AMS Neve Libra Live II Series User manual

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User Manual
527-238
Issue 4
Libra Live

Issue 4 Libra Live Series II User Manual
1
Contents
Contents ..........................................................................................................................................1
Glossary of Terms ..........................................................................................................................6
Introduction...................................................................................................................................14
Information in this Manual .......................................................................................................14
Structure of this Manual ..........................................................................................................14
Using Data From Earlier Software Versions ...........................................................................14
Libra Live Console Surface .........................................................................................................15
Control Types ..........................................................................................................................16
Fader Strips.................................................................................................................................17
Fader Strip Logicators .............................................................................................................18
Fader Strip Keys......................................................................................................................19
Assignable Switches................................................................................................................20
Access Key..............................................................................................................................21
The Fader ................................................................................................................................21
AFU (Assignable Facilities Unit) .................................................................................................23
Main AFU Section....................................................................................................................23
I/O Panel..................................................................................................................................25
PAN/BAL Panel .......................................................................................................................29
FILTER Panel ..........................................................................................................................30
EQUALISER Panel..................................................................................................................30
DYNAMICS Panel ...................................................................................................................32
SIDECHAIN Panel...................................................................................................................33
AFU Parameter Display...........................................................................................................34
AFU Fader Strip.......................................................................................................................34
Master Control Section................................................................................................................37
UTILITY KEYS Panel ..............................................................................................................38
TONE Panel ............................................................................................................................42
MONITORING Panel...............................................................................................................44
SELECT Panel ........................................................................................................................45
TALKBACK Panel....................................................................................................................47
CONTROL ROOM Panel ........................................................................................................48
HEADPHONES and STUDIO LS Panel..................................................................................49
FADERS GLOBAL CONTROL Panel......................................................................................50
MASTER AUTOMATION Panel ..............................................................................................51

Issue 4 Libra Live Series II User Manual
2
Keypad and Transport Controls ..............................................................................................52
Machine Control ......................................................................................................................53
ROUTING and METERING Section ...........................................................................................54
Routing Screen Displays .........................................................................................................55
Routing Panel Switches ..........................................................................................................56
Routing ....................................................................................................................................56
Routing Panel Analogue Meters..............................................................................................58
Routing Panel Bargraph Meters ..............................................................................................59
MASTER FADER Section...........................................................................................................60
Output Meters..........................................................................................................................60
Strip Keys ................................................................................................................................60
Fader .......................................................................................................................................60
Master Fader Assignment Keys ..............................................................................................61
ENCORE SCREEN and KEYBOARD.........................................................................................62
Dockable Keyboard .................................................................................................................62
Encore TFT Screen .................................................................................................................62
Upstand Metering........................................................................................................................63
Meter Bridge ............................................................................................................................63
Routing Screen Bargraph Meters............................................................................................67
Using Libra Live............................................................................................................................68
Starting Up Libra Live..................................................................................................................68
System Startup ........................................................................................................................68
Turning Off and Re-Starting Libra Live....................................................................................68
Restarting Libra Live................................................................................................................70
Using Libra Live for the first time ................................................................................................71
Broadcast Home Page ............................................................................................................71
Routing a Signal through the Console.....................................................................................73
Using Signal Processing .........................................................................................................74
Using Layers............................................................................................................................75
Mix Minus ................................................................................................................................75
Using Encore.................................................................................................................................79
Operational Suite.....................................................................................................................79
EQ/DYN ......................................................................................................................................79
Path Editor ..................................................................................................................................80
On-Line and Off-Line Operation ..............................................................................................81
Preferences.................................................................................................................................85
Automation Preferences..........................................................................................................85
Collect Touch Preferences ......................................................................................................86
Brightness Control Preferences ..............................................................................................87

Issue 4 Libra Live Series II User Manual
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Pan & Operating Level Preferences........................................................................................88
Solo Settings & Relay Control Preferences ............................................................................90
Sync Select Preferences .........................................................................................................91
Monitoring Preferences ...........................................................................................................93
Tone & Talkback Preferences .................................................................................................94
MCS Preferences ....................................................................................................................95
Control Sensitivity Preferences ...............................................................................................95
Extended Preferences.............................................................................................................96
Assignable Buttons Preferences .............................................................................................99
Path Names ..............................................................................................................................102
More and Exit ............................................................................................................................102
Desk Editor................................................................................................................................103
Creating a New Desk Setup ..................................................................................................104
Configuration Page................................................................................................................105
Channels Page ......................................................................................................................108
Monitor Page .........................................................................................................................109
Groups Page .........................................................................................................................112
Desk Designer .......................................................................................................................114
Stems, Solo Inhibit, Inhibit Automation..................................................................................116
Inhibit Allocation, Allocation Priority ......................................................................................117
Saving the Desk Setup..........................................................................................................118
I/O Patch ...................................................................................................................................119
I/O Config ..................................................................................................................................122
Creating an I/O Configuration................................................................................................123
Names Configuration.............................................................................................................128
Port Grouping (V2.8 software)...............................................................................................128
Sample Rate Configuration ...................................................................................................130
GPI (General Purpose Interface) Configuration ....................................................................132
Configuring GPI Relays.........................................................................................................133
Configuring GPI Opto-Isolators .............................................................................................136
Audio Follow Tally (Version 2.8 software).............................................................................141
Quick Prefs ............................................................................................................................143
Housekeeping ...........................................................................................................................144
Filing..........................................................................................................................................144
Desk Filing.............................................................................................................................145
System Page .........................................................................................................................147
Backup \ Restore.......................................................................................................................150
Backing up Data to Archives .................................................................................................153
Restoring from Archives ........................................................................................................153
Automotion ................................................................................................................................155

Issue 4 Libra Live Series II User Manual
4
Converting from Version 2 to Version 2.5 .............................................................................155
Convert Desk Setups and Mixes from Version 2 to 2.5 ........................................................159
Import and Export of Flying Faders Automation data............................................................161
Import and Export of the Studio Configuration ......................................................................162
Converting from Logic to Encore...........................................................................................163
Routing Assistant ......................................................................................................................164
Defaults Manager......................................................................................................................167
Setting Values in Defaults Manager ......................................................................................167
Resetting Console controls with Reset Wizard .....................................................................168
Defaults Manager File Saving ...............................................................................................169
Encore (Dynamic Automation) ..............................................................................................169
Machine Control ....................................................................................................................169
Transport Control .......................................................................................................................170
Transport Menus .......................................................................................................................171
Group Setup ..........................................................................................................................171
MCS Preferences ..................................................................................................................178
MCS Ports .............................................................................................................................180
Standard Transport Functions...............................................................................................181
Snapshot System........................................................................................................................187
Enabling Snapshots...............................................................................................................187
Snapshot Scope ....................................................................................................................187
Creating a Snapshot..............................................................................................................189
Recalling a Snapshot.............................................................................................................189
Managing the Snapshot List..................................................................................................190
Dynamic Automation..................................................................................................................191
Overview ...................................................................................................................................192
Mix/Pass ................................................................................................................................192
Automation Scope and Automation Modes ..............................................................................194
Automation Controls..............................................................................................................194
Automation Scope .................................................................................................................195
Automation Modes.................................................................................................................196
Selecting Automation Modes.................................................................................................196
Automation Filing ......................................................................................................................198
Recording Automation...............................................................................................................201
Making further Mix/Passes ....................................................................................................201
Using TO END.......................................................................................................................201
Offline Editing............................................................................................................................202
The Events Lists ....................................................................................................................202

Issue 4 Libra Live Series II User Manual
5
Automation Menu Items ........................................................................................................203
Set Offset...............................................................................................................................210
Show Mix Statistics................................................................................................................210
Show Mix/Pass Tree..............................................................................................................211
Surround Sound .........................................................................................................................216
Signal Flow and Surround Paths ..............................................................................................217
Stems ....................................................................................................................................217
Films ......................................................................................................................................217
Film Listens ...........................................................................................................................217
Panning .................................................................................................................................217
Configuring Stems .................................................................................................................218
Stem Porting and Metering....................................................................................................219
Surround Monitoring and Routing Panel ...............................................................................219
Monitoring Stems...................................................................................................................221
Surround Routing ..................................................................................................................222
Cut and Solo..........................................................................................................................223
Monitor Inserts.......................................................................................................................223
Calibrated monitoring levels ..................................................................................................223
External surround sound inputs.............................................................................................224
Joystick Module.........................................................................................................................225
PanPos Display .....................................................................................................................225
Using the Joystick Module.....................................................................................................226
Joystick Automation...............................................................................................................226
Maintenance ................................................................................................................................228
Flash RAM System ...................................................................................................................228
Re-Boot Options for Flash RAM............................................................................................229
User Administration...................................................................................................................232
Ghost.........................................................................................................................................237
Recovery Procedure..............................................................................................................237
Maintenance Procedure ........................................................................................................238
Desk Explorer............................................................................................................................239

Issue 4 Libra Live Series II User Manual
6Glossary
Glossary of Terms
Access key
The Access key is the located below the ON/CUT and AFL key on the fader strips, engraved with
a triangle or the fader number. It is used to identify signal paths for various actions such as
routing.
AFU
AFU is an abbreviation of Assignable Facilities Unit. This is the “channel strip” panel that is called
to a path by pressing the fader’s access key. It has the normal channel strip controls such as EQ
and dynamics.
Allocation
Libra Live uses a pool of processing that can be allocated to input and output path processing
according to a session’s needs. The processing is “allocated” to the different functions (signal
paths, EQ etc) using an Encore program called Desk Editor. The allocation is stored as a “desk
configuration” also known as a “mix setup” which can be recalled, edited or copied as necessary.
Allocation mutes the console while the signal processing for signal paths and processing is built.
In the early days of digital consoles digital processing was expensive and it was necessary to be
careful how the processing resource was used. These days consoles are usually supplied with
sufficient processing for the full complement of EQ and dynamics to be available in every
channel.
Alpha Display
The term alpha or alpha display refers to the digital alphanumeric displays used on the console
surface.
For instance, the Assignable and Pan Logicators on the fader strips each have an associated
eight character alpha display.
Assignment
After signal paths have been created, they can then be “assigned” to physical faders using the
Desk Designer page in Desk Editor. Paths can also be assigned and re-assigned using the setup
mode on the control surface. Signal paths can exist and pass audio without being assigned to a
physical fader. Changing assignments does not affect the audio and can be done live.
Automation
Libra Live has two automation systems: Snapshot automation stores and recalls control positions
under manual control; Dynamic automation records and replays control movements against
timecode. The default automation for Libra Live is Snapshots, which is switched off when
Dynamic automation is switched on.
Automation Mode (Dynamic Automation)
This refers to the states of controls in dynamic automation when recording and re-playing control
moves against timecode. The basic Automation Modes are Record, Play, Touch record (when
REC and PLAY are on together - sometimes known as update) and Isolate (when the automation
for individual controls is switched off).
Automation modes are only relevant when Dynamic Automation is switched on.

Issue 4 Libra Live Series II User Manual
7Glossary
Banks
See Layers
Boot
The term boot or bootup refers to the startup process of digital systems. Hence, reboot means to
completely restart the system.
Channels
A channel path is an input path that takes an input from a user defined port and routes it on to
other paths such as groups, auxs and main outputs via the usual channel processing (EQ fader
etc). A channel path isn’t permanently tied to any one fader strip and fader strips are not
exclusively for input channels.
Desk Setup
The Desk Setup (also called the Mix Setup or configuration) is a file containing the basic
configuration of the desk. Libra Live uses assignable DSP (digital signal processing) to provide
signal paths and signal processing. The amount of DSP available varies from one Libra Live to
another and the way in which it is used will change according to individual session requirements.
A Desk Setup keeps a picture of how the DSP is used. Libra Live stores different desk set-ups in
a structured filing system.
•The main information that a Desk Setup defines is:
•The number of each type of signal path
(e.g. the number of Channels)
•The signal processing allocated to each signal path
(e.g. the number EQ bands in Channel 6)
•The initial control settings for each signal processor
(e.g. the Q on EQ band 2 for Channel 6)
•The placement of paths on the console surface
(e.g. the fader strip that can be used to control Channel 6)
•The patching and routing configuration
(e.g. the mic/line source for Channel 6, the other paths that Channel 6 is routed to, the input
and output used for the Insert on Channel 6, etc.)
•The path names as displayed in the alpha displays
Other configuration files (e.g. a list of snapshots) are linked to the Desk Setup configuration and
are normally loaded onto the console at the same time as the Desk setup, but can be loaded
independently. Desk setups can easily be transferred between consoles via removable media or
networking. There are built in mechanisms for handling different I/O configurations and DSP
capacity between consoles.
DRC
DRC is an abbreviation of Dynamic Range Controller. A DRC is a combined expander and
compressor that uses less processing (DSP) than a separate expander and compressor would.
The reduced DSP requirement is achieved by having a common attack time and an inversely
linked ratio (e.g. if the compression ratio is 2:1, the expansion will be 1:2). The thresholds and
release times are set separately.
The DRC is an ideal tool for broadcasting environments as it is designed to quickly control the
dynamic range.

Issue 4 Libra Live Series II User Manual
8Glossary
DSP
DSP is an abbreviation of Digital Signal Processing. SSP, ESP or XSP cards in the Libra Live
racks provide DSP, and the quantity fitted is independent of the number of faders on the control
surface. Each signal path (Channel, track Monitor, etc.) and each signal processor (EQ,
compressor, filter, etc.) requires a certain amount of DSP. DSP is allocated in advance to paths
and processors so that there is no conflict over DSP resources.
Events (Dynamic Automation)
Events are changes to control settings that are recorded against timecode by the automation
system. They are recorded in timecode order to make up the Event List. When a Mix/Pass is
played back, it is the events that are used to automate the controls
Electronic Scribble Strip
The electronic scribble strips are the alpha displays just above the Access keys on the fader
strips that show the name of the path currently assigned to the fader. They also show the fader
level when the fader is touched.
Encore
Encore is the name of the dynamic automation system used by all new AMS Neve consoles. The
term is also used for the complete configuration and automation software suite for the digital
consoles and for the PC hardware that the software runs on.
The Encore suite may also be run “offline” that is on a PC disconnected from the console. Offline
Encore can be used to create or edit desk setups, set-up the console routing, name channel
strips etc before the engineer has access to the console.
ESP, TSP, SSP and XSP
These acronyms refer to the DSP cards used by Libra Live and other AMS Neve digital consoles.
EXTs
EXTs are external inputs that go directly to the monitor selector. The input ports can be selected
using Encore’s I/O configuration utility, or by calling the EXT path to the AFU.
Fader Strip
This term is used instead of channel strip to emphasise the difference between the hardware and
the channel path, which is an input path that can be moved to different fader strips on the control
surface. Any type of signal path may be on a fader strip, not just input channels.
Films
For historical reasons, the surround sound monitoring path is called a film. The film path can be
anything from mono to 8 speakers wide and is usually defined by the number of speakers in the
control room. The film path is defined independently of the stems (surround outputs) and each
stem is mapped individually to the film when selected for monitoring, allowing stems of different
widths to the films. For example an LCRS output can be monitored on a 5.1 film monitoring
system and vice versa.
Function Key
The Function Keys are the row of keys at the top of the Encore keyboard that are marked F1 to
F12. Some of them can be used as shortcuts to Encore Dynamic Automation functions and F1 is
used to access the on-line help.

Issue 4 Libra Live Series II User Manual
9Glossary
Glide (Dynamic Automation)
This is when a continuously variable control (fader, Logicator controlling frequency, etc.) moves or
is moved smoothly to match back to the Play Pass.
GPI
GPI is the acronym for General Purpose Interface. The GPI is the relay and opto-isolator system,
which can be configured for a variety of functions, including advanced features such as lazy
talkback, remote Snapshot control and Mix Minus Talkback switching.
I/O System
Libra Live’s I/O system is partially independent of the console and processing system. It consists
of different types of racks for different format types (analogue and digital) that are connected to
the DSP core via MADI links. The quantity of I/O that is available on a Libra Live is independent of
the amount of processing or the number of channels that are available.
ISS (Dynamic Automation)
ISS is an acronym for Initial SnapShot. An ISS is the starting point snapshot of the dynamic
automation system’s Mix/Pass Tree. It is not connected with Libra Live’s Snapshot Automation
system
Key
A key input is an external input into the dynamics processor. Libra Live can use other console
paths to provide key inputs into any dynamics processor.
Label List (Dynamic Automation)
A Label is a captured (or grabbed) Timecode value that can be named and relates to a point in
the mix that the engineer wants to refer to frequently. The Label List shows the Labels in
Timecode order.
Layers and banks
Layers and Banks have two purposes: They allow a console to control more inputs than there are
physical faders and they allow the engineer to arrange the inputs on the control surface in an
ergonomic way for the session or part of the session he or she is working on.
Libra Live has four layers referred to as A, B, SUB (or MON) A and SUB (or MON) B. These
layers can be visualised as 4 different signal paths stacked up under each fader strip. The signal
path from any one of the four layers can be under control of the fader strip at any one time, and
the active layer and signal path are said to be "on the surface". Originally each layer had a
dedicated purpose, e.g. for channel inputs or for monitor returns (hence the MON name) but Libra
Live now allows the flexibility of any path type, input or output, on any layer. Switching the fader
strip between layers is instant and inaudible.
Banks will be introduced in Version 2.8 software or later. Using banks can be visualised as sliding
the control surface sideways along a much larger virtual console. For example, a 24 fader
console surface could have faders 1-24 on Bank A and faders 25-48 on Bank B. Each fader (1-
48) has 4 layers. Selecting Bank B is the equivalent of sliding the console 24 faders to the right.
Banks and Layers are part of the advanced operation of the Libra Live and give the console
enormous flexibility. Care must be taken in their use not to “lose” an input fader and it is quite
common in critical applications to restrict the console to just one bank and one or two layers.
The Desk Designer function in Desk Edit is used to assign signal paths to the layers and banks.
Banks are referred to in Encore V2.7 but do not become available in Libra Live software until V2.8
software.