Soundcraft SPIRIT 328 USER GUIDE
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Spirit Digital 328 Users Guide Version 2
SOFTWARE v 2
UUSSEERR
GGUUIIDDEE
ZM0219 - Issue 3
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Spirit Digital 328 Users Guide Version 2
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Spirit Digital 328 Users Guide Version 2
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SSAAFFEETTYY
GGUUIIDDEE
Safety Symbol Guide II
Approvals and Notice III
Warranty IV
Important Safety Instructions V
Cautions V
Warnings VI
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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.
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Spirit Digital 328 Users Guide Version 2
© Harman International Industries Ltd. 2000
All rights reserved
Parts of the design of this product may be protected by worldwide patents.
Part No. ZM0219
Issue 3
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 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,
Herts.,
EN6 3JN
UK
Tel: 01707 665000
Fax: 01707 660742
IMPORTANT
Please read this manual carefully before connecting your
Interface to the mains for the first time.
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WARRANTY
1 Spirit and Soundcraft use trading divisions 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 Soundcrafts 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
Soundcrafts specifications and otherwise in all respects in accordance
Soundcrafts 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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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.
REPLACING MAINS FUSE
Switch the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position. Remove the mains lead from
the connector. Use a small screwdriver to prise the fuse carrier from its
location in the connector. Check the fuse and replace if necessary; also check
that the voltage selection 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/Spirit 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:
Earth: Green and Yellow (Green/Yellow - US)
Neutral: Blue (White - US)
Live: Brown (Black - US)
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 symbol.
The wire which is coloured Blue must be connected to the terminal in
the plug which is marked with the letter N.
The wire which is coloured Brown 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.
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This unit is capable of operating over a range of mains voltages as marked on
the rear panel. It is important to ensure that the correct mains fuse is fitted
before switching on the unit.
WARNINGS
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.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with a damp cloth.
Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturers instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat resistors, stoves,
or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
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 attachments/accessories 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.
Use only with a cart, stand, hood, bracket or table specified by the
manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
The User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Section 1
Introducing the Spirit Digital 328 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
The Spirit Digital 328 Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Introducing the Spirit Digital 328 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The Ins and Outs of the 328 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Section 2
Getting started straight out of the box . . . . . . . . .11
Lets get started! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Audio hook-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Okay lets make some noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Using the E-strip for Equalisation, Panning, Aux sends and
adding Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Lets add some reverb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Okay now for some Compression. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Storing the settings in the SNAPSHOT memory locations . . 16
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Section 3
Reference Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
3A The Inputs and Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3B The E-strip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3C The SELECT panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
3D Stereo Inputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
3E FX Returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
3F Solo Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
3G Snapshots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
3H Group/Aux/FX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
3I Transport Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
3J Master Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Section 4
Automation Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133
Part 1 - Digital 328 Snapshot and Dynamic Automation . . 134
Part 2 - Quick Start Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Section 5
Linked Consoles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Using Two Linked Digital 328 Consoles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Section 6
Software Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161
Upgrading Digital 328 Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
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Section 7
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Section 8
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171
A MIDI Implementaion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
B Connection Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
C Signal Flow Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
D Digital 328 Expanded Surface Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
E Cable Connection Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
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Spirit Digital 328 Users Guide Version 2
SPIRIT DIGITAL 328 USER GUIDE
NB Before you go any further, please read this first page as it will tell you all
you need to know about starting off with the Spirit Digital 328
From all of us to you
Thank you for purchasing the Spirit Digital 328 mixer, which is brought to you
with much pride by Soundcraft. Your Spirit Digital 328 mixer has been
manufactured exclusively by Soundcraft in the UK, combining state of the art
technology with 25 years experience in professional console design. The Spirit
range gives you premier audio quality and features whatever your mixing needs.
We hope you enjoy using your Spirit Digital 328 mixer as much as we have
enjoyed designing it!
The User Guide
This manual has been designed to make the time needed to get to know the
Digital 328 as short as possible!
Every function of the 328's operation is covered in the manual. Please also refer
to the two supplied booklets namely 'The Spirit Guide to Digital Mixing' and
'The Spirit Guide to Mixing' which cover most of the other questions you may
have about mixing in both Live and Studio Recording applications.
Section 1 Introducing the Spirit Digital 328 - Key features and
specifications
Section 2 Getting started straight out of the box
Section 3 Reference Section
Section 4 Automation Techniques
Section 5 Linked Consoles
Section 6 Software Upgrade
Section 7 Troubleshooting
Quick Start!
If you want to jump
straight in, then flip
forward to Section 2 '
Getting started straight
out of the box' but
please skim through
Section 1 first to get an
idea of what features the
Digital 328 offers!
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In this Section:
The Spirit Digital 328 Console 4
Introducing the Spirit Digital 328 7
The Ins and Outs of the 328 7
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THE SPIRIT DIGITAL 328 CONSOLE
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Spirit Digital 328 Users Guide Version 2
1
Microphone Input
2
Line Input
3
Insert Point
4
Analogue Trim Pot
5
100Hz Highpass Filter
6
Meter Bridge for Mic/Line Channels 1-16, Tape Channels 17-32,
Group Outputs 1-8, Auxiliary Sends 1-4 and Internal FX Sends 1 and 2
7
Record Arm LED
8
Fader Bank Select Switches
9
Meter Bank Select Switches
0
E-Strip Rotary Encoders
q
Mic/Line Channels 1-16 and Tape Channels 17-32 Select Switches
w
Mute Switches for Mic/Line Channels 1-16 and Tape Channels 17-32
e
Solo Switches for Mic/Line Channels 1-16 and Tape Channels 17-32
r
Faders 1-16
t
Rotary Encoder Mode Switches
y
Control Room Outputs; Control Room Output Level Control and
Phones Level
u
Global 48V Phantom Power Switch
i
Analogue 2 Track Inputs A and B; 2 Track Level Controls
o
Auxiliary Outputs 1-4
p
Balanced Mix Outputs (XLR)
a
Unbalanced Mix Outputs (RCA)
s
Phones Output
d
Stereo Input 1A - 1D and Stereo Input 2
f
Monitor Path Controls
g
Dynamics Switch
h
Main Output / Dynamics Gain Reduction Meters
j
LCD Panel and LCD Mode Switches
k
PARAM Encoder, Cursor Keys, EXIT/NO, ENTER/YES,
UNDO and REDO Switches
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l
Stereo Input 1 and 2 Control
;
Timecode Display and Transport Controls
z
FX Return 1 and 2 Control
x
AUX/FX Pre/Post and Group/Channel Link Switches
c
Solo Control Panel
v
Snapshot Control Panel
b
Select Panel for Channel Parameters
n
Mix Fader
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INTRODUCING THE SPIRIT
DIGITAL 328
Okay so what should a digital mixing console be? Should it be something that
basically requires you to relearn the way you work on a mixer, with pages and
pages of menus offering a lot of great features, but many that you will never really
use? Perhaps it should have a combination of buttons and a data wheel where
previously you found a simple pan control, or maybe it should have faders that can
become auxiliary sends instead of good old auxiliary pots as before! No, we must
disagree, we don't think this is the way to design a digital mixer at all.
Like you, we believed in a mixer that firstly, looked like a normal mixer, and
secondly did not require hours of diligent study to get a signal in at one end, and
out at the other! Speed is so important, both in the studio and at live
performances/broadcasts, that we focused on this as our prime aim.
Like you we wanted dedicated pan controls on each channel plus simple and
familiar functions like EQ In/Out, Phase In/Out, Channel Mute, dedicated Aux and
FX send pots full metering and silky smooth 100mm long throw faders! Add to
this fully parametric EQ - with real knobs - on every channel, two warm sounding
Lexicon FX processors and two great assignable stereo dynamics processors, plus
a few extras like 24 bit 128 x oversampling A/Ds and D/As, machine control, built
in ADAT and TDIF 16 channel interfaces and more! Well, we had to do it! So we
designed and built you the Spirit digital 328 mixer - enjoy it!
THE INS AND OUTS OF THE 328
Analogue Inputs
The Spirit Digital 328 offers 16 Mic/Line inputs, using Spirit's highly acclaimed Ultra
Mic Pre-amps. A Global Phantom Power, applying 48V to all 16 Microphone
inputs, is accessed by pressing the PHANTOM POWER switch.
All Mic/Line Inputs have an Insert point, Gain control and High Pass Filter. A
further 5 Stereo Inputs are also available, and all of the above inputs feature 24 bit
128 x oversampling A/D converters. All have full access to the revolutionary
E-Strip which offers 3 band fully Parametric Equalisation, 4 Auxiliary Sends, 2
Effects Sends (routed to 2 x internal Lexicon FX Processors) and a Pan control.
There are also two additional pairs of Stereo 2 Track Inputs for connecting
playback machines such as cassette decks and analogue 2 track recorders.
The 2 TDIF inputs can
also be converted to
function as 8 additional
analogue or 4 digital
stereo AES/EBU inputs
with the addition of Spirit's
external rack mount
converter boxes.
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Digital Inputs
The 16 digital input channels on the rear of the 328 are accessed by two 8
Channel TDIF or ADAT Optical input connectors. There is also a dedicated
AES/EBU Input, and S/PDIF Input for connecting CD, Minidisc and DAT Machines.
All of these inputs have full access to the E-Strip which offers 3 band fully
Parametric Equalisation, 4 Auxiliary Sends, 2 Effects Sends (routed to 2 x internal
Lexicon FX Processors) and a pan control.
Analogue Outputs
The 328 offers an array of Analogue Outputs including MIX Outputs on balanced
male XLR and unbalanced RCA phono plugs, 4 Auxiliary Outputs, Control Room
Outputs on balanced jacks and a Headphone Output with it's own level control.
Digital Outputs
There are 16 digital output channels available via the 8 TRK A and 8 TRK B
Outputs in the form of 2 TDIF ports and 2 ADAT output ports. Both TDIF
outputs and both ADAT outputs are continually and simultaneously active. Either
these can be configured as 16 Direct Outputs - sourced from Mic/Line Input
Channels 1-16 - or alternatively as two paralleled 8 Bus Outputs sourced from the
ROUTE TO GROUP buttons.
The AES/EBU and S/PDIF Stereo Digital Outputs can output signals from any of
the following sources:
MIX Out,
AUX 1&2,
AUX 3&4,
FX 1&2 sends,
Groups 1&2,
Groups 3&4,
Groups 5&6,
Groups 7&8,
Control Room output.
The AUX OPTICAL OUT can source its output signal from either the Group
Outputs or the MIX bus, AUX 1, 2, 3 and 4 sends and FX 1 & 2 sends.
8 Analogue Group
Outputs or 16 Analogue
Direct Outputs can be
achieved by the addition
of Spirit's external rack
mount converter boxes.
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Metering
The 328 has full metering of every input and output signal as standard - no need
for an extra meter bridge here! The 10 segment bar graph meters have 3 easily
selected modes that show either
MIC/LINE Inputs 1-16,
TAPE Inputs 17-32
GROUP Outputs 1-8, AUX Outputs 1-4 and FX Sends 1 and 2.
Under normal operation, the Stereo Output Meters will display the stereo mix bus
- in mono when the MONO switch is pressed. When the 2 TRK switch is
illuminated the Stereo Output Meters will display the 2-Track return inputs. When
any channels are soloed the solo bus will be displayed and the Gain Reduction
Level and Gate Open/Closed will be displayed when the DYNAMICS switch is
illuminated.
Faders
The 100mm long throw faders found on the 328 work just as you would expect
on an analogue console. There are 4 modes of operation for the channel faders
according to the FADER BANK selection:
MIC/LINE 1-16 - Faders control the level of the MIC/LINE Inputs 1-16
TAPE 17-32 - Faders control the level of the TAPE Inputs 17-32.
MASTERS - Faders control output level of GROUP 1-8, Master output level
for AUX 1, 2, 3 or 4 and Master output level for FX 1 and 2.
MIDI controller mode - When none of the FADER BANK buttons are
selected the 16 channel faders and 16 ROTARY CONTROLS function as
programmable MIDI controllers.
E-Strip
The E-Strip is a feature unique to the Digital 328 and works just like a
conventional analogue channel strip rotated through 90°. The E-Strip has 3-band
fully Parametric Equalisation, 4 AUX Sends, 2 internal FX Sends and a PAN
control which are available for use on the MIC/LINE and TAPE channels, Stereo
Input 1&2 and FX Return 1&2.
The E-Strip can also be configured to work as 16 dedicated Level controls for
MIC/LINE Inputs 1-16 or TAPE Inputs 17-32, or as dedicated controllers for AUX
Send level 1, 2, 3 and 4, FX Send level 1 and 2 or PAN controls.
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Lexicon Effects Processors
The Digital 328 features two built in Lexicon Stereo FX Processors that include
Reverb, Delay, Chorus and Flange effects and are accessed from FX Sends 1&2.
The two dedicated Effects Returns - FX 1 and FX 2 - control the amount of effect
sent to the Mix Outputs.
Stereo Dynamics Processors
There are two Dynamics Processors that can be configured for either Mono or
Stereo operation, and can be applied to the Mic/Line and Tape Channels, the
Stereo Inputs 1&2, the FX Returns 1&2 and the Mix Outputs.
Snapshot and Dynamic Automation
The Digital 328 has two different types of automation namely 'SNAPSHOT' and
'DYNAMIC AUTOMATION' which give maximum flexibility to the user.
Complete recall of all console settings can be stored in up to 100 'SNAPSHOT'
memory locations for recall either manually or against incoming SMPTE or MIDI
Timecode.
Recording via MIDI to a MIDI Recording device, such as a sequencer, allows
complete DYNAMIC AUTOMATION of all the functions found on the 328 except
for the input gain controls and 100Hz Highpass Filters.
Machine Control
The Machine Control section of the 328 can be used to control various recording
devices including Hard Disk Editors, Sequencer Packages, Audio Tape Machines
and Video Tape Machines. This is achieved using MMC (MIDI Machine Control),
RS422 or MIDI Note On/Note Off.
Audio quality
All analogue inputs and outputs on the 328 have the same crystal clear 24 bit 128
oversampling Analogue to Digital and Digital to Analogue (A/D and D/A)
converters, ensuring wide dynamic range and superb sonic performance.
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1111
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SSttaarrtteedd
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In this Section:
Let's get started! 13
Audio hook-up 13
Okay let's make some noise! 13
Using the 'E-strip' for Equalisation, Panning, Aux sends
and adding Effects 14
Let's add some reverb 14
Okay now for some Compression 15
Storing the settings in the 'SNAPSHOT' memory
locations 16
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GETTING STARTED STRAIGHT
OUT OF THE BOX!
If you are one of those people who just has to 'get your hands dirty' before you
read through the Reference Manual then this section is for you!
The goal of this short section is to take you quickly through the basic features of
the Digital 328.
We will get a signal in on Channel 1, route it to the Mix outputs, add some EQ,
and then add some Reverb and a Compressor, and finally store all the settings we
have made as a 'Snapshot'
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LET'S GET STARTED!
Right, so you've managed of get the 328 out of the box! Congratulations, you've
passed the first test and can move on from here!
Plug the power cable into the nearest plug socket (you'd be amazed how many
people get this bit wrong!) and switch the 328 on. You will see very quickly that
every light on the mixer lights up briefly. Don't worry this is perfectly normal, and
is all part of the boot up procedure which should take about 30 seconds to
complete. Once the boot up is complete and Mr Munch has reached the end of
the screen, the 328 is ready to go!
AUDIO HOOK-UP
For the purpose of this section we will assume that there is a microphone plugged
into MIC Input 1 and an amplifier with some speakers connected to the Left and
Right Control Room (C/RM) outputs .
OKAY LET'S MAKE SOME NOISE!
Before starting, make sure that the Control Room Out (C/RM) level control
is fully down (anti-clockwise!), and the MIX fader set at 10. You should also
check that the C/RM CUT switch is not activated. If the CLEAR switch in the
SOLO panel is illuminated, press it to ensure that no channels are soloed.
Press the 'SELECT' button for MIC/LINE Channel 1 (It should illuminate
with a cool shade of green!) to put the channel into 'SELECT' mode. Make
sure that the 'ROUTE TO MIX' button in the 'SELECT' panel is selected.
Pull the Channel 1 Fader fully down, and press the MUTE switch
(This should prevent any chance of a sudden feedback howl, if your
microphone happens to be to close to your speakers!)
Plug in a Microphone, and if it requires 48v Phantom Power, press the 48V
button .
Make sure that both the FADER BANK and METER BANK
selector switches are set to MIC/LINE 1-16. (This ensures that the faders are
controlling level from MIC/LINE inputs 1-16 and the meters are showing
input level for MIC/LINE inputs 1-16)
Turn the TRIM control slowly until a good level is seen on the Channel 1
Input Meter . (As a guide your loudest peaks should occasionally light the
last Red LED. This will ensure good signal to noise ratio)
If you have bought this
mixer second hand (and
are lucky enough to still
have the user manuals)
then you might want to
re-initialise the 328. This
will return the console to
the original factory settings
it had when it left the
factory, DELETING ALL
STORED DATA.
To do this:
· Switch off the mixer
· Hold down the left and
right cursor keys
simultaneously
· Now switch on the
mixer again whilst
holding down the two
cursor keys.
· Keep holding down the
arrow keys until the LCD
display reads 'Hard reset
to factory defaults' then
you can let go of the
arrow keys and allow the
boot up procedure to
finish.
· The mixer is now reset
to where it was when it
left the factory. The
User libraries for the FX,
Dynamics, Snapshots
and MIDI Controllers
have been deleted.
NOTE:
If you wish to recall the
Factory Default state
without deleting all stored
data, you must hold all
four cursor keys on boot
up. The LCD will display
'Soft reset to Factory
Defaults'.
y
y
n
q
b
rw
u
8
9
6
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Now de-select the Channel 1 MUTE button and bring up the Channel 1
fader level. You should now see level showing in the LEFT/RIGHT output
meters . (If there is no level check that the 'DYNAMICS' button is
de-selected.)
The reason for this is simply that the Stereo Output meters can show the
stereo output level, or Gain Reduction and Gate Open/Close for the
Dynamics Processors if the Dynamics button is selected.
Once you have a good amount of level on the LEFT/RIGHT output meters,
turn up the C/RM level control to hear the signal in your speaker system.
Great! Let's get a little more creative!
USING THE E-STRIP FOR
EQUALIZATION, PANNING, AUX
SENDS AND ADDING EFFECTS
Now that you have some audio running through the console, let's check out the
E-Strip
(See Section 3.B - for an in depth look at this unique 328 feature)
When you press the 'SELECT' button on Channel 1 the E-Strip instantly
becomes active for that channel. You now have access to 3 band EQ, 4
AUX sends, 2 FX sends and a PAN control. These functions operate just as
you would find on an analogue console and will remain at their current setting
even if you select another channel.
Pressing the 'SELECT' button in the MASTER section will set the LCD
to display precise value adjustments for any of the controls found on the EStrip. The LCD will automatically follow to display whichever control you
adjust. With the LCD in this mode, the PARAM encoder will also be
automatically active for the control being adjusted on the E-Strip.
LET'S ADD SOME REVERB TO
THE SIGNAL
Adding a reverb effect to a signal is just like working with an external effect
processor, but without the need for cables! There is also the added bonus of
keeping the signal in the digital domain at all times. As you would expect we will
need to send a signal into the effects processor and blend the return signal into the
mix. Let's do it!
It is always good practice
to send as much signal as
possible into the effects
processors from the
individual FX Sends on
the channels, and have
the level of the FX
Return at a lower level.
This way a good Signal to
Noise Ratio (SNR) is
achieved.
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Firstly press the DYN/FX button .
Use the PARAM encoder or the st arrow keys to select the FX 1
Presets menu - it will flash when selected.
Press the ENTER/YES button and the < FX Presets > Factory/User menu
comes up.
Press the ENTER/YES button again to bring up the library of preset effects
and choose Hall Reverb using either the PARAM encoder or the st arrow
keys, then press the ENTER/YES button to load your chosen effect.
Press the MASTERS button on the METER BANK panel. This will switch the
bar graph meters to display the output levels of Groups 1 - 8, FX 1&2 and
Auxes 1 - 4 so that we can see the level of signal being sent to FX Processor
1 from the FX 1 Send of Channel 1. Ensure that the FX 1 master send fader
(fader 14) is at 0dB.
Turn the FX RET 1 control fully down.
Make sure that MIC/LINE Channel 1 is still selected, and using the FX 1
control slowly raise the FX 1 control until you see a good amount of signal
showing on the Bargraph meter labeled FX 1.
Now turn up the level of FX RET 1 to blend the amount of Reverb you want
routed to the mix bus.
OKAY NOW FOR SOME
COMPRESSION
The two high quality Dynamics Processors built into the 328 can be applied to the
signal in the usual way i.e. by feeding the full signal to the input of the processor
and returning the output back to the same channel. Let's do it!
Press the DYN/FX button and use the PARAM encoder or the
st
arrow
keys to select the DYN 1 menu - it will flash. It will also show the currently
active Dynamics Processor type.
Press the ENTER/YES button. The LCD display will show either
<DP * Bypass *> or <DP 1ALGORITHM>.
Below this line the currently active Dynamics Processor will be shown.
Pressing the arrow keys together will toggle the Bypass function
on and off. This determines whether or not the currently selected Dynamics
Processor is active or bypassed.
Use the
st
arrow keys or the PARAM encoder to select the Compressor
and press the ENTER/YES button.
Use the
st
arrow keys to select the SCH : Channel #XX menu page.
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Now use the PARAM encoder to select Channel #1(MIC/LINE Input 1) and
then press the ENTER/YES button to select it.
You may now use the st arrow keys to step through the different parameters
for the Compressor, and the PARAM encoder to adjust settings such as Knee,
Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Makeup.
If you want to look at the Gain Reduction level of the Compressor, press the
DYNAMICS button next to the Stereo Output meters and the meters will
now show Gain Reduction. Press the DYNAMICS switch again to meter the
mix bus.
STORING THE SETTINGS IN THE
SNAPSHOT' MEMORY LOCATIONS
All of the adjustments we have just made can be stored in the SNAPSHOT library
for later recall. Let's do it!
Press the SNAPSHOT button in the Master section. This will bring up the
SNAPSHOT menu.
Use the st arrow keys or the PARAM encoder to select SNAPSHOT memory
location # 01. It will flash when selected.
Note: If you have a used mixer with previously stored SNAPSHOTS then
press the EXIT/NO button to delete the existing SNAPSHOT. The LCD
display will read 'Confirm Delete?' And the currently selected SNAP
SHOT number. Press the ENTER/YES button to delete the SNAPSHOT.
Now in the SNAPSHOTS section press the STORE button.
The LCD display will read SAVED SNAPSHOT and then revert to showing
SNAPSHOT #001
To give the SNAPSHOT a name press the ENTER/YES button and use the
arrow keys to select the character you want to change, and the
PARAM encoder to select the desired letter or number. Characters can be
deleted from left to right by pressing and holding the left cursor key and then
pressing the right cursor key once for each letter to be deleted. Similarly,
characters can be deleted from right to left by pressing and holding the right
cursor key and then pressing the left cursor key once for each letter to be
deleted.
Press the ENTER/YES button to store the new name.
For more information on Snapshot parameters, refer to Sections 3G and 3J Part
5.15.
Well that's it! You have now successfully completed a basic overview of how the
Digital 328 operates!
Section 3 of this manual gives an in depth view of all of the functions available on
the 328. Be prepared for a new audio experience.
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RReeffeerreennccee
SSeeccttiioonn
In this Section
3A - The Inputs and Outputs 19
3B - The 'E-strip' 31
3C - The SELECT panels 43
3D - Stereo Inputs 49
3E - FX Returns 53
3F - Solo Control 55
3G - Snapshots 57
3H - Group/Aux/FX 59
3I - Transport Controls 63
3J - Master section 67
33
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