Soundcraft COMPACT USER GUIDE
USER GUIDEUSER GUIDE
USER GUIDE
USER GUIDEUSER GUIDE
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ARRANTY AND SAFETY GUIDEARRANTY AND SAFETY GUIDE
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ARRANTY AND SAFETY GUIDE
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ARRANTY AND SAFETY GUIDEARRANTY AND SAFETY GUIDE
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Safety Symbol GuideSafety Symbol Guide
Safety Symbol Guide
Safety Symbol GuideSafety Symbol Guide
Approvals and NoticeApprovals and Notice
Approvals and Notice
Approvals and NoticeApprovals and Notice
WarrantyWarranty
Warranty
WarrantyWarranty
ImporImpor
Impor
ImporImpor
CautionsCautions
Cautions
CautionsCautions
WarningsWarnings
Warnings
WarningsWarnings
InstallationInstallation
Installation
InstallationInstallation
PrecautionsPrecautions
Precautions
PrecautionsPrecautions
tant Safety Instrtant Safety Instr
tant Safety Instr
tant Safety Instrtant Safety Instr
uctionsuctions
uctions
uctionsuctions
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2
22
33
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44
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SAFETY SYMBOL GUIDESAFETY SYMBOL GUIDE
SAFETY SYMBOL GUIDE
SAFETY SYMBOL GUIDESAFETY SYMBOL GUIDE
For your own safety and to avoid invalidation of the warranty all text marked with these symbols
should be read carefully.
CAUTIONS
The lightning flash with square symbol, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of un-insulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock
to persons.
WARNINGS
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.
NOTES
Contain important information and useful tips on the operation
of your equipment.
HEADPHONES SAFETY WARNING
Contain important information and useful tips on
headphone outputs and monitoring levels.
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IMPORTANT
Please read this manual carefully before connecting your mixer
to the mains for the first time.
© Harman International Industries Ltd. 2003 All rights reserved
Parts of the design of this product may be protected by worldwide patents.
Part No. ZM0293-03 Issue:1.5
Soundcraft is a trading division of Harman International Industries Ltd. Information in this manual
is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor.
Soundcraft shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of information
or any error contained in this manual.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form
or by any means, electronic, electrical, mechanical, optical, chemical, including photocopying
and recording, for any purpose without the express written permission of Soundcraft.
Harman International Industries Limited
Cranborne House
Cranborne Road
POTTERS BAR
Hertfordshire
EN6 3JN
UK
Tel: +44 (0)1707 665000
Fax: +44 (0)1707 660742
http://www.soundcraft.com
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ARRANTYARRANTY
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ARRANTY
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ARRANTYARRANTY
1 Soundcraft is a trading division of Harman International Industries Ltd.
End User means the person who first puts the equipment into regular operation.
Dealer means the person other than Soundcraft (if any) from whom the End User purchased the
Equipment, provided such a person is authorised for this purpose by Soundcraft or its accredited
Distributor.
Equipment means the equipment supplied with this manual.
2 If within the period of twelve months from the date of delivery of the Equipment to the End User
it shall prove defective by reason only of faulty materials and/or workmanship to such an extent
that the effectiveness and/or usability thereof is materially affected the Equipment or the
defective component should be returned to the Dealer or to Soundcraft and subject to the
following conditions the Dealer or Soundcraft will repair or replace the defective components.
Any components replaced will become the property of Soundcraft.
3 Any Equipment or component returned will be at the risk of the End User whilst in transit (both to
and from the Dealer or Soundcraft) and postage must be prepaid.
4 This warranty shall only be valid if:
a) The Equipment has been properly installed in accordance with instructions contained
in Soundcraft’s manual; and
b) The End User has notified Soundcraft or the Dealer within 14 days of the defect
appearing; and
c) No persons other than authorised representatives of Soundcraft or the Dealer have
effected any replacement of parts maintenance adjustments or repairs to the
Equipment; and
d) The End User has used the Equipment only for such purposes as Soundcraft
recommends, with only such operating supplies as meet Soundcraft’s specifications
and otherwise in all respects in accordance with Soundcraft’s recommendations.
5 Defects arising as a result of the following are not covered by this Warranty: faulty or negligent
handling, chemical or electro-chemical or electrical influences, accidental damage, Acts of God,
neglect, deficiency in electrical power, air-conditioning or humidity control.
6 The benefit of this Warranty may not be assigned by the End User.
7 End Users who are consumers should note their rights under this Warranty are in addition to and
do not affect any other rights to which they may be entitled against the seller of the Equipment.
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IMPORIMPOR
IMPOR
IMPORIMPOR
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ANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
T
ANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
TT
ANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTIONS
• Use only the AC adaptor supplied:
UK HB10064 KR HB10067 (C4 ONLY)
EU HB10065 AZ HB10068 (C4 ONLY)
US HB10066 JP HB10069 (C4 ONLY)
Mains voltage selection
This setting is not adjustable. The AC adaptors are capable of operating at either 230V AC or
115V AC +/- 10%. Check the voltage rating of the AC adaptor before plugging in.
Do not use the AC adaptor for any other purpose.
Replace the complete AC adaptor if the plug, lead or adaptor is damaged.
Refer to the Soundcraft dealer from where the equipment was purchased.
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:
UK & EUUK & EU
UK & EU
UK & EUUK & EU
Neutral:Neutral:
Neutral: Blue White
Neutral:Neutral:
Live:Live:
Live: Brown Black
Live:Live:
US & CANUS & CAN
US & CAN
US & CANUS & CAN
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead may not correspond with the coloured markings
identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured Blue or White must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is
marked with the letter N.
The wire which is coloured Brown or Black must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is
marked with the letter L.
Ensure that these colour codings are followed carefully in the event of the plug being changed.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
— Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
— Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
— Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
— Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This Class A digital apparatus meets the requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing
Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le
matériel brouilleur du Canada.
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ARNINGSARNINGS
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ARNINGS
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ARNINGSARNINGS
• Read these instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• This unit contains no user serviceable parts. Refer all servicing to a qualified service engineer,
through the appropriate Soundcraft dealer.
• Clean the apparatus only with a dry cloth.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat resistors, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Do not use this apparatus near water. The apparatus must not be exposed to dripping or splashing.
Objects containing liquid must not be placed on the apparatus.
• The disconnect device is the mains plug; it must remain accessible so as to be readily operable
in use.
• 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 are provided for your safety.
When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles
and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Only use cables and hardware specified by the manufacturer.
• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
• Refer all servicing to qualified 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.
• It is recommended that all maintenance and service on the product should be carried out by
Soundcraft or its authorised agents. Soundcraft cannot accept any liability whatsoever for any loss
or damage caused by service, maintenance or repair by unauthorised personnel.
• If a trolley is used to carry multiple , use caution when moving the trolley / apparatus combination
to avoid injury from tip-over.
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INSTINST
INST
INSTINST
ALLAALLA
ALLA
ALLAALLA
TIONTION
TION
TIONTION
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This manual describes the safety precautions, warnings, specifications, installation and operating
procedures specific to the following Soundcraft products only:
Soundcraft COMPACT4 RW5677 UK / EU / US / KR / AZ / JP
Soundcraft COMPACT10 RW5678 UK / EU / US / KR / AZ / JP
The information in this manual should be read by end users of one of the above products only. In
particular, this manual should not be read in conjunction with any other product not listed above.
The above products do not contain any user-serviceable parts and the user guide does not contain
any technical servicing information. Qualified service personnel can obtain a separate Technical
Manual incorporating the user guide, Part No ZM0293-01 from Soundcraft or one of its accredited
distributors.
Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment
on the part of the vendor. Soundcraft shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising
from the use of information or any error contained in this manual.
INSTALLING THE MIXER
Correct connection and positioning of your mixer is important for successful and trouble-free
operation. The following sections are intended to give guidance with cabling, connections and
configuration of your mixer.
• Choose the mains supply for the sound system with care, and do not share sockets or
earthing with lighting dimmers.
• Position the mixer where the sound can be heard clearly.
• Run audio cables separately from dimmer wiring, using balanced lines wherever possible.
If necessary, cross audio and lighting cables at right angles to minimise the possibility of
interference. Keep unbalanced cabling as short as possible.
• Check your cables regularly and label each end for easy identification.
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PRECAUTIONSPRECAUTIONS
PRECAUTIONS
PRECAUTIONSPRECAUTIONS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
For your own safety and to avoid invalidation of the warranty please read this section carefully.
In particular, you should also read the Cautions and Warnings on pages 5-6 of this manual.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid storing or using the mixer in conditions of excessive heat or cold, or in positions
where it is likely to be subject to vibration, dust or moisture.
Keep the mixer clean using a soft dry brush, and an occasional wipe with a dry cloth.
Do not use any other solvents which may cause damage to paint or plastic parts.
Avoid placing drinks or smoking materials on or near the mixer. Sticky drinks and
cigarette ash are frequent causes of damage to connectors, rotary controls and switches.
Regular care and inspection will be rewarded by a long life and maximum reliability.
When using mains power, the console must only be
connected to the Mains Voltage indicated on the power
supply.
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CONTENTSCONTENTS
CONTENTS
CONTENTSCONTENTS
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Compact User InterCompact User Inter
Compact User Inter
Compact User InterCompact User Inter
The 10 Second TThe 10 Second T
The 10 Second T
The 10 Second TThe 10 Second T
IntroductionIntroduction
Introduction
IntroductionIntroduction
Working Safely with SoundWorking Safely with Sound
Working Safely with Sound
Working Safely with SoundWorking Safely with Sound
The Mixer ExplainedThe Mixer Explained
The Mixer Explained
The Mixer ExplainedThe Mixer Explained
Mixing Audio PathMixing Audio Path
Mixing Audio Path
Mixing Audio PathMixing Audio Path
Monitoring Audio PathMonitoring Audio Path
Monitoring Audio Path
Monitoring Audio PathMonitoring Audio Path
Wiring UpWiring Up
Wiring Up
Wiring UpWiring Up
Problem SolvingProblem Solving
Problem Solving
Problem SolvingProblem Solving
Mono Input ChannelsMono Input Channels
Mono Input Channels
Mono Input ChannelsMono Input Channels
Stereo Input ChannelsStereo Input Channels
Stereo Input Channels
Stereo Input ChannelsStereo Input Channels
Master SectionMaster Section
Master Section
Master SectionMaster Section
Using YUsing Y
Using Y
Using YUsing Y
Monitoring TipsMonitoring Tips
Monitoring Tips
Monitoring TipsMonitoring Tips
Channel Set-UpChannel Set-Up
Channel Set-Up
Channel Set-UpChannel Set-Up
Operational NotesOperational Notes
Operational Notes
Operational NotesOperational Notes
Application 1 : Computer Based RecordingApplication 1 : Computer Based Recording
Application 1 : Computer Based Recording
Application 1 : Computer Based RecordingApplication 1 : Computer Based Recording
Application 2 : Live perApplication 2 : Live per
Application 2 : Live per
Application 2 : Live perApplication 2 : Live per
Application 3 : DJ PerApplication 3 : DJ Per
Application 3 : DJ Per
Application 3 : DJ PerApplication 3 : DJ Per
Application 4 : Electronic News GatheringApplication 4 : Electronic News Gathering
Application 4 : Electronic News Gathering
Application 4 : Electronic News GatheringApplication 4 : Electronic News Gathering
Application 5 ; Broadcast StudioApplication 5 ; Broadcast Studio
Application 5 ; Broadcast Studio
Application 5 ; Broadcast StudioApplication 5 ; Broadcast Studio
Application 6 : House of WorshipApplication 6 : House of Worship
Application 6 : House of Worship
Application 6 : House of WorshipApplication 6 : House of Worship
FurFur
Fur
FurFur
GlossarGlossar
Glossar
GlossarGlossar
Typical SpecificationsTypical Specifications
Typical Specifications
Typical SpecificationsTypical Specifications
Compact 4 DimensionsCompact 4 Dimensions
Compact 4 Dimensions
Compact 4 DimensionsCompact 4 Dimensions
Compact 10 DimensionsCompact 10 Dimensions
Compact 10 Dimensions
Compact 10 DimensionsCompact 10 Dimensions
Typical Connecting LeadsTypical Connecting Leads
Typical Connecting Leads
Typical Connecting LeadsTypical Connecting Leads
System Block DiagramSystem Block Diagram
System Block Diagram
System Block DiagramSystem Block Diagram
Gain StrGain Str
Gain Str
Gain StrGain Str
Compact 4 Mark-Up SheetCompact 4 Mark-Up Sheet
Compact 4 Mark-Up Sheet
Compact 4 Mark-Up SheetCompact 4 Mark-Up Sheet
Compact 10 Mark-Up SheetCompact 10 Mark-Up Sheet
Compact 10 Mark-Up Sheet
Compact 10 Mark-Up SheetCompact 10 Mark-Up Sheet
our Compact4/10 Consoleour Compact4/10 Console
our Compact4/10 Console
our Compact4/10 Consoleour Compact4/10 Console
ther Inforther Infor
ther Infor
ther Inforther Infor
y of Ty of T
y of T
y of Ty of T
uctuructur
uctur
uctuructur
mationmation
mation
mationmation
erer
er
erer
e Diagrame Diagram
e Diagram
e Diagrame Diagram
faceface
face
faceface
utorutor
utor
utorutor
forfor
for
forfor
ms usedms used
ms used
ms usedms used
forfor
mance Mixingmance Mixing
for
mance Mixing
forfor
mance Mixingmance Mixing
mance Mixingmance Mixing
mance Mixing
mance Mixingmance Mixing
1010
10
1010
1111
11
1111
1212
12
1212
1313
13
1313
14-1514-15
14-15
14-1514-15
1616
16
1616
1717
17
1717
18-2018-20
18-20
18-2018-20
2121
21
21
21
22-2422-24
22-24
22-2422-24
2525
25
2525
26-2826-28
26-28
26-2826-28
2929
29
2929
2929
29
2929
3030
30
3030
3131
31
3131
3232
32
3232
3333
33
3333
3232
32
3232
3333
33
3333
3434
34
3434
3434
34
3434
3535
35
3535
3636
36
3636
3737
37
3737
3838
38
3838
3939
39
3939
40-4140-41
40-41
40-4140-41
4242
42
4242
4343
43
4343
4444
44
4444
4545
45
4545
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1
2
3
4
5
6
e
COMPCOMP
COMP
COMPCOMP
t
y
ACT USER INTERFACT USER INTERF
ACT USER INTERF
ACT USER INTERFACT USER INTERF
ui
o
ACEACE
ACE
ACEACE
p
ar
s
d
f
g
h
j
k
l
;
7
z
8
x
9
c
v
b
0
n
q
w
To get you working as fast as possible, this manual begins with a 10 second tutorial. Here you can find quick information on any feature of
the console, and a page reference where you can find a more detailed explanation.
Just pick out the feature you need more information on, find the associated number and read the brief explanation on the opposite page.
More detail can be found by delving deeper into the user guide.
Owners of Compact10 consoles will notice additonal jack inputs on Stereo Channels 1-4, these can be used for line level inputs from
synthesisers, samplers, drum machines etc.
m
NOTE: ALL SETTINGS ARE SHOWN IN THEIR DEFAULT POSITION - I.E. THE MOST COMMON SETTINGS TO BEGIN A SESSION
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THE 10 SECOND TUTOR - COMPTHE 10 SECOND TUTOR - COMP
THE 10 SECOND TUTOR - COMP
THE 10 SECOND TUTOR - COMPTHE 10 SECOND TUTOR - COMP
MIC INPUTMIC INPUT
1
MIC INPUT Connect Microphones here - read phantom power notes before use (pg 22)
MIC INPUTMIC INPUT
LINE INPUTLINE INPUT
2
LINE INPUT Connect Line level sources here, e.g. Synth, Drum Machine, etc (pg 22)
LINE INPUTLINE INPUT
HIGH PASS FILTER HIGH PASS FILTER
3
HIGH PASS FILTER This is used to remove very low frequencies i.e. mic “popping” (pg 22)
HIGH PASS FILTER HIGH PASS FILTER
INSERT POINTINSERT POINT
4
INSERT POINT Connect Signal processors here, e.g. Compressor, Gate etc (pg 23)
INSERT POINTINSERT POINT
GAIN CONTROL GAIN CONTROL
5
GAIN CONTROL Adjust this to increase or decrease the level of the incoming signal (pg 23)
GAIN CONTROL GAIN CONTROL
678
PAN CONTROL PAN CONTROL
9
PAN CONTROL Use this control to position the signal within the stereo field (pg 24)
PAN CONTROL PAN CONTROL
INPUT CHANNEL LEVEL INPUT CHANNEL LEVEL
0
INPUT CHANNEL LEVEL This is used to control the level fed to the Mix Bus (pg 24)
INPUT CHANNEL LEVEL INPUT CHANNEL LEVEL
REC(ORD) SWITCHREC(ORD) SWITCH
q
REC(ORD) SWITCH This sends the channel being recorded to the record outputs, or the Mix Bus (pg 24)
REC(ORD) SWITCHREC(ORD) SWITCH
MONITOR SWITCH MONITOR SWITCH
w
MONITOR SWITCH Press this to listen to the associated signal (pg 24)
MONITOR SWITCH MONITOR SWITCH
PHANTOM POWER PHANTOM POWER
e
PHANTOM POWER Switches on the phantom power (48V) for condenser microphones (pg 22)
PHANTOM POWER PHANTOM POWER
D.I. SWITCH D.I. SWITCH
r
D.I. SWITCH Direct Injection - Press this to get a better signal match when a bass guitar is used (pg 23)
D.I. SWITCH D.I. SWITCH
R.I.A.A. SWITCH R.I.A.A. SWITCH
t
R.I.A.A. SWITCH Vinyl Record Deck Compensation - Use only when decks are connected (pg 25)
R.I.A.A. SWITCH R.I.A.A. SWITCH
STEREO INPUTS STEREO INPUTS
y
STEREO INPUTS These two inputs take audio from keyboards, sound modules, samplers etc (pg 25)
STEREO INPUTS STEREO INPUTS
ui
op
MONITOR OUTPUTS MONITOR OUTPUTS
a
MONITOR OUTPUTS These are used to feed your speakers / amp, or monitoring system (pg 26)
MONITOR OUTPUTS MONITOR OUTPUTS
MIX OUTPUTS MIX OUTPUTS
s
MIX OUTPUTS Connect these to your recording device, or to your amplification system when using as a
MIX OUTPUTS MIX OUTPUTS
MONITOR LEVELMONITOR LEVEL
d
MONITOR LEVEL Used to adjust the level sent to your speakers / amp, or monitoring system (pg 26)
MONITOR LEVELMONITOR LEVEL
MIX LEVELMIX LEVEL
f
MIX LEVEL Used to adjust the level sent from the mix outputs (pg 26)
MIX LEVELMIX LEVEL
MONO (CHK) SWITCH MONO (CHK) SWITCH
g
MONO (CHK) SWITCH Use this to hear and check to your mix in mono (pg 26)
MONO (CHK) SWITCH MONO (CHK) SWITCH
MONITOR MIX MONITOR MIX
h
MONITOR MIX Use this to listen to the mix outputs (pg 26)
MONITOR MIX MONITOR MIX
RECORD LEVELRECORD LEVEL
j
RECORD LEVEL Used to adjust the level sent to your soundcard or recording device (pg 28)
RECORD LEVELRECORD LEVEL
PLAYBACK LEVELPLAYBACK LEVEL
k
PLAYBACK LEVEL Used to adjust the level coming from your soundcard or recording device (pg 28)
PLAYBACK LEVELPLAYBACK LEVEL
MAIN METERS MAIN METERS
l
MAIN METERS These show the level of the signal being monitored (pg 26)
MAIN METERS MAIN METERS
MONITOR PLAYBACK MONITOR PLAYBACK
;
MONITOR PLAYBACK Use this to listen to the playback signal from your soundcard (pg 28)
MONITOR PLAYBACK MONITOR PLAYBACK
POWER / LOW BAT. POWER / LOW BAT.
z
POWER / LOW BAT. Indicators for DC power from the adapter, or the battery pack (pg 26)
POWER / LOW BAT. POWER / LOW BAT.
ARTIST MIX ARTIST MIX
x
ARTIST MIX This lets the artist choose the amount of playback signal required (pg 27)
ARTIST MIX ARTIST MIX
ARTIST LEVEL ARTIST LEVEL
c
ARTIST LEVEL This controls the level of the signal sent to the artist’s headphones (pg 27)
ARTIST LEVEL ARTIST LEVEL
ARTIST HEADPHONES ARTIST HEADPHONES
v
ARTIST HEADPHONES The artist should plug headphones in here for personal monitoring (pg 27)
ARTIST HEADPHONES ARTIST HEADPHONES
ENGINEER LEVEL ENGINEER LEVEL
b
ENGINEER LEVEL This controls the level of the signal sent to the engineer’s headphones (pg 27)
ENGINEER LEVEL ENGINEER LEVEL
ENGINEER HEADPHONESENGINEER HEADPHONES
n
ENGINEER HEADPHONES The engineer should plug headphones in here for standard monitoring (pg 27)
ENGINEER HEADPHONESENGINEER HEADPHONES
MONITORS/ARTIST MIXMONITORS/ARTIST MIX
m
MONITORS/ARTIST MIX The engineer, using headphones can listen to the monitor signal or the artist mix (pg 27)
MONITORS/ARTIST MIXMONITORS/ARTIST MIX
EQ STAGEEQ STAGE
EQ STAGE Adjust these controls to change the signal tone (the character of the signal) (pg 23)
EQ STAGEEQ STAGE
WARNING:WARNING:
WARNING: Do Not apply Phantom Power before connecting a microphone
WARNING:WARNING:
PLAYBACK INPUTS PLAYBACK INPUTS
PLAYBACK INPUTS Here you can connect the playback from your soundcard or recording device (pg 28)
PLAYBACK INPUTS PLAYBACK INPUTS
RECORD OUTPUTSRECORD OUTPUTS
RECORD OUTPUTS To connect the output from the mixer to your soundcard (or recording device) input (pg 28)
RECORD OUTPUTSRECORD OUTPUTS
standard mixer, not when using with a computer based system (pg 26)
ACT4 / COMPACT4 / COMP
ACT4 / COMP
ACT4 / COMPACT4 / COMP
ACT 10ACT 10
ACT 10
ACT 10ACT 10
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INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Soundcraft mixer. We take great pride in our latest addition to our range
of mixing consoles - you have taken a step in the right direction and we will be with you all the way.
Owning a Soundcraft console brings you the expertise and support of one of the industry’s leading
manufacturers, and the results of over three decades of supporting some of the biggest names in
the business. Our knowledge has been attained through working in close contact with leading
professionals and institutes to bring you products designed to get the best possible results from
your mixing.
Built to the highest standards using quality components and surface mount technology, the Compact4
and Compact10 consoles are designed to be as easy to use as possible. We have spent years
researching the most efficient methods of control for two key reasons:
1) Engineers, musicians, writers and programmers all need to have very few interruptions
to the creative process; our products have been designed to be almost transparent,
allowing this process to breathe.
2) Whether performing or recording, time is a very expensive and rare commodity. Our
products have a user interface which is recognised by millions to be the industry standard
because of its efficiency.
The sonic qualities of our products are exemplary - some of the same circuits which are used on our
most expensive consoles are employed in the Compact4, bringing you the great Soundcraft quality
in a small format console without compromise.
You will also be glad to know you have a one year warranty with your product from the date of
purchase. The Compact4 and Compact10 consoles have been designed using the latest high-end
software based engineering packages. Every console from Soundcraft has been proven to stand up
to all the stress and rigours of modern day mixing environments.
The Compact4 and Compact10 consoles are manufactured using some of the most advanced
techniques in the world, from high density surface mount PCB technology, to computer aided test
equipment able to measure signals well outside the range of normal hearing.
As each console passes through to the quality checking stage (just before packing), there is also
a human listening station. Something we have learnt over the years is that the human touch counts
- and only by using people can you ensure the product meets the high demands of the user.
NOTE : The packaging which your Soundcraft Compact4 or Compact10 arrived in forms part of the
product, and must be retained for future use.
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WORKING SAFELWORKING SAFEL
WORKING SAFEL
WORKING SAFELWORKING SAFEL
Although your new console will not make any noise until you feed it signals, it has the capability to
produce sounds which when monitored through an amplifier or headphones can damage hearing
over time.
The table below is taken from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration directive on
Occupational noise exposure (1926.52):
PERMISSABLE NOISE EXPOSUREPERMISSABLE NOISE EXPOSURE
PERMISSABLE NOISE EXPOSURE
PERMISSABLE NOISE EXPOSUREPERMISSABLE NOISE EXPOSURE
DURATION PER DAY, HOURS SOUND LEVEL dBA SLOW RESPONSE
890
692
495
397
2 100
1.5 102
1 105
0.5 110
<0.25 115
Conforming to this directive will minimise the risk of hearing damage caused by long listening
periods. A simple rule to follow is the longer you listen the lower the average volume should be.
Y WITH SOUNDY WITH SOUND
Y WITH SOUND
Y WITH SOUNDY WITH SOUND
Please take care when working with your audio - if you are manipulating controls which you don’t
understand (which we all do when we are learning), make sure your monitors are turned down.
Remember that your ears are the most important tool of your trade, look after them, and they will
look after you.
Most importantly - don’t be afraid to experiment to find out how each parameter affects the sound
- this will extend your creativity and help you to get the best results.
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USER GUIDEUSER GUIDE
USER GUIDE
USER GUIDEUSER GUIDE
THE MIXER EXPLAINEDTHE MIXER EXPLAINED
THE MIXER EXPLAINED
THE MIXER EXPLAINEDTHE MIXER EXPLAINED
What is an audio mixer ?What is an audio mixer ?
What is an audio mixer ?
What is an audio mixer ?What is an audio mixer ?
The term “mixing” is the combining of audio channels, in most cases to form a stereo output signal
made up of left and right channels. Mixers normally have level controls (or faders) on each input
to set the required amount of audio before the mixing stage
What other functions can a Compact mixer perform ?What other functions can a Compact mixer perform ?
What other functions can a Compact mixer perform ?
What other functions can a Compact mixer perform ?What other functions can a Compact mixer perform ?
The Compact4 and Compact10 consoles can also be used to process audio. You can:
a) Apply Equalisation ( change the tone of the audio ). This is done using the EQ
controls for the low, mid and high bands.
b) Place an audio processor over a particular signal, this is achieved using the insert
point to peform additional processing such as compression, or adding fx such as reverb.
c) Control the audio position within the stereo field (the sound stage created by your
speakers/monitors).
d) Increase or decrease the incoming signal level in order to achieve the best signal to
noise ratio (audio quality). This parameter is known as “gain”.
The Compact4 and Compact10 consoles can also be used to route audio, you can:
a) Send audio to record outputs, normally fed to your recording system.
The source can be unbalanced for use with consumer soundcards, or balanced for
professional soundcards.
b) Send audio to the mix output, used to feed a PA when performing.
The term “monitoring” can be more simply described as listening to audio channels. Mixers
normally have monitor switches in various parts of the mixing process to check channels, before
and after mixing.
The Compact4 and Compact10 consoles can also be used to monitor (using ears and eyes) audio.
You can:
a) Send audio to the LED meters and the monitor outputs simultaneously. You always
see what you hear from your monitor outputs which will feed the speakers in your main
listening position.
b) Send audio to the artist headphone output, used to allow the artist to independently
control their own personal mix without affecting any other outputs
b) Send audio to the artist headphone output, used to allow the artist to independently
control their own personal mix without affecting any other outputs
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USER GUIDEUSER GUIDE
USER GUIDE
USER GUIDEUSER GUIDE
What kind of things can I plug into it ?What kind of things can I plug into it ?
What kind of things can I plug into it ?
What kind of things can I plug into it ?What kind of things can I plug into it ?
We can’t possibly list all of them here, but below are a few of the most common sources:
a) Microphones, both dynamic and condensor types can be used. Channel One also
has a high-pass filter which removes the sub bass frequencies when singing “b” and “p”
sounds.
b) Guitars, there is even a DI circuit to enhance bass guitars, which is located on a mono
channel
c) Synths/Keyboards, line level stereo outputs can be fed to the stereo input channels.
d) Decks, or turntables if you’re that way inclined, can be fed to stereo inputs with RIAA
Equalisation. The RIAA Equalisation returns the tone of the deck input to that of the
original signal (as RIAA-EQ is applied when cutting vinyl).
e) Computer, both Mac and PC systems have a host audio card, often found on the
motherboard. The unbalanced connection from the host (or consumer soundcard) can
be connected to the phono playback inputs.
f) Professional Soundcards, or Digital Audio Workstations can be connected to the
3-pole ‘A’ gauge balanced jack playback inputs.
g) CDR/DAT/MD/MP3 - the outputs of these consumer, or professional devices can be
connected to the unbalanced phono inputs, or the 3-pole ‘A’ gauge balanced jack stereo
inputs (Compact10 only).
h) Another mixer, often called a sub-mixer will be used to mix a drum kit, or an orchestral
outfit. The outputs of this mixer can be connected to the unbalanced phono inputs, or the
3-pole ‘A’ gauge balanced jack stereo inputs (Compact10 only).
Wow that’s a lot of stuff for such a small mixer ?Wow that’s a lot of stuff for such a small mixer ?
Wow that’s a lot of stuff for such a small mixer ?
Wow that’s a lot of stuff for such a small mixer ?Wow that’s a lot of stuff for such a small mixer ?
Yes it is, you should be happy, you made a good choice.
Why don’t other manufacturers design consoles like this ?Why don’t other manufacturers design consoles like this ?
Why don’t other manufacturers design consoles like this ?
Why don’t other manufacturers design consoles like this ?Why don’t other manufacturers design consoles like this ?
a) Because they are out of touch ?
b) Because they are not very innovative ?
c) Because they don’t have the experience ?
d) Because they don’t listen to their users ?
Who knows :-)
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