Soundcraft M8 User manual
M-SERIES
USER GUIDE
SAFETY GUIDE
Page
Safety Symbol Guide 2
Approvals and Notice 3
Warranty 4
Important Safety Instructions 5
Cautions 5
Warnings 6
USER GUIDE
1
Safety Symbol Guide
For your own safety and to avoid invalidation of the warranty all text marked with these Symbols should be
read carefully.
CAUTIONS
Must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
WARNINGS
Must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
NOTES
Contain important information and useful tips on the
operation of your equipment.
2
USER GUIDE
IMPORTANT
Please read this manual carefully before connecting your Mixer to the mains for the
first time.
soundcraft@harman.com
© Harman International Industries Ltd. 2009
All rights reserved
Parts of the design of this product may be protected by worldwide patents.
Part No. ZM0252
Issue: 2
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
USER GUIDE
3
Warranty
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 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.
4
USER GUIDE
imPortant Safety inStruCtionS
CAUTIONS
To avoid the risk of fire, replace the mains fuse only with the correct type and value fuse, as marked on the rear panel.
•
ATTENTION: - Afin de réduire le risque de feu remplacer seulement avec fusible de même type.
MAINS VOLTAGE SELECTION
This setting is NOT User Adjustable.
Units with serial numbers ending in “SS” or “SM” are capable of operating from 85-240V AC mains voltages. All other
units are capable of operating at either 230V AC or 115V AC mains voltages ±10%, which are set at the time of
manufacture and marked on the rear panel. It is important to ensure that the correct mains voltage is present at your
mains outlet and that the correct fuse is fitted before switching on the unit.
REPLACING MAINS FUSE
Switch the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position. Remove the mains lead from the connector. Use a small screwdriver to
unscrew the fuse carrier from its location to the left of the mains power connector. Check the fuse is of the correct type
and value and replace if necessary; also check that the voltage selection as marked onthe rear panel is correct for the
mains supply level before switching the unit ON again.
If the mains fuse fails repeatedly this may be because an electrical safety hazard exists. The unit must be taken out of
service and referred to the Soundcraft dealer from where the equipment was purchased.
THIS UNIT MUST BE EARTHED
Under no circumstances should the mains earth be disconnected from the mains lead.
ATTENTION: - Cet appareil doit être branché à la terre.
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:
Replacement Part No: FJ8016 (UK) : FJ8017 (EU) : FJ8018 (US & CAN)
UK & EU US & CAN
Earth / Ground: Green and Yellow Green and Yellow
Neutral: Blue White
Live: Brown Black
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 Green and Yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the
letter E or by the earth/ground symbol:
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.
USER GUIDE
5
• 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.
• 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 ser vice 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 ser vice 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, use caution when moving the trolley/apparatus combination to avoid injury from
tip-over.
WARNINGS
Read these instructions.
•
Keep these instructions.
•
Heed all warnings.
•
Follow all instructions.
•
This unit contains no user serviceable parts. Refer all ser vicing to a
•
qualified service engineer, through the appropriate Soundcraft dealer.
Clean only with a damp cloth.
•
DO NOT block any of the ventilation openings. DO NOT install where air cannot flow over the rear
•
of the unit. DO Install in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
6
USER GUIDE
CONTENTS
Page
Overview 8
The 10 Second Tutor 8
Introduction 10
Advice for Those Who Push the Boundaries 10
Installation & Safety Precautions 11
Wiring Up 12
Mono Input Channels 16
Stereo Input Channels 19
Master Section 21
Using Your Soundcraft M Series Console 23
Advanced Features 25
Application 1
Live Sound Reinforcement 27
Application 2
Multispeaker Applications 28
Application 3
Places of Worship 28
Application 4
Recording 9
Application 5
Linking Two Soundcraft M Series Consoles 29
Care of Your Mixer 30
Glossary 30
USER GUIDE
Typical Specifications 32
Dimensions 33
Appendix 1
Typical Connecting Leads 35
System Block Diagram 37
Control Position Markup Sheets 39
7
oVerVieW
q
1
2
3
4
b
5
6
7
8
w
9
t
f ;
dg
l
h
y
r
e
v
k
s
j
p
a
i
o
0
u
z
x
c
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.
THE 10 SECOND TUTOR
MIC INPUT (XLR) Connect Microphones here. If you are using a condensor mic
1
WARNING: Do Not apply ensure phantom power is supplied by pressing the switch at the
Phantom Power before top of the master section
connecting a Microphone.
LINE INPUT (¼” Jack) Connect Line level sources here
2
INSERT POINT (¼” Jack) Connect Signal processors here
3
8
GAIN CONTROL Adjust this to increase or decrease the level of the incoming signal
4
16
l
16
16
P
17
EQ STAGE Adjust these controls to change the signal tone
5
AUX SENDS Adjust these controls to change the level of the signal to an FX unit or an artist’s monitors (head
6
phones/in-ear/stage monitors). Aux 1&2 are pre-fade, while Aux 3&4 are post-fade
PAN CONTROL Use this control to position the signal within the stereo field
7
MUTE SWITCH When this is pressed you will hear no signal from the channel
8
PFL (PRE-FADE LISTEN) When pressed the signal will appear on the monitor outputs - use this to monitor the post eq
9
signal from the channel
INPUT CHANNEL FADER This is used to control the level fed to the Mix Bus
0
DIRECT OUTPUT This output can be used to send the channel signal to a recording device, such as a multi-track
q
(¼” Jack) recorder
DIRECT PRE This switch controls the source for the direct output. When the switch is down the D/O is pre-fade,
w
and when the switch is up the D/O is post-fade
MIX OUTPUTS (XLR) Connect these to your analogue recording device, or to your amplification system
e
MIX INSERTS This is a pre-fade break in the signal path which can be used to feed a dynamics or mastering
r
(¼” Jack) device. The signal is sent from the tip of the jack plug and the return path comes back in on the
ring of the jack plug
S/PDIF OUTPUT This is a digital version of the Mix Output and can be used to send any source or the entire mix to
t
a digital recorder or computer sequencer via the appropriate hardware
MONITOR O/Ps These are used to feed your monitoring system. This can be directly to powered monitors, or
y
(¼” Jack) indirectly via an amplifier to standard monitors
MASTER FADER This fader controls the overall level of the mix bus
u
AUX MASTERS These controls can be used to adjust the overall level of a specific auxiliary send to an effects unit
i
MAIN METERS These show the level of the mix outputs. When the PFL/AFL LED is lit, the meters show the level of
o
the signal sourced
MONITOR CONTROL This controls the level of the signal sent to your monitoring system
p
PHONES CONTROL This controls the level of the signal sent to the headphones jack socket
a
MONO SUM CONTROL This controls the level of the signal sent to the mono sum output
s
AUX OUTPUTS These four outputs can be used to send the channel signal to an FX unit or an artist’s monitors
d
(¼” Jack) (headphones/in-ear/stage monitors). Aux 1&2 are pre-fade, Aux 3&4 are post-fade
STEREO RETURN INPUTS These four inputs can be used to connect the return signal from an FX unit, or a stereo feed from
f
(RCA Phono) consumer devices such as CD-Players, Minidisc etc. The level of these inputs are controlled by the
RET1,2,3 & 4 controls and are sub-mixed via the returns master control before being sent to the
Mix Outputs
STEREO INPUTS These four inputs can be used to connect line level stereo inputs from keyboards, sound modules,
g
(¼” Jack)
with EQ, Auxes and a Balance control
PLAYBACK INPUT Here you can connect the playback from your recording device
h
(RCA Phono)
PLAYBACK CONTROLS Use this to control the level of the playback signal. There is also a PFL/AFL switch and a PLAYBACK
j
REPLACES MIX switch
RETURNS MASTER This controls the overall level of the stereo return inputs. There is also a MUTE switch so that you
k
can quickly compare your mix, with and without FX
PHANTOM POWER Press this to switch the phantom power (48V) on for condenser microphones
l
MIXER POWER LED This LED will light when the unit is switched on
;
HEADPHONES (¼” Jack) Plug your headphones into this socket
z
SIGNAL PRESENT LED This is used to indicate the presence of a signal on a specific channel
x
PEAK LED This is used to indicate signal clipping on a specific channel
c
MONO SUM OUTPUT This output provides a Mono sum of the main L & R mix outputs
v
100Hz FILTER When pressed, this switch significantly reduces the level of frequencies below 100Hz
b
16
samplers, computer based audio cards etc. These inputs pass through a normal channel strip,
WARNING: Do Not apply Phantom Power before connecting a microphone
18
22
21
19
21
17
17
17
18
18
18
22
25
22
22
21
21
21
22
20
19
22
22
21
21
27
18
18
22
17
9
introduCtion
Thank you for purchasing a Soundcraft mixer. We take great pride in our latest addition to the Soundcraft
range of mixing consoles - you have taken a step in the right direction and should never look back.
The Packaging in which your Soundcraft M Series arrived forms part of the product and must be retained for
future use.
Owning a Soundcraft console brings you the expertise and support of one of the industr y’s leading manufacturers, and the results of nearly 3 decades of supporting some of the biggest names in the business. Our
knowledge has been attained though 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 Soundcraft M
Series is 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 industr y standard because of its efficiency.
The sonic qualities of our products are exemplar y - some of the same circuits which are used on our most
expensive consoles are employed in the Soundcraft M Series, 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 Soundcraft M Series has 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 entire Soundcraft M Series is 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 be quality checked
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.
adViCe for thoSe Who PuSh the boundarieS
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.
Please take care when working with your audio - if you are manipulating controls which you don’t
understand (which we all do when we need to learn), 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 from your mixer and the most respect from your artists
and audience.
10
USER GUIDE
inStallation and Safety PreCautionS
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This manual describes the safety precautions, warnings, specifications, installation and operating procedures specific to the following Soundcraft products only:
M4 RW5631 UK / EU / US
M8 RW5632 UK / EU / US
M12 RW5633 UK / EU / US
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. ZM0255 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.
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.
The console must only be connected to the Mains Power voltage indicated on the rear
panel.
To avoid the risk of fire, replace the mains fuse only with the correct value fuse, as
indicated on the rear panel.
USER GUIDE
11
WirinG uP
Please refer to pages 35/36 for additional wiring details.
MIC INPUT
The mic input accepts XLR-type connectors and is designed to suit a wide range of BALANCED or
UNBALANCED low-level signals, whether from delicate vocals requiring the best low-noise performance or
close-miked drum kits needing maximum headroom. Professional dynamic, condenser or ribbon mics are
best because these will be LOW IMPEDANCE. While you can use low-cost HIGH IMPEDANCE mics, you do
not get the same degree of immunity to interference on the microphone cable and as a result the level of
background noise may be higher. If you turn the PHANTOM POWER on, the socket provides a suitable powering voltage for professional condenser mics.
DO NOT use UNBALANCED sources with the phantom power switched on. The voltage
on pins 2 & 3 of the XLR connector may cause serious damage. BALANCED dynamic
mics may normally be used with phantom power switched on (contact your
microphone manufacturer for guidance)
The input level is set using the input GAIN knob.
The LINE input offers the same gain range as the MIC input, but at a higher input impedance, and is 20dB
less sensitive. This is suitable for most line level sources
WARNING ! Start with the input GAIN knob turned fully anticlockwise when plugging
high level sources into the LINE input to avoid overloading the input channel or giving
you a very loud surprise!
line inPut
Accepts 3-pole `A’ gauge jacks, or 2-pole mono jacks which will automatically ground the ‘cold’ input. Use
this input for sources other than mics, such as keyboards, drum machines, synths, tape machines or guitars.
The input is BALANCED for low noise and immunity from interference, but you can use UNBALANCED sources by wiring up the jacks as shown, although you should then keep cable lengths as short as possible to
minimise interference pick-up on the cable. Note that the ring must be grounded if the source is unbalanced. Set the input level using the GAIN knob, starting with the knob turned fully anticlockwise. Unplug
any MIC connection when using the LINE input.
inSert Point
The unbalanced, pre-EQ insert point is a break in the channel signal path, allowing limiters, compressors,
special EQ or other signal processing units to be added in the signal path. The Insert is a 3-pole ‘A’ gauge
jack socket which is normally bypassed. When a jack is inserted, the signal path is broken, just before the
EQ section.
The signal from the channel appears on the TIP of the plug and is returned on the RING, with the sleeve as
a common ground.
The Send may be tapped off as an alternative pre-fade, pre-EQ direct output if required, using a lead with
tip and ring shorted together so that the signal path is not interrupted.
12
USER GUIDE
STEREO RETURNS RET-1/2/3/4
These accept RCA phono jacks to allow easy connection to hi-fi equipment or DAT players. The input is
unbalanced, and ideal for pre-show music sources or signals that do not require any EQ or effects. These
can also be used as effect returns using cables described later in this document.
STEREO INPUTS STE-1/2/3/4
These accept 3-pole `A’ gauge jacks, or 2-pole mono jacks which will automatically ground the ‘cold’ input.
Use these inputs for sources such as keyboards, drum machines, synths, tape machines or as returns from
processing units. The input is BALANCED for low noise and immunity from interference, but you can use
UNBALANCED sources by wiring up the jacks as shown, although you should then keep cable lengths as
short as possible to minimise interference pick-up on the cable. Note that the ring must be grounded if the
source is unbalanced.
Mono sources can be fed to both paths by plugging into the Left jack only.
MIX INSERTS
The unbalanced, pre-fade Mix insert point is a break in the output signal path to allow the connection of, for
example, a compressor/limiter or graphic equaliser. The Insert is a 3-pole ‘A’ gauge jack socket which is
normally bypassed. When a jack is inserted, the signal path is broken, just before the mix fader.
The mix signal appears on the TIP of the plug and is returned on the RING. A ‘Y’ lead may be required to
connect to equipment with separate send and return jacks as shown below:
MIX & SUB OUTPUTS
The MIX and SUB outputs are on 3-pole ‘A’ gauge jack sockets, wired as shown, and incorporate impedance
balancing, allowing long cable runs to balanced amplifiers and other equipment.
AUX OUTPUTS
The Aux outputs are on 3-pole ‘A’ gauge jack sockets, wired as shown on the left, and are balanced, allowing
long cable runs to balanced amplifiers and other equipment.
USER GUIDE
13
Loading...