Information contained in this document is not guaranteed and is subject to
change without notice or obligation, and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Renegade Labs, Inc.
Company Information
Renegade Labs, Inc.
P.O. Box 86
Cedar Ridge, California 95924
United States of America
Index ......................................................................................................................... 97
Page 4
About this Operator’s Guide
Welcome to the Blue|328 and Blue 328|MXE digital audio mixers! The
Blue|328 and the Blue 328|MXE operations are exactly the same other
than the Blue 328|MXE includes the ability to transfer registers to and
from a USB memory device. This Operator’s Guide refers to all
operations as Blue|328 with the exception of the section pertaining to the
Blue 328|MXE USB register management.
Note
To get up and running immediately, please consult the JumpStart Guide.
For detailed installation information, for example how to add input or
output modules to your mixer, please consult the Installation Guide.
This Operator’s Guide covers the following subjects:
•Overviews
•Control Descriptions
Operator’s Guide
•LCD View and Menu Descriptions
•System adjustments and Information Display
•Fader Assignments
•Applying Audio Effects
•Monitoring Control
•Memory Save/Recall
•USB Register Management for Blue 328|MXE only.
This guide also includes an appendix containing some installation details
you may need to refer to from time to time.
About this Operator’s GuidePage 5
Renegade Labs Blue|328
Overview of the Blue|328 Mixer
Overview of the Blue|328
The Blue|328 digital audio mixer is designed for use in professional audio
for video applications. NLE edit suites, Telecine bays, Mobile Trucks, and
similar applications benefit greatly from the wealth of capabilities provided
by the Blue|328.
Note
The Blue|328 is a self-contained standalone mixer whereas the Blue
328|MXE has a separate audio engine chassis connected to a separate
Blue control panel via a Ethernet cable. All input and output functionality
is the same between the two products.
Inputs and Mixing
Optional input modules allow up to 32 audio inputs. Four slots on the
back of the mixer accept either analog (4 or 6 channel) or digital (8
channel) input modules, for a maximum of 32 channels. The mixer can
actively mix up to 16 channels of these inputs simultaneously, and send
them out over eight program output buses. Eight more program,
monitoring, or meter outputs can be added with an optional output
module.
Monitoring
The Blue|328 has eight analog monitor outputs and a headphone output.
Any combination of the program bus, solo bus, or record-returns can be
selected for listening on the monitor and/or headphone outputs.
Display
An LCD display allows mixer configuration and signal characteristics to be
viewed. In addition, a unique, user-friendly system of menus and variablefunction buttons provides basic fader setup and extensive audio effects to
be applied. This system allows a great deal of functionality to be placed in
a small, space-saving console.
Loudness Monitoring
The Blue|328 includes the ability to monitor the loudness level of the
audio using using ITU-R BS.1770-2 gated algorithm. The Loudness
Monitoring can either follow the monitoring mode or a custom set-up can
be created.
Feature Summary
•Accepts analog or digital audio.
Page 6 Overview of the Blue|328 Mixer
Operator’s Guide
•Digital inputs may be AES or SD/HD SDI (serial digital with embedded
audio).
•Accepts up to 32 input channels with optional input modules.
•Mixes 16 channels simultaneously.
•Has eight program outputs.
•Loudness Monitoring using ITU-R BS.1770-2 gated algorithm.
•Has eight highly configurable monitor and stereo headphone outputs.
•Optional output module can be added for additional program, monitor,
or meter outputs.
•Has powerful LCD menu system with space-saving variable-function
buttons for fader setup and applying audio effects.
About the Blue|328
The Blue|328 is operated manually. The following figure shows a typical
Blue|328 installation in a non-linear edit suite.
Figure 1. Blue|328 in Video Edit Suite
Overview of the Blue|328 MixerPage 7
Renegade Labs Blue|328
Blue|328 Audio Block Diagram
The following diagram represents the audio flow through the Blue|328
Digital Audio Mixer.
Figure 2. Flowchart for Blue|328
Page 8 Overview of the Blue|328 Mixer
Control Descriptions
Control Panel Overview
The control panel provides access to the many features of the mixer.
Intelligent software helps cut down on the number of button presses you
need to get the job done. Buttons with multiple functions expand the
mixer’s capability.
This section provides a quick look at the control panel of the Blue|328.
The sections that follow describe the controls in more detail.
The Blue|328 Control Panel Layout
Operator’s Guide
Figure 3. Blue|328 Control Panel Layout
Control DescriptionsPage 9
Renegade Labs Blue|328
Display Controls
Figure 4. Display Controls
The Display Controls include the LCD display, supported by buttons and
knobs that allow you to navigate through and make selections within the
Views and Menus that appear on the display. The Views and Menus allow
you to keep track of how your mixer is set up, View characteristics of
input signals, make changes to your mixer’s setup, and apply effects to
audio (also see “Introducing Views and Menus” on page 18).
System Menu Button
Pressing this button brings up the System Menus on the LCD display.
System Menus are for making system-wide changes and for Viewing
certain kinds of system information (also see “Introducing Views and
Menus” on page 18). The Menu button is a toggle switch; pressing it
again exits the System Menus.
Soft Buttons
These four buttons are used for making selections on Views and Menus,
as shown in the example below. These are named “soft” buttons because
their functions change according which View or Menu is displayed. The
position of each corresponds to one of the virtual buttons (soft keys) in
the display.
Soft Knobs
The two rotary soft knobs (upper and lower) are used to change
parameters in many of the display menus, as shown in the example
below. These are named “soft” knobs because their functions change
according which menu is displayed.
Page 10 Control Descriptions
Operator’s Guide
Monitor Control Section
Figure 5. Monitor Controls
The Monitor controls allow you to precisely configure your monitoring
environment.
Monitor Knob
The Monitor Knob is for setting the monitor output level. Turning the knob
clockwise raises the output level; turning the knob counterclockwise
lowers the output level.
Calibration LED
The Calibration LED indicates when the monitor output level is at unity.
The Monitor Knob's reference indicator line also points at the Calibration
LED when at unity.
MUTE button
The MUTE button mutes all eight monitor outputs when pressed.
Pressing the MUTE button again un-mutes the monitor outputs.
MODE Button
The MODE button allows you to select or set up various monitor output
matrix configurations (modes) using the Monitor Mode Menu (See
“Setting up the Monitor Mode” on page 72). The modes determine how
the eight program outputs are routed to the eight monitor outputs.
Note
The level of the headphone output is independent of the Monitor knob
setting or MUTE button state. See “Adjusting the Headphone Output“ on
page 31 for more information regarding the headphone output.
Control DescriptionsPage 11
Renegade Labs Blue|328
SOLO Button
On the Blue|328, the SOLO button allows you to monitor one or more
selected faders separately from the entire mix. The program outputs are
not affected.
When pressed, normal monitoring is interrupted and the solo mode is
entered. The Select buttons are used to select which fader(s) will be
monitored. The SOLO button is toggle on/off; pressing it again will exit the
solo mode and return normal program output monitoring.
Note
The solo output routing follows fader output routing.
SOLO will override the Record Return monitoring when enable. Refer to
“Assigning Record Returns“ on page 30 for additional information.
•Also see “Setting Up Solo bus Monitoring” on page 71.
Button, Pan, and Fader Rows
Select Button Row
The Select buttons are for selecting individual faders for performing a
function, for example adding equalization to a fader’s audio. There is one
Select Button for each fader. For detail, see “Fader Strips” on page 12.
Program Button Row
The Program buttons are used to place faders’ audio on the program
output bus to which the fader has been assigned. There is one Program
button for each fader. For detail, see “Fader Strips on page 12.
Pan Pot Row
All fader inputs are stereo, so each fader has a pan pot to adjust the
fader’s audio signal between two assigned output channels. For detail,
see “Fader Strips” on page 12.
Faders Row
There are eight stereo faders for adjusting audio gain. The faders are
numbered 1 through 8 beginning from the left. For detail, see “Fader
Strips on page 12.
Fader Strips
A fader strip comprises a fader, a unity LED, a Pan Pot, a Program
button, and a Select button.
Page 12 Control Descriptions
Operator’s Guide
Figure 6. Fader Strip
Fader
The fader adjusts the output audio level of its stereo inputs. The fader
can adjust the output level from +9dB to -
any input, can be routed to any of the Program outputs, and can be
panned between its two audio channels. The signal through the faders
can be compressed/expanded, equalized, delayed, phase reversed, gain
trimmed, or set to a clean feed (unmodified) for dubbing purposes.
Unity LED
The Unity LED lights up when the fader is set at unity gain.
During Memory Recalls, the Unity LED has these functions:
•The Unity LED is red when the physical position does not match the
audio position.
•The Unity LED is yellow when the audio level is at unity.
•The Unity LED is off when the physical position matches the audio
position and the audio level is not at unity.
Pan Pot
. Each fader is assignable to
∞
The pan pot allows you to adjust the fader’s audio output between the
odd and even output buses. Because any input can be routed to any of
Control DescriptionsPage 13
Renegade Labs Blue|328
the eight output buses, the behavior this seemingly simple pan can be
complicated.
As an example, consider the usual case where output bus 1 is the left
monitor output and output bus 2 is the right monitor output. Suppose the
left input is routed to output bus 1 only, and the right input is selected on
bus 2 only. Turning the pan knob fully counterclockwise would yield only
left input audio from the left speaker. With the pan knob fully clockwise,
we would hear only right input audio from the right speaker.
However, if you route the left input channel of the fader to output bus 2
and the right input channel to output bus 1, the pan pot may behave
differently than you expect. Turning the pan knob fully counterclockwise
yields the right input channel only in the left speaker. This is due to the
right input channel being routed to the odd numbered output channel.
Since the pan knob works based on the assigned output channels,
whichever source is routed to the odd output channels is what is heard.
Turning the pan knob fully clockwise yields the left input channel only in
the right speaker. This is due to the left input channel being routed to the
even numbered output channel. Since the pan knob works based on the
assigned output channels, whichever source is routed to the even output
channels is what is heard.
Program Button
The Program button places the fader’s output onto the program bus. The
specific program outputs on which the fader’s channels will appear is
determined by the output routing for the fader. See “Setting Up Fader
Output Routing “on page 53.
The Program button is toggle on/off. The Program button indicates that its
associated fader is on the Program bus by lighting up.
Select Button
The Select button has various functions with regard to its associated
fader, for example:
•Selecting the fader for certain operations, for example applying audio
effects.
•Bringing up menus for making changes to the fader’s audio input
signals.
If no input is assigned to the fader, pressing the Select button
brings up the Input Assignment Menu on the display.
If the fader has inputs assigned to it, the Select button accesses
the various menus, with the Route Menu as the default menu.
The Select button is a toggle on/off. When the Select button is active, it is
illuminated.
Note
De-selecting the Select button in a menu sequence often is equivalent to
pressing the enter key on a pc. It can cause changes to be accepted.
Page 14 Control Descriptions
Operator’s Guide
Master Fader
The Master Fader is used for adjusting the overall gain of all eight
Program outputs. The gain settings of individual faders are not affected
by the Master Fader.
Figure 7. Master Fader
The Master Fader range is from 0dB (unity) to -∞. The Master Fader has
no unity LED, since bringing the fader all the way to the top of its travel is
unity.
When the master fader is set to 0dB (the top of its travel), the program
output audio will be at unity gain with respect to the levels from individual
faders.
When the Master Fader is brought down, the program output gain will be
reduced by the amount of fader attenuation. The individual faders’
respective gain settings will follow. In other words, if fader #1 is set to
+6dB and the Master Fader is set to -3dB, fader #1’s actual output level
will be +3dB.
Note
The Master Fader will not effect faders that are set to Clean Feed Mode.
See “Enabling Clean Feed“ on page 68 for more information.
Control DescriptionsPage 15
Renegade Labs Blue|328
Multi-Function Keypad
Figure 8. Multi-Function Keypad
The Multi-function Keypad is a set of buttons that is available for use in
many operations. Here are some examples:
•Headphone output bus routing
•Fader input assignment
•Program output routing
•Monitor routing and configuration
•Memory save/recall
The Multi-function Keypad provides a means for making selections and
for indicating the presence of audio on specific channels.
The Multi-function Keypad is laid out to correspond with the input module
slots, labeled A, B, C, and D on the rear panel of the mixer. Small
buttons that light represent the possible stereo channels (1/2, 3/4, etc.)
In addition, the keypad is numbered down its middle with numerals 1
through 8, for using the keypad to indicate or select program outputs.
Page 16 Control Descriptions
Operator’s Guide
Figure 9. Multi-function Keypad Layout
The multi-function keypad may be used in conjunction with the Select
buttons to indicate (or designate) which audio channels are applied to a
fader. When the Select button for an individual fader is pressed, the audio
assigned to it will be indicated on the multi-function keypad. The system
menus must be closed for this to occur.
Note
In some applications, the Multi-function Keypad may be used differently
than described above. Such uses will be described in the related
procedures.
Control DescriptionsPage 17
Renegade Labs Blue|328
Introducing Views and Menus
The LCD screen on the Blue|328 can display control panel configurations
and many signal conditions. It can also display menus that allow you to
make changes. There are two types of displays, Views and Menus.
Views vs. Menus
Views
Views are displays that show the current status of the mixer. They do not
provide a way to make changes. See the example below.
Figure 10. View Example, Meter View
This example displays the audio signal levels for each Program output.
Menus
Menus are displays that allow you to not only View status, but also make
changes. See the example below.
Figure 11. Menu example, Digital Audio Menu
The example above allows you to select the audio sample rate.
There are three sets of menus in the Blue|328.
•System Menus. These generally allow you to change global settings
as well as observe certain system information. System Menus are
activated using the MENU button on the control panel.
•Select Button Menus. These generally allow you to make fader-
specific settings, such as applying audio effects to the signals through
a fader. The Select Button Menus are described in the procedures
where they are used. Select Button Menus are activated using the
SELECT buttons associated with the faders.
Page 18 Introducing Views and Menus
Operator’s Guide
•Monitor Mode Menus. These allow you to set the output matrix that
feeds the monitor outputs. The Monitor Mode Menus are described in
Setting up the Monitor Mode on page 72. Monitor Mode Menus are
activated by pressing the MODE button in the Monitor section of the
control panel.
Navigating Views and Menus
Basic Navigation
The default display is the Main View (see below).
Figure 12. Main View
Pressing the System Menu button brings up the System Menus,
beginning with the first System Menu screen. Pressing it again returns
you to the Main View. When not in a System Menu, pressing one of the
fader Select buttons places you in the Select Menus.
Using Soft Buttons and Knobs
The Soft Buttons located below the LCD display correspond to “soft
labels” in Views and menus. See below. Use the soft buttons to make
selections within a menu, or to navigate to another display.
Figure 13. Main View with Soft Buttons
Soft Knobs are used to make adjustments or selections in some menus.
See below.
Introducing Views and Menus Page 19
Renegade Labs Blue|328
Figure 14. Example Menu with Soft Knobs
In this menu, frequency is adjusted using the Upper Soft Knob, and gain
is adjusted using the Lower Soft Knob. The position at the right side of the
display, with arrows, indicates that soft knobs are to be used. The vertical
position indicates which soft knob to use.
Page 20 Introducing Views and Menus
LCD Views
This section describes the LCD Views on the Blue|328.
LCD View Tree
The following diagram represents the LCD views on the Blue|328.
Overview
The LCD Views on the Blue|328 allow you to observe the current status of
the entire mixer. No changes to any of the parameters displayed can be
performed in any of the Views. Changes can only be made in Menus
(Views vs. Menus on page 18).
Operator’s Guide
Figure 15. LCD Views
Note
The Main View is the default View for the mixer. If you do not see the
Main View, make sure that all Select buttons are switched off. Or if the
System Menu is displayed, press the MENU button to turn off the System
Menu. The MODE button in the monitor control section could also be
active; switch it off if it is on.
Figure 16. Main View for Blue|328
When the Main View is displayed, these navigation choices appear at the
bottom of the screen:
•Main View
•Route View
•Meter View
•Fader View
Press the soft button corresponding to the desired View to display that
View.
LCD Views Page 21
Renegade Labs Blue|328
Main View
The Main View indicates current status for each of the eight fader strips.
Information shown includes the following:
•Input assignment
•Effects status
•Input levels (pre-fader)
•Pan position
•Monitoring Status
Diagrams of the various indicators are shown below.
Figure 17. Main View for Blue|328
Figure 18. Main View, Fader Detail
Input Level Indicator
The input level indicator, normally a solid black rectangle, moves up and
down with the incoming audio level. The level indicator will invert to an
empty rectangle with a black outline if the incoming audio signal is at full
level and clipping would occur. This indication is shown below:
Figure 19. Main View, Fader Detail: Input Level Indicator
This level is pre-fader and therefore pre-program bus. This allows you to
check whether a source has incoming audio before putting it on the
program bus.
Page 22 LCD Views
Operator’s Guide
Pan Position Indicator
The Pan Position indicator on the Main View shows whether the pan is to
the left or to the right. Following are examples of various indications.
Figure 20. Main View, Pan Indicator Examples
Note
When left and right arrow indicators are both on, the physical position of
the pan pot does not match the audio position. See “Memory
Save/Recall“ on page 80 for additional information.
When controls are moved, the audio position “catches up” until it equals
and remains with the physical position.
Clean Feed Indicator
If Clean Feed is selected on a fader, the effects indicators are replaced
with the words CLEAN FEED.
Figure 21. Main View, Clean Feed
Clean Feed mode disables all audio effects and sets the audio level to
unity, causing the Unity LED on the fader strip to light. Clean feed is
appropriate for dubbing, for example, when you need the level to be unity
and want to pass the audio through the mixer untouched. Refer to
“Enabling Clean Feed” on page 68 for more information regarding Clean
Feed mode.
LCD Views Page 23
Renegade Labs Blue|328
Monitoring Status Indicator
The Monitoring Status indicator shows what the mixer is currently
monitoring on the monitor and headphone outputs.
The Monitoring Status indicator has three possible states:
Figure 22. Main View, Monitoring Status Indicator
•PGM: Indicates that the Program bus is being monitored.
•RECORD: Indicates that the Record Returns are being
monitored.
•SOLO: Indicates that the Solo bus is being monitored.
Note
Refer to section “Assigning Record Returns“ on page 30 for more
information regarding Record Returns.
Refer to section “SOLO Button“ on page 12 for more information
regarding Solo mode.
Page 24 LCD Views
Operator’s Guide
Route View
The Route View shows the current input-to-output routing assignments for
each fader. To access the Route View, press the ROUTE soft button in
any other View.
Note
See “Setting Up Fader Output Routing” on page 53 for information on
how to change fader output routing.
Figure 23. Route View, Blue|328
Figure 24. Route View Detail
The figure above shows the detail for Fader 1’s output routing. The Fader
Channels (L and R) are the two “sides” of the fader, since all faders are
stereo.
The L side of the fader is routed to program outputs 1, 3, 5, and 7. The R
side of the fader is routed to program outputs 2, 4, 6, and 8.
LCD Views Page 25
Renegade Labs Blue|328
Meter View
The Meter View for Blue|328 shows the audio levels for the Program
outputs.
To access the Meter View, press the METER soft button in any other
View.
Note
Since the Meter View encompasses the entire LCD screen, the labels for
the soft buttons are not visible. Press the left-most soft button to return to
the Main View, the second left-most button to select the Route View, or
the right-most button to select the Fader Level View.
Figure 25. Meter View
The meters are peak reading with a 31.25dB/sec decay rate.
Meter View Loudness Monitoring
With Loudness Monitoring enabled the Meter View changes as shown
below.
Figure 26. Meter View with Loudness Monitoring
With Loudness Monitoring enabled the Meter View also now shows the
measured Loudness level in LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale) and the
Peak Level in dBFS. The METER soft-button allows for control of the
Loudness Monitoring with a Pause/Play soft-button:
Pause Soft-button: The Pause soft-button indicates that the Loudness
Measurement is running and when pressed, pauses the Loudness
Measurement
Play Soft-button: The Play soft-button indicates that the Loudness
Measurement is paused and when pressed, starts the Loudness
Measurement running.
Page 26 LCD Views
Operator’s Guide
Reset Loudness Monitoring: To reset the Loudness Monitoring press
and hold the Play soft-button for 3 seconds.
Note
In order for Loudness Monitoring to appear on the Meter View it must first
be enabled from the Loudness Menu. Refer to “Loudness Monitoring“ on
page 47 for more information.
When analyzing the loudness of an audio segment make sure to stop the
Loudness Monitoring with the Pause/Play soft-button so that the loudness
algorithm can create the proper loudness measurement.
The Loudness Monitoring always follows the signals that are feeding the
output meter that you see in the "Meter View”. Refer to “Blue|328 Audio
Block Diagram“ on page 8 for more information.
LCD Views Page 27
Renegade Labs Blue|328
Fader Level View
The Fader Level View displays both the actual audio level in dB for the
faders and monitor knob and it displays the audio offset, the fader and
pan pot physical positions versus actual audio level positions recalled
from memory during a memory recall (refer to “Memory Save/Recall” on
page 80).
To access the Fader Level View, press the FADER soft button on the
Main, Route, or Meter View.
The Fader Level View shows all eight faders and pan pots. Under each
fader vertical bar graph the fader's audio level is shown in dB. The
Monitor level and Master Fader level are shown on the top portion of the
view. The bar graph indicators work as follows:
•The single line in the bar graphs represents the actual audio level and
pan positions. Bar graphs with only a single line indicate that the fader
or pan pot physical position matches the audio position. Fader
channel 1 shows this.
•Vertical bar graphs with a shaded area ending below the single line
indicate a fader level physical position lower than the audio position
(line indicator). Horizontal bar graphs with a shaded area ending to
the left of the single line indicate a pan pot position to the left of the
audio position. Fader channel 2 shows these.
•Vertical bar graphs with a shaded area ending above the single line
indicate a fader level physical position higher than the audio position
(line indicator). Horizontal bar graphs with a shaded area ending to
the right of the single line indicate a pan pot position to the right of the
audio position. Fader channel 3 shows these.
Figure 27. Fader Level View
Note
Audio offset is also indicated by the fader unity LEDs on the fader strips
and the pan pot indicators in the Main View. See “Main View” on page 22
and “Fader Strips” on page 12.
When controls are moved, the audio position “catches up” until it equals
and remains with the physical position.
While holding the FADER soft-button down it is possible to move the
physical position of the faders and pan pots without changing the audio.
This allows the physical position of the faders and pan pots to be resynchronized with the audio levels after a register recall.
Page 28 LCD Views
Operator’s Guide
System Adjustments and Information Display
Overall system adjustments are made using the System Menus.
System Menu Tree
The following diagram represents the System Menu Tree on the Blue|328.
Figure 28. System Menu Tree
Accessing the System Menus
To access the System Menus, press the MENU button on the control
panel.
Figure 29. System Menu, Initial Screen
System Adjustments and Information DisplayPage 29
Renegade Labs Blue|328
To access the next screen, which provides additional navigation via the
soft labels at the bottom of the display, press the MORE soft button. The
current selection of menus are highlighted with the rectangle.
As a general rule, while in the System Menu you can exit the menu and
save your changes by simply pressing the control panel MENU button
again.
Assigning Record Returns
Record returns are outputs of a recordable device after the results of
mixing have been recorded. These can be monitored for quality
assurance.
The REC Menu, in conjunction with the Multi-function Keypad, is used to
select which inputs feed the record returns. Up to four record return input
pairs (8 channels) may be designated.
Note
The record returns are set at unity gain with no audio effects (audio delay,
equalization, dynamics, etc.). The output routing follows the inputs (input
pair 1 feeds monitor outputs 1 & 2, input pair 2 feeds monitor outputs 3 &
4, etc.).
Figure 30. REC Menu for Record Returns
Note in the menu above that Record Return 1 is highlighted; this indicates
that the select button for that pair is on and is in the process of assigning
inputs.
To assign record returns:
Select buttons 1-4 and the Multi-function Keypad are used for assigning
inputs to record return channels. The keypad is used to assign inputs; its
buttons light up to indicate which inputs are available (which depends on
the input modules that are installed in the mixer).
1. Make sure the SOLO button is off.
2. Press the MENU button to bring up the System Menu.
3. Press REC to bring up the REC Menu.
4. Select a record return channel using Select buttons 1 through 4.
5. Press the MONITOR soft button to feed the Monitor matrix with the
record returns. When MONITOR is enabled the MONITOR button will
appear in reversed video.
6. Use the Multi-function Keypad to select two inputs for the record
return channel.
7. Press the EXIT soft button to exit the REC Menu.
Page 30 System Adjustments and Information Display
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