SPL Neos, 1010 User manual
24|2 Mixing Cons ole
Manual
W
E
120 Volts Analog
Pure Audio Performan ce
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MUTE
DIM
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TAPE
RETURN
MASTER
INSERT
BEND
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Model 1010
Made in Germany
Neos
Model 1010
120-Volt Summing and Monitoring Console
Content
Manual Neos 4
Declaration of CE Conformity 4
Notes on Environmental Protection 4
Contact 4
Scope of Delivery and Packaging 5
Symbols and Notes 5
Introduction 6
The High Voltage Console 6
Concept 7
Features 7
Special Features 7
Special Technical Features 7
Important Security Advices 8
Placement 9
Rack Mounting 9
Placement Of The External Power Supply 9
Voltage Selector (External Power Supply) 9
Power connection and fuse 9
Hook Up 9
Power Connection 10
Signal Connections 10
On/Of f Switch 10
GND Lift 11
XLR Sockets 11
DB 25 Sockets 11
Balanced Connections 11
Unbalanced connections (TS and RCA connectors) 11
Rear Panel – Switches & Connections, Basics 11
Rear Panel – Power Wiring Diagram 12
Rear Panel – Signal Wiring Diagram 13
Rear Panel 14
Inputs 1-8, 9-16, 17-24 14
Slave (additional input for additional Neos consoles) 14
Ins. Return (Insert Return) 14
Tape Rt. (Tape Return) 15
Rec Out
(Recording Output) 15
Monitor A and Monitor B 15
Alt. Out
(Alternative Output) 15
Ins. Send (Insert Send) 15
Metering 15
2
Neos
Operation 16
Overview 16
Control Elements Input Path 16
Mono 16
Pan 17
Cut 17
To Monitor Only 17
Solo 17
Label Field 17
SIG LEDs 17
Fader 17
Control Elements Master Path 18
Mon B 18
Monitor 18
Monitoring with the Neos 18
Calibration 18
Mute 18
Dim 19
Mono 19
Tape Return 19
Master Insert 19
Bend 19
Fader 19
Content
DAW-Integration 20
Integration Examples and Channel Assignment 20
Specifications 21
Inputs & Outputs 21
Measurements 21
Power Supply 21
Dimensions and Weight 21
Dimensions and Weight External Power Supply 21
Copy Master Recall Settings 22
Block Diagram 23
Mounting Dimensions 24
Dimensions and Weight 24
Mounting Angles 25
Neos
3
Manual Neos
Model 1010
Version 1.0 – 6/2011
Developer: 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.
© 2011 SPL electronics GmbH. All rights reserved. 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. Names of other companies and their produc ts are trademarks of their re spe ctive owners.
Declaration of CE Conformity
The construction of the Neos, Model 1010, is in compliance with the standards
and regulations of the European Community.
Notes on Environmental Protection
At the end of its operating life, this product must not be disposed of with regular
household waste but must be returned to a collection point for the recycling of
electrical and electronic equipment. The wheelie bin symbol on the product,
user‘s manual and packaging indicates that. The materials can be re-used in
accordance with their markings. Through re-use, recycling of raw materials, or other forms
of recycling of old products, you are making an important contribution to the protection of
our environment. Your local administrative office can advise you of the responsible waste
disposal point. WEEE Registration: 973 349 88.
Contact
SPL electronics GmbH
Sohlweg 80, 41372 Niederkruechten, Germany
Phone +49 (0) 21 63 98 34 0, Fax +49 (0) 21 63 98 34 20
E-Mail: info@spl.info, Website: spl.info
4
Neos
IN THIS MANUAL A LIGHTNING SYMBOL WITHIN A TRIANGLE WARNS YOU ABOUT THE
POTENTIAL FOR DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL SHOCKS – WHICH CAN ALSO OCCUR EVEN AFTER
THE MACHINE HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED FROM A POWER SOURCE.
AN EXCLAMATION MARK (!) WITHIN A TRIANGLE IS INTENDED TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF
IMPORTANT OPERATIONAL ADVICE AND/OR WARNINGS THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED. BE
ESPECIALLY ATTENTIVE TO THESE AND ALWAYS FOLLOW THE ADVICE THE Y GIVE.
The symbol of a lamp directs your attention to explanations of important functions or applications.
Attention: Do not attempt any alterations to this machine without the approval or supervision
of SPL electronics GmbH. Doing so could nullif y completely any and all of your warrant y/guarantee rights and claims to user support.
Scope of Delivery and Packaging
The scope of delivery comprises the Neos console, 19" rack-mounting side brackets, the
external power supply with fixed cable for connection to the Neos, the external power
supply’s power cord, the guarantee card and this manual.
Please keep the original packaging. In case of a service procedure the original packaging
ensures a safe transport. It also serves as a safe packaging for your own transports if you do
not use special transportation cases.
Symbols and Notes
Neos
5
Introduction
The High Voltage Console
Shortly after the turn of the millennium, SPL laid down new foundations for the improvement
of analog audio signal processing. Thanks to new components, circuitries and manufacturing
methods, we were able to increase the operating voltage enormously. Up to then, average
operating voltage ranged form 30 to 36 volts (+/- 15 or 18 volts, considering that voltage
supply is symmetrical). Maximum operating voltages reached 60 volts (+/- 30 volts). At the
core of our new technology are the handmade OP-amps that operate at 120 volts (+/- 60 volts),
which means that we have in fact doubled the highest levels ever reached until then.
The first products to integrate the 120-volt technology were exclusive, handmade custom solutions for major mastering studios. At the time, music production had already been uprooted
by digital technology and the changes it brought with itself in terms of outfitting and workflow in music studios. Coincidentally, a new „mastering“ sector had already been established
— both in terms of the actual process and the gear in studios. If traditional recording and
mixing studios were on their way to digitalization, the most sophisticated mastering studios
were and have always been keen on analog technology, including high-quality signal processors that can still make a difference compared to the widely available software solutions. But
also technically demanding requirements such as superior sounding and designed switching
and monitoring consoles were among the products we were able to offer. While analog technology was being heralded as dead, SPL was decisively going in the opposite direction: we
were able to deliver analog products of the highest quality whose performance surpassed all
previous specifications — regardless of whether it was in the analog or digital realm.
In the last decade we have been able to keep up with the rapidly evolving developments in
digital technology while pushing further our analog products. It was imperative to work on the
foundations of the products‘ performance. Thus, if we consider that the basis of every circuit
is directly related to a voltage/performance ratio, the operating voltage is crucial for the
performance of any circuit. Given that audio technology is conceived to translate sound into
voltage, doubling the formerly highest operating voltage available results in a great improvement, specially with regard to signal dynamics and the way they are processed. Technically
speaking, a wider dynamic range also means that the gap between the actual signal and other
undesired signals, such as noise and distortion, is larger — in the case of the Neos console,
for example, this results in not hearing any noises at all, regardless of the situation.
Our measurements reveal the improvements the 120-volt technology offers in comparison to
standard solutions (see „Technical Specifications“ on page 21). All these advantages are due
to the oversized signal traces, the rigorous selection of every single element and, of course,
the handmade components that contain no unnecessary audio processing parts (which are
very common in mass-produced operation amplifiers). But the technical specifications and
design say very little about the actual sound of an audio equipment. At the end of the day, an
audio device has to prove itself in use in the hands of sound engineers and musicians. We can
state with great satisfaction that our solution not only prevailed — ever since their introduction, our 120-volt products have passed all tests and proven wor thy of the best.
The Neos is the first summing console based on the 120-volt technology. The basic concept
behind it was to combine essential summing capabilities, including faders and panorama
controls, with a complete and practical monitoring section — all in a compact design.
Accordingly, it fulf ills the highest expectations regarding sound quality in mixing and monitoring situations. Thus, the Neos was conceived with sound engineers that set great importance on artistic and musical production in mind and whose workflow does not rely primarily
on undo and preset options. Nevertheless, the compact Neos can integrate seamlessly in
computer-based environments providing the characteristic high-quality sound and handling
of analog devices.
6
Neos
Concept
• 24 channel summing console with faders and panorama controls
• Ideal for DAW-based studios with emphasis on audio quality. .
Features
• Input path with 100-mm ALPS faders, Pan controls, Mono, Cut, Solo, and “To Monitor
Only” push buttons, signal LEDs
• Master path with 100-mm ALPS faders, Insert s, Bend func tion (Limiting)
• Comprehensive monitoring section with Volume control, Tape Mix (DAW return), as well
as Mute, Dim and Mono push buttons
• Input: three eight-channel DB25 connectors (balanced, TASCAM standard); balanced
XLR connectors: Slave, Insert Return, Tape Return
• Output connectors (balanced XLR): Recording Out, Monitor A and Monitor B,
• Output connectors (unbalanced XLR): Alternative Out, Insert Send, Metering
Special Features
• Ultimate Mix and Monitoring Quality
Introduction
• Compact design: 19"/7U
• Cascadable
• Hand made in Germany
Special Technical Features
• Unique 120-volt operating voltage. In comparison with common production mixers, the
Neos mixing and monitoring console uses four times as much operating voltage. A higher
voltage results in better performance: over 30 dB of headroom at the input, more than
122 dB of dynamic range, 92 dB signal-to-noise ratio over all channels.
• At the core of the 120-volt technology are our handmade, discrete op-amps with 116
dB signal-to-noise ratio and 34 dB of headroom. The 150 dB dynamic range covers a
frequency range of up to 200 kHz. These key figures are way beyond the demands of
current PCM digital formats with 24 bit/192 kHz sample rates and DSD digital formats
with 1 bit and 256 fs. It is not expected for digital technology to evolve so much in the
foreseeable future as to make the Neos a bottleneck in the signal processing path.
• All selected components for each unit are matched at the pre-production stage
• Important switching functions are performed via sealed relays
• Oversized signal traces, generous PCB layout for greater trace separation, star ground
scheme, linear power supply
Neos
7
Important Security Advices
Please note and retain this manual. Carefully read and follow all of the safety and operating
instructions before you use the machine. Be doubly careful to follow all warnings and special
safety instructions noted in this manual and on the unit.
Connections: Only use the connections as described. Other connections can lead to health
risks and equipment damage.
Water and humidity: Do not use this machine anywhere near water (for example near a wash
basin or bath, in a damp cellar, near swimming pools, or the like). In such cases there is an
extremely high risk of fatal elec trical shocks!
Insertion of foreign objects or fluids: Never allow a foreign object through any of the
machine‘s chassis openings. You can easily come into contact with dangerous voltage or
cause a damaging short circuit. Never allow any fluids to be spilled or sprayed on the machine.
Such actions can lead to dangerous electrical shocks or fire!
Opening the unit: Do not open the machine housing, as there is great risk you will damage the
machine, or – even af ter being disconnected – you may receive a dangerous electrical shock!
Electrical power: Run this machine only from power sources which can provide proper power
in the range from 100 to 250 volts. When in doubt about a source, contact your dealer or a
professional electrician. To be sure you have isolated the machine, do so by disconnecting all
power and signal connections. Be sure that the power supply plug is always accessible. When
not using the machine for a longer period, make sure to unplug it from your wall power socket
and from the guitar amp.
Cord protection: Make sure that your power and guitar amplifier signal cords are arranged
to avoid being stepped on or any kind of crimping and damage related to such event. Do not
allow any equipment or furniture to crimp the cords.
Power connection overloads: Avoid any kind of overload in connections to wall sockets,
extension or splitter power cords, or to signal inputs. Always keep manufacturer warnings
and instructions in mind. Overloads create fire hazards and risk of dangerous shocks!
Lightning: Before thunderstorms or other severe weather, disconnect the machine from wall
power (but to avoid life threatening lightning strikes, not during a storm). Similarly, before
any severe weather, disconnect all the power connections of other machines and antenna and
phone/network cables which may be interconnected so that no lightning damage or overload
results from such secondary connections.
Air circulation: Chassis openings offer ventilation and serve to protect the machine from overheating. Never cover or otherwise close off these openings. Never place the machine on a soft
surface (carpet, sofa, etc.). Make sure to provide for a mounting space of 4-5 cm/2 inches to
the sides and top of the unit when mounting the unit in racks or on cabinets.
Controls and switches: Operate the controls and switches only as described in the manual.
Incorrect adjustments outside safe parameters can lead to damage and unnecessary repair
costs. Never use the switches or level controls to effect excessive or extreme changes.
Repairs: Unplug the unit from all power and signal connections and immediately contact a
qualified technician when you think repairs are needed – or when moisture or foreign objects
may accidentally have gotten in to the housing, or in cases when the machine may have fallen
and shows any sign of having been damaged. This also applies to any situation in which the
unit has not been subjected to any of these unusual circumstances but still is not functioning
normally or its performance is substantially altered. In cases of damage to the power supply
and cord, first consider turning off the main circuit breaker before unplugging the power cord.
Replacement/substitute parts: Be sure that any service technician uses original replacement
parts or those with identical specifications as the originals. Incorrectly substituted parts can
lead to fire, electrical shock, or other dangers, including further equipment damage.
Safety inspection: Be sure always to ask a service technician to conduct a thorough safety
check and ensure that the state of the repaired machine is in all respects up to factory standards.
Cleaning: In cleaning, do not use any solvents, as these can damage the chassis finish. Use
a clean, dry cloth (if necessary, with an acid-free cleaning oil). Disconnect the machine from
your power source before cleaning.
8
Neos
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