INNOVASON SY80 User manual

Sensoft 8.1 full
Sensoft 9 installation
(Sensoft 9 Addendum updates
sections 3 and 4 of this user guide)
User Guide
InnovaSON
ZC du Kenyah
56400 Plougoumelen
France
Ap
ril 2005

Headquarters
Zone du Kenyah
F-56400 Plougoumelen
FRANCE
tel : [phone]
fax : [phone]
www.innovason.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1
User Guide - © InnovaSON - May 2004
Attention: veuillez consulter le chapitre 10 avant toute manutention ou utilisation de la console.
Warning: please read carefully section 10 before handling or using the console.
Achtung: bitte lesen sie zuerst Kapitell 10 for jedem Verladen oder Verwendung des Pultes.
Table of Contents
1 Digital mixing in Live sound 1.1
1.A Sensoft 8.1 :a brief history 1.1
1.B Fader assignment 1.2
1.C The assignable functions 1.3
1.D Spread zones 1.4
2 THE SY80 CONSOLE 2.1
2.A Sy80 : Overview of the product 2.1
2.B Personalization, options 2.3
2.C Description of the Sy80 2.3
2.C.1 Dimensions and general information 2.4
2.C.2 The Quadfad module 2.6
2.C.3 The CHANNEL CONTROL panel 2.6
2.C.4 The DESK CONTROL panel 2.7
2.C.5 On the front of the console 2.7
2.C.6 On the back of the console 2.8
2.C.7 Control layout 2.9
2.D Precautionary measures, safety and
warnings
2.12
2.E Manipulation and transport 2.13
2.F Power supplies and EC standards 2.13
2.G Connections 2.13
2.G.1 Audio connections 2.14
2.G.2 Connecting the Mix Box audio rack to
the control surface
2.14
2.G.3 Connection of an external screen 2.14
2.G.4 Connecting an external P.C. 2.15
2.G.5 Connecting MIDI equipment 2.17
2.G.6 Connecting a USB device 2.17
2.G.7 Audio rack connections: transmission via
coaxial cable
2.18
2.G.8 Digital audio clock sync with external
devices
2.20
2.G.9 Connecting headphones 2.21
2.H Powering up 2.22
2.H.1 Power up sequence 2.22
2.H.2 First checks 2.25
3 Sensoft 8.1 3.1
3.A Your first mix : a simple step-by step
example
3.1
3.A.1 Console configuration 3.2
3.A.2 Patching.. 3.4
3.A.3 Some routing 3.6
3.A.4 Creating and using a subgroup 3.8
3.A.5 Spreading inouts 3.11
3.A.6 Creating and using a VCA 3.13
3.A.7 Spreading a Master 3.14
3.A.8 Spreading an Aux 3.17
3.A.9 Creating a matrix 3.18
4 Digital mixing in Live Sound 4.1
4.A Basic principle of the control surface 4.1
4.A.1 Control surface layout 4.1
4.A.2 Fader configuration : The Hardware
Configuration window 4.2
4.B Audio inputs 4.3
4.B.1 General characteristics 4.3
4.B.2 Layout of physical inputs 4.3
4.B.3 Universal analog inputs 4.4
4.B.4 Analog line inputs 4.4
4.B.5 Distant inputs (Stage Box) 4.5
4.C Input signal path 4.6
4.C.1 XFAD : the principles 4.6
4.C.2 Preamp to fader assignment grid (PATCH
IN)
4.10
4.C.3 Pre-amp settings (Gain, 48V) 4.15
4.C.4 Delay 4.16
4.C.5 Phase inversion and the high-pass filter 4.17
4.C.6 Dynamics 4.18
4.C.7 Equalizer 4.21
4.C.8 Inserting an external device 4.22
4.C.9 MUTE and CUE functions 4.25
4.D Mix busses 4.27
4.D.1 DSP resources: some important points 4.27
4.D.2 Spreading the outputs 4.28
4.D.3 Assignment of mix busses to physical
outputs (Patch OUT)
4.32
4.D.4 Basic principles of routing 4.37
4.D.5 Definition ‘pre/post fader’ and Pan
settings on busses
4.41
4.D.6 A special bus : the Matrix 4.47
4.D.7 The Monitor bus 4.49
4.D.8 Master busses 4.58
4.D.9 Bus processing and inserts 4.58
4.D.10 Hyperdrive outputs’ processing control 4.59
4.D.11 Principles of fader functions, Fader Mode 4.60
4.D.12 MUTE and CUE functions 4.62
4.E The MUXIPAIRE bus, the Direct I/O
grid
4.63
4.E.1 The Direct I/O grid 4.64
4.F The VCA function 4.65
4.F.1 VCA function logic 4.65
4.F.2 VCA Assignment 4.66
4.G Talk-Back 4.66
Section Page

2TABLE OF CONTENTS
User Guide - © InnovaSON - May 2004
5 Structure of a performance 5.1
5.A General description 5.1
5.B Files and pages management 5.1
5.B.1 File edition 5.1
5.B.2 Changing a file 5.4
5.B.3 Saving a file 5.4
5.B.4 Exporting, Importing, deleting a file 5.5
5.C Pages management 5.6
5.C.1 Saving a page 5.6
5.C.2 LOAD and GOTO a page 5.6
5.C.3 Inserting a page 5.7
5.D Navigating in a file 5.8
5.E Automation (sequencing , calling up pages) 5.9
5.E.1 Generalities 5.9
5.E.2 MIDI Program Change OUT 5.9
5.E.3 MIDI Program Change IN 5.11
5.E.4 MIDI Time Code Automation 5.12
5.E.5 Cross-Fade 5.14
5.E.6 The Cross-Time Fader 5.16
6 Advanced Functions 6.1
6.A Generator and oscillator 6.1
6.B FLAT function for resetting parameters 6.1
6.C Copy and Paste 6.2
6.D OverRam - Updating pages in RAM 6.3
6.E Relax Mode - disconnecting parameters
from the automation
6.5
6.F Link I/O - Input/ Output parameter links 6.6
6.F.1 What are I/O parameters ? 6.6
6.F.2 The link I/O grid 6.6
6.G Link Channel – channel parameter
links
6.7
6.G.1 What are the channel parameters ? 6.7
6.G.2 The channel link grid 6.8
6.H Temporary cancellation of a link 6.9
6.I MUXI window – display and modification
of outputs
6.10
6.J Off Line – disconnecting the console
from the audio racks
6.11
6.K Processing libraries 6.12
6.K.1 The BANK Menu and general operation 6.12
6.K.2 Save and load shortcuts 6.13
6.L Request Mode (RQST) 6.13
6.M The ADJ function – automatic
adjustment of preamps
6.15
6.N Sending MIDI messages using the MUTE
buttons
6.16
6.O Sending Fader Start MIDI messages 6.17
6.P LOCK – Password Protection for the
console
6.18
6.Q The General Preferences window 6.20
7 Sensoft Offline 7.1
7.A General operation of the mouse and
keyboard
7.1
7.B Detailed operation and access to the
various windows
7.2
7.B.1 The HARDWARE CONFIGURATION
window
7.2
7.B.2 The PATCH IN grid window 7.3
7.B.3 The PATCH OUT grid window 7.5
7.B.4 The DIRECT I/O and Insert Grid window 7.6
7.B.5 The LINK CHANNEL window 7.7
7.B.6 The LINK I/O window 7.8
7.B.7 The RELAX, FADER-START and MUTE
MIDI MESSAGE windows
7.9
7.B.8 The PAN window 7.10
7.B.9 The PASTE and OVERRAM windows 7.11
7.B.10 The MUXI window 7.13
7.B.11 The main MIX window 7.14
7.C Summary of function access 7.16
8 INSTALLING AND
CONFIGURING SENSOFT 9
8.1
8.ADownloading and preparing the
installation
8.1
8.BInstalling SENSOFT 8.2
8.B.1 Re-installation, new version 8.2
8.B.2 Updating, new ‘release’ 8.4
8.B.3 Installing the Windows XPE operating
system
8.5
8.CConfiguration 8.8
8.DImporting files created with earlier
versions of Sensoft
8.10
8.D.1 Grand Live files 8.10
8.D.2 Sy40 files 8.10
8.EFirmware update for DSP Sy48
and DSP Sy80
8.11
8.E.1 Launching the « DSP Loader » software 8.12
8.FInstalling Sensoft on an
external PC
8.16
9 Design Features 9.1
9.A Introduction 9.1
9.B Audio rack and modules 9.2
9.B.1 SI-8D Module 9.3
9.B.2 SI-8D3 Module 9.4
9.B.3 MO-8D3 Module 9.5
9.B.4 XO-8D2 Module 9.6
9.B.5 DI-8S Module 9.7
9.B.6 DI-8Src Module 9.8
9.B.7 DO-8A Module 9.9
9.B.8 DO-8X Module 9.10
9.B.8B DO-8XES Module 9.10B
9.B.9 DSP Sy80 Module 9.11
9.B.10 DSP Sy40-8 Module 9.12
9.B.11 DM-Mk9 Module 9.13
9.B.12 MC-64 Module 9.14
9.B.13 SC-64 Module 9.15
9.B.14 SC-643tx Module 9.16
9.B.15 Sync-A Module 9.17
9.C System Configuration and installation 9.18
9.C.1 Use of Stage Box general rule 9.18
9.C.2 Modules installation and racks
configuration
9.20
9.C.3 MASTER console definition 9.20
9.C.4 Powering-up 9.21
9.D Transmission on coaxial cable 9.22
9.D.1 BNC connections 9.22
9.D.2 Earth and perturbations 9.23
9.D.3 Transmission defaults and adjustments 9.23
Section Page

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
User Guide - © InnovaSON - May 2004
9.E Appendices 9.24
9.E.1 Audio rack general Characteristics 9.24
9.E.2 Audio specifications 9.24
9.E.3 Signal path 9.26
9.E.4 EtherSound applications 9.27
10 Sécurité . Safety . Wichtige. 10.1
10.A Précautions, sécurité, avertissements.
Important messages - Wichtige Hinweise.
10.1
10.A.1 Symboles - Symbols - Symbole 10.1
10.A.2 Dangers – Warning – Achtung 10.2
10.A.3 Avertissements – Cautions - Vorschit 10.2
10.A.4 Remarques sur l'utilisation -
Operating notes – Hinweise zum Betrieb
10.3

INTRODUCTION 1-1
User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2004
1 DIGITAL MIXING IN LIVE SOUND
1.A Sensoft 8.1: a brief history
Several years have passed since InnovaSON
introduced the first digital system designed to
meet the needs of LIVE SOUND production:
artists on-stage, impatient producers (tight
budgets), live sound quality identical to studio
recordings, complex productions, etc.
LIVE, for InnovaSON, is a “keyword” reflected in
the products; products that are reliable, sturdy,
and capable of working without a problem, show after
show. Thought was not only given to limit size and
excess weight (as freight in a lorry, car or plane), but also
to speed up the installation, and especially to “free the spirit
of the sound engineer”, an essential condition in the creation of
quality live performances.
Thanks to the success of the MUXIPAIRE system, InnovaSON was in touch with numerous users,
who all wished for a digital mixing desk that would, at last, satisfy all their requirements for live shows
in the 21st century:
Total memory of the functions necessary for complete audio signal processing
Immediate reminder of the state of the whole console
Simple to use in spite of sophisticated automation
Sound quality without compromise
All the advantages of a completely computerised digital system
These are the essentials that InnovaSON settled on throughout the design of its range of digital
consoles.
Designed from standard elements in InnovaSON’s modular (or custom) digital audio systems,
InnovaSON consoles now benefit from the field experience gained from those previous products.
All the team at InnovaSON sincerely thank all those who brought another small stone to the structure,
by their suggestions, particular requirements, or sensible comments. Although completely digital,
InnovaSON consoles will not upset a user brought up on classic analogue systems; on the contrary,
their original three-part concept (mixing desk, local and distant audio system racks), brings more
flexibility and quality, without compromise.
Our greatest satisfaction will be to learn that each user has found, in Live Sound, a work tool perfectly
adapted to their needs.

1-2 INTRODUCTION
User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2004
1.B Fader assignment
Sensoft 8.1 brings something new to the world of Live Sound – you define the number and position of
all the functions necessary for your mix.
Naturally this number is determined, on one hand, by the number of faders on your control surface
and, on the other hand, by the available DSP resources in your system.
The figure below gives the maximum number of resources that Sensoft 8.1 can handle on various
InnovaSON consoles.
Resources available on InnovaSON consoles
Console Faders DSP module Mix busses Input channels Monitor circuits
Sy40 47+1 DSP Sy40-8 26 48 3
Sensory Live
(Upgrade Sy80) 71+1 DSP Sy80 48 = 32+16 80 3
Sy80 80 DSP Sy80 48 = 32+16 80 3
Sensory Live
(for the record) 71+1 DMMk-9 23 48 1
Console faders can handle inputs coming from distant and local audio racks, as well as controlling the
busses necessary for the different mixes required for these inputs.

INTRODUCTION 1-3
User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2004
1.C The assignable functions
Each of the console faders can handle the following functions:

1-4 INTRODUCTION
User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2004
Each of the console faders can handle the following functions:
The number of faders available in this grid corresponds to that available on the console (shown here is
the Sy80). The Grid functions in the same way for any console as long as it supports Sensoft 8.1.
Later on in this manual we will show you how to access and use the configuration grid.
To give you the time to fully understand and master this feature, preset configurations
allow you to quickly set the parameters of your console. Having first inserted the floppy
disk “Examples”, use the Import function to load these standard configurations.
1.D Spread zones
Let’s take a few moments to consider the concept used by InnovaSON to exploit more physical inputs
and mix busses than there are faders on the console, without having to resort to a system of layers.
As you saw previously, InnovaSON designs consoles dedicated to, among other situations, live
applications. It was therefore important to establish a design that took note of the following points:
A console with a size and weight lower than its analogue counterpart
Retention of the user-friendliness inherent in software previous to Sensoft 8.1
To always have a global view of the general state of the console on the monitor screen
To have to hand the maximum number of controls, for fast and effective user reaction
This last point made InnovaSON decide to implement the XFAD function in the development of Sensoft
8.1.
Whether for the management of inputs or the management of busses, the general principle is the
same: a full channel can control a single physical I/O or of a set of physical I/O. In the latter case, the
channel can be compared to a “fader bank”, because every time it is selected, it spreads out all the
channels it controls, in a zone defined by the user.

INTRODUCTION 1-5
User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2004
The principle of spread channels
The figure above shows an example of 8 “banks”, each spreading 16 XFAD inputs. A swift calculation
shows that, in theory, you could control 8 x 16 = 128 inputs with only 8 + 16 = 24 faders…….what a
dream!
One of the major points of Sensoft 8.1 is that the number of “banks", and their arrangement as well as
the number of channels spread by the "banks", is defined by the user. Each user can effectively "draw"
the console according to their own needs.
The channels associated with
one, or a group of, physical inputs
The spread zone as defined by the user, made
up from as many XFAD as neccessar
y
In the same way, Aux, Group or Master channels can spread thei
r
L, R, C and M busses if necessary, in this case you can compare
them to “Bus Banks”

THE SY80 CONSOLE 2-1
User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2005
2 THE SY80 CONSOLE
2.A Sy80 : Overview of the product
The standard Sy80 platform is composed of a control surface and a local
audio rack, the Mix-Box, which can house modules of 8 inputs or 8 outputs
(analog or AES). An optional remote audio rack, the Stage-Box, lets you
install 64 I/O resources (analog or digital) up to 500m away.
The data exchange of these 64 resources can either be done
via a coaxial cable or an optical fiber. The local rack can be
equipped with «Hyper-Drive » output modules - this term
represents a Standard featuring processed outputs, each one
having its own dynamics, EQ, delay and level parameters,
accessible from within the control surface. The « Hyper
Drive » modules are: the XO-8D2 (8 analog outputs), the DO-
8X (8 AES digital outputs) and the DO-8XES (8 AES digital
outputs + Ethersound output on an Ethercon connector).
The digital aspect of the console is managed by the controller module - the MC-Optical –
which generates the audio clocks, drives the bus, and handles communications with the
console’s integrated PC. This module is equipped with BNC and optical connectors
dedicated for the connection of a Stage Box, which then allows the remote management
of 64 Mic/line inputs and up to 32 mix busses. Therefore, the slots of the local Mix Box
can be equipped with more output modules, which leads to a maximum of 8 analog or
AES output modules, plus the 16 line outputs available on the SubD25 connector… that
gives us a total of 80 local outputs.
Stage-Box

2-2 THE SY80 CONSOLE
User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2005
In the Mix Box, next to the MCOPTICAL controller, one
can find the DSP (digital signal processor) module,
which handles the digital processing of signals, and all
the algorithms that the console functions may use. The
Sy80’s DSP module is equipped with 4 Sub-D 25
connectors which can manage 16 inputs and 16 outputs of local line level signals. The Sub-D
/ XLR adapter cables are provided with the console. The firmware currently available in the
DSP Sy80 cards provides simultaneous mixing of 80 inputs to 50 mix busses (two of which
are reserved for stereo monitoring). The mix busses have no predefined functionality. It’s up
to you to use them as groups, sub-groups, auxiliaries, masters, matrixes, …
As with any InnovaSON console, once the input and output cables are connected to their designated
devices, you no longer need to touch them. All patching operations are done electronically and are
memorized – all of which is managed directly from the control surface.
The Control Surface is relatively easy to understand; even beginners will rapidly feel at ease with the
digital mixing provided by the Sy80.
The various console channels are equipped with motorized faders which move into position rapidly,
quietly, and even feature a “sensory point” that can be felt under your fingers. Therefore, you always
have the last memorized position in mind.
The bar-graphs located just above the faders provide direct metering of various working levels, after
processing (dynamics, EQ) or before processing (reflecting the output level of the pre-amps),
depending on the option selected in the general preferences.
Last but not least, as soon as the console is switched on, the flat LCD screen displays the main mix
window or, depending on preference settings, the other control windows of the platform. The internal
computer drives the DSP in real time according to the actions taken by the user on the control surface.
If necessary, the console’s internal PC can be removed and replaced by the external PC connection
kit. You can therefore control the platform from any PC on which Sensoft has been previously
installed.
To make things easier in a given situation, provision has been made to replace the internal flat screen by
another SVGA standard screen. The keyboard and mouse can also be relocated (or replaced) by
removing them from their drawer.

THE SY80 CONSOLE 2-3
User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2005
2.B Personalization, options
Each system, within certain limits, can be adapted to the latest performances and options of the
InnovaSON range of products.
For this, please contact our authorized technical services for specific updates: DSP resources,
Sensoft, advice, etc.
2.C Description of the Sy80

2-4 THE SY80 CONSOLE
User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2005
2.C.1 Dimensions and general information

THE SY80 CONSOLE 2-5
User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2005
Control surface:
Length: 1650 mm / 65’’
Width: 865 mm / 34’’
Height: 304 mm / 12’’ (screen folded down), 415 mm/16,4’’ max.
Weight : 94 kg/207Lb by itslef ; 154 kg / 339,5 Lb Weight with shipping crate
Shipping crate: 1820 x 600 x 1080 mm / 71,7’’ x 23,6’’ x 42,5’’
Power supply: 90/253 Vac, 46 to 63 Hz
Power consumption: x VA typ. / 450 VA max
Working temperature: +10°C to +35°C / 50°F to 95°F
Faders: 80 motorized 100 mm ALPS faders
Labeling: 4 character LED matrix
Screen: 15” flat LCD screen
MIDI card: InnovaSON
Keyboard: CHERRY ML4100 QWERTY
Backup: On any USB storage device (3 available ports) 3”1/2 USB
Hard disk: 128/256 Mo Flash Memory
Mix-Box audio rack:
Length: 482 mm / 19’’
width: 310 mm / 12,2’’
Height: 312 mm (7U) / 12,3’’
Weight: 20 kg by itself / 44Lb
50 kg with shipping crate / 110,2Lb
Shipping crate: 760 x 580 x 640 mm / 30’’ x 23’’ x 25’’
Rack audio Stage-Box :
Length: 482 mm / 19’’
width: 310 mm / 12,2’’
Height: 312 mm (7U) / 12,3’’
Weight : 20 kg by itself / 44Lb
75 kg with shipping crate / 165Lb
Shipping crate: 800 x 640 x 740 mm / 31,5’’ x 25’’ x 29’’

2-6 THE SY80 CONSOLE
User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2005
The control surface is the keystone of the InnovaSON system. It is interactive, comfortable and really
easy to use. It always reflects the current mix, thanks to its motorized faders. Access to various
parameters is particularly quick, and reduces the risk of errors to a minimum. Never has it been so
easy to produce sound of such quality.
The console consists of a control surface and an external audio rack (Mix Box). A cable equipped with
Jaeger connectors links the two elements to exchange commands and information. Each button, each
pot, is dedicated to just one function. The console is therefore immediately operational and comes with
no surprises.
2.C.2 The Quadfad module
A QUADFAD module features 4 motorized faders. Each fader has its own 4-character label. All the
fader modules are identical. Sensoft lets you determine the purpose of each fader. Their presence is
automatically detected by Sensoft.
The main characteristics of a Quadfad module are as follows
ALPS 100 mm motorized fader
8 bit linear conversion for servo-control and fader positioning
nominal positioning time: 100 ms
Sensory memory of stored fader position
Illuminated switch to indicate Channel selection
Illuminated [CUE] switch (green) to indicate assignment to the Monitor
bus
Illuminated [MUTE] switch (red)
4-character Labeling display (adjustable highlighting / for when the
channel is selected)
2.C.3 The CHANNEL CONTROL panel
Designed to be integrated in the console frame,
this panel centralizes all the channel’s parameter
controllers (gain, EQ, noise-gate, compressor,
etc…). Pan control, and amongst other things,
access buttons to the various patch windows,
are also found on that panel.

THE SY80 CONSOLE 2-7
User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2005
2.C.4 The DESK CONTROL panel
This panel provides all the main management
functions of the pages withheld in RAM, the hard
disk files, the copy/paste operations between
channels, and the monitoring circuits. The Track-
ball, essential communication device between
user and console, is integrated in this panel.
2.C.5 On the front of the console
Two headline jacks.
Two XLR connectors for a talkback
microphone.
Brightness control of the lite-lights
that provide light on the console
surface.
Floppy drive and/or USB connecto
r
that provide installation or back up o
f
files.
The keyboard

2-8 THE SY80 CONSOLE
User Guide - © InnovaSON - January 2005
2.C.6 On the back of the console
The Pc (to the left), and a housing that provides quic
k
access to the connection kit for an external PC (to the
right).
Two main auto-redundant power supply units.
Connected to the console via a 17 pin Jaeger cable.
The Mix Box's Jaeger
connector
The power supply rack's outpu
t
is linked to the control surface
with 17 pin Jaeger connectors.
The MIDI connectors