SoundCraft DC 2020 User manual

SOUNDCRAFT
USER GUIDE

© Soundcraft Electronics Ltd. 1995
All rights reserved
Parts of the design of this product are protected by worldwide patents.
Part No. ZM0103-01
Informationinthismanualissubjecttochangewithoutnoticeanddoesnotrepresent
a commitment on the part of the vendor. Soundcraft Electronics Ltd. shall not be
liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use ofinformationor any
error contained in this manual, or through any mis-operation or fault in hardware
or software contained in the product.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted, 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 Electronics Ltd.
It isrecommendedthatallmaintenanceandserviceontheproductshouldbecarried
out by Soundcraft Electronics Ltd. or its authorised agents. Soundcraft Electronics
Ltd.cannotacceptanyliabilitywhatsoeverforanylossordamagecausedbyservice,
maintenance or repair by unauthorised personnel.
Soundcraft Electronics Ltd.
Cranborne House
Cranborne Industrial Estate
Cranborne Road
Potters Bar
Hertfordshire
England
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Table of Contents
Introduction 1.1
Introduction 1.2
Typical-Use Environment 1.3
Warranty 1.4
Installation 2.1
Dimensions 2.2
Assembling The Console Stand 2.3
Precautions and Safety Instructions 2.4
Installation 2.6
Connections 2.7
Connecting the DC2020 to a MAC or to a PC 2.9
Installing the MAC or PC Emulation Software 2.10
Patchbay EDAC Pin Identification Chart and
Pinouts 2.11
Block Diagrams 3.1
Functional Descriptions 4.1
Mono Inputs 4.3
Mono Input 4.4
Group/Stereo Input 4.11
Group/Stereo Input 4.12
Auxiliary Master 4.15
Auxiliary Master 4.16
Studio Outputs & FB Masters 4.19
Studio Outputs & Foldback Masters 4.20
Oscillator & Talkback Panel 4.23
Oscillator and Talkback Panel 4.24
Control Groups 4.27
Control Groups 4.28
Stereo Master 4.31
Stereo Master 4.32
DC2020 i

Control-room Phones and Speakers 4.35
Control-room Phones and Speakers 4.36
Patchbay 4.39
Patchbay Fascia 4.40
Patchbay Wiring 4.41
Automation Guide 4.47
Introduction 4.49
Introduction to the Automation 4.50
Project Management 4.55
Introduction 4.56
The Automation Pages 4.61
The Automation Pages 4.62
Alphanumeric Keypad 4.64
Channel List 4.65
Channel Solo-In-Place Safe 4.66
Default Mode On Stop 4.67
Default Settings 4.68
Edit Midi Events 4.69
Glideback 4.70
Group Assignments 4.71
Meterbridge Set-up 4.72
Midi Events 4.73
Mix 4.75
Mix Information 4.77
Mix List 4.79
Monitor Solo-In-Place Safe 4.81
On Line Mix Edit Options 4.82
Presets 4.83
Project 4.89
Project Configuration 4.91
Project Utilities 4.92
Record Enable 4.93
Record Track Remap 4.94
Remap Console 4.95
Set-up 4.96
ii DC2020

Stereo Inputs Safe 4.97
Stop Edit Options 4.98
Studio 4.99
Studio Configuration 4.100
Studio Utilities 4.101
Switch Select On Tape Stop 4.102
Tape Machine Selection 4.103
Timecode Generator 4.104
Title Configuration 4.105
Title Utilities 4.107
Track List 4.108
User 4.109
User Configuration 4.110
User Utilities 4.111
Automated Mixing 4.113
Starting The Automation 4.114
Automated Mixing 4.115
Cue Points 4.116
Automated Fader and Switch Modes 4.117
Using Control Groups 4.120
Moving the Tape 4.122
Mixing a New Title 4.123
Editing an Existing Mix 4.124
Starting a New Mix 4.125
Drop-in/Drop-out During the Original
Track-laying 4.126
Specifications 5.1
Specifications 5.2
Appendices
Notes For Machine Control
for Software Release 7.00 A.1
DC2020 Error Messages B.1
DC2020 Printer Port C.1
DC2020 Diagnostics Disk D.1
DC2020 iii

iv DC2020

Introduction
DC2020 Introduction 1.1

Introduction
Overview The DC2020 is an in-line studio mixing console. It is available in three sizes; 24,
32 and 40 input channels. Each of these is available with a patchbay.
The console features the following:
•Mix Automation, which controls:
4 switches and 1 fader per input channel (Aux1 ON, Aux3 ON, Channel CUT,
Monitor CUT and the Monitor Fader);
Automated switches (Global mode switches) and fader on the Master Section;
Project Management functions;
Tape Machine transport functions.
•A 4-band semi-parametric EQ which is splittable and switchable between chan-
nel and monitor paths.
•Four Stereo Returns with a 2-band EQ.
•Four Stereo Groups.
•Four Automated Control Groups.
•Six Auxiliaries.
•LED Meterbridge, with a choice of meter laws plus Timecode display.
•MIDI IN/OUT/THRU.
•SMPTE IN/OUT.
•Video Sync Input
•Printer Interface.
•Serial Interface to Remote Tape Machines.
•Serial Interface to PC or MAC for Touch-screen Emulation.
•A Hard-disk Drive.
•Extended RAM for longer mixes.
•One IBM PC-format 3.5" Floppy-disk Drive.
•Touch-sensitive LCD display of Automation functions.
1.2 DC2020 Introduction

Typical-Use Environment
The console is designed to be used with a multi-track tape machine or any
LTC/MIDITimecodegeneratingdevice.Timecodeisreadby theconsoletoprovide
the time base for the Mix Automation.
Software The program which runs the automation system within the console is held on the
hard-disk drive. Newreleases may be loaded onto thehard-disk drive via thefloppy
drive.
Power Supply Unit The DC2020 uses an APS520 Power Supply Unit. Note that this power supply has
powerful cooling fans: it is therefore advisable to install it away from the control
room.
Good Housekeeping We strongly recommend that you take regular backups of your hard disk.
This is done by selecting the appropriate backup option from one of the following
screens: Studio Utilities, User Utilities, Project Utilities or Title Utilities.
Shutting-Down The Console
It is important that you do not switch the power supply off without first shutting
down the automation system correctly.
This isdone by selecting theShutdownConsole from one of the following screens:
Studio Utilities, User Utilities, Project Utilities or Title Utilities.
The Shutdown Consoleutility writes the contents of RAM to disk, closes all of the
open disk files and then prompts you to switch the console off.
DC2020 Introduction 1.3

Warranty
1Soundcraft means Soundcraft Electronics 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 pur-
pose 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 theEnd 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 defective 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.
4 This warranty shall only be available if:
a) the Equipment has been properly installed in accordance with instructions con-
tained in Soundcraft’s manual; and
b) the End User has notified Soundcraft or the Dealer within 14 days of the de-
fect 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 specifica-
tions and otherwise in all respects in accordance Soundcraft’s recommendations.
5 Defects arising as a result of the following are not covered by this Warranty: faulty
or negligent handling, chemical or electro-chemical or electrical influences, acci-
dental damage, Acts of God, neglect, deficiency in electrical power, air-condition-
ing 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 ad-
dition to and do not affect any other rights to which they may be entitled against
the seller of the Equipment.
1.4 DC2020 Introduction

Installation
DC2020 Installation 2.1

CONSOLE WIDTH WEIGHT
1688.00mm
1368.40mm
2007.60mm
2007.60mm
2327.20mm
1688.00mm
158lbs
72kgs
80kgs
80kgs
88kgs
88kgs
96kgs
176lbs
176lbs
194lbs
194lbs
212lbs
66.46"
53.87"
66.46"
79.04"
79.04"
91.62"
24 ch
24ch + Patchbay
32ch
40ch
32ch + Patchbay
40ch + Patchbay
987.29mm
38.87"
836.75mm
32.94"
1130.90
mm
4.48"
212.63mm
8.37"
903.22mm
35.56"
780.81mm
30.74"
171.87mm
6.77"
728.00mm
28.66"
Dimensions
2.2 DC2020 Installation

Assembling The Console Stand
DC2020 Installation 2.3

Precautions and Safety Instructions
General Precautions Avoid storing or using the mixing console in conditions of excessive heat or cold,
or in positions where it is likely to be subject to vibration, dust or moisture. Do not
use any liquids to clean the fascia of the unit: a soft dry brush is ideal. Use only
wateror ethyl alcohol to cleanthe trimand scribble strips. Other solvents maycause
damage to paint or plastic parts.
Avoid using the console close to strong sources of electromagnetic radiation (e.g.
videomonitors,highpowerelectriccabling):thismaycausedegradationoftheaudio
quality due to induced voltages in connecting leads and chassis. For the same
reason, always site the power supply away from the unit.
Caution! In all cases, refer servicing to qualified personnel.
Handling and Transport The console is supplied in a wooden crate. If it is necessary to move it any distance
after installation it is recommended that this packing is used to protect it. Be sure
to disconnect all cabling before moving. If the console is to be regularly moved we
recommendthat it is installed in a foamlined flightcase. At all timesavoidapplying
excessive force to any knobs, switches or connectors.
Power Supplies & cables Alwaysmakesurethat thepowersupplyunit(PSU)hasbeensettothesamevoltage
as the mains supply
Always use the power supply and cable supplied with the mixer: the use of
alternative supplies may cause damage and voids the warranty; the extension of
power cables may result in malfunction of the mixing console.
Warning! Always switch the power supply off before connecting or disconnecting the
mixer power cable, removing of installing modules, and servicing. In theevent
of an electrical storm, or large mains voltage fluctuations, immediately switch
off the PSU and unplug from the mains.
Always ensure that you use the correct PSU for your mixer. The DC2020 uses a
APS500A power supply.
Signal Levels It is important to supply the correct input levels to the console, otherwise signalto
noise ratio or distortion performance may be degraded; and in extreme cases,
damage to the internal circuitry may result. Likewise, on all balanced inputs avoid
sources with large commonmode DC, AC or RF voltages, as these will reduce the
available signal range on the inputs. Note that 0dBu = 0.775V RMS.
The microphone inputs are designed for use with balanced low impedance (150 or
200 ohms) microphones.
2.4 DC2020 Installation

Caution! DO NOT use unbalanced microphones or battery powered condenser
microphones without isolating the +48V phantom power: degraded
performance or damage to the microphone may result.
Thesensitivity of the XLR inputs is variable from -2dBu to -70dBu and +10dBu to
-20dBu in two ranges (for +4dBu at the Mix outputs). Themaximum input level is
+28dBu.
The Hi-Z inputs have a sensitivity variable between +10dBu and -20dBu. The
maximum input level is +30dBu.
The main outputs of the console (stereo mix, groups, wedge and mix and group
insert sends) are balanced at a nominal level of +4dBu, with a maximum output
level of +26dBu.
Theinput insertsends and direct outputs aregroundcompensatedat a nominal level
of -2dBu, with a maximum output level of +20dBu.
All external inputsand mix andgroup insert returnshavea nominal level of +4dBu,
and a maximum input level of +26dBu.
Input insert returns have a nominal level of -2dBu, and a maximum input level of
+20dBu.
DC2020 Installation 2.5

Installation
The DC2020 is designed for reliability and high performance, and is built to the
highest standards. Whilst great care has been taken to ensure that installations are
made as troublefree as possible, care taken at this stage, followed by correct setting
up will be rewarded by a long life and reliable operation.
Wiring Considerations A For optimum performance it is essential for the earthing system to be clean and
noisefree, as all signals are referenced to this earth. A central point should be
decided on for the main earth point, and all earths should be ’star-fed’ from this
point. It is recommended that an individual earth wire be run from each electrical
outlet,back to the system star point toprovidea safety earth referenceforeach piece
of equipment.
B Install separate mains outlets for the audio equipment, and feed these
independently from any other equipment.
C Avoid locating mains distribution boxes near audio equipment, especially tape
recorders, which are very sensitive to electromagnetic fields.
D Where possible ensure that all audio cable screens and signal earths are
connected to ground only at their source.
Power Supply (APS520) Always ensure that you use the correct PSU for your mixer. The DC2020 uses a
APS520 power supply.
Warning! Before switching on your DC2020 console, check that the mains voltage selectors
on the power supply unit is set to the correct mains voltage for your area, and that
the fuse is of the correct rating and type. This is clearly marked on the case of the
power supply. Do not replace the fuse with any other type, as this could become a
safety hazard and will void the warranty.
2.6 DC2020 Installation

Connections
Wiring conventions
TheDC2020usestwodifferenttypesofaudioconnector: 3-pinXLRand1⁄4"3-pole
jacks. The latter are used in several configurations, as shown below (note that the
patchbay versions have no 1/4" jack sockets except for the SMPTE In and Out
connections). The DC2020 also uses DIN, D-type and BNC connectors: these are
shown on the next page.
MICROPHONE INPUTS
1
/ 4 " ‘A ’ Gauge Stereo Jack Plug used as balanced input:
Line Inputs, Stereo Inputs, Tape Inputs, 2-Trk Inputs,
Group Inserts and SMPTE Timecode In
1/4" ‘A’ Gauge Stereo Jack Plug used as ground compensated output:
Tape Sends, Group Outputs, Aux Outputs, Studio Phones, Studio Speakers,
FB Outputs, Mix Outputs, Control-room Outputs, Alt Outputs
and SMPTE Timecode Out
1/4" ‘A ’ Gauge Stereo Jack Plug used as stereo output: Headphones
1/4" ‘A ’ Gauge Stereo Jack Plug used as Insert Send/Return Point:
Mono Input Insert, Mix Insert
DC2020 Installation 2.7

The Parallel Port is an industry-standard
Centronics interface. See Appendix C for
more details.
Ports 1, 2 and 4 are not used.
Video Sync Input
Port 5 connects to a MAC or a PC for remote emulation
of the Touch Screen. See the next page for details
of the cable required.
Port 3 conforms to EIA RS-422A. It is used to
connect to Sony 9-pin connectors, see Appendix A
for details.
D-Type Connectors
BNC Connector
DIN Connectors
The MIDI IN signal is buffered
by an opto-isolator.
1
4
2
5
3
MIDI THRU
1
4
2
5
3
MIDI OUT
1
4
2
5
3
5
Male
Female
Female
Centre Pin Standard Composite Video Signal (1v pk-pk 75ohms)
Body Ground
2.8 DC2020 Installation

Connecting the DC2020 to a MAC or to a PC
You may connect the DC2020 to either a MAC or a PC to provide touch-screen
emulation. In either case you will need to make or obtain a suitableconnectinglead.
The connections required are shown in the diagrams below.
DC2020 To PC Connection
DC2020 To MAC Connection
DC2020 Installation 2.9

Installing the MAC or PC Emulation Software
Software is provided with the DC2020 which allows the touch screen of the console
to be used via a computer interface. Such software is available for either the PC or
the Macintosh. The software is an emulation of the touch screen but allows use of
a mouse (or other pointing device) and input from the computer keyboard.
Installing the DC2020 Emulation Software
DC for Macintosh
1. From the File Menu select new to create a new folder on your hard disk.
2. Click on the folder label and change the name of the folder to DC2020.
3. Insert the floppy disk RX3023 into the disk drive.
4. Double click the disk icon.
5. Drag the DC2020 icon from the disk window to the DC2020 folder on the
hard disk.
6. In order to run the emulation software, double click the DC2020 icon.
On powering up the DC2020 console, an image of the DC2020 touch screen will
appear on the Macintosh screen.
DC for Windows.
1. Run Microsoft Windows.
2. Run File Manager.
3. Insert the floppy disk RX3026 into drive A.
4. Using File Manager copy dcfw.exe from drive A to your hard disk.
5. While in File Manager drag the dcfw.exe filename into a window on your
desktop.
6. In the Program Manager select File Properties...
i. type DC2020 display in the description box
ii. click OK
7. To run the emulation software double click the DC for Windows icon
8. Once the DC2020 emulation is running, choose Select Port... from the
Settings pull downmenu.Select the PC portto whichyour PC-to-Console cable
is connected e.g. port 1.
IMPORTANT: It is importantto understand that the Windows/ Macintosh interfaceis anemulation
of the DC2020 touch sensitive screen. Therefore, the location of a mouse click on
the computer screen is translated into a press on one or more cells of the touch
sensitive screen.Consequently a touch pad in close proximity to the mouse click
may respond, even though themousepointer isnot strictly within the box. This may
run contrary to expectations if one is familiar with Windows or Macintosh
applications.
2.10 DC2020 Installation