Solid State Logic AWS 900+ User manual

Owner’s Manual
Solid State Logic
82S6AWS030A

Solid State Logic
S O U N D || V I S I O N
Begbroke, Oxford, England, OX5 1RU • [phone]
320 West 46th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10036, USA • [phone]
Suite 401, 5757 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA • [phone]
3-55-14 Sendagaya, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo 151-0051, Japan • [phone]
7 bis, rue de la Victoire, le Blanc Mesnil, Paris 93150, France • [phone]
Via Timavo 34, 20124 Milano, Italy • [phone]
Visit SSL at URL: http://www.solid-state-logic.com
© Solid State Logic
All Rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions
AWS 900, AWS 900+, AWSomation, Total Recall,
Solid State Logic and SSL are trademarks of Solid State Logic
All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or
by any means, whether mechanical or electronic, without the
written permission of Solid State Logic, Oxford, England
As research and development is a continual process, Solid State Logic reserves the right
to change the features and specifications described herein without notice or obligation
E&OE
Initial release (0A) March 2006
Section 5A added June 2006

1 Important Information
Important Safet Information 1-1
Graphical S mbols 1-2
Installation Instructions 1-2
CE Certification 1-2
FCC Certification 1-2
Servicing Instructions 1-3
WEEE Directive Information 1-3
About This Manual 1-4
Conventions Used 1-4
Contacting Solid State Logic 1-4
2 Introduction to the AWS 900+
3 Installation and Setup
Pre-Installation Requirements 3-1
Console Control Surface 3-1
Air Conditioning Requirements 3-1
Cable Ducting 3-1
Service Access 3-1
Power Connections 3-1
Grounding 3-1
Thermal Considerations 3-1
Console Drawing 3-2
Unpacking The Console 3-3
Attaching the legs 3-3
Removing the trim 3-5
Studio Integration 3-7
Audio Connections 3-7
DAW Connection 3-8
Connecting a Patchba 3-9
Mic Inputs 3-9
Instrument Inputs 3-9
Line Level Inputs and Outputs 3-10
4 Console Operator’s Guide
Overview 4-1
About this Section 4-1
Routing and Signal Flow 4-3
DAW S stem Configurations 4-3
DAW I/O Labelling 4-4
Example Methods of Operation 4-5
Recording 4-5
Mixing 4-7
AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual TOC-1
Table of Contents
Table Of Contents

4 Console Operator’s Guide (continued)
Channel Strip 4-8
Introduction 4-8
Channel Input Section 4-9
Filter 4-9
Equaliser 4-9
Insert Point 4-9
Direct Output 4-9
Cue Stereo Send 4-9
FX Sends 4-9
Channel Output 4-10
Upper Scribble Strip 4-10
D-Pot Rotar Encoder 4-10
D-Pot Cut and Solo 4-10
Select Button 4-10
Lower Scribble Strip 4-10
Channel Cut and Solo 4-10
Automation control 4-10
Moving Fader 4-10
DAW Status Indicators 4-11
Channel Meters 4-11
Overload Indicators 4-11
Track Bus Routing 4-11
D namics Assignment 4-11
Signal Processor Routing 4-12
Centre Section 4-15
Introduction 4-15
Power Suppl Indicators 4-15
Main Output Functions 4-15
D namics 4-16
Stereo Compressor 4-16
Master Fader 4-16
Centre Section D namics 4-17
Compressor Limiter 4-17
Noise Gate/Expander 4-17
Metering 4-18
Track Bus Master Controls 4-18
Monitoring 4-19
External Source Selectors 4-20
Monitor Insert 4-21
Monitor Options 4-21
Bass Management 4-22
Monitor Level Calibration 4-23
Solo/AFL/PFL 4-24
Cue/FX Send Master Controls 4-25
Foldback and Headphone Outputs 4-25
Stereo FX Returns 4-26
Misc Options 4-26
Communications 4-27
Oscillator 4-28
Centre Section Metering 4-29
Console Operator’s Guide
TOC-2 AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual

5 DAW Control Guide
Introduction 5-1
DAW Controller Features Summar 5-1
Communication with our DAW 5-1
Console Focus Button 5-2
Overview 5-2
D-Pots 5-2
Console Focus 5-2
Analogue Focus Mode 5-2
DAW Focus Mode 5-2
Digital In-Line Mode 5-2
The Master Control Panel 5-3
Channel Banking Controls 5-3
DAW Window Buttons 5-3
DAW Utilit Buttons 5-4
The Default Button 5-5
Channel Functions 5-6
DAW Meters 5-6
Status Indicatora 5-6
Channel Fader 5-6
Channel Solo and Cut Tile 5-7
Channel D-Pot 5-7
Solo and Cut Buttons 5-7
Channel Select Button 5-7
Scribble Strip Displa s 5-7
Channel SEL Button –Track Arming/Edit/Select 5-8
Record Read Mode 5-8
Edit Mode 5-8
Select Mode 5-8
Working With Channel D-Pots 5.9
Pan Mode 5-9
Channel Mode 5-9
Send Mode 5-9
Setting Sends Pre/Post Fader 5-10
Muting Sends 5-10
Flipping Send Levels to the Faders 5-10
Input Output and Send Routing 5-11
Viewing Input, Output and Send Routing 5-11
Setting Input, Output and Send Routing 5-11
Assigning Signals To Multiple Channels 5-11
Assigning a Channel to Multiple Outputs 5-11
Motion Control Panel 5-10
Transport Controls 5-10
Other Useful Transport Modes 5-12
IN/OUT and PRE/POST 5-11
Setting Pre and Post Roll 5-13
Setting Start and End Times 5-13
Audition 5-13
Footswitch Control 5-15
AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual TOC-3
Table of Contents

5 DAW Control Guide (continued)
ZOOM, Navigation and Selection Modes 5-14
Navigation Edit Mode 5-14
Zoom Mode 5-14
Selection Mode 5-14
Scrolling Within a Window 5-14
Shuttle/Scrub Wheel 5-15
Using the Shuttle Wheel 5-15
Using Scrub Mode 5-15
Using the Numeric Ke pad to Shuttle 5-15
Exit from Scrub/Shuttle Mode 5-15
Notes on Scrub/Shuttle Mode 5-15
Numeric Ke pad 5-15
Working with Markers/Memor Locations 5-15
Plug-In Editor 5-16
Plug-In Editor Displa 5-16
Plug-In Editor Controls 5-16
Paging Buttons 5-16
Selecting a DAW Channel for Plug-in Control 5-16
Timecode/Bars & Beats/Samples Displa 5-17
DAW Status Displa 5-17
Plug-in Displa Modes 5-17
Viewing Current Inserts (Insert Mode) 5-17
Assigning a Plug-in or I/O Insert (Assign Mode) 5-17
Assigning the Same Plug-in to all Channels 5-17
Assigning the Same Plug-in to Selected Channels 5-17
Editing Plug-in Parameters (Parameter Mode) 5-18
Selecting a Plug-In to Edit 5-18
Changing Plug-in Parameters 5-18
Hi-Resolution Parameter Displa Mode 5-18
Comparing Your Changes 5-18
B passing Plug-ins 5-18
D-Pot Sensitivit 5-18
Soft Ke Displa 5-19
Automation Enables Menu 5-19
Automation Modes Menu 5-19
Edit Tools Menu 5-20
Edit Modes Menu 5-20
Status/Group Menu 5-20
Function Ke s Menu 5-21
Edit Menu 5-21
SSL Menu 5-21
Console Operator’s Guide
TOC-4 AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual

5 DAW Control Guide (continued)
Working with Automation 5-22
Automation Enables 5-22
Automation Modes 5-22
Trim Mode 5-22
Automation Status 5-22
Automation Override Mode 5-23
Suspending Automation 5-23
Writing Automation to Start, End etc. 5-23
Automating Switches 5-23
Automating Pans and Sends 5-23
Automating Plug-Ins 5-23
Automation Indicators for Plug-in Parameters 5-23
5A MCU Control Guide
Introduction 5A-1
MCU Emulation Advantages 5A-1
Implementation 5A-1
DAW Control Function Ke Overview 5A-3
The Logic Template 5A-4
Logic Control Ke La out 5A-4
Transsport Function Ke La out 5A-5
AWS Logic Control Screen 5A-5
The Nuendo/Cubase Template 5A-7
Nuendo Control Ke La out 5A-8
AWS Nuendo Control Screen 5A-9
Mackie Control Surface Steinberg Overla 5A-10
The Sonar Template 5A-11
Sonar Control Ke La out 5A-11
AWS Sonar Control Screen 5A-13
Mackie Control Surface Steinberg Overla 5A-14
The Digital Performer Template 5A-15
Digital Performer Control Ke La out 5A-15
AWS Digital Performer Control Screen 5A-17
Mackie Control Surface Digital Performer Overla 5A-18
6 Total Recall
Overview 6-1
Installation 6-1
Operation 6-1
Accessing Total Recall 6-1
The SEL Menu 6-2
Storing Setups 6-2
Changing the Selected Setup 6-2
Deleting Setups 6-2
Saving Setups to a Mac or PC 6-3
Total Recall Displa Pages 6-4
The Channel Displa 6-4
Centre Section Displa s 6-5
Software Download and Installation 6-6
AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual TOC-5
Table of Contents

7 AWSomation
Overview 7-1
Ke Features 7-1
Installation 7-1
Quick Guide 7-1
Operation 7-2
Accessing AWSomation 7-2
List Mix Menu 7-3
Saving Mix Passes to a Mac or PC 7-3
Loading Mix Passes from a Mac or PC 7-3
Creating a Mix Pass 7-4
New Mix Setup 7-4
Mix Running 7-5
Join and Revise 7-6
Discard 7-6
Updating A Mix Pass 7-7
Automation Options 7-7
Trim 7-7
TLock 7-8
Motors Off 7-8
Snap Mode 7-9
AutoTakeover 7-9
Cut Automation 7-9
Cop and Swap 7-10
Setup Menu 7-11
Fader Links 7-12
Pro Tools Setup Notes 7-13
Appendices
Console Specification A-1
Service & Warrant Information A-2
Audio Connectors and Pinouts A-3
MIDI Implementation Chart A-6
Software Download and Installation A-8
Troubleshooting A-10
Introduction A-10
Locating Problems A-10
Audio Faults A-10
Control Faults A-11
Replacing Modules A-13
The Channel Strip A-14
The Channel Fader A-15
The Channel Meter Panel A-16
Centre Section Cards A-16
Trouble Shooting Chart - Channel Ba A-18
Trouble Shooting Chart - Centre Section A-19
Glossar Of Terms A-20
Link Options A-21
Environmental Specification A-22
Block Diagrams A-23
Console Operator’s Guide
TOC-6 AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual

This section contains important information; please take a few minutes to study it before you attempt to install
or use your AWS 900+.
TH S INSTRUCTIONS AR R QUIR D FOR COMPLIANC WITH UL60065
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or grounding-type plug. A polarised plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at the plugs, convenience receptacles
and at the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
12. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in
any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into
the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally or has been
dropped.
13. Adjustments or alterations to the equipment may affect the performance such that safety and/or
international compliance standards may no longer be met. Any such adjustments must therefore only be
carried out by fully trained personnel.
14. This equipment is designed for use solely by engineers and competent operators skilled in the use of
professional audio equipment.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
CAUTION: AWS900+ is too heavy for one person to lift. If trim is removed during handling (to prevent damage
or to reduce the size) sharp edges may be present on exposed metalwork.
AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual 1-1
Important Information
Section 1 – Important Information

Graphical Symbols
The following symbols may be used in this manual.
General hazard – refer to user or service manual for details.
lectrical hazard.
Installation Instructions
The AWS 900+ is supplied with a 3-core AC power cord and must be connected to a 3-pin grounded supply.
If the available AC power supply includes a ground connection, then AWS900+ may simply be connected to the
supply and is ready to operate.
The power cord should be protected by a fused plug, fused spur or circuit-breaker according to local practice:
5A for 230V supplies; 10A for 100–110V supplies
If only a 2-pin supply is available, AWS900+ must be installed by a qualified electrician according to local
regulations to ensure that the metal chassis is permanently earthed and must only be used with single-phase
supplies with the neutral conductor at earth potential – category TN. AWS900+ must not be used with TT or IT
category supplies.
CE Certification
Note that any cables supplied with SSL equipment may be fitted with ferrite rings at either end. This is to
comply with current uropean C regulations and these ferrites should not be removed.
If any of the console metalwork is modified in any way – particularly the addition of holes for custom panels etc.
– this may the adversely affect the C certification status of the product.
FCC Certification
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a ‘Class A’ digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
This product is intended to form an integrated component part of a professional audio recording, mixing,
dubbing, film, TV, radio broadcast or similar studio wherein it will perform to specification providing that it is
installed according to professional practice.
Important Information
1-2 AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual

Servicing Instructions
Disconnect the power cord before removing panels or modules. The power switch alone does not provide
adequate isolation for service access.
Do not permit anyone other than qualified service personnel to operate the equipment unless all panels and
modules are in place.
CAUTION: When working on AWS900+ with power applied, when cover panels or audio-modules are removed,
HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS MAY XIST.
These hazards include: High voltages
High energy stored in capacitors
High currents available from DC power busses
Hot component surfaces.
CAUTION: AWS900+ may contain a lithium battery (CPU assembly 629645). There is a danger of explosion if
the battery is incorrectly fitted. Replace only with the same or equivalent type
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of fire, only replace internal fuses with identical type and rating
Instructions for Disposal of WEEE by Users in the
European Union
The symbol shown here is on the product or on its packaging, which indicates that this product
must not be disposed of with other waste. Instead, it is the user’s responsibility to dispose of
their waste equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for recycling of waste
electrical and electronic equipment. The separate collection and recycling of your waste
equipment at the time of disposal will help to conserve natural resources and ensure that it is
recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more information
about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city
office, your household waste disposal service or where you purchased the product.
AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual 1-3
Important Information
Caution
These servicing instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk
of electric shock do not perform any servicing unless you are qualified to do so.
AA
AA
AA

About this manual
This manual is divided into six main sections, and is designed to provide a comprehensive source of
information for both installers and users of the AWS 900+ console. The table of contents will help you to
familiarise yourself with the basic content of each section. If you are reading this from an electronic version of
the manual, use the ‘bookmark’ feature to locate to any topic almost immediately.
Please read the opening pages of Section 3 before attempting to install the console, particularly the warnings
about lifting and positioning the console.
If you have not previously used an SSL console, you are advised to read an introduction to the AWS 900+ in
Section 2. Those of you who have experience of SSL’s legendary range of analogue consoles will have little
difficulty getting to grips with the operation of this console. Features that are specific to the AWS 900+ are fully
described in Section 4.
To set-up and configure the software interface between the AWS 900+ and your chosen DAW, please study
Section 5. This section also covers those DAW functions that you can now usefully control from the AWS 900+
centre section.
Finally, the last section in this manual holds a number of useful appendices that you may need to refer to from
time to time.
Conventions Used
Some typographical conventions have been used in this manual to help distinguish explanatory text from the
text referring to items on the console. They are as follows:
• Switch cap engravings on the console are usually in UPPERCASE (eg. SOLO).
• Silk screened text on the console’s control surface can be either UPP RCAS (eg. DYNAMICS), or
lowercase bold (eg. auto), or Titlecase (eg. Talkback Mi ).
• Any text on the console’s TFT screen is referred to in a Bold typeface.
•Items of note or cautions are shown in a red italic typeface.
• Whenever this manual mentions the selection or pressing of a button, it is assumed that the button was not
active (ie. not lit), and that this action has made it active (ie. it has become lit).
• Similarly, whenever the manual mentions the deselection of a button (or pressing it again), it is assumed that
it was active before the action, and has become inactive due to this action.
Contacting Solid State Logic
If you cannot find the information you need on the pages of this manual, please see the AWS 900+ support
pages at http://www.solid-state-logic.com
Important Information
1-4 AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual

the AWS 900+ – Analogue Workstation System
The AWS 900+ is a revolutionary combination of a compact world-class analogue mixing console and a
comprehensive AW controller. Based on SSL’s flagship XL 9000 K Series console, the AWS 900+ provides
everything you need to record, edit and mix professional projects – just add the workstation of your choice.
Solid State Logic mixing systems are the de facto standard in audio production, valued for their unrivalled audio
quality and control ergonomics. SSL was the first company to integrate automation and machine control into the
mixing console, and it pioneered surround mixing. The AWS 900+ delivers the same powerful integration
benefits to AW users, who face similar challenges with an array of equipment (Mic Amps, Effects, Controllers
etc.) to produce professional results from a modern AW.
Design Concepts
The AWS 900+ is the only console that provides the dual benefits of a fully featured SuperAnalogue signal
path, coupled with a comprehensive AW controller. The product is a result of extensive customer and market
feedback.
Key Features Summary
• Combined SSL console and AW controller
• Legendary SSL SuperAnalogue™ mic preamps and signal processing
• Comprehensive monitoring system up to 5.1 surround
• irect control of AW recording, editing and mixing functions
• Flexible signal routing
SuperAnalogue™ Audio Quality
The AWS 900+ is a complete, compact SSL console, with all of the audio quality, robustness and advanced
ergonomics that this implies. AWS 900+ offers no-compromise audio performance, equivalent to SSL’s
celebrated XL 9000 K Series mixing console, which is a feature of major studios the world over.
Signal routing, inputs/outputs, monitoring and signal processing are all permanently available on the console.
Quality motorised faders provide conventional audio level control as well as controlling the recording and replay
levels in your AW.
Console Feature Summary
• Integrated console, signal acquisition, signal processing, studio monitoring, bass management and AW control
• Advanced AW control through a high resolution integrated TFT screen
• Small elegant design with desk installation or freestanding options
• Innovative new large fader dual-control of both AW and console input path with follow fader metering
AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual 2-1
Introduction
Section 2 – Introduction

Exceptional Signal Processing
• Legendary SSL sound quality
• SuperAnalogue™ technology derived from SSL’s flagship XL 9000 K Series console
• C Coupled for excellent low frequency response
• Balanced signal paths throughout for optimal dynamic range
• Greater bandwidth than 192kHz recorders
• 24 Ultra low-noise dual impedance mic amps
• 24 channels with twin-curve SSL E and G Series 4-band parametric equalisation
• Assignable dynamics sections with gate, expander and compressor/limiter
• G Series stereo mix buss compressor
• Flexible processing order
Creative Versatility
• ual mix bus design for comprehensive control of Inputs and AW mixing and monitoring
• 5.1, stereo or stereo down-mix main outputs
• 8 Track busses
• Two main busses – Record and Mix
• 8 aux busses plus EFX re-assign system on all 24 channel modules
• Wide range of solo modes including Solo-In-Front
• 4 stereo echo returns
• Unrivalled comprehensive studio monitoring section
• Hi-visibility channel meters, 4 main VU meters and complete bus metering in the centre section
DAW Controller
AWs provide the power and convenience of recording and editing audio, but a keyboard and mouse is not the
most intuitive way to access these controls. For most users, finding an integrated solution that answers all of
their working needs is strongly desired. The AWS 900+ achieves this to an extent and quality that has
previously been unavailable.
Controller Features Summary
• irect access to all major AW mixing, editing and automation parameters
• irect control of plug-in settings
• edicated control processor to maximise console performance
• Integral colour TFT display with dedicated control keys
• User-definable controls on every channel
• High quality motorised faders to write/replay level moves in your AW
• Simple switching between console layer and AW control layer
• Full remote control implementation
• Operation independent of platform – works with ProTools™, Nuendo™, Logic Audio™, and many more
Enjoy.......
Introduction
2-2 AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual

Pre-Installation Requirements
Console Control Surface
The AWS 900+ console is a self contained system; there are no remote power supplies or I/O racks The frame
is not fitted with cooling fans See the following page for a drawing of the console footprint
Air Conditioning Requirements
It is unlikely that additional air conditioning will be required after installing the AWS 900+ (with its typical 450W
dissipation) It is possible however, that when all the studio equipment is taken into consideration, particularly if
additional lighting is being installed, the combined heat output could be sufficient to cause the temperature to
rise to uncomfortable levels The appendix section contains environmental specifications for SSL equipment
Cable Ducting
Cable ducting may be required between the console and any outboard racks and the recording areas If a full
remote patchbay is being provided then the ducting will need to be of sufficient size to allow at least twelve 24-
circuit multicore cables to be accommodated
Service Access
Access to all electronic assemblies within the frame is from the front of the console Note however, that each of
the console’s modules is retained by a screw through its rear panel Is necessary therefore, to have access to
the rear of the console
Power Connections
The console is fitted with auto-sensing power supplies which will function at any voltage from 90 to 250 volts
without adjustment It is supplied with two IEC mains power-leads One will have a US-style 3-pin mains plug
fitted, the other will be unterminated to allow the user to install a mains plug of their preferred type; the wires
are colour-coded according to the EC standard
Grounding
A standard system should not require any additional grounding over and above that provided by a correctly
installed mains supply The console’s chassis is permanently bonded to mains earth
Safety Warning: The mains input ground wire MUST be connected to the supply earth.
Thermal Considerations
The maximum dissipation of an AWS 900+ is less than 600W (typically 450W) The console is cooled by
convection from the front inlet (in the knee panels) to the exit at the top of the rear panels It is very important
that these ventilation grills are not obstructed in any way
Particular care must be taken when considering the installation of studio furniture – such as shelving – across
the rear of the console Sufficient space must be left for the free flow of air from the rear grills, and also above
the heatsink fins Clearance behind the console must not be less than 50mm and clearance above the console
not less than 200mm
Note: The heatsink fins on the console rear panels can reach temperatures of approximately 0
degrees Celsius above ambient room temperature.
AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual 3-1
Installation and Setup
Section 3 – Installation and Setup

Installation and Setup
3-2 AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual
863
862
877
637
726
454
260 115
910
102
1154
1458 1358

Unpacking The Console
The AWS 900+ is supplied in a wooden crate with the legs in a smaller separate crate
Using a large screwdriver or pry-bar carefully open the crate containing the console The crate is not designed
to be reusable so does not have to be removed intact With the crate sides removed there will be sufficient
space for four people to lift the console clear from the base of the crate
Note: The console is shipped with its trim fitted, avoid using the trim as a lifting point.
Do not lift the front of the console by using the buffer alone.
Attaching the legs
Again, it is recommended that four people are available to perform this operation
The bolts required to attach the legs are shipped in the same crate as the legs A 6mm hex-key is provided as
one of the tools included in the AWS 900+ console crate
The console should first be rolled onto its back Ensure that ample padding is provided – such as blankets or
bubble-wrap – to support the rear panels (the PSU heatsink fins protrude from the rear of the console, and care
must be taken not to damage them)
Position the legs on the console beam and
attach the M10 bolts using the 6mm hex-key
supplied There are four bolts per leg
Using four people, the console may now be
tipped forward onto its feet When the console
is in position, the feet can be slightly adjusted
to compensate for an uneven floor Do not
unscrew the feet by more than 15mm
AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual 3-3
Installation and Setup
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
The weight of an AWS 900+ console is approximately 112Kg, (or 100Kg with the legs removed) Please ensure
that sufficient labour is available during removal of the console from its packaging, and when moving the
console into position It is recommended that at least four people are available when lifting

Installation and Setup
3-4 AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual

Removing the trim
If it is necessary to remove the trim panels – to adjoin existing furniture – then please refer to the following
information and the illustration shown on the facing page
Note that it is not necessary to remove any of the audio modules to gain access to the trim fixing screws
Front Buffer
The front buffer is secured by nine pan-head screws – five in the front beam and two in each end trim These
are all visible from beneath the buffer
End Trim
Each of the end trims is secured by four countersunk Posi-head screws through the profile (one is located in
the kneepanel area, two more are found either side of the main beam and the fourth is located on the bottom
corner of the outside profile), as well as two pan-head screws through the front buffer (visible from beneath the
buffer)
Top Trim
The top trim is clipped over the front of the meter panels and secured onto the back panels by four M3 screws
AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual 3-5
Installation and Setup

Installation and Setup
3-6 AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual
Solid State Logic
Drg. No:
22/03/06
AWS 900+
SD/GC
Connector Panel
© Solid State Logic
657X2 657X1 656X2 656X1 655X2 655X1 654 653 652 651
EXT A3 EXT A4 EXT A1 EXT A2
Send - Insert - Rtn
Meter Out Ext B 1-4
Mini
AR
Mini
AL
Listen
Mic In
T/Back
Mic In
Listen
Mic Out
T/Back
Mic Out
Desk Mic
Gain
Ext TB
Mic Gain
Osc
Out
Mini
BR
Mini
BL
MON B MON A
Send
Left
Return
Left
Send
Right
Return
Right
Left
Out
Right
Out
Left
Out
Right
Out
Send
Left
Return
Left
Send
Right
Return
Right
MIX OUTPUTREC OUTPUT
Key
In
Echo
Rtn 1L
Echo
Rtn 1R
FX1
Out
FB AL
Out
FB AR
Out
Key
In
Echo
Rtn 2L
Echo
Rtn 2R
FX2
Out
FB BL
Out
FB BR
Out
Echo
Rtn 3L
Echo
Rtn 3R
FX3
Out
Echo
Rtn 4L
Echo
Rtn 4R
FX4
Out
8 Track
Bus Out
Cue/FX
Bus Out
641
DIR
LINE
MIC
RTN
SEND
INST
.4
TRS Jack. Instrument and Footswitch inputs Tip = Hot, Sleeve = screen All other jacks Tip = Hot, Ring = Cold, Sleeve = screen
XLR Male Pin 2 = Hot Pin 3 = Cold Pin 1 = Screen
XLR Female Pin 2 = Hot Pin 3 = Cold Pin 1 = Screen
Red Light/Talkback/GPI/O
Connector Type: 25-way D-type female
Pin Ribbon pin Description Notes
1 5 Red Light Relay contact A Normally open
14 6 Red Light Relay contact B Follows Red Light switch
270V
15 8 GP Input 1 (not used)
3 9 GP Input 2 (not used)
16 10 Monitor Cut Forces Cut when active
4 11 Monitor Dim Forces Dim when active
17 12 Slate switch
5 13 Listen switch
18 14 Red Light switch
6 15 TB All switch
19 16 FB A switch
7 17 FB B switch
20 18 Ext TB switch
819+4V Max current 200mA(fused)
21 20 Slate Tally
9 21 Listen Tally
22 22 Red Light Tally
10 23 TB All Tally
23 24 FB A Tally
11 25 FB B Tally
24 26 Ext TB Tally
12 27 n/c
25 28 n/c
13 29 n/c
All inputs are active low (ie connect to 0V to activate). Inputs are pulled up to +4V via 3K9 resistor
Inputs are diode clamped to 0V and +4V to protect the console circuitry
All tallies are open collector with 47R series resistor.
AWS Connector Panel Layout
RED LIGHT/TALKBACK/GPIO 1 - FOOTSWITCH - 2
AWS Audio 25wD pinouts
cct Hot Cold Screen EXT A Inputs 1-4 Meter Out Ext B Inputs Mon Insert Send Mon Insert Return Mon A Mon B 8 Track Out Cue/FX Out
124 12 25 Left Left 1 Left Left Left Main Left Alt Left Bus 1 Cue AL 210 23 11 Right Right 1 Right Right Right Main Right Alt Right Bus 2 Cue AR 321 9 22 Centre Centre 2 Left Centre Centre Main Centre Alt Centre Bus 3 Cue BL 47 20 8 LFE LFE 2 Right LFE LFE Main LFE Alt LFE Bus 4 Cue BR 518 6 19 Left Surround Left Surround 3 Left Left Surround Left Surround Main Left Surround Alt Left Surround Bus 5 FX1 64 17 5 Right Surround Right Surround 3 Right Right Surround Right Surround Main Right Surround Alt Right Surround Bus 6 FX2 715 3 16 n/c Solo Left 4 Left Lt to Decoder Lt From Encoder Mini AL Mini BL Bus 7 FX3 81 14 2 n/c Solo Right 4 Right Rt to Decoder Rt from Encoder Mini AR Mini BR Bus 8 FX4
CENTRE SECTION CHANNELS 1-24
4 x MIDI IN/THRU/OUT
BEHIND CHANNELS 5-12
Connector Type: 25-way D-type female
Rev: Date: Design: Drawn: Ref: