover to function properly, it is imperative that both power supplies of the rack be connected to the mains.

The PSU module, in the last

Power supply A’s connection to mains

position in the Audio Rack, indicates the state of the two internal power supplies.

Power supply B’s connection to mains

Connection to the console

Blank face plates are used on the integrated audio rack on the back of the console. They are placed in the audio and MC cards position. One of these cards, the DSP Sy48, is replaced by the SF2077 module, which is a Jeager adapter enabling the connection to the external Mix-Box.

To the DSP connector of the console's internal rack.

To the SubD25 connector o the console's internal rack.

User guide - © InnovaSON - January 2005

THE Sy48 CONSOLE 2-5

The SF2077 module is inserted in the DSP slot and a cable, linked to the module's Jaeger connecter, must be plugged and secured with two screws on the SubD25 connector, at the base of the rack. Initially, this connector would receive the MC

The SF2077 module (front view)…

Connection of the Jaeger cable link to the L.E.M.

XLR connector for talk-back mic.

's SubD25 connector.

OPTICAL

The L.E.M. is supplied with a 5 meter long Jaeger cable. Just connect the cable between the console and the audio rack before powering-up the system…

CONNECTION OF THE L.E.M. TO THE CONSOLE

User guide - © InnovaSON - January 2005

2-6 THE Sy48 CONSOLE

2.C Description of the Sy48

2.C.1 Dimensions and general information

1152,7mm / 45,4’’

155mm / 6,1’’

401mm / 15,8’’ 132,9mm / 5,24’’

1150 mm

771,2mm / 30,37’’

213,2mm / 8,4’’

334,1mm / 13,16’’ max.

User guide - © InnovaSON - January 2005

THE Sy48 CONSOLE 2-7

Console :

Length: 1152,7 mm / 45,4’’ Width: 771,2 mm / 30,37’’ Height: 213,2 mm (screen folded down), 334,1 mm maxi. / (8,4’’ /

13,16’’)

Weight: 40 kg by itself (88 Pounds) Shipping crate: 1300 x 450 x 900 mm, 90 kg / 51,2’’ x 17,7’’ x 35,4’’, 198

Pounds.

Power supply: 90/253 Vac, 46 to 63 Hz Power consumption: 300 VA max Working temperature: +10°C to +35°C (50 to 95 °F) Faders: 48 motorized 100 mm ALPS faders Labeling: 48 4 character LED Matrix Control: 141 switches, Cue, Select and Mute per fader Bar-graphs: 48 Vu-meters (16 LED) Pots: 23 rotating encoders for audio parameters and console control Switches: 34 switches for audio functions and global control Internal computer: PC Compatible, Pentium 1GhZ, 128 Mb of RAM Screen: 12" collapsible flat LCD screen MIDI card: InnovaSON Keyboard: CHERRY ML4100 QWERTY (keyboard + track ball) Backup: On any USB storage device (3 available ports) 3”1/2 USB) Hard disk: 128/256 Mo Flash Memory

Rack audio Stage-Box (optional) :

Length: 482 mm (19’’) Width : 325 mm (12,8’’) Height: 312 mm (7U, 12,3’’) Weight : 20 kg by itslef / 44 Pounds

75 kg with shipping crate / 165 Pounds

Basic modules: 1 SC

controller module and 1 SI-8D3 module

OPTICAL

Coaxial cable: 2x150m, 75 Ohms, 4 BNC, supplied on a drum Shipping crate: 800 x 640 x 740 mm / 31,5’’ x 25,2’’ x 29’’

L.E.M. audio rack (optional) :

Length : 482 mm (19’’) Width : 325 mm (12,8’’) Height: 312 mm (7U, 12,3’’) Weight : 20 kg by itself / 44 Pounds

75 Kg with shipping crate / 165 Pounds

Basic modules: 1 MC

controller module

OPTICAL

Shipping crate: 800 x 640 x 740 mm / 31,5’’ x 25,2’’ x 29’’

User guide - © InnovaSON - January 2005

2-8 THE Sy48 CONSOLE

2.C.2 The Quadfad module

A Quadfad module features 4 motorized faders. Each fader has its own 4-character label. The 12 Quadfad modules of the console are identical. Sensoft lets you determine the purpose of each fader. Their presence is automatically detected by Sensoft.

The main characteristics of a Quadfad module are as follows :

ALPS 100 mm motorized fader

8 bit linear conversion for servo-control and fader positioning nominal positioning time: 100 ms

Sensory memory of stored fader position Illuminated switch to indicate Channel selection

Illuminated [CUE] switch (green) to indicate assignment to the Monitor bus Illuminated [MUTE] switch (red)

4-character Labeling display (adjustable highlighting / for when the channel

is selected)

2.C.3 The CHANNEL CONTROL panel

Integrated within the console frame, and ideally positioned to be accessed rapidly, this panel centralizes all the channel's parameter controllers (gain, EQ, Dynamics section, etc…). Pan control, and amongst other things, access buttons to the various 'LIVE' functions such as Copy, OverRam, and the patch windows, are also found on that panel.

2.C.4 Screen and UTILITIES panel

Three sections complete the access to the console's functions with, from left to right, the page and show management panel, the central screen to visualize the current mix, and the patch grid, monitoring circuit management and talk-back mic panel.

User guide - © InnovaSON - January 2005

THE Sy48 CONSOLE 2-9

pply(

)

On top of the screen, you will find three small holes that let you adjust brightness and other settings. A user manual for the screen is supplied with the console to guide you in the procedure. In any event, one of the configuration menus offers an automatic adjustment, which will optimize settings according to the video signal' characteristics.

During the console's startup procedure, the image may be unstable. This is perfectly normal. As soon as Sensoft is launched, the image will be stable.

2.C.5 On the front of the console

Left of the keyboard drawer, you will find 3 connectors:

- A 1/4" headphone jack

- An XLR connector for a talk-back mic

- A USB connector for any storage device

Volume of the headphone jack can be adjusted with the [Level] pot of the monitor section

when no other monitoring circuit is active

2.C.6 On the back of the console

Mains connector and main power switch

Keyboard, track-ball, VGA

2 USB connectors

MIDI conections

screen connections

Connection of an autoredundant external power

SV0038

vailable slots for local

audio cards

MC transmission card

OPTICAL

control and

DSP card and line I/O

2-10 THE Sy48 CONSOLE

2.C.7 Control layout

Channel control panel

Control surface layout

Faders section

Monitor/Utilities panel

THE Sy48 CONSOLE 2-11

The Channel Control panel The Monitor/Utilities panel

1-On/Off Alimentation phantom

1-Phantom power On/Off

2-Gain du pré-ampli micro

2-Mic pre-amp gain

P U

3-Inversion de phase

3-Phase inversion

4-Insert return In/Out

ctivation/désactivation Insert Return

5- Attack parameter control 6- Release parameter control

7- Gate / Compressor settings toggle

Y N

8- Noise Gate On/Off

9- Threshold parameter control

10- Range parameter control

11- Hold parameter control

12- Compressor On/Off

13- I/O card parameter link

14-Copies a channel's parameters

15-Propagates the parameter values to

the other pages in RAM

20- Initialization of Eq, Dynamics, … 21-Mix parameter link

16- Digital EQ's parameter controls 17-Low-cut filter On/Off

18- EQ On/Off

19-Toggles between the first 4 and last 4 EQ bands of the Hyperdrive cards (XO, …)

22- File edit window

23- Rotating encoders: lets you navigate

through lists, grids, …

E S

24- Saves the current page

25- Loads a folder from the Hard disk to the

N A

RAM

26- Confirmation: OK key

27- Previous memory 28- Next memor

29- Aux parameter window: Pre/Post,

independent Pan, routing…

30- Pan placement adjustment (Hyperdrive

card output level in Muxi mode).

1- OffLine : désolidarisation de la console

1- OffLine : Disconnects the console from des racks audio. Permet d’éditer pages

the audio racks. et paramètres de mixage sans affecter

2- Muxi : Visualization of the system's l’audio en cours.

outputs. 2- Muxi : fenêtre de visualisation de

3- Input patch grid

U T

toutes les sorties du système.

4- Switch to « manual » for selected

3- Grille de patch des entrées

parameters in selected channels

4- Mise en « manuel » des paramètres

5- Request : Visualization and rapid

sélectionnés pour les tranches

activation of Phantom power, LowCut,

sélectionnées.

EQ, …

5- Request : Visualisation et activation

6- Output patch grid rapides des alims Ph, LowCut, Eq,…

7- Test : settings and activation of the 6- Grille de patch des sorties

test oscillator. 7- Test : paramétrage et activation de l’oscillateur de test.

8- TB mic or active monitoging circuit level (depending on general pref.) 9- TB 1 or Monitoring circuit 1 (depending on general pref.)

10- TB 2 or Monitoring circuit 2

O N

(depending on general pref.)

11- TB 3 or Monitoring circuit 3

(depending on general pref.)

12- Level control when monitoring inputs

13- level control when monitoring mix

busses 14- IN : Toggles input monitoring between PFL and AFL 15- OUT : Toggles mix bus monitoring between PFL, AFL and APL

The Faders section

1- Channel mute

C H

2- Channel label

3- Selects this channel's parameters

N N

4- CUE: sends the Channel to the

monitoring bus.

5- Channel fader

2-12 THE Sy48 CONSOLE

2.D Precautionary measures, safety and warnings

Read this section carefully in order to use the control surface safely.

1.Never connect a receiver (camera) that has its own phantom power activated: this

would destroy the output to which it has been connected. Switch the phantom power off, or if this is not possible, go through an external device first (isolation transformer, intermediate pre-amp, etc…).

2. Only the swapping of presumably defective modules is advised, and made possible by

the modular philosophy of the control surface.

ANY SWAPPING OF MODULES MUST BE DONE WITH THE CONSOLE SWITCHED OFF.

3. Do not store or use the console in extreme temperature conditions, or in an

environment where it might be exposed to vibrations, dust or humidity.

4. Never use any liquid to clean the surface of the console (ideally, use a soft and dry

cloth). Only use water or ethylic alcohol to clean the casing and silk-screen printed surfaces; other solvents could damage the paint or plastic parts.

5. Do not place the audio racks, local or remote, or the console itself, too close to strong

electromagnetic radiation sources (video monitors, high-voltage cables, …), as this might cause a degradation of audio quality via induced currents in the connections and frame.

THE Sy48 CONSOLE 2-13

2.E Manipulation and transport

Before you move the console, make sure that everything is disconnected. Never put excessive pressure on the pots, switches and connectors.

The Sy48 console provides two grips under the plastic flanks on each side, for easy maneuvering.

2.F Power supplies and EC standards

The Sy48 console may be powered by any voltage ranging from 90 et 253 Volts AC / at 47-63 Hz.

The power supply must be earthed.

For optimal performance, it is essential that the earthing network be free of noise, since all signals are going to be referenced to it. A central point must therefore be determined as the main earthing connection, and all other earthing connections must originate from that point. It is recommended that you pull an extra earthing wire from each socket, wire that will be directly connected to the central earthing point: this is the best way to ground all the devices of your installation.

When the console is in use, do not block the cooling vents. Be especially careful of that if you are using the console while it remains in the lower half of its flight-case.

For electrical precautionary measures, please refer to chapter 10 - Appendices

2.G Connections

Connections to the control surface are reduced to a minimum for easy installation, and an increased reliability of the system. To use an external PC (desktop or laptop) you will need accessory SG9008 which will replace the internal PC, with connectors provided for hooking-up the external PC.

2.G.1 Audio connections

The Sy48’s platform connections are all standard and were chosen to correspond with the most widespread in the professional live audio industry. No need to buy extra adapters or specific connectors when using the console in a normal environment. If, however, you have specific needs, feel free to contact InnovaSON’s technical service. The contact information can be found on our web site and at the end of this manual.

Do not connect other audio devices which are switched on, before you power up the console. The Sy48 is a computerized platform which starts up in the last saved statuses, that you do not necessarily know. Unknown parameters relative to gain settings, or output levels, could damage various audio equipment (power amps, speakers,…), or even cause hearing damage to people too close to the speakers. Good practice would be to always shut down the console on a blank page, in which all the settings would be zeroed.

2-14 THE Sy48 CONSOLE

2.G.2 Interal screen, external screen

The standard screen housed in the console is a collapsible color LCD flat screen. The collapsed position is used during transportation. The screen can be tilted to suit your viewing position. A user manual for the screen is supplied with the console.

With a stylus, the holes on top of the screen's plastic casing give you access to the brightness, color and contrast settings.

Instead of the integrated screen, you can use any other standard SVGA monitor. Pay particular attention to the electromagnetic radiations that could appear when using a CRT (Cathode Ray tube) monitor.

The screen’s connector is linked to the internal computer, on the rear of the console. If you are using an external computer, the screen (built-in LCD or other) can be quickly connected to the current working computer.

2.G.3 Connecting MIDI equipment

The Sy48's MIDI connectors are located on the internal PC, at the rear of the console: they will accept any MIDI compatible device. To make sure your connection will work, always use a cable that complies with MIDI specifications. Sensoft provides a utility tool for testing MIDI cables: refer to section 8.

2.G.4 Connection of an external power supply

An external power supply unit SV0038 can be connected to the console to provide backup to the internal power supply in case it fails. It is even possible to connect two external power supplies, and control the power-up of the console remotely from them. Contact our technical services for further information on that matter. The Jaeger connecter dedicated to connecting an external power supply is equipped with a protection cap that MUST be in position when this function is not used. The cap keeps any short circuits from occurring between the Jaeger connector's pins.

2.G.5 Connecting an external PC

Any IBM-PC compatible computer, hosting a processor of at least 800MHz with 64Mb of RAM can be used to supervise the operation of the console instead of the internal unit. The SG9008 accessory is necessary for this type of operation. While on tour, we more than recommend that you purchase this accessory and keep a laptop PC ready, to "save the day".

THE Sy48 CONSOLE 2-15

The Windows XPE operating system installed in the console’s internal PC is an XP core assembled by InnovaSON developers, in order to contain only the required elements necessary for managing the Sy48 platform. This is a mandatory condition to guarantee a stable, crash free, system. InnovaSON can not be liable for the instability of the operating system installed on your personal computer, connected to the platform. Our technical support is always ready to help you configure your computer for such a use.

2.G.6 Connecting an optional Stage-Box

The MC

OPTICAL

and SC

cards, supplied as standard with the Mix-Box and Stage-Box, have their

OPTICAL

own coaxial and optical transmission system. It is very easy to initiate this transmission, as shown in the diagram below. The link may be uni or bi-directional. If it is uni-directional, only one TX of the Stage-Box will be linked to the RX of the MC. In this case, the console is in « Slave » status and cannot control the gain and PH48V of remote microphone input cards. We must insist on the need to use good quality cables or fibers and to take particularly good care of the connections used for this link.

: on the Stage Box

OPTICAL

Control signals coming from the MC via a coaxial cable.

Selection of the optical or coaxial in

Control signals coming from the MC via an o

Transmission of 64 audio channels to the audio rack’s MCs. The three links work in parallel, so the sources (mics or other) can be split digitally to 3 platforms.

tical fibe

OPTICAL

Reception of the 64 channels

from the SC via Coax.

comin

Selection of the optical or coaxial in

Reception of the 64 channels coming from the SC via fiber.

Control of a Stage Box, via its optical or coaxial input. The third coaxial link may be used as a backup for the second one…

: on the Mix Box

Several configurations are possible:

Up to 500m coaxial or optical

6 SI-8D3 : 48 remote mic/line inputs

- 6 XO-8D2 : 48 processed outputs

- 16 outputs accessible on 2 Sub-D connectors

- 16 line inputs accessible on 2 Sub-D connectors

2-16 THE Sy48 CONSOLE

Up to 500m coaxial or optical

6 SI-8D3 : 48 remote mic/line inputs 2 MO-8D3 : 16 analog outputs

- 4 XO-8D2 : 32 processed outputs

- 16 outputs accessible on 2 Sub-D connectors

- 16 line inputs accessible on 2 Sub-D connectors

Nothing is easier than adapting the console to your needs, whether you are using it for monitoring, Front of House, theatre, opera, broadcast…

The only limitations are:

No similar type cards (input/output) on the same remote and local slots (A, B, C,…). Maximum simultaneous mixing of 48 Muxi inputs (inputs coming from SI and DI cards) plus the 16

line inputs of the DSP card (Sub-D). These 48 Muxi inputs can be selected, for each page of the show, amongst the 64 possible inputs.

Maximum transmission of 32 busses to the Stage-Box, patchable on 4 MO-8D3 or DO-8A cards.

These cards must imperatively be installed in slots E, F, G or H of the Stage-Box.

Using remote output cards condemns the use of input cards installed on the same local slots.

Please refer to the Sensoft 9.1 Addendum for further detail.

Example of a Stage Box and its optical fiber

Also refer to section 9 for the rules concerning the use of the Stage-Box.

THE Sy48 CONSOLE 2-17

2.G.7 Digital audio clock sync with external devices

There are several ways to sync the digital audio clocks of external devices with InnovaSON’s platform clock. This can be done through SRC (Sample Rate Converter), on one or several digital audio inputs or via a Word-Clock or AES link, to synchronize the entire system to the same clock source.

Principle of the SRC (real-time sample rate conversion) :

This allows each equipment to keep its internal digital audio clock source. The digital inputs (AES or other) is immediately followed by a SRC algorithm allowing the synchronization of the incoming sample rate to the one used by the receiving system. The conversion has a range of about 10% around the sample rate of the receiving system. The DI-8SRC an algorithm. Each one of the card’s 4 AES inputs can receive an external digital audio signal with a sampling frequency between 32 and 50 KHz. The card output is itself synchronized to the global clock rate defined in the InnovaSON platform.

This feature has the advantage of letting you connect several digital audio sources to the console without having to worry about syncing the sources to one another. Be careful: the SRC creates an additional calculation latency, which leads to a non-negligible delay of up to 1.5ms in the « worst case » conversion… Moreover, again for calculation reasons, the original 24 bit resolution at the SRC’s input will be « reduced » to 20 bits after conversion… Rest assured: the audio quality is still very

InnovaSON card is equipped with such

good.

Using Word-Clock input and output :

When the console is meant to exchange a great number of digital input/outputs or is integrated in a digital audio environment where all the machines are synced to one another, it might be more useful to use the Word-Clok I/O of the platform. The console can be used as the « master clock source » or be synchronized to a reference clock. In the first case, just take the WC output of the MC and/or SC (if there’s a Stage-Box) and distribute that signal to the WC inputs of the other devices. Note that the WC signal is available both on the local audio rack and on the optional Stage-Box. If, on the other hand, you wish to sync the console to a reference clock (48KHz), connect that clock signal to the MC’s WC input. If you are also using a Stage-Box, then you MUST use the WC input of that Stage-Box’s SC instead. The Stage-Box being the clock master for the platform, it must be the one receiving the external clock signal. If you are using a Stage-Box, the MC’s WC input is ignored (the L.E.D normally showing synchronization stays off).

Using the AES input:

The MC and SC cards also feature an AES input. When a digital audio signal is connected to this input, the platform can extract the clocking information from the signal and sync to it. The same rule concerning the Stage-Box applies here : always sync the Stage-Box if you are using one, not the MixBox.

2-18 THE Sy48 CONSOLE

A few cases where no external synchronization is necessary :

There are a few cases where it is not necessary to use any sync signal between the console and digital audio devices. Indeed, when the console feeds a digital audio signal to a device for processing purposes (effect, dynamic processor, digital recorder, …) which is then returned to the console after processing, no need to use an SRC or a WC. Just configure the external device so it syncs on the incoming AES signal (fed by the console). The signal supplied by the device’s output will also be synced by the incoming signal, and therefore, to the console’s digital audio clock.

For signal exchange with digital outboard, it is therefore possible and even simpler to use DO-8 and DI-8A cards without worrying about syncing devices with one another. This will be done by configuring each outboard’s digital clock source.

2.G.8 Connecting headphones

There are no restrictions to the use of headphones on the console’s headphone connector (refer to section 2.C.5 not to use the MC card’s headphone jack, which goes way back in InnovaSON’s history of developments! This output was originally designed for monitoring functions of the Muxipaire, when no console was used. This output does not feature a volume control.

). However, it is strongly advised

CAUTION:

operational only when using a Muxipair and when the card is configured as an MC and not as an SC.

Do NOT connect headphones to the SC

‘s headphone jack. This jack is

OPTICAL

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Innovason SENSOFT 8.1, SENSOFT 9, SY48 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual