User manual SOUNDCRAFT DIGITAL 328 BROCHURE

[. . . ] In contrast we've designed Spirit 328 to operate like your old analogue 8-bus console and not like a computer with faders, so that you can take it out of its box and get started without even opening the manual. Unlike other digital mixers, there's instant access to any channel, group or master feature with one button press, and you can see that feature's status from the front panel without having to rely on an LCD display. The key to it all is Spirit 328's unique "E-strip", the lightercoloured bank of encoders and switches that runs across the centre of the console. Simply select a channel and the E-strip immediately becomes a "horizontal input channel" with instant access to all that channel's EQ, aux sends, channel pan and routing. Alternatively, press any button in the rotaries section above the E-strip and the encoders change to become a channel pan, auxiliary send, or Lexicon effects send for each channel. [. . . ] Alternatively, every console function has been assigned its own MIDI message allowing dynamic automation via sequencer software. Each interface provides 8 XLR mic ins with UltraMic+ preamps. Connecting two interfaces turns 328 into a 32 mic input, 8 bus mixer for PA or theatre applications. Input Section Analogue Inputs - Every one of Fader Bank - 328's 16 faders are configured to provide level control for any one of three banks: You may swap between Mic/Line inputs 1-16, Tape Return inputs 17-32, and Masters (Groups 1-8, Aux 1-4 and Lexicon FX 1 and 2). This means that in 3 button presses it is possible to see level status of the entire console. 328's 16 analogue input channels includes a balanced XLR connector for microphones, a balanced 1/4" jack line input for electronic instruments and a TRS insert point so you have the choice of connecting your favourite analogue or valve processor into the signal path. Input Gain Section - Digital 328 benefits from Spirit's trademarked UltraMic+ preamps. These offer 28dBU of headroom and 66dB of gain range without the need for a pad. A steep 18dB per Octave High Pass Filter follows the gain control allowing you to minimise low frequency muddiness. Meters - 10 segment peak reading LED meters allow you to see channel input, tape return or master levels in an instant. Each meter is also "peak hold" giving you clearer identification of signals that may potentially digitally "clip". The "rec" LED below flashes when a channel has been armed for recording to a multitrack device. Meter Bank - Three backlit buttons allow you to select between viewing Mic/Line, Tape Return and Master levels. Alternatively, you can set the meters to follow the fader bank you have selected via 328's LCD menu. The E-strip The key to 328's operation is this horizontal row of 16 multifunctional rotary Encoders. These may operate as either a horizontal "channel strip" for any selected input, indicating its EQ, Pan and Auxiliary levels, or as a single function row of Pan, Auxiliary or Level controls for inputs 1-16 or 17-32. A 15 segment LED ring around every encoder provides visual indication of its position at all times, meaning you can edit swiftly without having to rely on LCD displays for reference. Select - Pressing any Channel or Tape Return select switch activates the E-Strip for that input, giving you full access to its EQ, Auxiliary Sends, internal Effects and Pan, as a horizontal channel strip. This strip offers the same facilities for every channel, tape return or stereo input on the console: 3 band fully parametric EQ HF -- Sweeping/shelving 1kHz-20kHz ±15dB, Q = 0. 3-3. 0, Mid -- Sweeping 200Hz-8kHz ±15dB, Q = 0. 3-3. 0 LF -- Sweeping/shelving 40Hz-800Hz ±15dB, Q = 0. 3-3. 0 4 External Post-EQ Auxes Individually configurable pre/post fader from the master section. The Aux outputs may be analogue or digital, selectable from either the AES/EBU outs, the SPDIF outs or the third ADAT optical out. 2 Internal Post-EQ Lexicon Effects Sends - Selectable pre/post-fader from the master section. 1 Pan Control - (Balance Control for the Stereo Inputs). All channel settings may be COPIED AND PASTED from one channel to another by holding down the SELECT button of the channel you want to be copied whilst selecting the destination channel by pressing its SELECT switch. The BANK LED to the left of the section indicates whether the encoders are active for the channel inputs or the tape returns. Alternatively, by pressing the LEVEL button the encoders become 16 level controls for the tape returns. Stereo 1 is configured as a 4 into 2 stereo submixer, accessed by 4 pairs of balanced 1/4" jacks. Stereo 2 is a straight stereo input accessed by a pair of balanced 1/4" jacks. Each Input has its own analogue gain control with Ste 1 and 2 master levels governed by two rotary controls below the master meters. Selecting either master gives it access to all EQ and auxiliary facilities via the E-strip. Either master may also be soloed or muted and routed to the groups or mix. Select - When SELECT is active, the LCD display indicates levels and assignments for the E-Strip encoder you are altering, for example aux send level in dB, EQ frequency points in Hz and kHz, or EQ cut/boost in dB. [. . . ] All group and mix bussing is summed in this case but console dynamics and internal effects remain separate. TDIF connectors allow you to record and playback up 16 tracks digitally to and from a Tascam multitrack device. Add-On Modules 3 different types of module may be connected to 328 via its 2 TDIF ports, providing a choice of format conversions. Analogue Tape Interface - TDIF to 8 analogue phono ins and outs, converting your tape sends and returns to the analogue domain. Auxiliary Optical Out - The 3rd ADAT optical output may be configured as a digital auxiliary output for an effects unit, replacing any one of the 4 analogue aux outs. Alternatively, it may be configured as 8 digital group outputs. Options Mac or PC Download Cable to download 328 software upgrades from Spirit's website. ADAT Digital Optical I/O - Two ADAT optical I/O interfaces allow you to record to and replay from any ADAT compatible device entirely in the digital domain. [. . . ]