SoundCraft B400 User manual

© Harman International Industries Ltd. 1997, 1998
All rights reserved
Parts of the design of this product may be protected by worldwide patents.
Part No. ZM0215
Issue 1
Soundcraft is a trading division of Harman International Industries Ltd.
Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not repre-
sent a commitment on the part of the vendor. Soundcraft shall not be liable for
loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of information or any error con-
tained in this manual.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or trans-
mitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, electrical, mechanical, optical,
chemical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the
express written permission of Soundcraft.
It is recommended that all maintenance and service on the product should be car-
ried out by Soundcraft or its authorised agents. Soundcraft cannot accept any lia-
bility whatsoever for any loss or damage caused by service, maintenance or repair
by unauthorised personnel.
Harman International Industries Limited.
Cranborne House,
Cranborne Road,
Cranborne Industrial Estate,
Potters Bar,
Herts.,
EN6 3JN
UK.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

B400 Contents i
BB440000
CCoonntteennttss
1.Introduction 1.1
Introduction 1.2
Warranty 1.3
2.Installation 2.1
Dimensions 2.2
Earthing the Console 2.3
Meterbridge 2.3
Rear Connector Panel EDAC Connectors 2.4
Rear Connector Panel D-type Connectors 2.6
Jumper Options 2.8
Internal Monitor Source Selection 2.11
Block Diagrams 3.1
Mono Input Module 3.2
Stereo Input Module 3.3
Mono Group Module 3.4
Stereo Master Module 3.5
Communications Module 3.6
Monitor Module 3.7
Functional Description 4.1
Mono Input Module 4.2
Stereo Input Module 4.6
Mono Group Module 4.10
Stereo Group Module 4.14
Stereo Master Module 4.18
Communication Module 4.21
Monitor Module 4.24

ii B400 Contents
Specifications 5.1
B400 Typical Specifications 5.2

B400 Introduction 1.1
BB440000
IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn
1

1.2 B400 Introduction
IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn
Congratulations on purchasing a Soundcraft console.
The B400 has been designed to meet the needs of Live TV & Radio Broadcast and
Production Facilities including OB vehicles. Based on the highly successful B800,
the B400 delivers a level of configurability unrivalled in its class.
SSyysstteemm OOvveerrvviieeww
l24, 32, 40, 48 and 56-module frames
l1 stereo and 3 mono auxes
lLED indication on all switches
lWide variation in module audio and logic / control functions via internal
jumpers
lStereo ISDN cleanfeed facilities via direct outputs on Telco channels
lVersatile and highly configurable monitoring via speakers and studio and
guest headphones
lLimiters on master output
lWide range of meterbridge options
lBalanced audio inputs and outputs throughout, on XLRs and EDACs
lPseudo-balanced internal bussing

B400 Introduction 1.3
PPoowweerr SSuuppppllyy
lThe B400 uses the CPS275 Power Supply.
WWaarrrraannttyy
1Soundcraft is a trading division of Harman International Industries Ltd .
End User means the person who first puts the equipment into regular
operation.
Dealer means the person other than Soundcraft (if any) from whom the
End User purchased the Equipment, provided such a person is authorised
for this purpose by Soundcraft or its accredited Distributor.
Equipment means the equipment supplied with this manual.
2 If within the period of twelve months from the date of delivery of the
Equipment to the End User it shall prove defective by reason only of faulty
materials and/or workmanship to such an extent that the effectiveness
and/or usability thereof is materially affected the Equipment or the defec-
tive component should be returned to the Dealer or to Soundcraft and
subject to the following conditions the Dealer or Soundcraft will repair or
replace the defective components. Any components replaced will become
the property of Soundcraft.
3 Any Equipment or component returned will be at the risk of the End User
whilst in transit (both to and from the Dealer or Soundcraft) and postage
must be prepaid.
4This warranty shall only be available if:
a) the Equipment has been properly installed in accordance with instruc-
tions contained in Soundcrafts manual; and
b) the End User has notified Soundcraft or the Dealer within 14 days of the
defect appearing; and
c) no persons other than authorised representatives of Soundcraft or the
Dealer have effected any replacement of parts maintenance adjustments or
repairs to the Equipment; and
d) the End User has used the Equipment only for such purposes as
Soundcraft recommends, with only such operating supplies as meet
Soundcrafts specifications and otherwise in all respects in accordance
Soundcrafts recommendations.
5Defects arising as a result of the following are not covered by this
Warranty: faulty or negligent handling, chemical or electro-chemical or
electrical influences, accidental damage, Acts of God, neglect, deficiency in
electrical power, air-conditioning or humidity control.
6 The benefit of this Warranty may not be assigned by the End User.
7 End Users who are consumers should note their rights under this Warranty
are in addition to and do not affect any other rights to which they may be
entitled against the seller of the Equipment.

1.4 B400 Introduction

B400 Installation 2.1
BB440000
IInnssttaallllaattiioonn
2

2.2 B400 Installation
DDiimmeennssiioonnss
24-Module 833.72mm / 32.82"
32-Module 1087.72mm / 42.82"
40-Module 1341.72mm / 52.82"
48-Module 1595.72mm / 62.82"
56-Module 1849.72mm / 72.82

B400 Installation 2.3
EEaarrtthhiinngg tthhee CCoonnssoollee
Important Notice.
The console has two earth posts on the rear connector panel. They are located
near to the power supply connectors. The un-insulated metal post is the chassis
ground, and the insulated post is the system ground. The console is supplied with
these two posts linked together. It is essential that the console is operated with
these two earths linked. They may, however, be linked at a different point in the
installation: for example, a technical earth in the installation site. In this case the
wire link between the two posts must be removed.
MMeetteerrbbrriiddggee
The meterbridge has a number of connectors as shown below:
The MONITOR/COMMS D-type connector routes signals to the Monitor Selector
PCB ( see the Meterbridge connector list on the previous page for pin details).
The ANCILLARY METERS D-type connector carries the Groups and Auxes into
the meterbridge. The actual connections used will depend on the number of ancil-
lary meters which are fitted. The connections are:
1Ground 14 Ground
2Group 8 15 Group 7
3 Group 6 16 Group 5
4 Group 4 17 Group 3
5 Group 2 18 Group 1
6Not Used 19 Not Used
7 Not Used 20 Not Used
821 Aux 1
922 Aux 2
10 23 Aux 3
11 24
12 Aux 4L 25 Aux 4R
13 Not Used
The EXTERNAL INPUTS XLRs are also routed to the Monitor Selector PCB. The
inputs here may be monitored on the Meters which are associated with the
Monitor Selector PCB.
There are also 2 additional XLRs: these are for future expansion.

2.4 B400 Installation
RReeaarr CCoonnnneeccttoorr PPaanneell EEDDAACC CCoonnnneeccttoorrss
There are two female 90-way EDAC connectors on the rear connector panel. The
illustration below shows the pin labelling (as viewed from the outside of the console).
The pins are listed in circuits below - the circuit functions for each EDAC are shown
on the following pages.
HI (+) LO (-) GND
CCT 1 A B C
CCT 2 H J K
CCT 3 R S T
CCT 4 X Y Z
CCT 5 AE AF AH
CCT 6 AM AN AP
CCT 7 BJ BK BL
CCT 8 BS BI BU
CCT 9 BY BZ CA
CCT 10 CF CH CJ
CCT 11 CN CP CR
CCT 12 CW CX CY
CCT 13 F E D
CCT 14 P N M
CCT 15 W V U
CCT 16 AD AC AB
CCT 17 AL AK AJ
CCT 18 AU AT AS
CCT 19 BR BP BN
CCT 20 BX BW BV
CCT 21 CE CD CC
CCT 22 CM CL CK
CCT 23 CV CU CT
CCT 24 DB PA CZ

B400 Installation 2.5
9900--WWaayy EEDDAACC 11 && 22 CCoonnnneeccttoorrss
EDAC 1
Circuit Number Function
CCT 1 not used
CCT 2 Ext Cue I/P
CCT 3 Prod T/B I/P
CCT 4 T/B to Ext
CCT 5 Oscillator L
CCT 6 Oscillator R
CCT 7 Ext Mon I/P L
CCT 8 Ext Mon I/P R
CCT 9 Stud Spkr L
CCT 10 Stud Spkr R
CCT 11 PH1L Studio
CCT 12 PH1R Studio
CCT 13 T/B to opt 1
CCT 14 T/B to opt 2
CCT15 Ext 1L
CCT16 Ext 1R
CCT17 Ext 2L
CCT18 Ext 2R
CCT19 Ext 3L
CCT20 Ext 3R
CCT21 Ext 4L
CCT22 Ext 4R
CCT 23 PH2L Guest
CCT 24 PH2R Guest
EDAC 2
Circuit Number Function
CCT 1 Mono
CCT 2 Aux 1
CCT 3 Aux 2
CCT 4 Aux 3
CCT 5 Aux 4L
CCT 6 Aux 4R
CCT 7 Ext 5L
CCT 8 Ext 5R
CCT 9 Ext 6L
CCT 10 Ext 6R
CCT 11 Ext 7L
CCT 12 Ext 7R
CCT13 RTN T/B
CCT14 T/B Line I/P
CCT 15 ST1L
CCT 16 ST1R
CCT 17 Mono
CCT 18 No connection
CCT 19 No connection
CCT 20 No connection
CCT 21 No connection
CCT 22 No connection
CCT 23 Ext 8L
CCT 24 Ext 8R

2.6 B400 Installation
RReeaarr CCoonnnneeccttoorr PPaanneell DD--TTyyppee CCoonnnneeccttoorrss
There are a number of 25-way D-type female connectors (depending upon the number of input channels) on the
rear connector panel. The connector layout varies with the configuration of input modules and mono and stereo
input modules differ in the facilities available.
lEach block of four Mono inputs has one D-type connector for external mutes, and one D-type for Mic Live
Remotes.
lEach block of four Stereo inputs has one D-type connector for external mutes, and one D-type for
Remote Stop/Starts.
The diagram opposite shows the pin labelling
(as viewed from the outside of the console).
The pin-outs of the various D-types are given below.
REMOTE 25-Way D-Types
Pin Function Pin Function
Channel 4, 8, 12 etc., Grp 3, Grp 7
1EXT MUTE (active low) 14 VCA CTL (0V=0dB, 5V= -∞)
2STOP #2(n/o relay contact) 15 STOP#1(n/o relay contact)
3 REMOTE START#2 (n/o relay contact) 16 REMOTE START#1(n/o relay contact)
Channel 3, 7, 11 etc., Grp 2, grp 6
4EXT MUTE 17 VCA CTL
5STOP#2(n/o relay contact) 18 STOP #1(n/o relay contact)
6 REMOTE START#2(n/o relay contact) 19 REMOTE START#1(n/o relay contact)
Channel 2, 6, 10 etc., Grp 1, Grp 5, ST
7EXT MUTE 20 VCA CTL
8STOP #2(n/o relay contact) 21 STOP #1(n/o relay contact)
9 REMOTE START #2(n/o relay contact) 22 REMOTE START#1(n/o relay contact)
Channel 1, 5, 9 etc. Grp 4
10 EXT MUTE 23 VCA CTL
11 STOP #2(n/o relay contact) 24 STOP #1(n/o relay contact)
12 REMOTE START #2(n/o relay contact) 25 REMOTE START #1(n/o relay contact)
13 not used
Notes: GRP & ST Master modules do not utilise the "stop" function.
Ground Ref. for EXT MUTE and VCA CTL is on EXT LOGIC D-type connector.
MONO INPUT MIC LIVE REMOTES
Pin Function Pin Function
1 MIC LIVE#2 (Ch 4, 8, 12 etc.) 14 MIC LIVE#1 (Ch 4, 8, 12 etc.)
215
3MIC LIVE#2 (Ch 3, 7, 11 etc.) 16 MIC LIVE#1 (Ch 3, 7, 11 etc.)
417
5MIC LIVE#2 (Ch 2, 6, 10 etc.) 18 MIC LIVE#1 (Ch 2, 6, 10 etc.)
619
7MIC LIVE#2 (Ch 1, 5, 9 etc.) 20 MIC LIVE#1 (Ch 1, 5, 9 etc.)
821
9Not used 22 Not used
10 Not used 23 Not used
11 Not used 24 Not used
12 Not used 25 Not used
13 Not used
113
1425

B400 Installation 2.7
STEREO INPUT REMOTES
Pin Function Pin Function
1REMOTE START #4 (Ch 4, 8, 12 etc.) 14 REMOTE START #3 (Ch 4, 8, 12 etc.)
2 REMOTE STOP #4 (Ch 4, 8, 12 etc.) 15 REMOTE STOP #3 (Ch 4, 8, 12 etc.)
3 REMOTE START #4 (Ch 3, 7, 11 etc.) 16 REMOTE START #3 (Ch 3, 7, 11 etc.)
4 REMOTE STOP #4 (Ch 3, 7, 11 etc.) 17 REMOTE STOP #3 (Ch 3, 7, 11 etc.)
5 REMOTE START #4 (Ch 2, 6, 10 etc.) 18 REMOTE START #3 (Ch 2, 6, 10 etc.)
6 REMOTE STOP #4 (Ch 2, 6, 10 etc.) 19 REMOTE STOP #3 (Ch 2, 6, 10 etc.)
7 REMOTE START #4 (Ch 1, 5, 9 etc.) 20 REMOTE START #3 (Ch 1, 5, 9 etc.)
8 REMOTE STOP #4 (Ch 1, 5, 9 etc.) 21 REMOTE STOP #3 (Ch 1, 5, 9 etc.)
9 Not used 22 Not used
10 Not used 23 Not used
11 Not used 24 Not used
12 Not used 25 Not used
13 Not used
NOTE: Each input slot may be fitted with a Mono or Stereo module, and the pinouts for the last two connec-
tors may therefore be a combination of the two versions on some frames.
EXT LOGIC
Pin Function Pin Function
1GND 14 GND
2GND 15 Prod T/B Stud CTL
3Prod T/B to Ext CTL (I/P) 16 Ext mute I/P (studio spkr)
4 Prod T/B to Eng CTL (I/P) 17 Talk to Ext CTL O/P
5 Option 2 - CTL #2 18 Option 2 - CTL #1
6 Option 1 - CTL #2 19 Option 1 - CTL #1
7 On-Air o/p # 20 On-Air O/P #2
8 On-Air i/p #1 21 On-Air I/P #2
9Not Used 22 Not Used
10 Ext Mntr (Level CTL I/P) 23 Ext CUE (Level CTL I/P)
11 RET T/B CTL (I/P) 24 Ext A/B CTL R (I/P)
12 Ext A/B CTL L (I/P) 25 Ext mute R (I/P)
13 Ext mute L (I/P)
METERBRIDGE
This connects via a ribbon cable to the Monitor/Comms D-type on the meterbridge.
1Not used 14 Not used
2 ST Mntr/Meter 15 ST Mntr/Meter
3MONO Mntr/Meter 16 MONO Mntr/Meter
4not used 17 not used
5 not used 18 not used
6Not Used 19 GND
7TB Mic 20 TB Mic +1V5
8 Studio Meter R 21 Studio Meter L
9 Ext VCA Warning LED 22 Monitor Meter L
10 Monitor Meter R 23 O/Press Meter
11 O/Press Ctl 24 Squawk Feed
12 Cue Meter R 25 Cue Meter L
13 Cue Ctl

2.8 B400 Installation
JJuummppeerr OOppttiioonnss
* = DEFAULT
MMOONNOO IINNPPUUTT
Audio
SW19 Released = Insert Point is Pre-fade (see links 1 to 4)
Depressed= Insert Point is Post-fade (links 1 to 4 have no effect, but
they must be present)
LK1-4 Pre-fade Insert 1-2 = Pre Eq
2-3 = Post Eq*
J1,2 HF EQ 1-2 = Bell*
2-3 = Shelf
J3 Meter Input 1-2 = Pre EQ
2-3 = Pre Fade*
J4 Stereo Aux 4 pre fade source 1-2 = Pre mute*
2-3 = Post mute
J5 Mono Aux 1-3 pre fade source 1-2 = Pre mute*
2-3 = Post mute
J6 Dir O/P via Aux 1 Level pot 1-2 = Dir O/P*
2-3 = J3 setting
Logic
SW21-A Closure disables dual action of Cue sw. Open
SW21-B Closure enables Cue Cancel from fader open Closed
SW21-C Open enables Rem Com in mic mode Closed
SW21-D Closure enables latching start in line mode Open
SW21-E Closure enables momentart start in line mode Closed
SW21-F Closure enables start/stop function from PFL Closed
SW21-G Closure for mic live studio mute Closed
SW21-H Closure for mic live control room mute Open
SSTTEERREEOO IINNPPUUTT
Audio
J1, 2 Dir output source L/R (removed on Telco) 1-2 = Post fade*
2-3 = pre mute
J3, 4 Meter source L/R 1-2 = Post fade
2-3 = Pre EQ*
J5, 6 Aux 4 pre fade source L/R 1-2 = Post mute*
2-3 = Pre mute
J7, 8 Aux 1-3 pre fade source L + R 1-2 = Post mute*
2-3 = Pre mute
*Telco Version, on Sub Board
J1, 2 Dir O/P pre fade source L/R 1-2 = Post mute*
2-3 = Pre mute
J11 Input B mode 1-2 = Telco CLNFD
2-3 = Dir O/P

B400 Installation 2.9
Logic
SW21-A Closure disables dual action of Cue sw. Open
SW21-B Closure enables Cue Cancel from fader open Closed
SW21-C Open enables latching start line 1 Open
SW21-D Closure enables momentart start in line 1 Closed
SW21-E Closure enables latching start in line 2
from fader/On and PFL Open
SW21-F Closure enables momentary start in line 2 Closed
SW21-G Closure enables line 1 momentary start/stop
from PFL (active only when CUE is pressed) Closed
SW21-H Closure enables line 2 momentary start/stop Closed
from PFL (active only when CUE is pressed)
MMOONNOO GGRRPP
J1 Remote Common A = local*
B = rem com
J2 Talkback to Group replaces or mixes with Prog Fit = replaces*
Omit = mixes
J3 Slate replaces or mixes with Prog Fit = replaces*
Omit = mixes
J4 ON-AIR kills Talkback Enable A = No effect*
B = kills
J7 Aux 1-3 pre-fade source A = Pre mute
B = post mute*
J8 Stereo Aux 4 pre-fade source A = Pre mute
B = Post mute*
SW30 Internal Insert Pre/post selection Released = Pre-fade*
Pressed = Post-fade
SSTTEERREEOO GGRRPP
J1 Remote Common 1-2 = local*
2-3 = rem com
J2 Talkback to Group replaces or mixes with Prog Fit = replaces*
Omit = mixes
J3 Slate replaces or mixes with Prog Fit = replaces*
Omit = mixes
J4 ON-AIR kills Talkback Enable 1-2 = No effect*
2-3 = kills
J9, 10 Aux 4 pre-fade source 1-2 = Pre mute
2-3 = post mute*
J11, 12 Aux 1-3 pre-fade source 1-2 = Pre mute
2-3 = Post mute*
SW30, 31 Internal Insert Pre/post selection L/R Released = Pre-fade*
Pressed = Post-fade

2.10 B400 Installation
SSTTEERREEOO MMAASSTTEERR
J1 Remote Common 1-2 = Local *
2-3 = Rem com
J2 - J3 Mono Output post fade,pre limiter/post limiter 1-2 = Post limiter*
2-3 = Pre limiter
J4 Talkback replaces or mixes with Program Fit = Replaces*
Omit = Mixes
J5, 6 Limiter Pre-emphasis Fit = On
Omit = Off*
MMOONNIITTOORR MMOODDUULLEE
J1 Ext 8 Input Sensitivity 1-2 = +4dBu *
2-3 = -10dBV
J2, 3, 4 Cue to Monitor/Talk to Studio (2 Mntr Mods.) 1-2 = Cue*
2-3 = Talk
J5-9 Talkback Selection (with 2 Monitor Modules) 1-2 = Default *
2-3 = T/B to studio
J10 & J11
If the Cue Speaker Outputs are not being used, link J10 pins 1 to 2, and link J11
pins 1 to 2. In this configuration, a sum of the Cue Left and Right Signals are routed
to the Cue Speaker on the Overbridge. This feed is muted by using the Overpress
facility (if it is fitted).
If the Cue Speaker Outputs are being used, link J10 pin1 to J11 pin1, and link J10
pin 2 to J11 pin 2. In this configuration the sum of the Cue Left and Cue Right sig-
nals is never routed to the Cue Speaker on the Overbridge. The individual Cue
Left and Cue Right signals are routed to their respective Cue Speaker Outputs,
but these are muted by using the Overpress facility (if it is fitted). Alternatively if
only pins J10 pin2 and J11 pin 2 are linked then the Overpress facility will not mute
the Cue L & R signals to the Cue Speaker Outputs.
J12 Cue to Headphones mixes or replaces Program 1-2 = Mixes *
2-3 = Replaces
J13 Monitor Dim or Mute from DIM bus 1-2 = Dim*
2-3 = Mute
J14 Studio DIm bus 1-2 = Studio Mute*
2-3 = Studio Dim
CCOOMMMMSS MMOODDUULLEE
J1, 2 Feeds T/.B to the external destinations. 1-2 = Cue signal*
When not operated these can be either an 2-3 = No signal
external cue input signal or no signal
J3 Talkback to Studio Speakers 1- 2 = Mute kills T/B*
2- 3 = T/B overrides
J4 T/B to Studio Speakers mixes or replaces Prog. 1-2 = Mixes*
2-3 = Replaces
J5, 6 Engineer talkback to cleanfeed L/R busses 1-2 = Enabled
2-3 = Disabled*

B400 Installation 2.11
IInntteerrnnaall MMoonniittoorr SSoouurrccee SSeelleeccttiioonn
The DESK 'A' bank of switches, on the Monitor Module, allows you to select 1 of 6
internal signals as the internal monitor source. The 6 are selected via the scramble
card (SC3556) in the console. The appropriate section of this PCB's silk screen is
reproduced below. The six signals may be chosen from Groups 1 to 8, the Stereo
Mix (ST), a mono sum of the Stereo Mix, or Aux1 to Aux 4.
There is also a spare left and spare right feed which may be used to monitor any suit-
able point in the console.
The Scramble Card used is common to the larger B800 console, and the legending
corresponds as follows:
Aux 2 legend = Aux 1 Aux 4 legend = Aux 2
Aux 6 legend = Aux 3 Aux 8 legend = Aux 4 (stereo)
ST2 legend = ST
The Layout of the card is shown below:
FFiittttiinngg LLiinnkkss
Suitably sized hair-pin links may be soldered into the appropriate through-plated
holes. Take care to select the correct side when connecting a stereo pair. For exam-
ple, if you wanted to assign Source 1 to Aux 3 then you would fit links L20 and L47. If
you then wanted to assign Source 2 to Aux 4 (which is a stereo pair) then you would
fit links L75 and L102.

2.12 B400 Installation