ALLEN & HEATH DIGITAL MIXING SYSTEM Instruction Manual

DIGITAL MIXING SYSTEM
Screen Reference Guide
For GLD firmware Version V1.2
Check the Allen & Heath web site for the latest version available
Also read the GLD User Guide AP8561

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 2 ALLEN&HEATH
1. Contents
1.Contents........................................................................2
1.Power Up Screens........................................................3
2.Home Screen................................................................4
2.1Home page...............................................................4
2.2Users Login page.....................................................5
2.3Quick Start page ......................................................5
3.Processing Screen .......................................................6
3.1Name and Colour keypad........................................6
3.2Overview page – Input Channel...............................6
3.3Overview page – Mix Channel .................................7
3.4Overview page – FX Send or Return .......................7
3.5Channel Libraries .....................................................8
3.6Preamp page............................................................8
3.7Preamp Option - Gain/Trim on Surface ...................9
3.8Mix Ext In source......................................................9
3.9Noise Gate page ....................................................10
3.10Insert page .........................................................10
3.11PEQ page...........................................................10
3.12GEQ page ..........................................................11
3.13Compressor page..............................................13
3.14Delay page.........................................................13
3.15Routing Page – Input Channel view ..................14
3.16Routing page – Mix Master view........................15
3.17Routing page – DCA Master..............................16
4.Meters Screen.............................................................17
4.1Input Meters page ..................................................17
4.2FX and Mix Meters pages ......................................17
4.3Custom 1-4 Meters pages......................................18
4.4RTA .........................................................................18
5.FX Screen ...................................................................19
5.1Front Panel view.....................................................19
5.2Back Panel view .....................................................19
5.3FX Libraries ............................................................20
5.4FX Devices available ..............................................20
6.I/O Screen...................................................................28
6.1dSNAKE I/O page ..................................................28
6.2Surface I/O page ....................................................28
6.3I/O Port In and I/O Port Out pages ........................29
6.4Monitor Out page ...................................................29
6.5MMO card in the I/O Port .......................................30
7.Scenes Screen............................................................31
7.1Scene Manager page.............................................31
7.2Scene Recall Filter page ........................................32
7.3Cue List Editor page ..............................................33
7.4Scene Safes page ................................................. 34
8.Ganging Screen ......................................................... 35
9.Setup Screen – Audio ................................................36
9.1PAFL Setup page................................................... 36
9.2Talkback Setup page............................................. 36
9.3SigGen page.......................................................... 37
9.4USB Audio page .................................................... 38
9.5Audio Sync Setup page......................................... 39
9.6I/O Port Setup page............................................... 39
10.Setup Screen – Control ......................................... 40
10.1Strip Assign Setup page ................................... 40
10.2Name & Colour Setup page..............................40
10.3SoftKeys Setup page ........................................41
10.4Dimmer page..................................................... 41
10.5Surface Preferences Setup page...................... 42
10.6MIDI Setup page ...............................................42
11.Setup Screen – Memory........................................ 43
11.1Show Manager page......................................... 43
11.2Template Shows as a starting point ................. 43
11.3Library Manager page....................................... 44
12.Setup Screen – Config........................................... 45
12.1Mixer Configuration Setup page .......................45
12.2Network Setup page ......................................... 46
12.3User Profiles Setup page ..................................46
13.Setup Screen – Utility ............................................ 48
13.1Diagnostics page .............................................. 48
13.2Date/Time Setup page ...................................... 48
13.3Calibration Setup page ..................................... 48
13.4Firmware Setup page........................................ 49
14.Resetting the GLD.................................................. 50
GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2
Issue 1
Copyright © 2013 Allen & Heath. All rights reserved
ALLEN&HEATH
http://www.allen-heath.com
This guide presents information on the touch screen
pages available within the GLD mixer. It is an off-line
version of the touch screen Help File available within the
GLD.
For more information on using the GLD system please
refer to GLD User Guide AP8561

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 3 ALLEN&HEATH
1. Power Up Screens
The Home screen will appear on power up If no password
is set.
The Login screen will appear when you:
Power up when the current User has a password set
Unlock the surface when a password is set
Change user from the Home screen
Users List
The list shows available Users. The Admin User is always
displayed. Up to 9 other Users that have been made ‘Active’
by Admin will also display in the list. Icons show if the User
has a password or User Scene set.
Password – If one is set it needs to be entered using the
screen keypad when the user logs in.
User Scene – If a User Scene is set it is recalled
automatically on login when the user is changed. It does
not recall when the same user logs in, or when the system
is powered up again while the same user is current.
A User Scene can be set by Admin to ensure a pre-
determined layout and starting point loads when a different
user logs in.
Permissions – Access to selected functions and
parameters can be restricted for each User. This is
configured by Admin using the Setup screen.
Not Shut Down Correctly reminder screen
If the GLD was last switched off without it being first shut
down using the Home screen Power Down button this
screen will appear on power up. The GLD will continue to
boot after a 10 second count down. Choose to start
immediately using the Start GLD button, or go to the
Advanced page if you wish to fully reset the system.

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 4 ALLEN&HEATH
2. Home Screen
2.1 Home page
This is the main Home screen. It displays after power up. It
also displays when the screen Processing key is active and
the active Sel key is turned off.
To return to the Home screen at any time:
Turn off the active Sel key while in a Processing screen,
or
Press the Processing key next to the touch screen
once if no Sel key is active, or twice a Sel key is active.
Page tabs – Touch a tab at the top of any screen to open
its associated page.
GLD information – The centre section of the Home page
displays Firmware version, current User logged in, and last
Scene and Show recalled.
System Status - Displays a list of connected AudioRacks. A
green tick indicates system good. If a blue circle appears
touch the box to open a window for information about the
event logged, for example a QOS (cable) error. Touch the
box again to close the window.
Custom Meters 1-4 – These screens can be assigned by
the user with a selection of up to 16 meters. They can be
blank if no meters have been assigned.
RTA – The 31-band 1/3 octave Real Time Analyser can be
displayed. Its source is the current PAFL monitor selection.
Note The RTA can also be viewed on the mix GEQ page
and on the fader strip meters while in GEQ Fader Flip
mode.
Clock - Shows the time in hours, minutes, seconds. Set
this using the Setup / Utility / Date/Time screen.
To safely Power Down the GLD system - Touch the
Power Down button, confirm, and then switch power off.
Failure to power down correctly may result in parameter
changes made up to 30 seconds before power is removed
becoming lost.
Lock Surface - Touch the Lock Surface button and Yes in
the confirmation popup to lock the surface controls.
Parameters will not be changed if the surface controls are
moved while locked, for example when left unattended.
Touch the screen again to unlock the surface and return the
controls to their previous setting.
Note If a password is set for the current user then this must
be entered when the user locks or unlocks the surface.
Help Manual – GLD has a built-in Help manual. Touch the
?in the status bar to open the Help for the current page.
Current status display:
Active Processing – Displays the Name and Colour for the
channel currently selected using a fader strip Sel key is
displayed at the top left of the screen.
Active Mix – Displays the Name and Colour for the Mix
currently selected using a fader strip Mix key is displayed at
the bottom left of the screen. When the Main (LR) mix is
active the status bar simply displays “Main”.
Note Be aware of which mix is currently active while you
are mixing. It is good practice to turn off the Mix key to
return to the main mix once you have finished adjusting a
mix, for example an Aux or FX send.
Current and Next Scene – The last Scene recalled and the
Scene highlighted in the list ready to be recalled are
displayed in the status bar. When the Scene is recalled its
name briefly flashes green to confirm the action.
USB playback/record status – An icon at the bottom right
of the screen lights blue while playing back and red while
recording. Touch the icon to open the USB Audio page.
Yellow triangle error indicator – Touch the yellow triangle
to view the Event Log.

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 5 ALLEN&HEATH
2.2 Users Login page
Open this page to log in as a different User.
The system Administrator can set up to 9 User Profiles to
protect settings and reduce operator error by restricting
access to certain functions for different users.
The list shows available Users. These can be configured in
the Setup / Config / User Profiles screen. The Admin User
is always displayed. Only other Users that have been made
‘Active’ by Admin will display in the Users page. The list
displays if the User has a password or User Scene set.
Password – If one is set it needs to be entered using the
screen keypad when:
The User logs in using this screen
The GLD is powered up
The User locks or unlocks the surface
User Scene – The folder icon in the list shows if a User
Scene is set. The window on the right displays which Scene
is set for the User highlighted in the list.
Note The User Scene, if one is set, is recalled
automatically on login when the User is changed. It does
not recall when the same User logs in, or when the system
is powered down and up again while the same user is
current.
Permissions – Access to selected functions and
parameters can be restricted for each User. These are
configured by Admin.
2.3 Quick Start page
Opens a Quick Start sheet to help the new user or guest
engineer learn in just a few minutes how to mix their show
using GLD.
Swipe up and down the screen to scroll through the page.
Touch Help Menu to open the list of additional Help topics.
Quick Start Mixing Guide
For the new user or guest engineer to start mixing with GLD. It assumes a mixer already configured for the show. To learn
more about configuration, memories and advanced functions read the on-screen Help Manual and User Guide AP8561.
Mix
IP 1 IP 2 IP 3 IP 4 IP 5 IP 6 IP 7 IP 8 Aux1 Aux2 LR
Channel faders Master faders
+ press Mix
ON
IP 1 IP 2 IP 3 IP 4 IP 5 IP 6 IP 7 IP 8 Aux1 Aux2
+ press Mix Assign Routing
ON
all
+ press Sel Pre/Post
PRE
IP 6 IP 7 IP 8 Aux1 Aux2
ONPRE
Mix
All sends to one master Master faders Channel faders
Aux3
Aux3 Aux3
Sel
Mix
Sel
Mix
Preamp PEQ
LF
HPF GATE
Routing
LM HM HF
Gain
Normal mix mode (FOH)
Master Mix Channel Mix
Assign Routing
Assign Routing
Pre/Post





Sel
Mix



www.allen-heath.com
all
Aux4 Aux4
Main Mix active
All sends from one input
Press Mix again to return to Main mix

view view
Access Aux, FX, Matrix mix on faders
IP 4 IP 5 IP 6 IP 7 IP 8 Grp1 Grp2
+ press Mix all
DCA
Mix
DCA and Audio Group assign
Assign
DCA2

IP 5
IP 4
ON DCA
Touch a parameter, adjust using rotary
St Aux 4 ?
Check which Mix is currently selected
Channel Name
Aux PRE
NAME
IP
St
DCA
Strip type Channel is Safe
from Scene recall
Assigned to one or
more DCA groups
User-defined channel Name
GAIN
Select rotary function
Assignment Mix type Pre/Post send
Stereo
Channel assignment
to current Mix
See where Input and Master Faders
are by pressing Layer keys A,B,C,D
and reading the displays
To change the socket assignments
touch and select from drop-down menu
See how the Sockets are patched
using the I/O screen.
Access the Channel and Mix processing
Access the Sends and Assignments
Touch to change Name and Colour
Access the FX
> To send to an FX - press FX master Mix
> To adjust FX parameters - press FX strip Sel
> To return to the mix use related FXret channel
To Link parameters eg, 2 channels for stereo keyboard
Use the Ganging screen. Choose attributes.
Ganging does not link the Gains or Trims.
To Copy parameters
> Hold down Copy and press the Sel or Mix key of the parameters to copy:
Sel
Sel
Sel = All channel processing (not Gain or Trim)
Mix = Sends and Assignments (not Pre/Post)
Surface or Screen Sel = Single processing block
Copy GEQ here
1
hold
down
hold
down
hold
down hold down
> Now hold down Paste and press the Sel or Mix key of the strip to paste to

For parameters on screen Processing must be active
push for second fuction
Opens on-screen Help Manual
User-defined backlight Colour
To change the strip assignments use the
Setup/Control screen
Press Alt View to view channel or socket
numbers or fader dB value in place of Name.
Set option in Setup/Control screen
Alt View
I/O
For GEQ on faders press GEQ Fader Flip - Master on last fader. RTA on strip meters. RTA follows current selected PAFL

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 6 ALLEN&HEATH
3. Processing Screen
3.1 Name and Colour keypad
Input channels, FX sends and returns, Mix masters and
DCA masters can each be given a Name and Colour using
the on-screen touch keypad. These display in the fader
bank LCD ‘virtual write-on strip’ and also on the screen
wherever the channel name is shown.
To open the on-board naming keypad touch the keyboard
icon at the top left of the screen while in the Processing
screen with a fader strip Sel key active.
Colour – Touch a colour box to instantly apply that colour
to the channel. 7 colours and off are available.
Name – Type in a name using the keypad. Use Caps and
Shift to access uppercase and special characters. Touch
Apply to accept the change or Close to shut the keypad
without accepting the change.
A name can have up to 8 characters.
Note 5 characters are displayed on the fader strip LCD.
Quick Names – Up to 15 names can be entered and stored
for instant access.
To store, type in a name, touch a Quick Name box and
touch Store.
To recall, touch a Quick Name box and touch Apply.
Quick Names are stored in Show memories.
3.2 Overview page – Input Channel
Input Channel processing pages are accessed by pressing
an Input strip Sel key while the Processing screen is
selected. The Input Overview page provides a thumbnail
view of all processing for the selected input channel.
The signal flow for the Input Channel is:
Touch a tab at the top of the screen or touch a section to
open the related processing or routing window. EQ and
dynamics curves display yellow when switched In and grey
when switched Out.
The top left block shows Preamp and HPF. Icons show 48V
phantom power and Pol- polarity setting. The source
currently patched to the channel is also shown.
The Gate is available on input channels only.
Insert – Assignment and bypass status are shown.
Delay – Shows the setting for the selected input. For a view
of all Input Channel delays open the Delay page.
Library – The Input Channel Library is accessed from the
Overview page.
Sel key and button PFL listen function
Press and hold any processing Sel key or screen Sel
button to listen to (PFL) the signal at that point in the
channel signal path. This interrupts the current PAFL
selection in the headphones and listen wedge/IEM
monitor. The option can be turned on or off using the
‘Disable PFL on Sel’ button in the Setup / Audio / PAFL
screen.

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 7 ALLEN&HEATH
3.3 Overview page – Mix Channel
Mix processing pages are accessed by pressing a mix
master strip Sel key while the Processing screen is
selected. The Mix Overview page provides a thumbnail view
of all processing for the selected mix channel.
The signal flow for the Mix Channel is:
Touch a tab at the top of the screen or touch a section to
open the related processing or routing window. EQ and
dynamics curves display yellow when switched In and grey
when switched Out.
The top left block shows if a Preamp or other source has
been assigned as the External Input to the mix. Default is
none assigned. Trim affects the external input only.
The GEQ is available on mix channels only.
Insert – Assignment and bypass status are shown.
Delay – Shows the setting for the selected mix. For a view
of all Mix Channel delays open the Delay page.
Library – The Mix Channel Library is accessed from the
Overview page.
3.4 Overview page – FX Send or Return
FX processing pages are accessed by pressing an FX Send
or Return strip Sel key while the Processing screen is
selected. The page provides a thumbnail view of all
processing and parameters for the selected FX.
Touch the FX parameter controls and use the screen Rotary
to adjust values. Touch a tab at the top of the screen to
open the PEQ or routing window. The 4-band PEQ is
available within the FX Return strip.
Touch to highlight the FX preset name and use the Rotary
to scroll through the available presets for the FX unit
loaded. The FX is changed as you scroll through the list.
Library – The FX Library can be accessed from the FX
Send or Return screen. You can use this to load different
types of FX unit into the slot.
To access the FX patching and for a view of all 8 RackFX
units and their send/return or insert routing go to the FX
screen.

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 8 ALLEN&HEATH
Source
Select
Channel
Preamp
Input Socket
Trim
48V
Pad
Gain
AudioRack or Surface
Pol
GLD
3.5 Channel Libraries
Libraries let you store and recall presets for individual
processing blocks such as EQ and Compressor, and also
for the whole Input or Mix channel.
Input and Mix channel processing Libraries do not store
routing, levels or assignments.
The Library window lists available presets. Input and mix
channel Libraries are accessed from their Overview page.
Touch the Library button to open the Library window. Touch
Exit Library to close the window.
The list shows 3 types of Library:
Factory (cannot be deleted)
User (stored in memory in the GLD)
USB (accessed directly from the USB key)
Touch to select a Library item and use the buttons to Recall
or Overwrite the item. Touch Store New to store a new User
Library item. Use the name keypad to apply a name of up to
8 characters.
User and USB Libraries cannot be deleted from this page.
Go to the Setup / Memory / Library Manager page to
delete and rename Libraries or transfer them between the
GLD and a USB key.
Input Library Preamp recall – Input Libraries store the
Preamp settings and all channel processing including HPF,
Gate, PEQ, Compressor and Delay. The Recall Preamp
button gives you the option to include or exclude Preamp
settings when recalling the Library.
The Recall Preamp button setting is remembered when
changing channels.
3.6 Preamp page
The Preamp page provides access to the Input Channel
source patching, socket Preamp settings, and channel Trim
and HPF.
Touch a control box to highlight a
parameter then turn the screen Rotary to
adjust its value.
Socket Source – Open the drop-down
menu to choose which source to patch to
the channel. Touch Apply to accept or
Cancel to leave unchanged.
Sources that can be patched:
An AudioRack input (via dSNAKE)
A GLD rear panel input
The USB stereo playback
One of the built-in effects (Rack FX)
The Signal Generator (as a test source)
To provide a simple starting point the Template Show
default is one-to-one mapping between input sockets and
channels. For example, Socket 1 to Channel 1, Socket 2 to
Channel 2 and so on.
Socket Preamp – If the patched source is a Mic/Line XLR
input then its Preamp controls are shown. These provide
remote control of the input preamp circuit located at the
socket.
Gain – Touch to highlight the Gain value box. Turn the
screen Rotary to adjust.
Phantom power - Touch and hold the 48V button for 1
second. This is to prevent accidental operation.
Pad switches in a 20dB input attenuator. The combined
Gain+Pad value is shown in the Gain box.
Preamp Safe – Touch this button to make Preamp Gain
Pad and 48V settings safe from Scene recall. This can be
useful when splitting the same mic preamp to two or more
channels.
Note Making a channel Safe using the surface Safe key
automatically makes the associated Preamp safe. Turning
off Safe using the surface key unsafes the Preamp.

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 9 ALLEN&HEATH
Trim can provide +/-24dB ‘gain’ control when the source
does not have a preamp, for example input from GLD
surface RCA line inputs, the I/O Port or USB playback. Trim
is part of the channel, not the preamp.
When working with mic preamps it is typical to leave Trim
set to 0dB unless you are gain sharing and want to adjust
local level independent of preamp Gain.
Polarity toggles normal and reverse (+/- balanced input
pins swapped). Use to compensate for reverse wired
cables, or when double miking sources such as a snare
drum with ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ mics, or kick drum with ‘in’ and
‘out’ mics. Polarity is part of the channel, not the preamp.
HPF – The High Pass Filter cuts low frequencies, for
example to reduce pops or wind noise on microphones or
tune out unwanted low end on acoustic instruments.
The HPF provides a 12dB/octave slope with cut-off
frequency adjustable from 20Hz to 2kHz. The filter can be
switched in or out of circuit. A good starting point for vocal
mics is to switch the HPF in and set to around 120Hz.
The HPF can also be viewed and adjusted in the PEQ page.
Screen Sel buttons – These do the same as their related
surface Processing Strip Sel keys:
Use with the Copy/Paste/Reset keys
Hold to listen to (PFL) the signal at that point if the
‘Disable PFL on Sel’ option is set to Off in the Setup /
Audio / PAFL screen.
3.7 Preamp Option - Gain/Trim on Surface
The Preamp Option lets you choose whether the
Processing Strip Gain rotary controls the Preamp Gain or
channel Trim.
Preamp on Surface – The surface Preamp rotary adjusts
Preamp Gain. This is the default for normal single console
operation.
Trim on Surface – The surface Preamp rotary adjusts
Channel Trim. Consider using this in situations where you
are sharing the same Preamp between channels or FOH
and Monitor consoles.
OPTIONS pull-up window
Provides a global setting for Preamp or Trim on Surface.
This affects all input channels.
Touch the pull-up tab and swipe your finger upwards to
open its window.
A note about Gain Sharing
Any Preamp can be patched to any Channel. The same
Preamp can be patched to more than one channel. For
example:
One set of channels within the GLD allocated to the
FOH mix and another split from the same mic inputs for
important channels feeding the monitor mixes.
Mic preamps split between dedicated FOH and Monitor
consoles using a digital snake connected to the GLD I/O
Port.
In the above cases the Preamp is shared by two channels.
The ‘Master’ console has control of the preamps and mic
Gain. The ‘Slave’ console gets its inputs from the digital
split. Its surface Preamp rotary becomes Channel Trim as it
does not have mic preamps. However, it will be affected by
preamp Gain changes made at the Master.
It is of course best that the FOH and Monitor engineer each
have independent control of channel gain.
A solution is to set the Preamp Gain during sound check
and for both engineers to use the Trim rather than Gain
controls during the show. This means setting the ‘Trim on
Surface’ option on the ‘Master’ console.
3.8 Mix Ext In source
You can assign a source as an external input to the mix, for
example for bus summing, combining console outputs, or
an external communications or test source.
The Ext Input sums with the GLD mix pre-insert and is
affected by the master processing and fader.
Source Select – Open the drop-down menu to choose
which source to patch to the mix output. Touch Apply to
accept or Cancel to leave unchanged.
Trim - Provides +/-24dB level control. This only affects the
Ext Input. Start with Trim set to 0dB.
Polarity - Toggles normal and reverse (+/- balanced input
pins swapped). This only affects the Ext Input to the mix,
not the mix.
Socket Preamp – If the patched source is a Mic/Line XLR
input then its Preamp controls are shown. These provide
remote control of the input preamp circuit located at the
socket.

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 10 ALLEN&HEATH
3.9 Noise Gate page
The Noise Gate automatically attenuates the signal when it
drops below its threshold level. For example to:
Reduce excessive ring on a kick or tom drum
Reduce hiss on a noisy keyboard when not played.
Touch and drag the curve or touch a parameter box. It
highlights orange to show its value can be adjusted using
the screen Rotary.
Depth - Sets how much the signal is attenuated when the
gate closes. A good starting point is around 30dB. Reduce
for less attenuation. If Depth is set to 0dB the gate will not
attenuate the signal.
Threshold - Sets the level at which the gate opens to let the
signal be heard. The meter on the left lines up with the
graph and shows the signal at the input to the gate. The
gain reduction meter on the right shows when the gate is
closed. The histogram below shows gate activity over time.
Attack, Hold, Release - These controls set how fast the
gate opens when the signal rises above the threshold, how
long it is held open after the signal falls below the threshold
and how long it takes to attenuate after it closes.
Side Chain Filter - Sets the frequency range of the signal
that triggers the gate. Use this to prevent false triggering of
the gate by filtering out low or high frequencies outside the
fundamental range of the instrument being gated. For
example, the low frequencies of a kick drum causing the
gate on a rack tom to open.
In - Switch the gate in or out of circuit. The side chain can
also be switched in or out of the gate. The curve turns
yellow and the gain reduction meter displays red when the
gate is switched in.
Library - You can store and name the current gate settings
as a preset in the Library. Existing presets can be
overwritten with the current settings. User Libraries can be
exported and imported via USB key. To do this go to the
Setup / Memory / Library Manager screen.
Sel buttons – Touch while holding the Copy, Paste or
Reset key to copy the gate settings to other channels or to
reset them to default.
3.10 Insert page
You can insert external equipment or one of the 8 internal
FX units into a channel or mix signal path:
An external signal processor using physical sockets
One of the 8 internal Rack FX
Computer plug-ins via the I/O Port
Networked audio via the I/O Port
Use the drop-down menus to assign the Insert Send and
Return to physical sockets, the I/O Port or an FX unit.
Touch Apply.
In button – Becomes available once the insert is assigned.
Switch the inserted device in or out of circuit.
+4dBu/-10dBV – Choose the operating level of the insert
point. +4dBu (default) is the typical setting for professional
audio equipment. -10dBV (-8dBu) is a standard for lower
level consumer equipment.
3.11 PEQ page
The Parametric Equaliser (PEQ) provides 4 fully adjustable
bands of equalisation allowing very precise tone control. It
can be adjusted using dedicated rotary controls on the
surface or using the touch screen. For screen control, touch
and drag the curve or touch a parameter box and use the
Rotary.

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 11 ALLEN&HEATH
In - Switch the PEQ in or out of circuit. The curve turns
yellow when switched in and grey when switched out.
Type - The LF and HF EQ bands may be set as shelving,
bell shaped or low/high cut filter response. When set as a
filter the response is 12dB/octave.
Frequency - Sweeps the shelving, centre or cut-off
frequency depending on the type of the EQ band.
Width - Adjusts the width of the bell shaped EQ band.
Push and turn the Frequency rotary or use the screen. The
value is shown in octaves. Higher values up to 1.4 affect a
wider range of frequencies. Lower values down to 1/9th
affect a narrower range. A value of 1/3 has a similar affect to
the Graphic EQ.
Gain - Allows up to +/-15dB boost or cut for each EQ
band. 0dB represents a flat response. It is typical to cut
rather than boost when live mixing.
HPF - The High Pass Filter attenuates low frequencies
below its cut-off frequency with a slope of 12dB/octave.
Switch in or out using the In button. The HPF can also be
adjusted using the Preamp page.
Library - You can store and name the current PEQ
settings as a preset in the Library.
OPTIONS pull-up window
The frequency range for the 4 bands may be set globally for
all inputs or mixes to be limited or full 20Hz to 20kHz.
A Fill Curves option to show the overall or individual effect
of the EQ bands is available.
Sel button - Touch while holding the Copy, Paste or Reset
key to copy the PEQ settings to other channels or to reset it
flat.
3.12 GEQ page
A 28-band 1/3 octave Graphic Equaliser is provided on
each of the 20 mix outputs. It can be adjusted using the
touch screen or the surface faders.
Frequency response curve – The top part of the screen
shows the combined response of the slider settings. This
can show the response differences between the four GEQ
types available.
RTA display – The Real Time Analyser display is
superimposed on top of the frequency response curve. The
RTA displays metering of the currently selected PAFL signal
split into its 1/3rd octave frequency bands. The meter bars
are shown in green. A red bar and a dot at the top indicate
the dominant frequency band if the Show Peak Band option
has been set in the Meters / RTA screen Options pull-up
window.
Note The RTA follows the current PAFL selection. Make
sure you have selected the PAFL key for the channel or mix
you wish to analyse, for example the related Aux mix when
you are using the GEQ and RTA to ring out a stage monitor.
Using the screen to control the GEQ
Touch a frequency slider to highlight it. Drag the slider with
your finger or use the screen Rotary to adjust cut or boost
for the highlighted frequency band.
In - Switch the GEQ in or out of circuit. The settings turn
yellow when switched in and grey when switched out.
Sel button – Touch while holding the Copy, Paste or Reset
key to copy the GEQ settings to other mixes or to reset all
bands flat.

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 12 ALLEN&HEATH
GEQ Type – Use the drop-down menu to select one of four
GEQ types available. These offer different types of
cut/boost response:
Constant-Q - Symmetrical cut/boost where the width (Q) of
the filter is a constant 1/3rd octave for any amount of cut or
boost.
Proportional-Q - Provides smooth wide Q for low
cut/boost, which progressively tightens beyond 1/3rd
octave for max boost/cut.
Digi-Q - Gain and width are optimised to minimise band
interaction and to provide a frequency response as close to
the slider positions as possible.
Hybrid - Allen & Heath have developed the best of both
worlds. The boost is proportional-Q for smooth and warm
small boost settings. The cut is Constant-Q providing
clinical 1/3rd Octave attenuation with minimal band
interaction.
Using the faders to control the GEQ
You can quickly access the GEQ on the faders for the mix
with its Sel key active by:
Touching the screen GEQ Fader Flip button, or
Pressing the GEQ Fader Flip key to the right of the
faders while in any of the mix Processing pages.
This puts the lower frequency half of the GEQ on to the
faders. Press again to present the higher frequency half,
and press again to return to normal fader mode.
The frequency values are shown in the strip LCD display
which turns red while in Fader Flip mode.
In Fader Flip mode the extreme right hand strip becomes
the Master for the mix currently selected. The fader is either
the mix master or a channel send to that mix if a channel
Mix key is active. This lets you ring out a monitor mix by
adjusting the GEQ while raising the channel send rather
than master using this fader.
Press the fader strip Sel keys to reset individual frequency
bands flat. The green Sel indicator lights when the band is
flat.
Selecting the mix PAFL key and using the RTA Show Peak
Band option will let you see the RTA on the strip meters
and help you identify frequencies that start to ring.
Library - You can store and name the current GEQ
settings as a preset in the Library. Existing presets can be
overwritten with the current settings. User Libraries can be
exported and imported via USB key. To do this go to the
Setup / Memory / Library Manager screen.
Note The GEQ Type is stored as part of the GEQ Library.

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 13 ALLEN&HEATH
3.13 Compressor page
The Compressor is used to automatically reduce the
dynamic range of the signal by squashing loud sounds and
bringing up quieter sounds. For example, to smooth the
level of a b ass guitar or the dynamics of a vocal.
Touch and drag the curve or touch a parameter box.
Ratio - Sets the amount of compression when the signal
exceeds the threshold. A ratio of 1:1 means no
compression. A good starting point for vocals is around 3:1.
This means a 3dB rise in level at the input of the
compressor would result in a 1dB rise at its output. To use
the compressor as a limiter set the ratio to 'Infinity'.
Threshold - Sets the level at which the compression
starts. The meter on the left lines up with the graph and
shows the signal at the input to the compressor. Start with a
high setting and then dial it back until compression starts.
The gain reduction meter on the right shows how much the
signal is being compressed. The histogram below shows
compressor activity over time.
Gain - This is 'make-up' gain which boosts the output to
compensate for the drop in overall volume when the signal
is being compressed. Adjust so that you hear a similar
volume when switching the compressor in or out with
normal signal present. Set Gain to a higher value for higher
settings of Ratio and lower settings of Threshold. It is this
gain that makes quiet signals sound louder.
Note If you notice the channel strip meter Pk light flashing
while the meter reads low then check that you are not
overdriving the Preamp while the signal is being heavily
compressed. In this case back off the Preamp Gain and
turn up the compressor Gain.
Soft Knee - Determines how quickly the compression cuts
in. The Soft Knee adds compression gradually with more
gentle ratio as it approaches the threshold level. Use this for
more subtle compression of signals that hover around the
threshold level.
Attack and Release - These controls set how fast the
compressor pulls back the signal when it exceeds the
threshold and how long it takes to let go when the signal
drops below the threshold. Set this according to the type of
signal to avoid hearing a 'pumping' effect.
Side Chain Filter - Restricts the frequency range of the
signal that triggers the compression. Use this to filter out
low or high frequencies outside the range of the wanted
signal thus preventing false triggering. Extreme settings can
be used for special effect or frequency sensitive
compression, for example 'de-essing' to compress just a
range of high frequencies to reduce sibilance of a vocal.
The default is the filter switched out.
Compressor Type - Select one of the Manual or Auto
compressor emulations. Auto modes automatically adjust
the attack and release according to the dynamics of the
signal. In some cases this can be better for avoiding
'pumping' effects. Types available:
Manual Peak
Manual RMS
Auto Slow Opto
Auto Punchbag
Parallel Path - Lets you mix the dry path ‘uncompressed’
signal with the compressed output. This 1970’s studio
technique also known as 'New York compression' is useful
in live audio. By mixing the raw signal with heavily
compressed material (with make-up gain) low level detail is
amplified while the high level transients are preserved from
the raw signal.
With Parallel Path turned off only the compressed signal is
routed to the output. This is the default setting. With Parallel
Path turned on, the mix between ‘dry’ uncompressed and
‘wet’ compressed signal can be balanced using the
independent controls.
Library - You can store and name the current GEQ
settings as a preset in the Library.
Sel buttons - Touch while holding the Copy, Paste or Reset
key to copy Compressor settings to other channels or to
reset it to factory default.
3.14 Delay page
The delay settings for all the channels or mixes are shown
on this screen page. Compare settings between channels.
The currently selected channel is highlighted. Use the
screen Rotary to change its value. Touch another
parameter box to adjust the delay for a different channel.

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 14 ALLEN&HEATH
Delay Bypass - Touch the button to toggle the delay in or
out. Use this to compare the direct and delayed signal, for
example when you are time aligning delay fill speakers.
Input Delay
Input delay can be used to time align instruments to each
other or create extra ‘depth’ on stage.
Milliseconds 0 to 85 ms
Metres 0 to 29 m
Feet 0 to 96 ft
Samples 0 to 4094 s
Mix Delay
Mix delay is typically used to time align delay fill speakers to
the main PA, or to align the main PA to the back line such
as drum kit in a smaller venue where the acoustic sound
coming from the stage is significant. Range:
Milliseconds 0 to 170 ms
Metres 0 to 58 m
Feet 0 to 190 ft
Samples 0 to 8100 s
SETUP pull-up window
The default delay unit is time in 'ms' (milliseconds) but can
be changed to distance in 'metres', 'feet', or to 'samples.
This can be changed globally for the Input channels and for
the Mix channels. GLD compensates for the effect of
temperature on delay. Enter the ambient temperature if
distance is chosen.
3.15 Routing Page – Input Channel view
The Input Routing page lets you view and adjust the
channel sends, routing, assignments and Direct Out.
There are two ways to work with channel Routing:
Using the touch screen – Press a channel Sel key. Touch
the screen Routing tab or press the Processing Strip
Routing key to open the Routing page for the currently
selected Input Channel.
Touch the tabs within the page to access the assignments
and send levels from the selected Input Channel to all
Groups, Auxes and FX, its DCA assignments, and adjust its
Direct Output level.
Touch a box to toggle single parameters such as DCA and
Group assignments. Touch a box to open the send panel
on the right of the screen to adjust multiple parameters
such as Aux send levels, assignments and Pre/Post
settings. The screen Rotary becomes the Aux send level
control as soon as the box is touched.
Using the GLD fader strips - Press an Input strip Mix key.
Current settings are shown in the master strip LCD displays
for:
Sends from the channel to all Auxes
Sends from the channel to all FX
Channel assignments to the audio Groups
While holding down the Assign key press master Mix keys
to toggle assignments on or off. While holding down the
Pre/Post key press Sel keys to toggle Aux sends pre or post
fader. Aux send levels can be adjusted using their master
faders while in Mix mode. Remember to press the strip Mix
key again to return to the main mix.
Aux sends – The send to each Aux can be set Pre or Post
fader from the channel. The point within the channel signal
path that feeds the send is set globally for each Aux using
its master Routing page.
For stereo Auxes a Pan control appears. This adjusts the
stereo image of the channel to the Aux and is not the same
as or affected by the main channel Pan control.
Direct Output – Open the Direct Out tab to access its level.
Normal setting is 0dB.

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 15 ALLEN&HEATH
DIR OUT SRC pull-up window
The global source for the input channel Direct Outputs can
be set here using the drop-down menu. This setting affects
all channel Direct Outputs:
Post-Preamp
Post- HPF
Post-Gate
Post Insert Return
Post-PEQ
Post-Comp
Post-Delay
Touch the buttons to set:
Follow Fader (pre/post fader)
Follow Mute (pre/post mute)
Strip Rotary control Custom 1 and 2 views - These can
be configured as dedicated Aux or FX sends or Direct Out
level using the Setup / Control / Surface Prefs screen.
3.16 Routing page – Mix Master view
The Mix Routing page lets you view and adjust all sends
and routing from the channels.
There are two ways to work with master Routing:
Using the touch screen – Press a mix master Sel key.
Touch the screen Routing tab or press the Processing Strip
Routing key to open the Routing page for the currently
selected Mix master.
Touch the tabs within the page to access the assignments
and send levels from all Inputs, FX Returns and Groups to
the mix and its DCA assignments.
Touch a box to toggle single parameters such as DCA and
Group assignments. Touch a box to open the send panel
on the right of the screen to adjust multiple parameters
such as Aux send levels, assignments and Pre/Post fader
settings. The screen Rotary becomes the Aux send level
control.
Using the GLD fader strips - Press a master strip Mix key.
Current settings are shown in the channel strip LCD
displays. For example, with an Aux master selected:
Sends from all channels to the mix
Sends from all FX returns to the mix
Sends from all audio Groups to the mix
While holding down the Assign key press channel Mix keys
to toggle assignments on or off. While holding down the
Pre/Post key press Sel keys to toggle Aux sends pre or post
fader. Aux send levels can be adjusted using the channel
faders while in Mix mode. Remember to press the strip Mix
key again to return to the main mix.
To set all channels On or Pre/Post fader hold the Assign
or Pre/Post key and press the mix Master Mix or Sel key.
Aux send channel source – Use the drop-down menu at
the top right of the screen to set the point within the channel
signal path that feeds the Aux sends. This is set globally for
each mix:
Post-Preamp
Post- HPF
Post-Gate
Post Insert Return
Post-PEQ
Post-Comp
Post-Delay
Setting an Aux as a monitor send – It is typical to set the
source Post- Gate or Post-PEQ (so that the Compressor
does not affect the monitors, but choose whether channel
EQ does). Also set the sends Pre-Fade.
Setting an Aux as an effect send – Set the source Post-
Delay and all sends Post-fade so that the effect follows the
channel processing and fader levels.
Strip Rotary control Custom 1 and 2 views - These can
be configured as dedicated Aux or FX sends or Direct Out
level using the Setup / Control / Surface Prefs screen.
Groups / Aux / FX / Main Mix / Matrix
Routing:
Inputs + FX returns > Groups
Inputs + FX returns > FX sends
Inputs + FX returns + Groups > Aux sends
Inputs + FX returns + Groups > Main mix
Groups + Auxes + Main mix > Matrix

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 16 ALLEN&HEATH
3.17 Routing page – DCA Master
GLD provides 16 DCA Groups. These can be used as DCA
Groups (level control) or Mute Groups (mute masters).
The following can be assigned to DCA Groups:
Input channels
FX returns
FX sends
Group masters
Aux masters
Matrix masters
Main LR master
There are two ways to assign DCA Groups:
Using the touch screen – Press a DCA master Sel key.
The screen opens in the DCA Routing page.
Touch the tabs within the page to access the assignments
of the channels, FX and mixes to the DCA Group. Touch the
buttons to assign to the DCA Group.
Using the GLD fader strips - Press a DCA master strip Mix
key. Current assignments are shown in the source strip
LCD displays. The ‘ON’ icon displays for sources currently
assigned.
While holding down the Assign key press source strip Mix
keys to toggle assignments on or off. Remember to press
the master strip Mix key again to return to the main mix.
DCA Fader to 0dB option – Select this if you want to use
the DCA as a Mute Group. This disables the DCA master
fader and sets it to its ‘0’ position. If you try to move the
fader it will return to this position. Use the DCA Mute key as
the Mute Group master.
DCA Groups explained
A DCA group provides a master fader and mute to remotely
control the level of channels assigned to it.
Audio does not route through DCA groups as it does
through conventional mix Groups. GLD provides both types
of grouping. Use DCA Groups for level control and mute
grouping. Use Mix Groups for grouped signal processing
such as compression and for routing of grouped signals to
Aux or Matrix mixes.
The DCA master affects the level and mute of an assigned
channel back at its fader point. It is another level stage in
line with the channel fader. It does not physically move the
channel fader. A separate indicator next to the channel
Mute key shows if it is muted by one or more DCA groups.
Channels can be assigned to multiple DCA Groups. For
example, drum channels could be assigned to a DRUM
DCA and also to a BAND DCA.
To use DCA Groups
Assign channels to the DCA Group.
Set the DCA master fader to its ‘0’ position. This is its
normal operating position. This position results in the same
level as if the channel was not assigned to the DCA.
You can adjust the level of the assigned channels up or
down using the master fader, but always start with it set to
‘0’.
Note If you get no signal when you raise a channel fader
check that it is not turned off by a DCA master.

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 17 ALLEN&HEATH
4. Meters Screen
4.1 Input Meters page
Meters for all 48 Input Channels are displayed on this page.
Channel Name and Colour is shown below each meter.
The Compressor Gain Reduction meter is shown to the
right with the Gate Active indicator below it. These show
activity in red when switched In, and in grey when switched
out of circuit.
METER SRC pull-up window
The Input meter source point can be globally set for all
meters in the Inputs page. This does not affect the fader
strip or other screen metering.
The following options are available (all Pre-Fader):
Post-Trim
Post-Gate/PEQ
Post-Compressor
Post-Delay (Default)
4.2 FX and Mix Meters pages
These pages show meters for all FX and Mixes available.
The Compressor Gain Reduction meter is shown to the
right with the Gate Active indicator below it.
METER SRC pull-up window
The meter source point can be globally set for all meters in
the Mix page. This does not affect the fader strip or other
screen metering.
The following options are available:
Pre-Insert
Post-Insert Return
Post-PEQ
Post-GEQ
Post-Compressor
Post-Fader (Default)

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 18 ALLEN&HEATH
4.3 Custom 1-4 Meters pages
You can assign 4 Custom meter views.
These can be viewed in the Home or Meters screens.
Custom Meters let you organise the meters of channels and
mixes you are using into a single screen view, leaving off
those you are not using.
Assign up to 32 meters per page in two rows with up to 16
meters per row.
SETUP pull-up window
Open the pull-up to assign meters to a Custom Meter page.
Use the tabs at the side to access available Inputs, FX
sends and returns, Mixes and PAFL monitor.
Touch items in the top window to drop them into available
empty slots below, or drag them into the position you
require. You can:
Add meters by touching or dragging
Insert meters by dragging between slots
Remove meters by dragging out of the window
Add spaces between meters
Add or remove the second row
Touch Apply to accept or Cancel to discard the changes.
Exit setup by closing the pull-up screen when you are
finished.
4.4 RTA
The RTA provides a 1/3 octave 'Real Time Analyser'
frequency display for the signal currently PAFL signal.
The RTA can be viewed in the Home or Meters screens. It
also displays on the strip meters when GEQ Fader Flip is
active. It separates the signal being listened to on the PAFL
monitor into 31 frequency bands and shows the relative
strength of each as a real time display.
When enabled, the RTA Peak Band option displays the
dominant frequency as a red bar in the RTA screen or by
lighting the red Pk indicator on the related strip meter while
in GEQ Fader Flip mode. Only one band will be lit red.
Note The RTA follows the PAFL signal. Check that you
have selected PAFL for the signal you wish to analyse.
OPTIONS pull-up window
Choose to hide or show the RTA Peak Band display on the
RTA screen or GEQ Fader Flip views.
Application
Use the RTA to help identify problem frequencies such as
instrument or room resonance or feedback.
With the Peak Band option enabled the RTA is a good tool
to help identify feedback frequencies while ringing out
stage monitors. Carefully raise the level of a vocal mic until
the monitor just begins to ‘ring’. That frequency will be
shown as the peak band and can be cut on the related Aux
mix Graphic EQ.

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 19 ALLEN&HEATH
5. FX Screen
5.1 Front Panel view
Access the FX using the FX screen or by pressing Sel keys
for individual FX Send or Return fader strips.
The FX Screen presents the 8 virtual rack slots shown
across the top of the screen either empty or with FX devices
already loaded. The FX name, current library loaded and
metering is shown next to each icon.
Select one and open up either the Front or Back Panel
view.
To change or load an FX:
Touch the panel name box and scroll using the Rotary
Touch the Library button to open the Library page
The Front Panel view presents the FX parameters. Touch a
parameter box or control and use the screen Rotary to
change the setting.
The Lower panel shows the current routing, levels and
metering for the FX device.
Mix>Return type FX - The Send and Return paths are
shown. These are the same controls as found on the
associated Send and Return fader strips.
Insert type FX – Shows which channel the FX is inserted
into, the Insert In/Out switch and a Dry/Wet control to adjust
the balance of direct and effect signal.
Note If you are not hearing the effect when you raise a
channel in the FX mix then check that the related Send
master and Return faders are turned up and that they are
not muted or affected by a DCA Group.
PEQ – Each FX Return has a 4-band Parametric Equaliser.
Touch the PEQ button to open the FX PEQ popup. Touch
again to close it. Touch the Param button to choose to
adjust the EQ by dragging a curve or changing values
using the Rotary.
The PEQ can also be accessed by pressing Sel on the FX
return (IP FX) fader strip.
5.2 Back Panel view
The Back Panel view lets you view and change how the FX
are patched into the GLD signal path.
You can patch each FX slot as:
Unassigned
Insert
Mix>Return
Touch Apply or Cancel to accept or discard your changes.
Unassigned – The FX device is not patched.
Insert – Insert an FX device into an input or mix channel.
This breaks the signal path at its insert point to route it
through the FX and back into the channel. An Insert In/Out
switch and Wet/Dry balance control is provided.
Mix>Return – Patch the FX device as a ‘System Effect’
where channels can be mixed to the effect using a Send
bus and returned through a dedicated stereo Return
(FXRet) channel to add the effect (wet) signal to the direct
(dry) signal routed to the main mix.
Mix>Return is used for effects such as reverb and delay.
GLD has 8 ‘short’ stereo Return channels dedicated to the
FX. Together with the 48 input channels this provides up to
56 sources to the mix.

GLD Touch Screen Reference V1.2 – Issue 1 20 ALLEN&HEATH
Chaining FX - FX devices can be routed to each other. For
example you could patch the output of a Delay unit into a
Reverb, and then return the reverb to the main mix.
View Outputs – Touch the View Outputs button to open a
window showing where the outputs of the FX device are
routed. Each slot can handle up to 8 outputs depending on
the device loaded. Most provide 2 outputs (stereo).
Unassign – Touch this button to reset the FX device
outputs to feed its related short FX Return channel.
5.3 FX Libraries
Touch the Library button to open the Library window. Touch
the Exit Library button to close the window.
The Libraries are grouped according to FX type. You can
choose to load one of many 'Factory' presets from the
menus, or to recall a previously stored 'User' preset from
the memory or directly from your USB key.
Factory, User/USB – Touch to show the available Factory
presets or to show the User presets currently stored in GLD
memory and those found on a USB key plugged in.
Recall – Scroll through the list and touch to select a preset.
Touch Recall to load the highlighted preset.
Store New – Touch to store the current FX settings as a
User preset. Name the preset using the touch keypad.
Overwrite - To update an existing User preset first select it
in the list then touch the Overwrite button. Factory presets
cannot be overwritten or deleted.
User Libraries can be deleted or transferred to or from your
USB key using the Setup / Memory / Library Manager
page.
Note You do not need to use up FX slots to attach Graphic
Equalisers to the mixes. Each of the 20 mix outputs has a
GEQ available within its processing screen.
5.4 FX Devices available
SMR Reverb
SMR Live is a Spatial Modelling Reverberator featuring 4
fully configurable complex spatial models Classic, Hall,
Room and EMT. Each of these models use different
reflection and decay algorithms to provide natural sound
spaces ideal for Live sound.
Classic Emulates high quality plates. Shape tailors the
reflection pattern. Min position for fast attack, mid position
for rounded early reflections, and max position for
separated early and late reflection patterns. Adjusting
shape/size/predelay with decay can result in some great
Hall reverbs. Small size settings not very useful in live
sound applications.
Hall Emulates a real Hall reflection model. No shape
control, reflections are controlled with Size, Source diffusion
and Ref detail with rich deep decay spectrum.
Room Accurately emulates a characteristic complex room
reflection pattern.
EMT Classic plate emulation. A great plate with good tonal
balance for live use. Decay setting around 2 seconds is
typical.
The SMR primary controls essential for live mixing are
always visible:
LF Cut - 0 to 400Hz, 24dB/octave high pass filter to cut low
frequencies of the input signal to the reverb.
HF Cut - 2kHz to 20kHz, 24dB/octave low pass filter to cut
high frequencies of the input signal to the reverb.
Predelay - The time it takes before the reverb reflections
and decay are heard.
Decay Time - Broad spectrum decay control. The time it
takes for the reflections to decay to 60dB below the level of
the direct sound is known as the RT60, an important
measurement of reverb in a room.
HF Decay - Frequency at which the high frequency decay
attenuation starts.
HF Slope - The attenuation slope of the high frequency
decay. HF Decay and Slope are both essential for high
frequency decay spectrum adjustment in a live space.
Setting HF Decay and Slope low creates a natural sounding
decay. Setting HF Decay and Slope high creates a dramatic
decay.