AMS Neve 88D User manual

88D User Manual
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88D User Manual
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Contents
Health & Safety...............................................................................................5
1. Introduction.............................................................................................6
Information in this Manual ....................................................................................... 6
Getting Started ........................................................................................................ 6
Glossary Of Terms .................................................................................................. 6
88D Console Surface .............................................................................................. 6
Encore Plus............................................................................................................. 6
Menus ..................................................................................................................... 6
2. The 88D Console.....................................................................................7
Console Surface...................................................................................................... 7
Processing Engine .................................................................................................. 7
I/O System .............................................................................................................. 7
3. Console Surface .....................................................................................8
3.a Fader Strip ...........................................................................................9
Assignable Logicator............................................................................................. 10
Using the Assignable Logicator for the Upper Channel Strip................................ 10
Assigning Different Layers to the Assignable Logicators – The equivalent of the
small fader on an analogue console. .................................................................... 10
3.b Fader Assignment.............................................................................11
Layer Selection on The Fader Strips..................................................................... 11
Fader Calibration................................................................................................... 11
3.c Upper Channel Strip .........................................................................12
3.d Processing Keys ..............................................................................12
Process Select Keys ............................................................................................. 12
Process On Off Keys............................................................................................. 14
3.e AFU (Assignable Facilities Unit) .....................................................15
To Assign a signal path the AFU........................................................................... 15
System Paths ........................................................................................................ 16
To interrogate an AFU Logicator setting ............................................................... 16
To copy control settings in the AFU ...................................................................... 16
3.e Master Section..................................................................................17
Monitor Section ..................................................................................................... 17
Studio LS Monitoring............................................................................................. 17
Monitor Headphones............................................................................................. 17
Return Talkback – To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w .............................................. 17
16 Key Monitor Selector........................................................................................ 17
Monitor Inserts – To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w................................................. 18
Reductions – To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w ...................................................... 18
Monitor Source Selector........................................................................................ 18
Calibration Set-up – To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w............................................ 18
Control Room Volume........................................................................................... 18
LS Cuts ................................................................................................................. 18
AFL Monitor Control – To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w ........................................ 19
4 Speaker Sets – To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w................................................ 19
Solo Modes– To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w ...................................................... 19
Global Console Controls ....................................................................................... 20
Ganging................................................................................................................. 20
Setting Up Gang Structures .................................................................................. 20
Linking................................................................................................................... 21
Copy...................................................................................................................... 22
Clear...................................................................................................................... 22

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Path Edit................................................................................................................ 22
Main to Faders ...................................................................................................... 23
Flip ........................................................................................................................ 23
Pre-Dub................................................................................................................. 23
Bus/Tape............................................................................................................... 23
Global Layer Switching ......................................................................................... 23
AFU Path Select.................................................................................................... 23
Swap Fader Block ................................................................................................. 24
2 Track Mixers....................................................................................................... 25
2T 1 to Faders....................................................................................................... 25
2T O/P Level Control............................................................................................. 25
CUT....................................................................................................................... 25
SEL ....................................................................................................................... 25
Tone ...................................................................................................................... 26
MIX SEL ................................................................................................................ 26
MT ......................................................................................................................... 26
STEM .................................................................................................................... 26
CAL– To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w .................................................................. 26
FREQ – To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w .............................................................. 26
OSC REP .............................................................................................................. 26
SLATE OSC– To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w ..................................................... 26
2T– To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w ..................................................................... 26
Talkback Controls ................................................................................................. 27
TB Key On/Off....................................................................................................... 27
TB Level Control– To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w............................................... 27
TB Microphone...................................................................................................... 27
Red Light Key........................................................................................................ 27
TB to MON SEL .................................................................................................... 28
Slate TB– To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w............................................................ 28
Auto TB– To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w ............................................................ 28
SLS– To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w................................................................... 28
All– To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w ..................................................................... 28
Upper Knob Assign ............................................................................................... 28
Knob Layer Keys................................................................................................... 29
Layer Name........................................................................................................... 29
Lock Knob ............................................................................................................. 29
Track Trim ............................................................................................................. 29
Small Fader........................................................................................................... 29
Assign ................................................................................................................... 29
Transport Control .................................................................................................. 30
Master Automation ................................................................................................ 30
3.g TFT Meter Bridge...............................................................................31
Channel Meters..................................................................................................... 31
Upper Section ....................................................................................................... 31
Lower Section ....................................................................................................... 31
Master Meters ....................................................................................................... 32
Top Row:............................................................................................................... 32
Lower Row: ........................................................................................................... 33
Aux Metering ......................................................................................................... 33
Stems and Films ................................................................................................... 33
3.h Monitoring..........................................................................................34
Bus and Tape........................................................................................................ 34
Solo ....................................................................................................................... 35
Cut......................................................................................................................... 36

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3.i Surround Sound................................................................................37
How the Surround Sound system works ............................................................... 37
Surround Stem Selection and Routing.................................................................. 38
Surround Monitoring.............................................................................................. 39
Monitoring the Stems ............................................................................................ 39
Surround Monitoring Formats ............................................................................... 40
Mono ..................................................................................................................... 40
LCRS Pre and Post Decode Monitoring................................................................ 40
Surround Monitor Solo and Cut............................................................................. 41
3.j Joysticks............................................................................................42
Joystick Automation .............................................................................................. 42
Monitor Facilities Rack .......................................................................................... 44
Audio Paths........................................................................................................... 44
Monitor Inputs ....................................................................................................... 44
External Inputs ...................................................................................................... 44
Routing and Mixing ............................................................................................... 44
LSRS Flip .............................................................................................................. 44
Level...................................................................................................................... 44
Speaker Calibration............................................................................................... 45
Return Talkback .................................................................................................... 45
4. Working With Signal Paths .................................................................47
Channels ............................................................................................................... 47
Tracks ................................................................................................................... 47
Main Outputs......................................................................................................... 48
Groups .................................................................................................................. 49
Auxiliaries.............................................................................................................. 49
Auxiliary Contributions .......................................................................................... 49
Cues...................................................................................................................... 50
Externals ............................................................................................................... 50
Films...................................................................................................................... 50
System Paths ........................................................................................................ 51
SEL ....................................................................................................................... 51
LISTEN.................................................................................................................. 52
TALKBACK ........................................................................................................... 52
FILM LISTENS ...................................................................................................... 52
5. Routing ..................................................................................................53
I/O Routing ............................................................................................................ 53
Path Routing ......................................................................................................... 53
I/O Routing from the console surface.................................................................... 53
Route Stem ........................................................................................................... 54
Interrogating I/O Routing....................................................................................... 54
Path Routing with the Access Keys ...................................................................... 54
6. Machine Control....................................................................................55
Standard Functions ............................................................................................... 55
Shuttle ................................................................................................................... 56
Jog ........................................................................................................................ 56
Locate ................................................................................................................... 57
Auto Locate ........................................................................................................... 57
Locate Labels........................................................................................................ 57
Cycle ..................................................................................................................... 58
Auto Cycle............................................................................................................. 58
Cycle Labels.......................................................................................................... 58
Pre Roll ................................................................................................................. 59
Post Roll................................................................................................................ 59

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Roll Back ............................................................................................................... 59
7. Automation............................................................................................61
Introduction to 88D Automation............................................................................. 61
Offline Automation................................................................................................. 61
Controls that can be Automated............................................................................ 62
Fader..................................................................................................................... 62
CUT Keys.............................................................................................................. 62
All other controls ................................................................................................... 62
Overview of Automation Modes ............................................................................ 63
Automation Scope................................................................................................. 64
Fader, Cut and Desk Scope.................................................................................. 64
Putting Controls in Scope...................................................................................... 64
Mix/Pass Trees ..................................................................................................... 65
Mix/Passes............................................................................................................ 65
Initial Snapshot...................................................................................................... 66
Automation Events ................................................................................................ 66
Safety Snapshot.................................................................................................... 66
Label List............................................................................................................... 67
Play Pass .............................................................................................................. 67
Record Pass.......................................................................................................... 67
Timecode Considerations for Mix/Passes............................................................. 67
Timecode Display.................................................................................................. 67
Setting Automation Modes .................................................................................... 67
Automation Modes and the Mix/Pass.................................................................... 67
Record Modes and Stop ....................................................................................... 68
Isolate.................................................................................................................... 68
Play ....................................................................................................................... 68
Lock Record .......................................................................................................... 68
Touch Record........................................................................................................ 68
AutoGlide .............................................................................................................. 69
Trim and AutoTrim ................................................................................................ 69
Modifiers to Automation Modes............................................................................. 69
Auto Touch............................................................................................................ 69
To End................................................................................................................... 70
Setting Automation Modes for Controls ................................................................ 70
Making a Mix/Pass ................................................................................................ 70
Collect Touch ........................................................................................................ 71
Using Collect Touch .............................................................................................. 71
Using Encore Plus................................................................................................. 72
Appendix: Glossary of Terms ..................................................................73
Health & Safety..……………………………………………………...76

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1. Introduction
Information in this Manual
The information in this manual is mainly presented as a reference for users who are
familiar with the operation of mixing consoles. It is assumed that operators and
engineers who will be using the 88D are familiar with concepts such as EQ, delay,
etc. 88D is an assignable digital system and this may be new territory for some
users. If you are new to digital systems then you should follow the guidelines below.
You will soon find that 88D is simple and intuitive to use.
Getting Started
If you are a new user, and particularly if you are new to digital systems, then you
should familiarise yourself with the information in the following:
Glossary Of Terms
This has definitions of terms as they are used in this manual and in the context of
using 88D.
88D Console Surface
This is a section-by-section overview of the 88D's console surface.
Working With Signal Paths
This defines the various types of signal paths and what they are used for. This
chapter is very useful for former users of analogue systems.
Encore Plus
The Encore Plus advanced automation system is mentioned frequently within this
manual. For full information please refer to the separate Encore Plus Manual
Menus
Information on the System Menu, the Automation Menu and other Menus is provided
in the separate Encore Plus Manual.

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2. The 88D Console
88D is a fully automated, all digital console consisting of three parts - the console
surface, the processing Engine and the I/O system.
Console Surface
The control surface comes in frame sizes from 12 to 48 faders, any of which may be
sub-fitted with multiples of 6 faders. The surface is arranged to make mixing as
comfortable as possible, with the most commonly used controls located within easy
reach of the central position. Adjustments can be made to any channel, using
conventional channel by channel controls.
Encore Plus, the configuration and automation system, is fully integrated into the
console surface.
Processing Engine
The Processing Engine provides a pool of digital processing that is used to
manipulate signals according to control changes on the console surface. The 88D
can have signal processing added or removed as required for particular jobs
including configuring the number of channels, which paths have EQ and dynamics
processors available and where insert points are placed..
All audio signals are connected to the Processing Engine from the I/O system via
industry standard MADI connections. MADI also allows the easy connection of third
party digital equipment.
I/O System
The 88D I/O system comprises a complete range of digital interfaces, high definition,
ultra fast ADCs and DACs, sample rate converters and remote low noise mic amps. It
also incorporates a router that is used to patch any physical input to any input path
(e.g. Channel, Track Tape Return, etc.) and any output path (e.g. Aux Send, Main
Output, Track Send, etc.) to any physical output.

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3. Console Surface

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3.a Fader Strip
Faders have two scales - a conventional level scale with 10dB in hand
and a trim scale for creating VCA style trims.
Settings for the selected channel will be displayed on the Logicators
and the key LEDs.
Two Logicators are located at the top of each strip, one for Pan control
and an assignable Logicator whose function is determined by the three
keys (ASSIGN, SMALL FADER, TRACK TRIM) located at the top of
the master panel.
Fader strips are provided with two scribble strips - a conventional
scribble strip and an electronic scribble strip. The channel name
assigned during the configuration process will be displayed in the
electronic scribble strip. This may be set by default or user defined.
See Automation Controls for an explanation of the automation keys.

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Assignable Logicator
The Assignable Logicator is the top Logicator on the fader strips. It
can be set to operate as a small fader, or a Track Trim control, or it
can be assigned to the control of any other function. The Assignable
Logicator can also be locked to its current function on individual
fader strips by pressing the lock knob key.
The lower Logicator on the fader strips is a Stereo Pan Control.
Surround panning may be carried out from the upper channel strip
logicators or the assignable joysticks.
Track Trim on the Assignable Logicator
To select Input Trim on Track
paths simply press the TRACK
TRIM key
Using the Assignable Logicator for the Upper Channel Strip
Press and hold the Assign Key in the layers and banks section of the master panel
and touch the control which you wish to place on the assignable logicator. This will
put that control on the assignable logicator for that path.
The function of the Assignable Logicator can be frozen on individual fader strips. To
lock the function of an Assignable Logicator press the LOCK KNOB key on the fader
strip, the integral LED will illuminate red. When the key is turned off, the Assignable
Logicator will remain assigned to the same function until a new function is selected
with a global key.
Assigning Different Layers to the Assignable Logicators – The
equivalent of the small fader on an analogue console.
Select the bank, then choose either A, B, SUB A or SUB B using the keys directly
under the Upper Knob Assign keys.

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3.b Fader Assignment
88D makes economical use of the fader strips by having up to 24 pages grouped
together in 6 banks, each comprising of 4 layers.
The layout of the paths in the layers and banks is performed using Desk Designer,
which is accessed in Desk Editor (see Encore Plus Manual).
The paths that are currently active on the faders are said to be "on the surface".
Layer Selection on The Fader Strips
The Required Bank is selected by pressing the numbered keys on the touch screen
when in banks mode (banks mode is selected by pressing the banks key next to the
layer name alphas)
The required bank can also be selected by holding the bank key and pressing the ‘+’
or ‘-‘ key above it on the Master Panel and the required layer within that bank is
selected using the A, B, SUB A or SUB B global layer selection keys. By default,
selecting a bank will bring layer A to the surface. It is also possible to scroll through
the banks, using the left and right arrow keys under the Bank Select keys.
To assign a particular layer to the assignable logicators, call the required bank to the
surface, then use the Logicator Layer Selection keys.
Assigning signal paths to faders within layers and banks can be done within Encore
Plus. The required bank should be selected in Desk Designer, then the four layers
within that bank set up. Another bank can be selected and the layers set up in the
same the first bank was. When the set up is complete, clicking on Save+Load will
apply these changes.
Fader Calibration
The faders are calibrated when the console is started up, either from a cold start or a
re-boot.
A fader calibration can be performed manually. To calibrate the faders press and
hold the clear key . Press the fader key by the monitoring section , then release both
keys. The faders will be re-calibrated. Audio is not affected by fader calibration (i.e.
the console is not muted).

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3.c Upper Channel Strip
The upper area of the 88D channel strips
provides routing and parameter control. It
consists of a number of six fader wide
panels matching the fader panels in the
chanbase.
It provides 8 patented touch sensitive
Logicator controls per fader, arranged as 2
groups of 4, to control EQ (4 or 8 band),
Filter, Dynamics, other effects processes,
surround panning and channel by channel
gain control of I/O, Inserts and Auxiliary
sends, all of which are fully automatable.
The touch LEDs of each logicator will display
different colours depending on which
process has been selected:
EQ / Filter / Sidechain Green
Compressor / Limiter/ Gate / Expander Orange
Insert Magenta
I/O & Pan White
Aux Blue
The logicator display matches the keycap colour of the process type to provide a
simple colour indication of current parameters. Extensive feedback is also provided
by the use of alphanumeric displays of both parameter values and strip functions.
A comprehensive fully automated routing array is featured at the top of the strip to
control and display the routing to Mains, Auxiliaries, Groups and Track outputs, as
well as support for automated Multi-stem routing in surround applications.
3.d Processing Keys
Process Select Keys
The Process Select keys at the bottom of each channel will call the process to the
logicators (the internal LED will be lit green if the process is present). Pressing keys
a second time will call the “Page 2” for that function and also, where applicable, the
associated TFT display.

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Pressing the EQ key will show the Frequency and Level for the first 4 bands. Press
the PAGE 2 key to show Q and Shape. If there are more than 4 bands present, then
bands 5-8 are selected using the FLTR / SCF / KEY key.
The FLTR SCF/KEY key shows Filter parameters, and Sidechain Filter or Key Input
controls on pressing the PAGE 2 key.
Each press of the I/O & PAN key will toggle through available Inputs and Outputs.
The first page shows current port input (or output), trim, phase and delay. Press
PAGE 2 to show port, trim and phase, plus the four pan controls. If there is more than
one output assigned to a path, the key becomes a three-state toggle. If ABW has
been assigned, this is also shown on this page.
Pressing the COMP/LIM key will show compressor controls. Limiter controls are
selected with the PAGE 2 key.
Pressing the GATE/EXP key will show gate controls. Expander controls are selected
with the PAGE 2 key.
Pressing the INS key will show insert ports plus trim and delay. It is possible to add
trim and/or delay to both the input and output ports. The PAGE 2 key only has a
function if there is a second insert.
The Aux 1-8 key is used to show levels and on/off for auxes 1-4. Press the
GAIN/BAL key to access Pre/Post and Pan (if stereo). Press the PAGE 2 key (and
GAIN/BAL) to show controls for Auxes 5-8.
The Aux 9-16 key is used to show levels and on/off for auxes 9-16. Press the
GAIN/BAL key to display Pre/Post and Pan (if stereo). Press the PAGE 2 key (and
GAIN/BAL) to show controls for Auxes 13-16.
The alpha window shows the currently selected process. As a logicator is touched,
this display will change to show which control is active. The value of that control will
be shown in the alpha window adjacent to the logicator itself. Pressing the
ON/CLEAR key turns on or off the currently displayed process. The internal LED will
be green if the process is present, red if it is switched on.

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Process On Off Keys
Process On / Off keys in the middle of each channel strip
turn the process (if present) on or off, without having to have
the process currently assigned to the strip. This is useful for
auditioning processing while adjusting other parameters. For
example EQ can be turned on and off while adjusting
Compressor parameters.

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3.e AFU (Assignable Facilities Unit)
The AFU is an assignable central section which has controls for all the processing
elements that can be assigned to a path, plus Aux contribution and I/O Routing
control. All the duplicate controls on the AFU can be used instead of the controls on
the channel strip.
The AFU consists of AUX, Pan, Filters, EQ, Dynamics and I/O controls.
To Assign a signal path the AFU
Press the ACCESS key for the required path on the fader bed.
The AFU fader is the left most fader on the master monitor panel.
or:
Press the AFU PATH SELECT keys to step through the paths in the current console
set-up.

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System Paths
It is possible to assign the System Paths (TB, LS1, LS2 and the SELs) to the AFU.
TB is the talkback bus, LS1 and LS2 are the Listens used for the AFL and PFL output
and the SELs (SEL, SE2, SE3, etc.) are used by the monitoring system.
In addition when working in surround, film listens (FLS1 - 8 surround solo bus) and
film monitors (FLM1 – 8 surround monitor bus) can be configured depending on
surround format required.
To assign a System Path to the AFU press and hold the Ext key in the SLS section
and press the AFU Access key. Use the arrow keys to scroll through the system
paths.
Note: The Listens (LS1 and LS2) are not the small loudspeakers (L/S 1 and L/S 2).
To interrogate an AFU Logicator setting
Touch the Logicator. The current setting and the name of the assigned path will be
displayed in the AFU Parameter display.
To copy control settings in the AFU
Press the COPY key in the Console Global Control Panel. The channel displays will
flash the message 'Copy'. The touch LEDs on all controls in the AFU will illuminate
red to indicate that they are in scope and will be copied.
To select individual controls to be copied touch the required Logicators on the AFU.
When the first control is touched, the rest of the AFU will be taken out of scope. The
touch LEDs will toggle on and off each time a control is touched.
To select whole processing elements to be copied press the required ON/OFF keys.
All touch LEDs in the selected section will toggle on and off each time the ON/OFF
key is pressed.
To execute the copy press and hold down the ACCESS key on the source path to
copy. The ACCESS LED will illuminate and its display will flash 'Copy Src'. Press the
ACCESS keys for the destination paths in turn. The displays for selected destination
strips will flash 'Copy Dest' and the copy will be executed.

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3.e Master Section
Monitor Section
Studio LS Monitoring
The SLS monitor provides level control and selection of Monitor Source.
FOLL MON sends the control room monitor source to the Studio LS.
To select a specific audio path to send to the SLS hold the ext key and make a
monitor selection or press one of the 2T keys.
The SLS2 key selects an alternate studio to be fed independently.
Monitor Headphones
The monitor headphone controls provide level and monitor source selection either
from patch or the monitor selector to be fed into the control room headphones.
To select a specific audio path to send to the headphones hold the MON SEL key
and make a monitor selection.
Return Talkback – To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w
The RTB controls allow the control of a return talkback mic (using a channel input)
and the feed of this signal into the studio monitoring.
16 Key Monitor Selector
The 16 keys in this section allow individual labels for easy identification of monitor
sources, which can be selected by pressing their key.

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This is used in conjunction with the monitor source selectors
Monitor Inserts – To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w
The ability to insert various analogue and digital encoder/decoder devices into the
monitor is provided.
Reductions – To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w
The ability to monitor the mix via format reductions from 7.1 through various other
formats down to stereo.
Monitor Source Selector
Internal sources such as Mains, Groups, Aux’s, & Cues, the 2Track mixer selections
and surround stems can be selected, as well as up to 16 externals and 3 surround
externals.
The selected source type is shown on the 16 key monitor selector keys above to
show the available sources of that type, together with their individual label ID to feed
the monitor. The PFL key enables PFL sources via the fader bed PFL key to be
monitored in the control room.
The sum key allows a monitor mix to be created for surround applications. The stem
selects the stems for surround monitoring.
Calibration Set-up – To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w
Control Room Volume
The large red rotary knob controls the monitoring level.
The alpha displays the current monitoring level.
This will need setting up in the first instance with reference to the amplifiers in the
control room. The red level knob should be set to 85dB and the amplifiers trimmed
with the use of an SPL meter to obtain the correct monitoring gain.
LS Cuts
The LS Cuts can either be individually muted or all the LS Cuts can be muted using
the main CUT key.
The LS Solo inverts the operation allowing the speaker selection to be soloed.

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AFL Monitor Control – To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w
The AFL system provides independent level control from the main monitors, and a
special control called solo in front, which allows in context mixing with the balance
between the soloed sources and the rest of the mix to be adjusted.
The SOLO CLEAR key (which flashes while a solo is activated) cancels all solos.
4 Speaker Sets – To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w
3 x surround (Large, Small1, Small2) speaker sets and a stereo (mini) speaker set
are provided with the ability to apply trims for each speaker set, and lock the S,
LS/RS and LE/RE signals to a particular speaker set.
The ability to flip the audio from the rear LS/RS surround speakers to the front LR
speakers (LS Flip) is also provided.
Solo Modes– To be implemented in v 2.0 s/w
The safe keys in the monitoring section isolate the channel or monitor paths from the
solo.
The Solo I/L key toggles the state of the interlocking solo mode.
The Solo Inhibit keys on the fader bed isolate that particular path from being cut
during a solo in place.

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Global Console Controls
Ganging
A multi-level ‘VCA’ style ganging system is supported for faders.
Setting Up Gang Structures
To set up a gang structure press the GANG/LINKS key in the FADERS GLOBAL
CONTROL panel twice (one press will do link set-up).
The displays for all strips (including master group aux faders) will flash ‘Ganging’.
Select a master by pressing and holding down the ACCESS key on the selected
strip. The key’s LED will illuminate. In the status display to the left of the fader MST
will illuminate red confirming its selection as master.
To select slaves hold down the ACCESS key in the master strip and touch the faders
for the chosen slaves. In the status display to the left of the fader SLV will illuminate
green confirming its selection as a slave.
To select sub-masters press the ACCESS key of the desired sub-master and touch
the fader of the strip/s which will be the sub-master’s slave/s. The sub-master’s
status display will illuminate MST red and SLV green at the same time. The slave will
illuminate SLV green.