SPL Monitor & Talkback Controller, 2381 User manual

Manual

Monitor & Talkback Controller

Model 2381

Stereo volume, source and monitor control with cue mix and talkback functions

2

Manual MTC 2381

Model 2381

Version 1.0 – 7/2004

Design: Wolfgang Neumann

This manual contains a description of the product. It in no way represents a
guarantee of particular characteristics or results of use. The information in
this document has been carefully compiled and verified and, unless other­wise stated or agreed upon, correctly describes the product at the time of
packaging with this document.

Sound Performance Lab (SPL) continuously strives to improve its products
and reserves the right to modify the product described in this manual at any
time without prior notice. This document is the property of SPL and may not
be copied or reproduced in any manner, in part or fully, without prior autho­rization by SPL.

SPL electronics GmbH

Sohlweg 55

41372 Niederkruechten

Germany

Tel. [phone]

Fax [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

www.soundperformancelab.com

© 2004 SPL electronics GmbH. All rights reserved. Name s of other companies and their products are trademark s of
their respec tive owners.

MTC 2381

3

Introduction .............................................................................................. 4

Before You Begin ....................................................................................... 5

Power Supply ............................................................................................ 5

Rear Panel Graphic & Cabling Overview ................................................... 6

Connectors/General Advice ...................................................................... 7

Rear Panel/Inputs .................................................................................... 7

Musician, Mix, 2Tr A to 2Tr D, Footswitch ................................................... 7

Rear Panel/Outputs ................................................................................. 8

Slave Out, Talk Out, Cue Mix, Speaker 1-3 .................................................. 8

Rear Panel/Power Connection and Switches ............................................ 9

Mains Input, Power Switch, Power Supply Voltage Switch ........................ 9

Front Panel/Output ................................................................................... 9

Headphone Output .................................................................................... 9

Contents

Operation/Switch Functions ..................................................................... 10

Status-LEDs, Musician, Mix, 2Tr A to 2Tr D,

Musician/Mix/2Tr A to 2Tr D Switching Sequences ..................................... 10

SP 1 to SP 3, Mono, Dim, HP On, Talk ......................................................... 11

Operation/Control Functions ..................................................................... 12

Cue Mix/Musician, Cue Mix/Mix, Cue Mix/Volume, Talkback/Level ........... 12

Control Room/Source Blend, Master Volume ............................................. 13

Specifications ........................................................................................... 14

Guarantee ................................................................................................. 15

MTC 2381

4

MTC 2381

Introduction

The Monitor & Talkback Controller MTC 2381 combines volume level control,
source switching and loudspeaker management for stereo monitoring with
comfortable talkback and cue mixing functions. The organizational focus that
such essential services bring, coupled with an extraordinary tonal quality,
makes possible an unrivaled convenience in DAW-based monitor management
– in all areas of signal processing and playback

• stereo productions/recording studios

• movie and video post production

• video and computer game production

• audio-visual media and multimedia production

The latency-free Cue Mix signal for the musician can be composed of the
musician’s track and the track mix. The Talkback communications option via
built-in microphone provides a footswitch input for remote control and a sepa­rate output with the dry talkback signal. These features mean that monitoring
in any DAW-based studio now can be expanded to include the kind of essen­tial functionality that to now has only been available in large analog consoles.

The advantages of the MTC become especially apparent in combination with
modern audio and video production tools such as ProTools™, Nuendo™,
Cubase™, Logic™, Deck™, etc. Monitor levels and source management can
be handled independently of the software and with virtually no loss in quality.
You no longer need to set up additional aux sends for monitoring. In addition,
you won’t have to worry about over- or underdriving the converters due to
monitor levels.

One of the MTC’s biggest advantages is the possibility to manage up to six
input sources: comparing and monitoring is much easier than having to import
all of your audio files and set up monitor mixes – not to mention the inevitable
A/D-D/A conversions.

SPL’s renowned electronic balancing circuitry forms the basis for the MTC’s
I/O architecture. Its extended frequency range up to 100 kHz, exceptional
dynamic spectrum and excellent common mode rejection ensure specs that
exceed SACD standards, as only highest quality analog circuitry can provide.

Last but not least, the MTC’s rugged and ergonomic desktop enclosure with
its slanted front panel harmonizes perfectly with the desktop production envi­ronment.

5

MTC 2381

IMPORTANT: Before you operate your MTC, first check carefully whether the

220-240V~50Hz

Fuse: 315 mA

110-120V~60Hz

Fuse: 630 mA

Voltage Setting / Fuse Rating

local voltage setting corresponds to the switch setting on the rear panel!

If not, and the voltage is in one way or another, incorrect, you will either experi­ence an immediate fuse burn through (if the setting is lower than the supplied
power) or, if the power is 110-120 V at a 220-240 V input switch setting, the
MTC will simply not function correctly.

Moreover, make sure you remove the plug from your MTC before changing this
switch setting!

Always turn volume down or mute your speakers when connecting or
repatching audio cables to avoid damage to your speakers and ears.

It makes good sense to think about where you place the MTC before connec­ting it. It should be positioned so that you can easily reach it, but there are
other considerations. Try not to place it near heat sources or in direct sunlight,
and avoid exposure to excessive vibrations, dust, heat, cold or moisture. It
should also be kept away from transformers, motors, power amplifiers and
digital processors. In addition, please:

• Do not open the case. You may risk electric shock and damage to your equip­ment.

Before you begin

• Leave repairs and maintenance to a qualified service technician. Should
foreign objects fall inside the case, contact your authorized dealer or support
person.

• To avoid electric shock or fire hazards, do not expose your unit to rain or
moisture.

• In case of lightning, unplug the unit. Always unplug the cable by pulling on
the plug only; never pull on the cable.

• Never force a switch or knob.

• Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the case, if necessary together with an
acid-free cleaning oil. Avoid cleaning agents as they may damage the unit.

The MTC’s power supply was carefully engineered to provide clean and consis­tent current – an important prerequisite for excellent audio. Built around a
toroidal transformer, the power supply generates a minimal electromagnetic
field with no hum or mechanical noise. The output side is filtered by an RC
circuit to extract noise and hums inherent in commercial AC power.

All audio-related components are fed by two separate voltage regulators to
minimize disturbance from other components.

Power Supply

An AC power cord is included for connection to the standard 3-prong IEC
connector. The transformer, power cord and IEC connector are VDE, UL and
CSA approved. The AC fuse is rated at 315 mA for 220/240 V and 630 mA for
110/120 V.