sound-devices Sound Devices CL-12 Sound Devices CL-12 Manual

®

CL-12

Linear Fader Controller for the 6-Series

User Guide

Legal Notices

Manual Conventions

Product specications and features are subject to
change without prior notication.

Copyright © 2016 Sound Devices, LLC.
All rights reserved.

This product is subject to the terms and conditions
of a software license agreement provided with the
product, and may be used in accordance with the
license agreement.

This document is protected under copyright law. An
authorized licensee of this product may reproduce
this publication for the licensee’s own personal use.
This document may not be reproduced or distrib­uted, in whole or in part, for commercial purposes,
such as selling copies or providing educational ser­vices or support.

This document is supplied as a technical guide. Spe­cial care has been taken in preparing the information
for publication; however, since product specications
are subject to change, this document might contain
omissions and technical or typographical inaccura­cies. Sound Devices, LLC does not accept responsi­bility for any losses due to the user of this guide.

Trademarks

The “wave” logo and USBPre are registered
trademarks; FileSafe, PowerSafe, SuperSlot,
MixAssist, QuickBoot, and Wave Agent are trade­marks of Sound Devices, LLC. Mac and OS X are
trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and
other countries. Windows and Microsoft Excel are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in
the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks
herein are the property of their respective owners.

Symbol Description

>

+

i

⚠

This symbol is used to show the order
in which you select menu commands

and sub-options, such as: Main Menu

> Audio indicates you press the Menu
button for the Main Menu, then scroll to
and select Audio by pushing the Control
Knob.

A plus sign is used to show button or

keystroke combinations.

For instance, Ctrl+V means to hold the
Control key down and press the V key
simultaneously. This also applies to

other controls, such as switches and

encoders. For instance, MIC+HP turn
means to slide and hold the MIC/TONE
switch left while turning the Headphone
(HP) encoder. METERS+SELECT means
to hold the METERS button down as you
press the SELECT encoder.

A note provides recommendations and
important related information. The text
for notes also appears in a different
color and italicized.

A cautionary warning about a specic
action that could cause harm to you,
the device, or cause you to lose data.
Follow the guidelines in this document
or on the unit itself when handling elec­trical equipment. The text for caution­ary notes also appears in a different
color, bold and italicized.

FCC Notice

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

FCC Part 15.19(a)(3)

www.sounddevices.com

[e-mail]

CL-12 User Guide • Rev 3-A • June 30, 2016

This document is distributed by Sound Devices, LLC
in online electronic (PDF) format only. E-published
in the USA.

Sound Devices, LLC

E7556 Road 23 and 33
Reedsburg, Wisconsin 53959 USA

Direct: [phone]
Toll Free: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Revision History

This table provides the revision history of this guide.

Rev# Date Firmware

Version

1-A Oct 2015 v1.00 Initial Ofcial Publication

2-A Feb 2016 v2.11 Updated with information regarding integration with the rest of

2-B Feb 2016 v2.11 Minor alteration to the Feature Comparison Chart.

3-A June 2016 v3.10 Updated with new information on disabling Output controls.

Description

the 6-Series of Mixers/Recorders

• New “Feature Comparison Chart” on page 15

• Updated: “CL-12 Sub-menu” on page 16

• New section: “Adjusting Trim Levels (664 only)” on page 19

• New section: “Adjusting Trim Levels (633 only)” on page 19

• Updated: “Adjusting Output or Track Levels” on page 20

• Updated: “Using High-pass Filters” on page 27

• Updated table in: “Conguring User Programmable Buttons”

on page 28

• New section: “Disabling Output Controls” on page 21

User Guide

4

Table of Contents

CL-12 Linear Fader Controller

Overview of Panels ..............................7

Top: EQ & OUTPUTS Sections ...................10

Left: Channel Strip Section .....................11

Right: Buttons and HP Encoder .................13

Altered Functionality ............................15

Feature Comparison Chart .....................15

CL-12 Sub-menu ..............................16

Selecting One or More Input Channels .............17

Activating PFL of an Input ........................18

Setting SEL to follow PFL .......................18

Trim Level Adjustment on 6-Series .................18

Adjusting Trim Levels (688 only) .................19

Adjusting Trim Levels (664 only) .................19

Adjusting Trim Levels (633 only) .................19

Routing Input Channels ..........................20

Adjusting Output or Track Levels ..................20

Configuring Output Meters (688 only) ...........21

Disabling Output Controls ........................21

Arming L, R, X1, X2 Tracks ........................21

Using the 3-Band Equalizer (688 only) ..............22

Accessing the EQ Submenu .....................23

Bypassing EQ .................................25

Setting the Q-Factor ...........................25

Setting LF and HF Frequency Defaults ............26

Setting LF and HF Filter Types ...................26

Setting EQ Routing ............................27

Using High-pass Filters ...........................27

Naming Tracks ..................................27

Configuring User Programmable Buttons ...........28

Adjusting CL-12’s LED Brightness ..................29

Specifications ...................................29

5

User Guide

6

CL-12 Linear Fader Controller

The CL-12 linear fader controller, which
comes in two models, is an optional
accessory that signicantly expands the
mixing capability of the 6-Series mixer/
recorder line.

It connects via a USB cable, which
provides both power and control of the
CL-12, plus a ¼-inch headphone cable
to provide both a ground connection to
the chassis as well as monitoring from
the CL-12. Additional power via a micro
USB cable is required when connecting
the CL-12 to a 664 or 633.

i Procedures for attaching the CL-12

are provided in the CL-12 Quick Start

Guide.

Overview of Panels

Topics in this section include:

Overview of Panels

Altered Functionality

Selecting One or More Input Channels

Activating PFL of an Input

Trim Level Adjustment on 6-Series

Routing Input Channels

Adjusting Output or Track Levels

Disabling Output Controls

Arming L, R, X1, X2 Tracks

Using the 3-Band Equalizer (688 only)

Using High-pass Filters

Naming Tracks

Configuring User Programmable Buttons

Adjusting CL-12’s LED Brightness

Specifications

The front and back panels of the CL-12 provide a number of connection ports
for a variety of purposes. The front panel has two headphone outputs, a ¼-inch
and a 3.5 mm TRS jack.

3.5 mm

1/4-inch

The back panel provides the connections required for attaching the CL-12 to
6-Series mixers, plus ports for other peripherals.

Back Panel

7

User Guide

Light USB A connection for attaching an external USB light source, useful for

Keyboard USB A connection for attaching a peripheral USB keyboard, which can be

Headphone Input A ¼-inch headphone jack for connecting the CL-12 to the mixer’s ¼-inch

DC Boost Input Connect a micro USB power cord (not included with the CL-12) to this port

To 6-Series Mixer Connect this USB port on the CL-12 to the mixer’s USB B port by using the

Feature Description

illuminating the CL-12 surface in low light conditions.

used for control and entering metadata. This port may also be used to
connect third-party systems for wireless remote control of 6-Series mixers.

i When using an external keyboard, rst ensure MENU > System> USB Port is

set to USB Host/Keyboard before plugging in the keyboard.

headphone output, making it possible to monitor audio directly from the
front of the CL-12.

Use the supplied ¼-inch to ¼-inch cable, which adds a low-resistance

ground connection to the CL-12 chassis for extra robustness between the
mixer and the CL-12 in the event of static shock.

(5V) on the CL-12 is required for connecting a CL-12 to either a 664 or

633.

When using a CL-12 with a 688, this port is optional, but recommended
for providing additional DC power when necessary, such as for powering a
high-current-draw USB keyboard. Connecting additional power to this port
will also allow for brighter illumination of the CL-12’s buttons and LEDs.

supplied USB cable. This connection provides both control and power to the
CL-12.

i When the CL-12 is connected, any CL-6 attached to the mixer is disabled.

The top panel of the CL-12 has an abundance of faders, buttons, LEDs, and
controls for an intuitive mixing and control user experience.

8

CL-12 LINEAR FADER CONTROLLER

Top Panel

Side Panel

To fully explain each feature of the CL-12’s top panel, the mixing surface is
divided into three areas:

• Top – comprised of the EQ and OUTPUTS sections

• Left – comprised of the Channel Strip section

• Right – comprised of the Headphone encoder and several sections of but-

tons for various functions, such as transport control, channel selection, etc.

9

User Guide

EQ Section OUTPUTS Section

Top: EQ & Output Sections

Right:
Transport
Controls

Channel Select
Tools

Left: Channel
Strip Section

Headphone Encoder

Top: EQ & OUTPUTS Sections

The area that spans the top edge of the mixing surface has rotary controls for
EQ and Outputs, as well as LED metering and the Power LED.

Metadata
Controls

Fast Access
Buttons

Com &
Returns
Sections

Meters & Menu

i Not all features described here are available with every mixer. For more

information, see CL-12 Comparison Chart.

Feature Description

EQ Controls There are four rotary encoders in the EQ section. These 3-band EQ

controls include LF gain, MID frequency/gain, and HF gain. Other EQ
parameters, such as Q-factor and lter type are set up from the CL­12 > EQ sub-menu.

For more information, see Using the 3-Band Equalizer (688 only),

Bypassing EQ and Accessing the EQ Submenu.

10

CL-12 LINEAR FADER CONTROLLER

Feature Description

LED Output Meters Displays 22-segment metering levels, as well as both ARM and LIM

(limiter) LEDs for L, R, X1, and X2.

i LED meters may be congured to display either output or track

levels.

For more information, see Conguring Output Meters (688 only).

Power LED Illuminates green when the CL-12 is powered on via the USB connec-

tion to an attached 6-Series mixer.

Output Controls There are four rotary controls or “pots” in the OUTPUTS section,

which may be used for routing as well as adjusting output or track
levels. Press to route or arm; turn to adjust level.

For more information, see Adjusting Output or Track Levels and Arm-

ing L, R, X1, X2 Tracks.

Left: Channel Strip Section

The area that spans the majority of the mixing surface comprises 12 channel
strips. Each strip is comprised of 12 linear faders, SEL and PFL buttons, LED
indicators and LED meters. The CL-12’s low latency faders allow for responsive
level adjustment.

i Not all features described here are available with every mixer. For more

information, see CL-12 Comparison Chart.

Feature Description

X1 Routing Indicator Illuminates when the input channel has been routed to the X1 output.

• Off = not routed

• Green = pre-fade routing

• Yellow = post-fade routing

L Routing Indicator Illuminates when the input channel has been routed to the left bus.

• Off = not routed

• Yellow = post-fade routing

EQ LED Indicates when some form of EQ has been applied to the input

channel. Illuminates blue if any LF, MID, or HF EQ band is set to non­zero gain for the selected input.

11

User Guide

R Routing Indicator Illuminates when the input channel has been routed to the right bus.

X2 Routing Indicator Illuminates when the input channel has been routed to the X2 output.

SEL Button Selects or deselects an input channel, or multiple input channels for

ON Indicator Illuminates yellow to indicate the input channel is on.

ARM Indicator Illuminates red to indicate the corresponding isolated track (ISO) is

MIXASSIST Indicator Illuminates to indicate auto-mixing activity. When the input is open,

PFL Buttons
(Pre-/Post-Fade Listen)

Feature Description

• Off = not routed

• Yellow = post-fade routing

• Off = not routed

• Green = pre-fade routing

• Yellow = post-fade routing

adjustment.

Each SEL button illuminates when a channel is selected.

While selected, an input channel may be routed to L, R, X1 or X2.
It also may be turned on, armed, or named. Additionally, high-pass
ltering, phase inversion, or EQ may be applied.

For more information, see Selecting One or More Input Channels. See
also Setting SEL to follow PFL.

armed for recording.

the LED is green. As the input closes, the LED is turned off.

Activates or deactivates pre- or post-fade listen of inputs 1-12 to the
headphone monitor.

For more information, see Activating PFL of an Input. See also Setting

SEL to follow PFL.

Linear Faders 100 mm low latency linear controls for adjusting the fader levels of

inputs 1-12. Ranges from Off, - 80 to +16 dB.

Each input’s linear fader gain is displayed on the mixer’s Input
Settings screen. Calibrate linear faders to 0 dB via the mixer’s
SYSTEM > Fader/Pan Calibration menu.

LED Meters Displays 7-segment pre- or post-fade metering, plus pre- and post-

fade limiter LED indicator for input channels 1-12.

12

CL-12 LINEAR FADER CONTROLLER

Right: Buttons and HP Encoder

The area that spans the right side of the mixing surface has transport controls
and numerous buttons for quick access to many key features. For convenience,
the buttons are grouped in sections according to common functionality.

i Not all features described here are available with every mixer. For more

information, see CL-12 Comparison Chart.

section Buttons name Description

Transport

Controls

Channel

Select Tools

Record While the Transport Control on the

mixer operates normally when the CL-

12 is attached, this alternate, backlit

Record button provides an additional
control for starting a recording.

Stop This alternate, backlit Stop button

provides an additional control for stop­ping a recording or playback, or (when
stopped) viewing the next take’s le
name.

i Channel Select tools operate on the currently

selected channel(s).

ON Press to toggle a channel on or

off. When on, the input’s ON LED
illuminates yellow.

ARM Press to arm or disarm the channel.

When armed, the input’s ARM LED
illuminates red.

NAME Press this button to display and edit

the currently selected channel’s track
name. This name is embedded as
metadata within the recorded les.

i This functionality only works when

one input is selected. If multiple
inputs are selected when the NAME
button is pressed, a warning message

appears instructing the user to select
a single input.

HPF Press to toggle on or off high-pass

ltering for a selected input channel.
For more information, see Using High-

pass Filters.

Phase Press to toggle the phase of aselected

input channels. When inverted, the
PHASE button illuminates orange.

13

User Guide

Metadata

Controls

section Buttons name Description

i Use the on-screen, virtual keyboard or a USB key-

board plugged into the back panel of the CL-12 to

edit metadata.

All edits update the relevant embedded metadata
within the le and le name.

SCENE While recording, press to display and

edit the current scene name. While
stopped, press to display and edit the
next scene name. Press SCENE again to
save and exit.

TAKE While recording, press to display and

edit the current take’s Take number.
While stopped, press to display and
edit the next take’s Take number. Press
TAKE again to save and exit, or select
Done.

NOTES While recording, press to display and

edit the current take’s Notes. While
stopped, press to display and edit the
next take’s Notes. Press NOTES again
to save and exit.

i Hold NOTES button down for 1

second to view Phrase List screen.

INC Increments the scene name according

to settings congured via File Storage
> Scene Increment Mode.

FALSE Moves last take to the False Takes

folder and decrements the take number
by 1.

@ Toggles the circle status of the current

take, which prepends the “at” symbol
(@) to le name and updates the le’s
metadata to “circled.”

Fast Access U1, U2, U3 User denable buttons. These may be

congured to many different functions
in the CL-12 sub-menu.

SuperSlot Displays the SL-6 Receiver Overview

screen, should an SL-6 by connected.

TC Displays the Timecode Jam menu.

COM & Return
Controls

RTN A, RTN
B, RTN C

Press the button corresponding to the

A, B, or C return feed to be monitored
in the headphones.

COM RTN Press to monitor COM return in the

headphones.

COM 1,
COM 2

Activates the selected COM (1 or 2)

i Both may be operated

simultaneously.

14

section Buttons name Description

Meters &

Menu

Altered Functionality

When the CL-12 is connected to a 6-Series mixer, some mixer functionality is
changed. The following table indicates the functionality and which mixers are
affected.

Functionality 688 664 633

New CL-12 submenu is enabled

INPUTS > PFL Toggle Mode submenu is disabled

i On the 664, the submenu is called INPUTS > Input Mode.

Rotary faders (1-6) disabled

Rotary faders (7-12) become trim controls for (7-12)

L, R, X1, X2 adjustment via SELECT

encoder is disabled

CL-6 Rotary faders (7-12) disabled

CL-12 LINEAR FADER CONTROLLER

METERS Duplicates the functionality of the

mixer’s METERS button.

MENU Duplicates the functionality of the

mixer’s MENU button.

  

  

  



  

 

—

N/A

N/A

Feature Comparison Chart

Feature availability is contingent on the model of the mixer to which the CL-12
is connected. The following table outlines the differences between the various
6-Series models.

cl-12 Feature 688 664 633

Number of linear faders

DC Boost micro USB power connection Optional Required Required

3-band semi-parametric equalizer

Auto Mixer Metering and Control

SuperSlot Control

COMs 1 & 2 1 —

Returns A,B,C A,B,C A

Slate + Tone (via User Programmable buttons)

SL-6 Routing (via User Programmable buttons)

LR, X1, X2 Track Level Control & Metering

Physical LR, X1, X2 Output Level Control & Metering

7-segment PFL Metering + Limiter Activity

Channel On/Off

Headphone Level & Preset

HPF Control

12 12 6







  



  



  

  

  



— —

— —

— —

— —

— —

7-12

only



15

User Guide

cl-12 Feature 688 664 633

Input Phase Control

Input PFL and SEL Controls

Input Routing to LR, X1, and X2

Menu Control

Metadata Control

Track Arming & Naming

Transport Control

USB Peripherals (Light & Keyboard)

User Programmable buttons (U1, U2, U3)

CL-12 Sub-menu

When the CL-12 is attached to a 6-Series mixer, a new CL-12 sub-menu is
available via the Main menu. Options in the menu will vary based on the mixer’s
model. For instance, the left image, shown below, is the menu as it appears on
a 688. The right image is the menu as it appears on a 664 or 633.



  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

ch 2,4,6

only

ch 2 only

16

option Description

L - X2 Level Controls Congure level controls to control either output or track levels. Since

the 664 and 633 only allow for control of track levels, this menu
option is not available when a CL-12 is connected to them. For more
information, see Adjusting Output or Track Levels.

L - X2 Metering Congure LED meters to display either output or track levels. Since

the 664 and 633 only allow for metering of track levels, this menu
option is not available when a CL-12 is connected to them. For more
information, see Conguring Output Meters (688 only).

L - X2 Gain Pots Enables/disables the L, R, X1 and X2 controls on the CL-12 (OUTPUTS

section).

EQ Displays submenu related to EQ, a feature only available with the

688. For more information, see Accessing the EQ Submenu.

User Button 1 Set function of U1 button.

User Button 2 Set function of U2 button.

option Description

User Button 3 Set function of U3 button. For more information, see Conguring User

Programmable Buttons.

LED Brightness Set brightness of CL-12 LEDs. For more information, see Adjusting

CL-12’s LED Brightness.

SEL follows PFL Enables or disables automatic selection of an input channel when its

PFL button is pressed. When enabled, pressing PFL will illuminate both
the PFL and SEL button for the chosen input channel. For more infor­mation, see Setting SEL to follow PFL.

Selecting One or More Input Channels

Input channels may be selected individually or as a group for group adjustment.
One or more input channels may also be added to any previously selected
group. Parameters that can be adjusted when an input channel’s SEL button is
selected are: ON, ARM, NAME, HPF, PHASE, EQ, and Routing to L, R, X1, X2.

i NAME and EQ can only be adjusted for a single channel.

CL-12 LINEAR FADER CONTROLLER

To select an input channel:

X Press the input’s SEL button.

i Press the input’s SEL button again to deselect it, or press any other SEL button to

change selection.

To select multiple input channels, do either of the following:

X Simultaneously press multiple SEL buttons.
X Press and hold one SEL button down while then pressing one or more SEL

buttons for other required inputs.

i Press any single illuminated SEL button to simultaneously deselect the group.

To add more input channels to a selected group:

X Press and hold an illuminated SEL button while pressing any additional SEL

buttons to add those input channels to the group.

17

User Guide

Activating PFL of an Input

Pre- or post-fade listen may be activated on one input at a time.

To PFL an input:

X Press the input’s PFL button.

There are two modes of PFL: momentary and latching.

moDes Description

Momentary If the PFL button is held for greater than one second, PFL only re-

mains active for as long as the button is held. The mixer’s LCD does
not change screen.

Latching If the PFL button is quickly tapped, PFL is “latched” on until the PFL

button is tapped again or another is selected. When active, the PFL
button illuminates, and the Input Settings screen for the active PFL
input is displayed on the mixer’s LCD.

Setting SEL to follow PFL

The CL-12 provides the SEL follows PFL option for automatic selection of an
input channel when its PFL button is pressed. Think of SEL follows PFL as a fast,
one-touch method for gaining access to PFL, the Input Settings screen, EQ,
routing, and channel select tools. This feature may be disabled so that PFL acti­vation and input channel selection are independent.

To enable or disable SEL follows PFL:

1. Press MENU.

2. Select CL-12 > SEL follows PFL.

3. Select one of two options: Enable and Disable.

Trim Level Adjustment on 6-Series

For inputs 1 through 6, on either the 688 or the 664, trim is still adjusted
via the dedicated rotary Trim controls on the mixer, even when the CL-12 is
attached. Likewise, on the 633, for inputs 1 through 3, trim is adjusted via the
dedicated rotary Trim controls.

However, trim level adjustment of other inputs varies depending on the different
designs of each 6-Series mixer to which the CL-12 is attached. For instance,
adjusting trim on input 7 of a 688 is not the same as adjusting trim on input 7
of a 664.

18

The following sub-sections provide details and procedures for adjusting trim
levels on inputs 7-12 on the 688, inputs 7-12 on the 664, and inputs 4-6 on the

633.

CL-12 LINEAR FADER CONTROLLER

Pan

Mini-Fader (7-12)
becomes Trim when
CL-12 is connected

Trim (1-6)

Pan

Mini-Fader (4-6)
becomes Trim when
CL-12 is connected

Trim (1-3)

Adjusting Trim Levels (688 only)

When the CL-12 is attached to the
688, the mini-faders on the 688
become dedicated trim controls for
inputs 7-12.

To adjust the trim level for
inputs 7-12:

X Turn the appropriate mini-

fader on the 688. The trim
gain is displayed on the
mixer’s LCD via the Input
Settings screen.

Adjusting Trim Levels (664 only)

When the CL-12 is attached to the 664, the mixer’s SELECT encoder may be
used to adjust trim for inputs 7-12 via the Input Settings screen.

To adjust the trim level for inputs 7-12:

1. Slide the input’s PFL switch on the CL-6 to the right to access the Input Set­tings screen on the mixer’s LCD.

2. Turn the SELECT encoder to adjust trim for the input. The trim gain is dis­played on the mixer’s LCD.

Adjusting Trim Levels (633 only)

When the CL-12 is attached to the
633, the mini-faders on the 633
become dedicated trim controls for
inputs 4-6.

To adjust the trim level for
inputs 4-6:

X Turn the appropriate mini-

fader on the 633. The trim
gain is displayed on the
mixer’s LCD via the Input
Settings screen.

19

User Guide

Routing Input Channels

With the CL-12, routing input channels to the left or right mix bus and the X1 or
X2 output is quick and easy.

To route an input channel or multiple input channels:

1. Do either of the following:

X Press the input channel’s SEL button.
X Select multiple input channels, using their SEL buttons.

2. Press the L, R, X1 or X2 output control to route to L, R, X1 or X2,
respectively.

Routing to X1 or X2 can be pre- or post-fade. Press the X1 or X2 output
control to cycle through the options: Route Off, Route Pre-fade, Route Post­fade. When routing is pre-fade, the X1 and X2 LEDs illuminate green. When
routing is post-fade, the LEDs are yellow.

i Alternatively, you can press and hold an L, R, X1, or X2 control, and then press

one or more SEL button(s) for the input channel(s) you want to route to that

output.

i TIP: For continuous pan control, set an input channel’s routing to both L and R,

then use the Pan control on the 6-Series mixer to smoothly adjust pan. This will
ensure that an input’s pan position will be retained when disconnecting and recon-

necting the CL-12.

Adjusting Output or Track Levels

The CL-12 has four rotary controls labeled OUTPUTS that are used for adjusting
either output or track levels, based on which mixer is connected to the CL-12
and how the controls are congured.

On the 633 and 664, the CL-12’s Output controls are used for adjusting track
levels for L, R, X1, and X2.

On the 688, however, the CL-12’s Output controls may be congured to adjust
either output or track levels for L, R, X1, and X2.

To congure CL-12 output controls:

1. Press MENU to access the 688’s Main menu.

2. Select CL-12 > L - X2 Level Controls.

20

3. Select one of two options: Adjust Output Level or Adjust Track Level.

To adjust levels:

X Turn the Output control corresponding to which level you want to adjust: L,

R, X1, or X2. The level value is displayed on the mixer’s LCD in the HP eld.

i When L and R are linked, L controls level for the L/R output pair. When X1 and X2

are linked, X1 controls level for both. Also, when linked, the R and X2 controls are
disabled. (Output linking control is in the OUTPUT menu.)

Configuring Output Meters (688 only)

On a 688, the LED output meters on the CL-12 may be congured to meter L,
R, X1, and X2 output or track levels. For other 6-Series mixers, the 22-segment
output metering on the CL-12 is always for track levels.

To congure CL-12 output meters:

1. Press MENU to access the 688’s Main menu.

2. Select CL-12 > L - X2 Metering.

3. Select one of two options: Meter Output Level or Meter Track Level.

Disabling Output Controls

CL-12 LINEAR FADER CONTROLLER

The 6-Series mixers, when attached to a CL-12, has a sub-menu option that lets
users disable the rotary output level controls for L,
R, X1, and X2 to avoid accidental changes in level.

To disable the output controls on the CL-12:

1. Press MENU.

2. Select CL-12 > L-X2 Gain Pots.

3. Select Off. This setting is On by default.

i Even when disabled, users can still route to L, R, X1, and X2 by pressing in the

controls (pots). Also, disabling the CL-12 output level controls does not impact
controls on the mixer. Attenuation of output may still be achieved via the mixer.

Arming L, R, X1, X2 Tracks

With the CL-12, L, R, X1 and X2 may be armed for recording, or unarmed.

To arm L, R, X1, X2 tracks for recording:

1. Press and hold down the ARM button.

2. Press the rotary OUTPUT control(s) corresponding to the output track(s)
you want to arm.

When armed, each output track’s ARM LED illuminates red.

21

User Guide

HF LED

MID LED

LF LED

EQ LEDs

Using the 3-Band Equalizer (688 only)

The CL-12 adds 3-band EQ to the 688. EQ is only available when sample rate
is 48.048 kHz or less, and it is only available for adjustment when CL-12 is
connected.

• LF is a xed 100 Hz EQ by default, with +/- 12 dB gain adjustment. The de­fault may be altered via settings in the EQ submenu.

• MID provides variable EQ frequency adjustment over 400 Hz – 6k range
with +/- 12 dB gain adjustment.

• HF is a xed 10 kHz EQ by default, with +/- 12 dB gain adjustment. The
default may be altered via settings in the EQ submenu.

i When CL-12 is disconnected, the EQ settings are retained, but they cannot be ad-

justed. For more information, see Accessing the EQ Submenu.

To adjust EQ for a selected input, do any of the following:

X Turn the LF encoder to adjust the selected input’s low frequency gain.
X Turn the FREQ encoder to adjust the selected input’s MID frequency.
X Turn the GAIN encoder to adjust the selected input’s MID gain.
X Turn the HF encoder to adjust the selected input’s high frequency gain.

Above the SEL button for each input, the EQ LED illuminates blue when any of
the LF, MID, or HF are set to non-zero gain, giving a quick global indication that
some form of

equalizer is applied

to the input(s).

If a selected input
has LF applied, the
LF LED illuminates
orange.

If a selected input

has MF applied, the

MID LED illuminates
yellow, and if a
selected input has HF
applied, the HF LED
illuminates green.

22

CL-12 LINEAR FADER CONTROLLER

When EQ is applied to a selected input, the EQ screen also appears for the
selected input on the mixer’s LCD. For instance, in the following example, EQ
is applied to channel 1 (CH-1); LF is set at 10 dB and HF is set to -10 dB, while
MID frequency and gain are bypassed. In the example, high-pass ltering is off,
the Q-factor is set to 1.0 and both LF and HF ltering is set to Peaking.

It is not possible to adjust EQ for multiple inputs at the same time. When
multiple input channels are selected, the channel that is adjusted will be the
last one added to the group.

There is a 10-second timeout on the EQ screen, if nothing is adjusted.

i Press and hold an input’s SEL button while pressing any of the EQ encoders to view

the input’s EQ screen without changing the input’s EQ value.

Accessing the EQ Submenu

Several settings related to EQ—such as Q-factor, EQ routing, and so forth—may
be congured via the EQ submenu.

To access the EQ submenu:

1. Press MENU.

2. Select CL-12 > EQ. The EQ submenu appears.

23

User Guide

Q-Factor Set to one of four values: 0.707, 1.0, 1.414, 2.0. This affects all EQ

LF Freq Values range from 60 Hz to 300 Hz. Default is 100 Hz. This may be

HF Freq Values range from 8 kHz to 16 kHz. Default is 10 kHz. This may be

option Description

bands.

For more information, see Setting the Q-Factor.

adjusted individually for each channel.

adjusted individually for each channel.

For more information, see Setting LF and HF Frequency Defaults.

LF Filter Type Set to either Peaking or Shelving. This may be adjusted individually

for each channel.

HF Filter Type Set to either Peaking or Shelving. This may be adjusted individually

for each channel.

For more information, see Setting LF and HF Filter Types.

EQ Routing Set to either Pre-fade or Post-fade. This affects all input channels.

For more information, see Setting EQ Routing.

24

CL-12 LINEAR FADER CONTROLLER

Bypassing EQ

When necessary, it is possible to temporarily and quickly bypass the application
of EQ without altering the current non-zero gain value. The label BYPASSED is
shown on the EQ screen for any band that is bypassed.

To bypass EQ do any of the following:

X Press the LF encoder.
X Press the FREQ or GAIN encoder.
X Press the HF encoder.

These controls act as toggles between bypass (gain = 0 dB) and the last
non-zero gain value, so pressing any encoder a second time will toggle off by­pass and reapply the last non-zero gain value for LF, MID, or HF respectively.

When an EQ band is bypassed, its EQ LED goes out.

Setting the Q-Factor

The Q-factor controls the bandwidth that will be cut or boosted by the equalizer.

To set the Q-factor:

1. Press MENU.

2. Select CL-12 > EQ > Q-Factor.

3. Select one of the following options: 0.707, 1.0, 1.414, or 2.0.

The lower the setting, the wider the bandwidth, which means more
frequencies will be affected by EQ. The higher the setting, the narrower the
bandwidth, so the EQ adjustment wil be more selective.

For example, the following two images show a 10 dB LF peaking lter
applied to CH-1; however, the Q-factor for the left one is set to 0.707, while
the Q-factor for the right one is set to 2.0.

25

User Guide

Setting LF and HF Frequency Defaults

The default for LF is 100 Hz and the default for HF is 10 kHz, but both may be
adjusted for each individual input via setting in the EQ submenu.

To adjust LF and HF Freq. defaults:

1. Press MENU.

2. Select CL-12 > EQ.

3. Do the following:

X Select LF Freq and set a new value. Options include values in incre-

ments of 10 from a minimum 60 Hz to maximum 300 Hz.

X Select HF Freq and set a new value. Options include values in incre-

ments of 10 from a minimum 8 kHz to maximum 16 kHz.

Setting LF and HF Filter Types

The CL-12’s EQ offers two types of lters: Peaking and Shelving, and these may
be adjusted individually for each input.

Filter sample image Description

Peaking A peaking lter will create a hill- or peak-like boost

or cut around a particular frequency. The spread of
the “peak” will vary based on the Q-factor.

Shelving A shelving lter will slope up or down to a

particular point and remain constant at its level of
boost or cut.

The sample image shows examples of both
shelving (LF) and peaking (HF).

To set type of LF and HF lters:

1. Press MENU.

2. Select CL-12 > EQ.

3. Do the following:

X Select LF Filter Type and set each input to either Peaking or Shelving.
X Select HF Filter Type and set each input to either Peaking or Shelving.

26

Setting EQ Routing

EQ may be applied either pre- or post-fade. This setting globally affects all in­puts.

To set EQ routing:

1. Press MENU.

2. Select CL-12 > EQ > EQ Routing. Options include: Pre-fade or Post-fade.

Using High-pass Filters

The High-pass Filter (HPF) button on the CL-12 is a toggle, which turns the
high-pass lter off or on for the selected input.

On the 664, since inputs 1-6 are analog, the CL-12’s HPF button toggles on or
off high-pass ltering for inputs 7-12 only at the xed frequency of 150 Hz.

On the 688 and 633, the high-pass lter may be adjusted for all inputs to other
frequencies.

CL-12 LINEAR FADER CONTROLLER

To turn on and adjust an input’s high-pass lter:

1. Select an input, using the input’s SEL button.

2. Press the HPF button.

i If inputs 1-6 are selected on the 664 when the CL-12’s HPF button is pressed, a

message will appear: “Use the low-cut control on the 664 front panel.”

The HPF button illuminates when high-pass ltering is on.

3. (633 & 688 only) Adjust the HPF value via the Input Settings screen.

When high-pass ltering is on, the HPF value is xed at 150 Hz on the 664,
but may be changed via in the Input Settings screen on the 633 or 688.
Also, on the 688, the EQ screen appears on the mixer’s LCD. The Head­phone encoder may be used as an alternative way to adjust the HPF value
displayed on the EQ screen.

i Press the HPF button again to turn off the high-pass lter.

Naming Tracks

Since inputs are hard-wired to their respective tracks, the input name is the
same as the track name. Naming functionality only applies to one selected
input at a time. Attempting to do so with multiple inputs selected will result in a
message instructing the user to select a single input before continuing.

While recording, the current take’s track name may be modied. Edits to
the track name in the current take will also be applied to the next take and
subsequent recordings that follow. The next take’s track name may be edited so
long as recording is stopped.

27

User Guide

To enter or edit track names:

1. With a single input selected, press the NAME button. The Track Name List
appears over the Meters View.

2. Do any of the following:

X Select Edit Entry to edit the current entry.
X Select Add New Entry to enter a new track name.
X Select a name from the list.

i TIP: Prepare a list of names to use for fast selection during production.

Configuring User Programmable Buttons

The CL-12 offers three user programmable buttons for quick-access to a wide
range of functions and menus.

To congure U1 – U3 buttons:

1. Press MENU.

2. Select CL-12 > User 1-3 buttons.

3. Select an option to assign to the button. The following table shows possible
options and whether they are available with the different 6-Series mixers:

option Description 688 664 633

Take List Displays the Take List screen.

File List Displays the File List screen.

Play Toggles between play and pause.

FFWD Fast forward or skip to next le.

REW Rewind or skip to previous le.

Slate Toggles slate on and off.

Tone Toggles tone on and off.

FAV Duplicates the action of the FAV switch.

Select Duplicates the action of pressing the Select

encoder.

Default Playback Card Shortcut to FILE STORAGE > Default Play-

back Card sub-menu.

Power Menu Displays the POWER settings.

Input Delays Displays the Input Delays screen.

Output Delays Displays the Output Delays screen.

LR Linking Toggles linking of L and R.

X1/X2 Linking Toggles linking of X1 and X2.

Auto Mixer Toggles the Auto Mixer (MixAssist or Dugan)

on and off.

Return Loopback
Mode A - C

SLATE ROUTING Displays the Slate Routing screen.

Three options: Enters Return Loopback
modes for either RTN A, RTN B, or RTN C,
respectively.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  



  

  







  

  







—

—

—

—

— —

— —

—











28

option Description 688 664 633

TONE ROUTING Displays the Tone Routing screen.

Timecode Menu Displays the Timecode/Sync menu.

Daylight Mode Toggles daylight mode.

Create Sound Report Creates a sound report (.csv le).

Sound Report Info Displays the Sound Report Info screen.

X1 - X6 Routing Six options: Each one is a shortcut to

OUTPUTS > X1-X6 Routing > X1 Routing, X2
Routing, and so forth, respectively.

SL-6 Routing Displays the SL-6 Routing screen.

AES Routing Displays the AES Output Routing screen.

EQ Menu Shortcut to CL-12 > EQ sub-menu.

LF Freq Displays the EQ LF FREQ settings.

HF Freq Displays the EQ HF FREQ settings.

Adjusting CL-12’s LED Brightness

Depending on the work environment, the brightness of the CL-12’s LED may
require adjustment.

CL-12 LINEAR FADER CONTROLLER



  

  

  

  





  







—

— X1-X4

— —

— —

— —

— —



only

To adjust LED brightness:

1. Press MENU.

2. Select LED Brightness.

3. Turn the Headphone encoder to adjust value up or down in 1% increments
from a minimum of 5% up to 100%.

i TIP: LED brightness may be further boosted by connecting a USB 5 V source to the

DC Boost Input port on the back panel of the CL-12.

Specifications

The following specications apply to the CL-12.

name Description

External Power

Current Draw

Light

· Powered by the mixer via USB cable

· 5V micro USB DC boost input (required for use with 664 or 633)

· 90mA @5V typical

· 100 mA (when powered by 688)

· 500 mA (when powered with external USB power supply)

Size (W x D x H)

Weight

CL-12

· 14.7 in x 11.3 in x 3.8 in

· 37.3 cm x 28.7 cm x 9.6 cm

· 5 lbs

· 2.27 kg

CL-12 Alaia

· 15.2 in x 11.3 in x 3.8 in

· 38.6 cm x 28.7 cm x 9.6 cm

· 5 lbs

· 2.27 kg

29

User Guide

30

®

Sound Devices, LLC

E7556 Road 23 and 33
Reedsburg, Wisconsin 53959
USA

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Customer Support

Toll Free: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

http://www.sounddevices.com/support
http://forum.sounddevices.com

Product Information

For more information about products
and accessories, visit us on the web at

www.sounddevices.com.

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