AMS Neve CAPRICORN User manual

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AMS NEVE PLC • BILLINGTON ROAD • BURNLEY
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USER MANUAL
527-140
Issue 5.1
CAPRICORN

1 Introduction
Overview 1:1
Concepts of Allocating Processing 1:4
The Console Surface 1:6
The Graphics Display 1:26
2Getting Started
Using the Trackball with the Graphics Display 2:2
Logging on to the system 2:4
Using the Soft Panel Menus 2:7
Bank Assignments 2:10
Using Console Surface Controls 2:11
Using the AFU 2:13
Further Information 2:14
3Console Setup
Introduction 3:1
Configuration Management 3:3
Backup and Restore 3:9
Path Numbers 3:15
Strip Assignment To Banks 3:17
4Path Configuration
Naming a Path 4:2
Assigning a Path to new Fader 4:4
Processing Configuration 4:5
Signal Matrix 4:11
5Input/Output Configuration
Ports and Paths 5:1
To Assign Ports to Paths 5:2
Inserts 5:14
Multitrack Tape Machine Interconnection 5:18
Capricorn User Manual Contents
Issue 5.1 Page i

6 Miscellaneous Setup
Sample Frequency 6:2
Desk Level 6:3
Delay Times 6:5
Intensity 6:7
Touch 6:8
Gearing 6:9
External 6:11
Options 6:14
MIDI 6:20
7Routing
Routing 7:2
Interrogation 7:5
Other Routing Panel Functions 7:6
8Monitoring
Monitoring Controls 8:2
Control Room Monitoring 8:4
SLS and Headphone Monitoring 8:7
Overdub Monitoring 8:9
Solo 8:12
Mute 8:22
9Metering
Meter Scale 9:2
Overload 9:2
Meter Operation 9:3
Channel strip Meter Mode Selection 9:8
Monitor Meters 9:9
Contents Capricorn User Manual
Page ii Issue 5.1

10 Signal Processing
Using Channel Strip Banks 10:1
Function Indicators 10:3
Input Paths 10:4
Monitor Signal Paths 10:8
Track Sends 10:9
4-Band Parametric Equalizer 10:13
Filters 10:15
Dynamics 10:16
Signal Path Delay (Optional) 10:25
Insert Switching 10:26
Copying 10:27
Fader to Aux Copy 10:29
11 Auxiliaries and Cues
Aux Control 11:1
Contribution Control 11:3
Aux Flip 11:6
Cue Sends 11:8
12 Links and VCA Ganging
Control Links 12:1
VCA Control 12:7
13 Oscillator
Tone oscillator 13:1
Slate Oscillator 13:3
14 Talkback
Talkback Setup 14:1
Talkback Group Levels 14:4
15 Transport Control
Machine Control 15:2
Track Control 15:4
Timecode 15:7
Labels 15:15
Cycle 15:22
Auto Record 15:23
Locating 15:24
Capricorn User Manual Contents
Issue 5.1 Page iii

16 Automation Overview
Introduction 16:1
Automation Controls 16:3
Scope 16:5
Automation Modes 16:6
Mixes, Passes and the Mix Tree 16:8
Automation Data Storage 16:11
17 Automation Operations
Automation Quick Start 17:1
Automation Data 17:3
Scope 17:8
Managing Mixes and Passes 17:15
Play Pass Selection 17:21
Automation Modes 17:23
Collect Touch 17:33
Capture Start Of Pass Timecode 17:36
Initial Snapshot (ISS) Amendment 17:38
Mute/Switch Lists 17:40
Relay Event List 17:45
18 Offline Editing
Offline Trim 18:2
Offline Delete 18:4
Mix Conform 18:5
Slide 18:9
Mix Compare 18:10
19 Stores
The Store List 19:2
Recalling Stores 19:5
Browse Stores 19:6
Sequenced Stores List 19:9
20 Capricorn Surround
Standard Surround Features 20:2
CXS 20:7
Joystick Module 20:35
Capricorn Surround Panel (CSP) 20:41
Contents Capricorn User Manual
Page iv Issue 5.1

21 MIDI
MIDI Program Changes 21:1
MIDI Automation 21:2
22 Diagnostics
DSP 22:2
Logs 22:6
IO Reset 22:7
Diags 22:8
23 Index
Capricorn User Manual Contents
Issue 5.1 Page v

Contents Capricorn User Manual
Page vi Issue 5.1

1 Introduction
1.1 Overview
The Capricorn recording system represents innovative audio technology at its
very best. Award winning custom designed integrated circuits give unsurpassed
digital sonic performance. The system electronics are remote from the actual
console surface, being rack-mounted in a separate unit. The graphical interface
and intuitive console surface enable real-time dynamic automation and fast and
accurate system setup.
The console surface sections and many of the individual controls are assignable
so that they can be used for a variety of different signal paths and signal
processing functions. The degree of assignability is designed to maximize
simplicity and ease of use with any function being accessible with just one or two
key-strokes, allowing changes to be made in signal path processing quickly and
efficiently.
The console surface is totally modular and each of the sections are
self-contained with their own PSUs (power supply units), making it easier to
insert or remove sections, or to make changes to the position of existing
sections.
1.1.1 The Assignable Console
Capricorn is an assignable console which means that one strip of controls for
each input and output is no longer needed. An assignable console allows a few
faders and controls to control any system size. On analogue consoles all the
facilities have to be squeezed into each channel strip which restricts the facilities
available and can make the control surface difficult to use. On Capricorn there
are still a number of controls on each channel strip for immediate use. These
controls are laid out so that they can be easily reached.
For control of a function that is not on the strip, a central panel called the
Assignable Facilities Unit (AFU) is assigned to the path on the strip by pressing
the key. The AFU has every control for that strip, just like a traditional
console. The AFU is large so that all controls are easily seen and reached. The
AFU can be positioned in the centre of the stereo image so that all adjustments
can be made while listening in the optimum monitoring position.
The channel strips are used for a number of different purposes so motorized
faders and continuous rotary encoders are used throughout. When a strip is
reassigned the fader will move to the position for the new signal path and circular
bargraph displays around the rotary encoders will show the new setting.
Capricorn User Manual Introduction
Issue 5.1 Page1:1
ACCESS

1.1.2 Multi-user Operation
The console can have up to 5 sections of 24 strips giving a maximum of 120
faders. Up to 3 AFUs can also be fitted, and each AFU can be linked to a different
section of strips so that the console can be used by several people at a time.
When an key is pressed only the AFU associated with that strip is
reassigned so that an operator working on another AFU is not affected.
Note: During split working there are still only 12 global fader banks and each split
unit does not have its own set of banks. However, when a new bank is selected
only the strips associated with that AFU will be reassigned.
The global functions which override SPLIT divisions are:
Reverse routing and interrogation
Link formation and interrogation
1.1.3 Hard Disk Organisation
The hard disk is partitioned into three notional areas - System, User and Project.
These partitions are maintained by the System Manager who requires a
password to enable access to the various housekeeping functions such as
deleting and moving data.
System Partition
The System Partition contains all the files needed for running the system, and is
not directly accessible to the user. These files include down-loadable code and
data for all the node processors, tables of defaults and command and fault logs.
The System Manager has access to some data in the System Partition (e.g. the
command and fault logs) through special utilities but cannot normally edit or
delete files in this area.
User Partition
The User Partition is subdivided into areas, or directories, for each user. This
partition holds configuration data that defines desk setups. Each user can have
a number of configurations which can be recalled in part or in full at any time. It is
necessary to log on to the system as a named user in order to create and store
personalised data. If the operator does not log on then data is stored in the
Default user area which may be used by anyone.
User directories can be created and removed only by the System Manager.
Each user directory can contain console setups and default information to
customise the operation of the system. Each user directory can be protected by
a personal password.
Introduction Capricorn User Manual
Page1:2 Issue 5.1
ACCESS

Project Partition
The Project Partition is the area of the storage system which contains dynamic
automation data including all the system configurations, mix data, cue lists and
notes for particular jobs. The partition is divided into Client directories, beneath
which are Project directories and beneath these are Title directories. For
example, an album project will have several titles, each of which contains its
individual mix tree.
A default scratch mix directory is provided for general use. This can be
convenient for quick, unplanned operations which do not need the data
preserving (e.g. testing a procedure).
Client directories and sub-directories can be created by any user, but may only
be removed by the System Manager. Client data can be password protected in
the same way as user data.
Copying data to and from removable disks
The system allows the user to transfer data to and from removable Optical Disks
and Floppy disks (if the drive is fitted). This enables both mix data and system
configurations to be copied between Capricorn systems or archived. This
procedure can also be used to back-up data, however the facility to back-up the
whole of the Hard Disk onto Optical disk is a more thorough and rapid backup
mechanism. It is recommended that the complete backup operation is
performed weekly, this operation is described in the technical manual.
Floppy disks can hold configuration data only.
Capricorn User Manual Introduction
Issue 5.1 Page1:3
CLIENT
PROJECT1
PROJECT2
TITLE1
TITLE2
TITLE1
TITLE2
MIX0.0 MIX TREE
MIX0.0 MIX TREE
MIX0.0 MIX TREE
MIX0.0 MIX TREE