Phonic Helix Board 12 Universal User’s Manual

HELIX BOARD 12 UNIVERSAL

FireWireand USB 2.0-enabled Mixing Console Consola de Mezcla con Interfase FireWire y USB 2.0

FireWire USB2.0

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User’s Manual Manual del Usuario

HELIX BOARD 12 UNIVERSAL

FireWireand USB 2.0-enabled Mixing Console

Consola de Mezcla con Interfase FireWire y USB 2.0

FireWire USB2.0

CONTENTS			CONTENIDO
INTRODUCTION	4		INTRODUCCIÓN	18			33
FEATURES	4		CARACTERISTICAS	18			33
PACKAGE INCLUDES	4		EL PAQUETE INCLUYE	18			33
INSTANT SETUP	4		SETUP INSTANTE	18			33
Getting Strarted	4		Comenzando	18			33
Channel Setup	4		Configuración de Canal	18			33
MAKING CONNECTIONS	5		HACIENDO CONEXIONES	19			34
Inputs and Outputs	5		Entradas y Salidas	19			34
Rear Panel	5		Panel Posterior	20			34
CONTROLS AND SETTINGS	6		CONTROLES Y AJUSTES	20			35
Rear Panel	6		Panel Posterior	20			35
Channel Controls	6		Controles de Canal	20			35
Digital Effect Section	7		Sección de Efectos Digitales	22			36
Master Section	7		Sección Principal	22			36
FIREWIRE / USB INTERFACE	9		INTERFASE FIREWIRE/USB	24		FireWire/ USB	38
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS	9		REQUISITOS DEL SISTEMA	24			38
DRIVER INSTALLATION	9		INSTALACIÓN DE LOS CONTROLADORES 24				38
CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT	13		ASIGNACIÓN DE CANAL	28			42
CUBASE LE 4	13		CUBASE LE 4	28		Cubase LE 4	42
HELIX BOARD CONTROL PANEL	13		PANEL DE CONTROL DE LA HELIX BOARD 28			Helix Board	42
SPECIFICATIONS	15		ESPECIFICACIONES	30			44
DIGITAL EFFECT TABLE	46		TABLA DE EFECTOS DIGITALES	46			46
APPLICATION	47		APLICACIONES	47			47
DIMENSIONS	49		DIMENSIONES	49			49
BLOCK DIAGRAM	50		DIAGRAMA DE BLOQUE	50			50

Phonic preserves the right to improve or alter any information within this document without prior notice Phonic se reserva el derecho de mejorar o alterar cualquier información provista dentro de este documento sin previo aviso PHONIC

V1.0 01/17/2009

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects				with liquids, such as vases,

shall be placed on the apparatus. The MAINS plug is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

Warning: the user shall not place this apparatus in the area during the operation so that the mains switch can be easily accessible.

1.Read these instructions before operating this apparatus.

2.Keep these instructions for future reference.

3.Heed all warnings to ensure safe operation.

4.Follow all instructions provided in this document.

5.Do not use this apparatus near water or in locations where condensation may occur.

6.Clean only with dry cloth. Do not use aerosol or liquid cleaners. Unplug this apparatus before cleaning.

7.Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8.Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including .

9.Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10.Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plug, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11.Only use attachments/accessories by the manufacturer.

12.Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or

table by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus

combination to avoid injury from tipover.

13.Unplug this apparatus during lighting storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14.Refer all servicing to service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’

magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

WARNING: To reduce the risk ofor electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you purchasing the Helix Board 12 Universal, one of

Phonic’s newest mixers that sounds great and works hard both in and out of the studio. The mixer features USB 2.0 and FireWire

400 interfaces that can stream up to 10 independent channels of audio to the computer and return two tracks for monitoring, all at screaming fast transfer rates of up to 24-bit/96 kHz. An onboard 40-bit digital multi-effect processor provides 100 popular programs plus tap delay, test-tones and foot switch jacks.

There are 4 extremely low noise Mic preamps, each with phantom power, spread across four mono channels and two stereo channels, each featuring a 3-band EQ. Additional features include two AUX sends, two stereo AUX returns, an extra ALT 3-4 stereo mixing bus, Steinberg Cubase LE 4 digital audio workstation software and an optional rack mounting kit.

We know how eager you are to get started – wanting to get the mixer out and hook it up to your computer is probably your number one priority right now – but before you do, we strongly urge you to take a look through this manual. Inside, you will find important instructions and warnings on the set up, use and applications of your brand new mixer. If you do happen to be one of the many people who flatly refuse to read user manuals, then we just urge you to at least glance at the Instant Setup section.

After glancing at or reading through the manual (we applaud you if you do read the manual in its entirety), please store it in a place that is easy for you to find, because chances are there’s something you missed the first time around.

FEATURES

●12-input small-format analog mixer with extremely low noise circuitry

●Onboard USB 2.0 and FireWire interfaces for sending up to

10 independent channels of audio to computer with near-zero latency

●Sampling rate selectable up to 96 kHz in 24-bit resolution

●A pre/post switch is available on each channel for swapping channel sends to computer from pre-low cut, -EQ to post-EQ, post-fader signals

●DFX, our 32/40-bit digital multi-effect processor with 100 programs plus tap delay, tone generator and foot switch jacks

●Two channels of monitoring from computer via USB or FireWire interface

●Channel 9/10 routed to computer can be selected from main mix, ALT 3/4 and AUX 1/2

●Four mono Mic/Line channels

●Two stereo channels, two stereo AUX returns, two AUX sends

●3-band EQ on each channel

●75 Hz low-cut filter on mono channel

●Inserts on channel 1 & 2

●+48V phantom power on Mic channels

●Stereo AUX send 1 cue for monitoring individual channel

●Master AUX section with EFX to Monitor

●Extra ALT 3-4 stereo bus

●Control room/Phones source matrix

●Balanced master output with 60 mm fader control

●High-volume headphone output

●Compatible with Mac OS X and Windows XP & Vista

●Steinberg’s Cubase LE 4 workstation software included

PACKAGE INCLUDES

1 x Helix Board 12 Universal mixer

1 x USB cable

1 x FireWire cable

1 x DVD with drivers & Steinberg Cubase LE 4 1 x Power supply and cable

Optional: ER-12MUX rack mounting kit

If any items are missing from your package, please contact your nearest Phonic dealer.

INSTANT SETUP

Getting Started

1.Ensure all power is turned off on your mixer. To totally ensure this, the power adapter should not be connected to the unit.

2.All faders and level controls should be set at the lowest level and all channels muted to ensure no sound is inadvertently sent through the outputs when the device is switched on. All levels can be altered to acceptable degrees after the device is turned on using the channel setup instructions.

3.Plug any necessary equipment into the device’s various inputs and outputs. This could include amplifiers and speakers, monitors, signal processors, recording devices, guitars, keyboards, microphones, and so on.

4.Plug the supplied power adapter into the power inlet on the back of the device and then into a power outlet of a suitable voltage.

5.Turn the power switch on and follow the channel setup instructions to get the most out of your equipment.

Channel Setup

1.To ensure the correct audio level of the input channel is selected, each of the level input controls of the Mixer should be turned counter-clockwise or down as far as they will go and the mute buttons should all be engaged.

2.No input other than the one being set should have any device plugged in. This will ensure the purest signal is used when setting channels.

3.Adjust the LEVEL and AUX 1 volume controls of the channel you are setting to around the 2 o’clock mark. Also set the Main

L-R fader to the 0 dB mark.

4.Press the AUX 1 button on the Control Room Source section down (making sure all others are released), allowing the level meter to display the level of the channel being set.

5.Ensure the channel has a signal sent to it similar to the signal that will be sent when in common use. For example, if the channel is using a microphone, then you should speak or sing at the same level the performer normally would during a performance; if a guitar is plugged into the channel, then the guitar should also be strummed as it normally would be (and so on). This ensures levels are completely accurate and avoids having to reset them later.

6.Set the channel’s gain so that the Level Meter indicates the audio level is around 0 dB, ensuring the level never reaches +5 dB.

7.This channel is now ready to be used; you can stop making the audio signal.

8.You can now select another channel and repeat the same process.

HELIX BOARD 12 UNIVERSAL

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Inputs and Outputs

1. XLR Microphone Jacks
These jacks accept typical 3-pin XLR
inputs for balanced and unbalanced	1
signals. They can be used in
conjunction with microphones – such
as professional condenser, dynamic
or ribbon microphones - with standard	2
XLR male connectors, and feature low
noise preamplifiers, serving for crystal

clear sound replication. The Helix

Board 12 Universal mixers feature a total of four standard XLR microphone inputs.

NB. When these inputs are used with condenser microphones, the Phantom Power should be activated. However, when Phantom Power button is engaged, single ended (unbalanced) microphones and instruments should not be used on the Mic inputs.

2. Line Inputs

This input accepts typical 1/4” TRS or TS inputs, for balanced or unbalanced signals. They can be used in conjunction with various line level devices, such as keyboards, drum machines, electric guitars, and a variety of other electric instruments.

3. Stereo Channels

The Helix Board 12 Universal mixer features a couple of stereo channels, thrown in for maximum flexibility. Each of these stereo channels features two 1/4” TRS phone jacks, for the addition of various line level input devices, such as electronic keyboards, guitars and external signal processors or mixers. These Stereo

Channels can also be used as Mono channels, where the signal from any 1/4” phone jack plugged into the Left stereo input will be duplicated to the Right input due to the miracle of jack normalizing (this does not work in reverse, however).

4. Stereo AUX Return

These 1/4” TS inputs are for the return of audio to the Helix Board 12 Universal mixer, processed by an external signal processor. If really needed, they can also be used as additional stereo inputs, with a level control located on the face of the mixer. The Stereo AUX Return can also accept Mono signals, where plugging the

1/4” phone jack of any device into the Left input will cause the signal to be duplicated to the Right input also (this does not work in reverse, however). Signals processed by the built-in digital effects processor are cut-off when any 1/4” phone jack is plugged into the AUX return 2.

5. AUX / Effects Send

These 1/4” TS outputs may be used to connect to an external digital effect processor, or even to an amplifier and speakers

(depending on your desired settings), to the mixer. The AUX send is a pre-fader signal, suitable for sending to monitors to allow performers to monitor their music. The EFX send signal is post-fader, suitable for sending to external effect processors, and then return back to the AUX returns.

6. Main L and R Outputs

These two ports will output the final stereo balanced line level signal sent from the main mixing bus. The primary purpose of these jacks is to send the main output to external devices, which may include power amplifiers (and in-turn, a pair of speakers), other mixers, as well as a wide range of other possible signal processors (equalizers, crossovers, etcetera).

7. Control Room Outputs

These two 1/4” Phone Jack outputs feed the signal altered by the Control Room / Submix control on the face of the mixer. This output has extensive use, as it can be used to feed the signal from the mixer to an active monitor, enabling, for instance, the monitoring of the audio signal from within a booth.

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8. Phones

This stereo output port is suited for use with headphones, allowing monitoring of the mix. The audio level of this output is controlled using the Control Room / Submix rotary control.

9. Record Out

These outputs will accommodate RCA cables, able to be fed to a variety of recording devices.

10. 2T Return

This stereo RCA input is used to connect the mixer with external devices, such as tape and CD players, and feeds the signal to the Main L-R mixing bus.

Rear Panel

11. Channel Inserts

Located on the rear of the Helix Board, the primary use for these

TRS phone jacks is for the addition of external devices, such as dynamic processors or equalizers, to mono input channels 1 and 2. This will require a Y cord that can send (pre-fader and pre-EQ) and receive signals to and from an external processor. On this connection, the tip pin is for sending the signal, whereas the ring pin is for return. The sleeve pin, on the other hand, is the ground.

12. ALT 3-4 Output

The signal sent from these 1/4” outputs is fed from the ALT 3-4 mixing bus, and can be used in conjunction with a large array of devices, including signal processors, other PA systems, recording devices, and so on.

13. Foot Switch Jacks

These ports are for the inclusion of a foot switch, used to remotely adjust properties of the built-in Digital Effect processor, to the mixer. The left jack is used to adjust the tap delay properties, whereas the right jack is used for turning the effects on and off.

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HELIX BOARD 12 UNIVERSAL

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14. USB 2.0 Connection

This USB 2.0 port is for connecting the Helix Board to any PC or

Macintosh computer. It allows all 8 input channels to be streamed to a computer, as well as an additional stereo channel. A stereo audio channel from the computer can also be returned to the

Helix Board for monitoring. The audio sent to the computer can be either preor post-fader, depending on the pre/post setting on each input channel. The main left and right signal, AUX signal and ALT 3/4 (all of which can also be sent through the USB interface) are pre-fader signals. The returned USB signal can be utilized in the USB Return section on the face of the mixer.

15. FireWire Connections

These two FireWire ports, just like the USB connection, are for connecting the Helix Board to any PC or Macintosh computer. The exact same channels sent to and from the computer through the USB port can be utilized through this connection. Please note that the FireWire and USB connections cannot be used simultaneously.

16. Power Connector

This port is for the addition of a power cable and supply, allowing power to be supplied to the mixer. Please use the external power supply that is included with this mixer only as using other adaptors could damage the mixer. For a replacement supply, contact your nearest Phonic dealer.

CONTROLS AND SETTINGS

Rear Panel

17. Power Switch

This switch is used to turn the mixer on and off. Ensure you turn all level controls down before activating.

18. Phantom Power Switch

When this switch is in the on position, it activates +48V of phantom power for all microphone inputs, allowing condenser microphones (well, the ones that don’t use batteries) to be used on these channels. Activating Phantom Power will be accompanied by an illuminated LED above the left channel Level

Meter. Before turning Phantom Power on, turn all level controls to a minimum to avoid the possibility of a ghastly popping sound from the speakers.

NB. Phantom Power should be used in conjunction with balanced microphones. When Phantom Power is engaged, single ended (unbalanced) microphones and instruments should not be used on the Mic inputs. Phantom Power will not cause damage to most dynamic microphones, however if unsure, the microphone’s user manual should be consulted.

19. FireWire / USB Switch

When connecting the unit to the computer through a FireWire cable, this switch should be set to the left. When connecting to

the computer through USB, it should then be set to the right.

Channel Controls

20. Low Cut Filter (75 Hz)

This button, located on channels 1 through to 4, will activate a low-cut / high-pass filter that reduces all frequencies below 75

Hz at 18 dB per Octave, helping to remove any unwanted ground noise or stage rumble.

21. Mic / Line Gain Control

This controls the sensitivity of the input signal of the Microphone

/ Line input. The gain should be adjusted to a level that allows the maximum use of the audio, while still maintaining the quality of the feed, based on the channel setup instructions. This can be accomplished by adjusting it to a level that will allow the peak indicator occasionally illuminate. All 4 mono channels feature this control.

22. High Frequency Control

This control is used to give a shelving boost or cut of ±15 dB to high frequency (12 kHz) sounds. This will adjust the amount of treble included in the audio of the channel, adding strength and crispness to sounds such as guitars, cymbals, and synthesizers.

23. Middle Frequency Control

This control is used to provide a peaking style of boost and cut to the level of middle frequency (2.5 kHz) sounds at a range of ±15 dB. Changing middle frequencies of an audio feed can be rather difficult when used in a professional audio mix, as it is often more desirable to cut middle frequency sounds rather than boost them, thereby soothing overly harsh vocal and instrument sounds in the audio.

24. Low Frequency Control

This control is used to give a shelving boost or cut of ±15 dB to low frequency (80 Hz) sounds. This will adjust the amount of bass included in the audio of the channel, and bring more warmth and punch to drums and bass guitars.

25. Pre/Post Switch

This switch is used to change the signal of the corresponding channel that is sent to the Computer via the USB or FireWire interface between that of a pre-EQ, pre-fader, pre-low cut to that of a post-EQ, post-fader, post-low cut. In the uppermost position, the channel will be pre, and in the lower position post.

26. AUX 1 (Monitor) Control

This control allows the user to send the corresponding signal to the AUX 1 output, which can be used in conjunction with an amplifier and studio or stage monitors, or simply as an auxiliary output for any means required. The control is pre-fader, therefore any changes made to the corresponding channel level control do not affect the AUX 1 send signal.

27. AUX 2 (Effects) Control

This control alters the signal level that is sent to the AUX 2

(or EFX) send output, which can be used in conjunction with external signal processors (this signal of which can be returned to mixer via the AUX return input, or any stereo input channel), or simply as an auxiliary output for any means required. This control is set to ‘post-fader,’ therefore any changes made to the corresponding channel level control are also applied to the EFX signal. The EFX send signal is also sent to the built-in effect processor for providing effects to the main output and AUX 1 send, as required.

28. Pan / Balance Controls

This alternates the degree or level of audio that the left and right side of the main mix should receive. On mono channels, this control will adjust the level that the left and right should receive (pan), where as on a stereo channel, adjusting the BAL control will attenuate the left or right audio signals accordingly (balance).

HELIX BOARD 12 UNIVERSAL

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29. Mute / ALT 3-4

This handy little button is basically a typical mute button – effectively stopping any signal received by the channel from being sent to the Main L/R or AUX 2 send mixing buses – however it does so much more. Pushing this button routes the channel’s signal away from the Main L/R and to its own “Alternate” stereo output (Alt 3-4), where the signal can be used at will. If you wish to use it to connect an amplifier and speakers, or simply patch it through to an unused input channel, you can easily do so.

30. Peak Indicator

This LED indicator will illuminate when the device hits high peaks, 6 dB before overload occurs. It is best to adjust the gain of the channel so that the PEAK indicator lights up on intervals only.

This will ensure a greater dynamic range of audio. This LED will light up while the Mute button is pushed in.

31. Level Control

This rotary control will alter the signal level that is sent from the corresponding channel to the Main or Alt. 3-4 mixing bus.

32. +4 / -10 Switch
This button, located on both stereo
input channels, is used adjust the
input sensitivity of the corresponding
channels, which will adapt the mixer to	32
external devices which may use different
operating levels. If the input source is -

10 dBV (consumer audio level), it is best

to engage the switch, allowing the signal to be heard. The +4 dBu level is suitable for Professional Audio signals, which are considerably higher than the consumer level. However, if you are unsure of the source’s operating level, we suggest leaving the switch disengaged until you test the source’s signal. You can then engage if necessary (if the level of the input signal is obviously too low).

HELIX BOARD 12 UNIVERSAL

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Digital Effect Section

33. Digital Effect Display

This 2-digital numeric display shows the program number that is currently applied to your EFX audio signal. When you rotate the Program control, you can scroll through different program numbers. The display will revert back to the original program if a new program is not selected within a few seconds. For a list of available effects, please observe the Digital Effect Table.

34. Sig and Clip Indicators

Located within the Digital Effect Display are Clip and Sig LEDs.

The Sig LED will light up when any signal is received by the effect processor, and the Clip LED will light up shortly before excessive signals are dynamically clipped. If the Clip LED lights up too often, it may be advisable to turn down the AUX 2/EFX control on one or all input channels to ensure the signal level is not excessive.

35. Program Control

This control is used to scroll through the various effects.

Turning the control clockwise will allow users to ascend into higher program numbers, and turning it counter-clockwise will allow users to descend into lower program numbers. Pushing this control will apply the new effect. When a tap delay effect is selected, pressing this control will allow users to select the tap-delay time. By pushing the button several times, the effect processor interprets the time between last two pushes and remembers this as the delay time – until the button is pushed again. This is kept (even after the power is turned off). When the tap delay effect is selected, a small LED will flash within the digital effect display window at the selected intervals.

Master Section

36. AUX Stereo Return Controls

These controls adjust the signal level of audio fed through to the AUX Stereo Return inputs, which will be added to the MAIN

L-R mix. The AUX Return 2 control also acts as a level control for the EFX processor when no device is plugged into the AUX 2 Return inputs.

37. EFX to Monitor Button

This button allows users to select the destination of the AUX Return 2 signal. Pushing it in sends the signal to the AUX Send 1 mixing bus.

Hint: Use this button to send your EFX signal to the AUX 1 mix. You can then send your AUX 1 and 2 mix to the computer as your additional stereo

mix. This will allow you to record your EFX!

38. AUX Send 1 Master Control

This control will adjust the final output level for the AUX send output, the signal of which is taken from the AUX 1 controls on each input channel.

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	46										42. Assign to Main Button
											When the “Assign to Main” button is engaged, the USB/FireWire
											& 2T Return and Alternative 3-4 signals can be selected by using
										47	the corresponding buttons, and are, intern, sent to the Main L-R
											and Control Room mixing buses via the Control Room / Submix
											control. This can come in handy when you want play a CD during
											intermission in a live show, as this allows users to send the
											signals from the USB/FireWire interface, 2T RTN and/or ALT 3-4
					45
											to the main left and right outputs. If you have the Main L-R or
											AUX 1 buttons on the Control Room Source section engaged,
											the corresponding signals will not be sent to the control room and
											headphones output by the use of this button.

39		43 Control Room / Submix Control
		This control is used to adjust the audio level of the Control
40	44	Room feed, which is sent to both the Control Room outputs (for
		monitoring, acting as side fill or other purposes) and Phones
		outputs (to be used in conjunction with headphones for monitoring
		purposes). It also acts as the “Submix” control, which allows the
41		user to adjust the level of the signals selected by the Control
		Room Source when the Assign to Main button is engaged.

44. Main Level Fader

42	43	This 60mm fader is final level control for the main left and right
		audio feed, sent to the Main L and R output.
		45. Level Meter
39. Source Select		The stereo 8-segment level meter gives an accurate indication of
		when audio levels of the selected Control Room source(s) reach
This switch determines which of the Helix Board’s signals will		certain levels. It is suggested for the maximum use of audio to
be used for the 9th and 10th channels sent through the USB or		set the various levels controls so that the Peak LEDs flash only
FireWire interface to the computer. Users can choose to send the		occasionally (and perhaps it is better if you ensure the level stays
stereo signal from AUX 1/2, ALT 3/4 or the Main mix through the		around a pinch below that).

USB/FireWire interface.

46. +48 Indicator

40. Trim Control and Indicator

This trim control can be used to adjust the level of the outgoing USB and FireWire signal from channel 9/10 (which will be received by the computer). If the input signals received by your computer are noticeably excessive, using this control could help to attenuate the signal to an acceptable degree. The accompanying

LED will illuminate when a connection is established through the FireWire interface.

41. Control Room Buttons

Engaging any of these four buttons will enable you to use the signal from any of the corresponding sources to send to the

Control Room mixing bus and the LED Level Meter for level monitoring. For instance, pressing USB/FireWire & 2T Rtn button will allow you to send the 2 Track Return signal and the signal received through the USB/FireWire interface to the Control Room Outputs (the level of which will be visible on the Level Meter), where as the Main L-R will allow you to use the Main Left/Right signal, the AUX 1 allows you to use the AUX 1 signal, and the

ALT 3-4 allows you to use the “Alternate” stereo mix bus signal. You can even use a combination of all these signals, if need be.

The +48 Indicator illuminates whenever the Phantom Power switch is activated.

47. Power Indicator

The Power Indicator will light up when the power of the mixer is on.

HELIX BOARD 12 UNIVERSAL

FIREWIRE / USB INTERFACE

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The following are the minimum required specifications for use with the Helix Board 12 Universal mixer. If your computer does not meet these requirements, you will experience lagging of audio and possible freezing of your computer when attempting to operate the mixer.

Windows

●Microsoft® Windows® XP SP1 and SP2 / Microsoft® Windows® Vista

●Available USB or FireWire port (suggested FireWire Interface: ADS Pyro 64 FireWire card with TI chip)

●Intel Pentium® 4 processor or equivalent AMD Athlon processor

●Motherboard with Intel or VIA chipset

●5400 RPM or faster hard disk drive (7200 RPM or faster with 8 MB cache recommended)

●256 MB or more of RAM (512 MB or more recommended)

Macintosh

●OS X 10.3.5 or later with native FireWire support

●G4 or newer processor

●256 MB or more of RAM

DRIVER INSTALLATION

To use the Helix Board mixer efficiently (or at all) on a PC, it is important to install all the necessary drivers from the included DVD (ASIO and WDM drivers). It is important that users read all instructions carefully before continuing on to the each step of installation, as users will be prompted to plug in their device. A driver is not necessary for Mac users through FireWire. A USB driver for the Mac will be made available on the Phonic website.

Windows XP (with Service Pack 2 or 3) or Vista

1.It is recommended that you quit all applications before starting the installation process.

2.Ensure the Helix Board Universal is not yet connected to your Computer’s FireWire or USB input.

3.Insert the installation DVD included with your Helix Board mixer into the DVD drive of your computer. If the CD does not automatically start the installation process within a few moments, then navigate to “My Computer” > your DVD-ROM drive > “USB_x_x_x_Phonic_ HB_12U” (for USB) or “1394a_x_x_x_Phonic_HB_12U” (for FireWire) > double-click “setup.exe” to begin the installation manually. The

Helix Board Control Panel software also will be installed at this time.

4.Follow the installation instructions. The following instructions are for the FireWire installation, however USB installation is comparable.

Make sure no other programs are running on your PC and that the

Helix Board 12 Universal is not connected to your PC, then click “Next”.

HELIX BOARD 12 UNIVERSAL

Read and accept the terms of the License Agreement and click “Yes” to continue.

Either select a new destination for the installation, or else click “Next” to accept the default directory. Click “Next” to begin the installation.

Connect the Helix Board 12 Universal to the Computer and turn the power on.

10	HELIX BOARD 12 UNIVERSAL

If a message is displayed indicating that the software has not passed Windows Logo test, click “Continue Anyway”.

After installation is complete, the FireWire installation process will just stop, whereas the USB installation will present a “installation complete” message. Users are then free to use the device as they wish.

HELIX BOARD 12 UNIVERSAL

11

Macintosh OS X (10.3.5 or later)

The Helix Board 12 Universal works with the primary audio drivers of Macintosh OS X 10.3.5 and later. First verify that you are running

Macintosh OS X 10.3.5 or above, then connect the Helix Board 12 Universal to a FireWire port to the computer. To ensure your Helix

Board 12 Universal is working, enter the Utilities folder and double-click the Audio MIDI Setup icon.

Enter the Audio Device’s section. From the “Properties for” pull-down tab, select Helix Board 12 Universal.

At the bottom of the window, users can edit the setup of the Helix Board 12 Universal.

Properties such as sampling rate and clock source can be altered.

Users may also opt to make the Helix Board 12 Universal their default input and/or output device. Mac users are able to use GarageBand Digital Audio Workstation Software,

in conjunction with the Helix Board 12 Universal.

12	HELIX BOARD 12 UNIVERSAL

CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT

When using a Digital Audio Workstation on a PC, and within the included Phonic Helix Board 12 Universal control panel software, the following names have been attributed to the input channels of the mixer. They can be altered through the control panel software included with the mixer.

Computer Input Channel Name	Mixer Channel
HB 12U CH 1	Channel 1
HB 12U CH 2	Channel 2
HB 12U CH 3	Channel 3
HB 12U CH 4	Channel 4
HB 12U CH 5	Channel 5 (Stereo L)
HB 12U CH 6	Channel 6 (Stereo R)
HB 12U CH 7	Channel 7 (Stereo L)
HB 12U CH 8	Channel 8 (Stereo R)
HB 12U Main L	user definable
HB 12U Main R	user definable

To alter an input channel’s name on your computer, open the Helix Board 12 Universal control panel software. On the left hand side of the control panel, users will find the settings categories.

By clicking “Input Channels”, the main window will display the titles input channels. You can then highlight the channel names and press the “Edit Channel Name” button on the bottom of the control window. A new window will appear that will allow users to adjust the channel name.

If you would like to use the Helix Board 12 Universal as your default audio output device on you PC, simply go into the Windows control panel, and select “Sound and Audio Devices”. Select the Audio tab, and use the pull-down menu to select the Helix Board 12 Universal from the list of available output devices. The Helix Board 12 Universal can also be selected as the default output device for individual programs by editing said programs’ settings / options.

CUBASE LE 4

Cubase LE 4 is a fairly powerful digital audio workstation program provided along with the Helix Board 12 Universal mixer that allows users to record, edit, delete, and alter their tracks. Please note that only 8 tracks can be recorded at once with the version of

Cubase included, and users must upgrade or find other suitable

DAW software if they choose to record more tracks.

Installation

Insert the Cubase LE installation CD that came with your mixer into the CD drive of your computer. Run the installer. When the installation is complete, run Cubase and follow the onscreen instructions to activate the program. Users must sign up to Steinberg’s MySteinberg service to obtain an activation code.

Setup

After successfully completing the installation process, the following process must be followed to work efficiently with the

Helix Board 12 Universal mixer.

1.Open the Cubase LE program.

2.Go to the ‘Devices’ pull-down menu and select ‘Device Setup’. On the left, select ‘VST Multitrack’.

3.From the ASIO Driver drop-down list select the “Phonic

ASIO Driver”. A pop-up box will ask you if you want to switch the ASIO driver. Click ‘Switch’. This completes the basic installation and setup.

4.To activate audio tracks received from the Helix Board mixer, complete the following two steps.

a.Go to the “devices” pull-down menu and select ‘VST Inputs’. This will display the various inputs (“HB 12 U Ch 1”, “HB 12 U Ch 2”, etc.)

b.Activate 8 of these channels by clicking the “Active” button located next to each channel name. Please note, only

8 input channels can be activated at any one time. This is a limitation of Cubase LE, and if more input channels are needed, we suggest upgrading to a higher version of

Cubase, or use other DAW software.

5.For further instructions on the operation of Cubase, please consult the user manual by pressing F1 while the program is open.

If you wish to reset the Helix Board 12 Universal ASIO driver for any reason, simply go to the ‘devices’ pull-down menu and select ‘device setup’. Click “reset” and select the “Phonic ASIO Driver.”

Click ‘ok’ to continue and the connection to the Helix Board 12

Universal should reset.

HELIX BOARD CONTROL PANEL

The Helix Board Universal control panel can be accessed at any time by entering choosing the shortcut from your Programs menu. This program will not only allow users to alter their device and channel names and properties, but will also let them correct for latency issues, change sampling rates, and so forth. When opening the software, a number of options will be available for users to select from, allowing them to adjust the available properties.

Devices

In the Devices section, users are able to view and edit the name of the Phonic Devices connected to their computer.

Input Channels

The Input Channels section allows users to view and edit the name of the various input channels received from the FireWire

/ USB input. For a list of default channel names, please consult the table on the previous page.

HELIX BOARD 12 UNIVERSAL

13

Output Channels

By entering the Output Channels section, users can view and edit the names of the two output channels from the computer to the Helix Board 12 Universal mixer.

Synchronization

In the Synchronization section, users can adjust the sampling rate and other synchronization properties. Many of these adjustable properties, as they are, are set for optimum performance and, unless you are sure of what you need to change, are probably best left alone. First off, the synch mode can be altered, though making this alteration is not recommended for novice users.

The synch mode is basically the way the computer determines what the ‘clock source’ (ie. device that your computer will use to determine the timing of all digital signals received) will be. The default setting for this feature is “CSP”, meaning the Helix Board 12 Universal is the “master” clock source of the device. The other options allow users to make the Helix Board 12 Universal follow the “timing” of whichever device is the clock source. Having two clock sources has the potential to create very undesirable audio, so it should be avoided. If the Helix Board 12 Universal is the only piece of digital audio equipment attached to the computer, there is no reason this option should be changed.

Users are also able to change between automatic and manual sampling rate settings. When the sampling rate is manually set, users can select between sampling rates of 44.1, 48.0, 88.2 and 96.0 kHz per second. Many devices have sampling rates that do not surpass 44.1 kHz per second, therefore, when using multiple digital devices, users are advised not to exceed this level unless they are sure the secondary device’s sampling rate can.

Settings

Users are able to adjust various buffer times in the Settings section.

The Stream Buffer Depth is adjustable between 0.5 and 20 milliseconds. It adjusts the buffer used when streaming a signal from the Helix Board 12 Universal. If the depth is set too high, an obvious latency will become evident. If the depth is too low, various clicks and pops may become obvious. It is best to set the Stream Buffer Depth to a level that allows users to get the lowest latency, while still maintaining an optimal performance.

The default settings are ideal for most computers.

The ASIO Buffer Depth is adjustable between 4 and 40 milliseconds. This allows users to adjust the latency of the stream received by ASIO driver-based software (including Steinberg

Cubase LE).

The WDM (Windows Driver Model) Sound Buffer Depth is adjustable between 4 and 40 milliseconds. This allows users to adjust the latency of the stream received by WDM based programs.

Also in this section, users are able to view their “drop out statistics”, where the number of times the FireWire / USB connection has been interrupted can be viewed.

Streams

In the Streams section, the Helix Board 12 Universal device properties can be viewed. Each input and output stream can be scrutinized, and the isochronous stream number and its supported sampling rates can be viewed.

14	HELIX BOARD 12 UNIVERSAL

SPECIFICATIONS

	Inputs
	Total channels	6
	Balanced Mono Mic/Line channel	4
	Balanced Stereo Line Channel	2
	Aux return	2 stereo
	2T input	Stereo RCA
	Outputs
	Main L/R stereo	2 x 1/4" TRS, Bal.
	ALT 3-4	2 x 1/4" TRS, Bal.
	Rec out with trim control	Stereo RCA
	CTRL RM L/R	2 x 1/4" TS
	Phones	1
	FireWire / USB 2.0 Interface	10 in & 2 out, 24-bit / 96 kHz
	Channel Strips	6
	Insert Points	2
	Aux send	2
	Pan/Balance control	Yes
	Volume Controls	Rotary
	Master Section
	Stereo AUX returns	2
	Effects return to monitor	1
	Control room/Phones Level Control	Yes
	Faders	Main L/R, 60mm fader
	Metering
	Number of channels	2
	Segments	8
	Phantom Power Supply	+48VDC
	Switches	Master
	Effect processor	100 programs plus tap delay; foot switch
		(effect on/off, tap)
	Frequency Response (Mic input to any output)
	20Hz ~ 60KHz	+0/-1 dB
	20Hz ~ 100KHz	+0/-3 dB
	Crosstalk (1KHz @ 0dBu, 20Hz to 20KHz bandwidth, channel in to main L/R outputs)
	Channel fader down, other channels at unity	<-90 dB
	Noise (20Hz~20KHz; measured at main output, Channels 1-4 unit gain; EQ flat; all channels on main mix;
	channels 1/3 as far left as possible, channels 2/4 as far right as possible. Reference=+6dBu)
	Master @ unity, channel fader down	-86.5 dBu
	Master @ unity, channel fader @ unity	-84 dBu
	S/N ration, ref to +4	>90 dB
	Microphone Preamp E.I.N.	<-129.5 dBm
	(150 ohms terminated, max gain)
	THD (Any output, 1KHz @ +14dBu, 20Hz to 20KHz,	<0.005%
	channel inputs)
	CMRR (1 KHz @ -60dBu, Gain at maximum)	80 dB
	HELIX BOARD 12 UNIVERSAL	15

	Maximum Level
	Mic preamp input		+10 dBu
	All other input		+22 dBu
	Balanced output		+28 dBu
	Impedance
	Mic preamp input		2 K ohms
	All other input (except insert)		10 K ohms
	RCA 2T output		1.1 K ohms
	Equalization		3-band, +/-15 dB
	Low EQ		80 Hz
	Mid EQ		2.5 KHz
	Hi EQ		12 KHz
	Low cut filter		75Hz (-18dB/oct)
	Power Requirement		100VAC, 120VAC, 220~240VAC, 50/60Hz
	(external power supply, depends on region)
	Net Weight		6.4 lbs (2.9 kg)
	Dimensions (WxHxD)		245.4x86x271.3 mm (9.7"x3.4"x10.7")

16	HELIX BOARD 12 UNIVERSAL