Solid State Logic C200 HD User Manual

www.solid-state-logic.com

C200 HD. This is SSL.

C200 HD. Broadcast.

The in-line digital production
console for broadcast

www.solid-state-logic.com

C200 HD. This is SSL.

Broadcast/live production

C200 HD builds on the broadcast benefits of SSL’s award-winning
C-Series technology. It adds a range of broadcast-specific features, and
components designed with scalability, reliability and fault tolerance in
mind. C200 HD is the latest in a long line of successful digital production
consoles, which are in daily use for Mono, Stereo and 5.1 HDTV
productions with internationally renowned networks such as CBS,
Radio France and NTV Tokyo.

Audio quality

As with all Solid State Logic consoles, audio quality is a primary
consideration. The C200 HD benefits from SSL’s proprietary Centuri
processing platform which is optimised for DVD Audio performance.
48kHz and (optionally) 96kHz operation are available.

Each channel provides digital equalisers, filters and dynamics. Unlike
some other systems, these are available at all times and not allocated
from a pool.

Scalable, future-proof solutions

The C200 HD provides flexible channel configurations; with
up to 256 control surface faders. Huge I/O capacity allows
up to 512 analogue, AES or MADI I/O and 60 GPIs all from
SSL’s Centuri core.

The C200 HD delivers large amounts of mixing capacity whilst saving on
rack space and reducing installation costs.

Remote microphone sources may be handled using compact and
lightweight remote controlled mic amps, connected via interference-free
fibre links. For some customers this technology has provided enormous
cost efficiencies allowing a single studio to support productions from
multiple venues. Channel DSP and I/O configurations are easily
expandable for dealing with changes in future production requirements.

Resilience

• Secure SSL proprietary design provides freedom from reliance
upon third party systems and complete control over all elements of
the system.

• Self-healing DSP automatically recovers from fault conditions,
with internal confidence monitoring alerting users to a potential
problem immediately.

• Redundant power supply, DSP and fibre-link options, provide proven
line production security.

• Fast recovery times, with a complete re-initialisation of software and
hardware occurring in seconds, and control surface reset without

audio interruption.

• Fault-tolerant and self diagnostic front panel design.

The C200 HD is an advanced digital production console that
delivers SSL sonic excellence and all of the operational
advantages of a digital console with a familiar in-line control
surface and mix system.

Console Overview Advanced Hardware Control Surface

Integrated Digital Routing Control

• Routing to channel inputs, setting mic input
parameters and assigning mix busses, is handled
centrally for speed and convenience.

• Routes may be made individually or in arrays,
providing fast setup tools for changing inputs, or
for assigning ranges of channels to bus outputs.

Resource Rich

• 48 Multitrack plus 12 Main busses are available
for generating groups and mix minus feeds.

• Independent pre and post fader direct outputs
per channel provide additional send capacity.

• 2 simultaneous final mix outputs
(5.1 and Stereo).

• 24 x 12 Effects return/Stem returns matrix.

• 12 Auxiliary busses with the option of re­purposing multitrack busses 25-48 as
additional aux busses with full control from
the channel strip.

Flexible In-line Architecture

• Classic in-line signal flow, ideal for handling live
productions with simultaneous recording.

• Both small and large faders may feed the main
busses simultaneously, to double the input
capacity of the mix.

• Feed main and/or multitrack busses
independently from small and large fader paths
to generate multichannel groups and/or mix
minus outputs.

Custom
Metering

• Options include
analogue VU or
PPM and digital
phasescopes.

Comprehensive 5.1 and
Stereo Monitoring

• Two 5.1 Main, two stereo mini and separate PFL
monitor outputs provide a number of options for
studio monitoring.

• Simultaneous Mains and Minis may be enabled to
provide constant monitoring of main programme
plus additional sources (e.g. the PFL bus).

• Two 12-way external monitor selectors may be
linked to provide 24 monitor inputs, each with
input level trim.

• Monitor inserts are provided for surround
encoder/decoder returns.

Status Lock for
‘On Air’ Security

• Status Lock disables
potentially destructive
console functions such as
Solo-in-place, Dynamic
Automation and console
status changes.

Flexible Mono and
Stereo Channels

• Any channel strip may be
configured for mono or
stereo operation providing
flexible console layouts
stored and recalled on a
production basis.

• Mono L and Mono R buttons
for dealing with unexpected
changes to a stereo source.

• Stereo channels also feature
input balance, independent
mic gain and panning width
control.

• M/S Decode is also available
on stereo channels with
variable mix.

Comprehensive
Communications

• Built-in Oscillator and Talkback
microphone with level and frequency
controls.

• 3 stereo Foldback and Studio
Loudspeaker feeds with individual or
global talkback switching.

• Red light switching.

• Any large fader, channel RECORD
button or centre section macro may be
programmed to fire GPI functions such
as machine starts, cue lights, etc.

Central Control Screen and
Trackball/Keyboard Interface

• Console setup and information

displays appear on the central
control screen.

• The trackball and console keyboard

(wireless) are used to enter
information and control features
such as UltiPan

TM

.

• The screen may be switched to a

second input, for example to view a
workstation when running a live
show and recording.

Audio Master Controls

• Master AFL, level and routing control
for audio master such as auxes and
groups are handled centrally from
the Master Audio Control Panel.

• Aux Masters and FX Returns may be
assigned to and from outboard
effects devices in one operation.

Dedicated Processing and Control

Dedicated channel strips provide fast ‘hands on’ mixing, a clear overview
of all console settings, and a familiar operational interface. Dedicated DSP
is available for all channels at all times and not allocated from a pool.

Channel strip features include:

• Input gain control

• Compressor/Limiter and Gate/Expander - featuring dedicated metering

and sidechain keying

• High and low pass filters - available for the main channel path or

dynamics sidechain

• 4-band Equaliser section - featuring a choice of EQ profiles

including SSL’s 4000 ‘G’ and ‘E’ Series and notch filter for dealing
with problem sources

• Copy and Presets - for fast copying of settings between channels, and

recalling favourite settings

• Insert Point - with ‘Mix Align’ for automatic latency compensation

• 12 Auxiliary sends - feature odd/even stereo linking and ‘Aux to Fader’

control, for setting up fast foldback mixes or effects sends

• Channel banking - fast access to more channels of processing

• GROUP/TAPE monitor path selection

• RECORD button - for track arming or may fire external GPI functions such

as machine starts

• Small and large faders - provide flexible in-line routing and control

• Panning - stereo or surround panning with dedicated large and small

fader or front/rear surround panning controls

• AFL and PFL - solos default to AFL, switchable to PFL operation (stereo).

Status Lock protects the console from Solo-in-place operation

• Large fader cassette - featuring motorised fader, snapshot reset

protection controls, 4-character grouping display, input signal meter and
backstop PFL overpress

Clear Visual Feedback

• The Channel Information Displays provide metering for all large and

small fader signal paths on both channel layers across the console.

• The Master Metering Display provides dedicated metering for all

primary console outputs, plus
24 user-programmable meters.

• Neutral colour schemes are designed for comfortable viewing over

long working periods.

Master Sweet Spot Bay

• Bay Swapping allows any bay of 8 channels to
be swapped with a designated central master
bay, giving access to all channels from the
optimum listening position.

• For smaller control surface configurations,
‘virtual bays’ may be swapped with the master
to access all available processing channels.

Servo or VCA-style Fader Grouping Modes

• Operators may choose between ‘Servo’ (moving fader) or ‘VCA style’ fader grouping
modes, according to the type of control they are most comfortable with.

• SSL’s Servo grouping is a true moving fader grouping system, with the ability to
update slave positions as the master fader is moved.

• VCA-style operation, ideal for live operation, allows the engineer to view the
balance and make adjustments to slave faders whilst the group master is closed.

Audio Follow Video (AFV)

• Any of the 32 VCA masters may be externally controlled via GPI inputs.

• Faders are moved between off and previous mix level according to external trigger.

• Fader glide time and grouping are user configurable.

• Global override function inhibits all AFV control.

5.1 ‘Master Compressor’

• In addition to master fader and
insert point, the console’s
programme output features a

5.1 compressor with a choice
of dynamics profiles including
SSL’s 4000 Series ‘Quad Bus’
compressor.

Dynamic Automation
and Machine Control

• Up to four SD & HD machines may be controlled

without an external synchroniser.

• Familiar mix statuses such as Abs, Trim, Snap

and Autotakeover.

• Powerful tools include MIDI parameter

automation, allowing outboard effects settings
to be automated from the console.

Comprehensive Console Reset

• 62 Snapshot memories, with selective recall,

provide balance reset while production is live to
air. For example, to handle an entertainment
show with multiple acts.

• Snapshot sequencing is also provided with

automatic timed transitions between snapshots,
or manual control from a designated fader.

• Projects not only recall channel and centre

section parameters, but input and output
assignments, monitoring formats, automation
modes, etc. This enables the entire console to be
re-configured for different production types in
seconds. For example, to recall a daily
production template.

• Offline setup on an external PC allows

pre-configuration of the C200 HD without
requiring access to the console.

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C200 HD. This is SSL.

Broadcast Features

Service and support

• Hot-swap fader cassettes for transparent servicing.

• Front panel design allows access to all serviceable parts from the
front of the console.

• Quick-release component mechanisms for simple maintenance.

• Local and remote diagnostics for real-time monitoring and
troubleshooting tools from any location.

• SSL service and support.

Mobile configurations

Fit 48 channel strips (105 faders) across 2.34m (92")
with the C200 HD Mobile

For easy installation into remote vehicles, the C200 HD ‘Mobile’
console reduces the overall width of the desk by 387mm, and enables
48 channel strips to fit across the width of any standard truck. To
achieve this, the standard dual width centre section is reduced to
single width.

The TFT display, trackball, keyboard and custom metering are mounted
externally, and key control functions condensed into the single width
section. Each bay of the C200 HD Mobile is 334mm wide, bringing the
total width for 48 faders plus mobile centre section to 2341mm
including 3mm for thin end trim.

Broadcast specific operation includes:

• Simultaneous Mains, Minis and PFL monitoring for complex
production management.

• Status Lock for disabling potentially destructive console functions
such as Solo-in-place, Dynamic Automation and console
status changes.

• In-line architecture provides large amounts of channel, mix minus,
clean feed and multi-track send flexibility.

• Integrated digital routing for fast and efficient source handling, and
selective reset control provides the ability to handle complex
production requirements.

• Freely assignable mono and stereo channels for flexible
console layouts.

• Mono Left and Mono Right enable the operator to react quickly to
unexpected changes in a stereo feed.

• Backstop PFL enables the operator to pre-fade listen any input by
simply pulling back on the channel fader.

• Dedicated signal level meter on every large fader for clear visibility
of signal presence.

Weight and rack space savings

Weight savings are made through careful front panel construction and
the opportunity to remove the console’s legs and use mounting beams
for support. All Channel and Mix DSP, I/O and GPI options are
contained within a single 15U rack-mounted Centuri core. Remote
controlled stageboxes handle either 24 or 48 mic inputs per unit, with
interference-free multimode fibre optic connections to the truck.

Essential Production Features

Flexible frame configurations provide extensive mixing capacity from a
compact control surface

• Virtual Bays access all processing channels by swapping ‘hidden’

channels into the sweet spot master bay.

• Frame customisation options enable DAWs to be housed within the

console frame for an ergonomic mixing/editing solution.

Integrated machine control removes the need for an external
synchroniser system

• 4-port SD & HD machine control system with advanced control and offset

options.

• Dedicated timecode memories provide fast autolocation to any point in

the scene.

• Trackball, keyboard and video switching from console to DAW enables

the operator to move seamlessly between mixing and editing operations.

Scene-based automation, designed for mixing to picture

• Non-linear dynamic automation enables the operator to write moves at

any speed.

• Join allows you to easily rehearse and write settings for a scene.

• Off-line editing functions provide tools for dealing with scene

re-ordering or removal.

• Project re-configuration enables mixes to be switched in seconds.

Multi-format channels, bussing and monitoring for
multi-stem applications

• Parameter linking across multiple channels allows processing to be

applied simultaneously across all legs of a multi-channel source,
e.g. 5.1 stem.

• Unique PanPoint

™

operation provides precise surround panning control.

• 5.1 and stereo monitoring system, with external source summing to

combine Music, Dialogue and Effects stems.

Variable sample rate support provides operation at pull-up or
pull-down frequencies

• Operate at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz or 96kHz, or any 0.1% pull-up/

pull-down derivative.

• All digital I/O are fitted with 24-bit sample rate conversion to handle

multiple sample rates.

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Solid State Logic

International HQ: Begbroke, Oxford, England OX5 1RU · Tel [phone] · Email [e-mail]
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© 2008 by Solid State Logic. All Rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions.

SSoolliidd SSttaattee LLooggiicc

and

SSSSLL

are trademarks of Solid State Logic.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether mechanical or electronic,
without the written permission of Solid State Logic, Oxford, England. Solid State Logic has a policy of continual product enhancement and reserves the right to alter
specifications without notice. E&OE. 01.03.08

C200 HD. This is SSL.

Sound Creators Inc, Japan Fox, USA

With demand for television programmes and DVD content on the
increase, SCi felt it was time to upgrade its main vehicle so that
it was better placed to cope with 5.1 surround sound
productions. The C200 HD was an ideal console choice because
it is very compact and can be tailored to fit into small spaces
such as a mobile studio.

The Fox on-air promotion department is a high-volume
production group that creates hundreds of promos per week.
Their C200s are integrated with hard disk editing systems to
provide a truly re-settable random access environment.
Reliability and efficiency are essential to producing this volume
of production output.

Physical and Environmental Specification

Max Height 1124mm (44.25")

Max Width (see diagram)
Each channel bay adds 334mm (13.15")
End trim adds 128mm (5.04")

Max Depth 1144mm (45.04")

Height Adjustment ±22.5mm (±0.9")
Weight (48 channels) ~354kg (~780lbs)
Each (inc. centre) adds ~40kg (~88lbs)

Legs add ~33kg (~73lbs)
Power (40ch with 100-240V AC) < 1.2kW
Continuous (dependent on frame size)
Cooling Method Convection (silent)