SoundCraft GIGRAC 1000st User manual

GREAT SOUND MADE EASY
User Guide
Soundcraft
Harman International Industries Ltd
Cranborne House, Cranborne Road, Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 3JN, UK
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone] EMAIL: [email protected]
Soundcraft USA
8500 Balboa Blvd., Northridge, CA 91329, USA
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone] EMAIL: [e-mail]
www.gigrac.com
Soundcraft reserves the right to improve or otherwise alter any information supplied in this document or any other documentation supplied hereafter. E&OE 06/04.
This equipment complies with the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
900
1000
PROFESSIONAL POWERED MIXER
GigRac is designed and engineered in the UK by Soundcraft,
world leaders in professional sound.
#15713 GIGRAC User Guide Cover 18/6/04 11:38 am Page 1

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This equipment complies
with the EMC directive
89/336/EEC
Modified by
92/31/EEC
93/68/EEC
91/263/EEC
and LVD 73/23/EEC
modified by 93/68/EEC
This product is approved to
safety standards:
IEC 60065: 2001
EN60065:2002
UL6500 7th Edition: 2003
CAN/CSA-E60065-00
And EMC standards
EN55103-1: 1996 (E2)
EN55103-2: 1996 (E2)
For further details contact:
Harman International Industries Ltd.
Cranborne House, Cranborne Road
Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3JN, UK
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
IMPORTANT
Please read this manual carefully before using
your GigRac1000st for the first time.
© Harman International Industries Ltd. 2004
All rights reserved
Parts of the design of this product may be protected by worldwide
patents.
Part No. ZM0301-01
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 represent a commitment on the part of the vendor. Soundcraft
shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the
use of information or any error contained in this manual.
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.
Harman International Industries Limited
Cranborne House
Cranborne Road
POTTERS BAR
Hertfordshire
EN6 3JN
UK
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
http://www.soundcraft.com

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CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........................ 4
Introduction ............................................................ 7
Quick Start Guide .................................................... 8
Quick Start Guide Key .............................................. 9
A Note on Channel Use ........................................... 14
Front Panel ........................................................... 15
Master Section ...................................................... 18
Rear Panel............................................................. 24
Rackmounting Your GigRac ...................................... 26
Using your GigMat ................................................. 27
Connectors and Leads ............................................ 28
Block Diagram........................................................ 29
Warranty .............................................................. 30
Specifications ........................................................ 31
NOTE: 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/her own expense.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTIONS
•To avoid the risk of fire, replace the mains fuse only with the correct
type and value fuse, as marked on the rear of the product.
•ATTENTION: - Afin de réduire le risque de feu remplacer seulement avec
fusible de même type.
•MAINS VOLTAGE SELECTION
This setting is NOT User Adjustable.
The units are capable of operating at either 230V AC or 115V AC
mains voltages ±10%.
•REPLACING MAINS FUSE
Remove the mains lead from the connector. Use a small screwdriver
to unscrew the fuse carrier from its location to the left of the
mains power connector. Check the fuse is of the correct type and
value and replace if necessary; also check that the voltage rating
as marked on the rear panel is correct for the mains supply level
before switching the unit ON again.
If the mains fuse fails repeatedly this may be because an electrical
safety hazard exists. The unit must be taken out of service and
referred to the Soundcraft dealer from where the equipment was
purchased.
•THIS UNIT MUST BE EARTHED
Under no circumstances should the mains earth be disconnected
from the mains lead.
•ATTENTION: - Cet appareil doit être branché à la terre.
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following
code:
UK & EU US & CAN
Earth / Ground: Green and Yellow Green and Yellow
Neutral: Blue White
Live: Brown Black

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As the colours of the wires in the mains lead may not correspond
with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug,
proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured Green and Yellow must be connected
to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E
or by the earth / ground symbol:
The wire which is coloured Blue or White must be connected
to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter N.
The wire which is coloured Brown or Black must be connected
to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter L.
Ensure that these colour codings are followed carefully in
the event of the plug being changed.
Replacement Part No: FJ8016 (UK) : FJ8017 (EU) : FJ8018 (US &
CAN)
•Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
resistors, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
•Do not use this apparatus near water. The apparatus must
not be exposed to dripping or splashing. Objects containing
liquid must not be placed on the apparatus.
•The disconnect device is the mains plug or the appliance
connector: either one must remain accessible so as to be
readily operable in use.
•Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding
type plug.
A polarized 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. When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
•Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs and convenience receptacles.
•Only use cables and hardware specified by the manufacturer.

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•Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused
for long periods of time.
•Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way
such as, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, the apparatus does not operate normally or has
been dropped.
• If the power cord is damaged obtain a replacement from your
Soundcraft dealer.
•It is recommended that all maintenance and service on the
product should be carried out by Soundcraft or its authorised
agents. Soundcraft cannot accept any liability whatsoever
for any loss or damage caused by service, maintenance or
repair by unauthorised personnel.
•If a trolley is used, use caution when moving the trolley /
apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
WARNINGS
•Read these instructions.
•Keep these instructions.
•Heed all warnings.
•Follow all instructions.
•This unit contains no user serviceable parts. Refer all servicing
to a qualified service engineer, through the appropriate
Soundcraft dealer.
•Clean the apparatus only with a dry cloth.
•DO NOT block any of the ventilation openings. DO NOT install
where air cannot flow over the rear of the unit. DO Install in
accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

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Introduction
Firstly we’d like to thank you for choosing the Soundcraft GigRac 1000st.
We hope you have many happy years together!
Features
8 Microphone Inputs
48V Phantom Power for condenser microphones (Inputs 1-4 only)
PAD buttons for controlling loud input signals (Inputs 1-4 only)
4 Stereo inputs
Treble, Mid and Bass controls
Pan/Bal controls
Individual volume controls on each channel for Monitor level.
Individual volume controls on each channel for Main level.
Individual send controls for GiGFX on each channel
2 x 7 Band Graphic Equaliser
10 x Digital Effects (24 Bit/48 kHz)
Record Output
Playback Input
FX bypass switch
FX bus output socket
Submix input
2 x Amplifier ‘Clip’warning lights
2 x 10 segment LED output level meters
The GigRac case.
Your GigRac is cased in a structural foam copolymer polypropylene resin,
which gives an optimum combination of strength and impact resistance.
This material also helps to keep the shell in good condition as it very
resistant to dents and scratches.
The nature of the moulding process leaves the irregular streaky surface
finish that gives the GigRac its tough and unique look.
Amplifier Power Ratings
GigRac 1000st
2 x 500W @ 4 Ohms.
2 x 300W @ 8 Ohms.

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Quick Start Guide
If like most people you can’t wait to use your GigRac for the first time,
then use the Quick Start Guide to get things started. The Quick Start
Guide covers the following:
1. Connecting up your loudspeakers to the GigRac
2. Plugging in a vocal microphone
3. Adding Treble, Mid or Bass to the signals
4. Plugging in a guitar or stereo keyboard
5. Apply one of the 10 GigFX digital effects to the signals
Note: We recommend that you read through the entire
GigRac user guide to familiarise yourself with all of the
features on offer.

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Quick Start Guide Key

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1. Connecting up your loudspeakers to the GigRac
Note: Make sure your GigRac is not powered up. This
is very important to prevent any damage to either the
GigRac or your loudspeakers!
Using good quality speaker cables connect the loudspeakers to the
Speaker outputs on the rear of the GigRac.
If you have cables equipped with Neutrik Speakon® connectors then use
the Speakon® connectors on the rear of the GigRac. Alternatively if
you have cables equipped with jack plugs then use the jack sockets on
the rear of the GigRac.
Make sure that the Main Master Volume control (1 - see the key on
page 9) and the Monitor (Mon) Master Volume control (2) are turned
fully down.
Decide if you want to configure the 2 internal amplifiers to work as a
stereo pair, or mono mix and monitor. Set the amplifier source select
switch (3) as desired. It is assumed in these quick start instructions
that you have configured the amps as a stereo pair.
Now switch the GigRac on using the Power switch on the rear of the
unit.
2. Plugging in a vocal microphone
Note: Before connecting a microphone to channels 1-4,
make sure that the 48V phantom power switch (4) is
switched off (The red LED should not be illuminated).
Connect the microphone cable to one of the first four inputs on the
front of the GigRac (5).
(The inputs on the GigRac can receive either 3-Pin XLR or standard
Jack connectors.)

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Turn the Main Master Volume control (1) up to about half-way.
Now gradually turn up the Main Volume control (6) on the microphone
channel you have chosen to use. You should now hear the microphone
signal appearing in the loudspeakers as you begin to speak.
You should also be able to see activity on the Output Meter (7).
Assuming that you have configured the amps as a stereo pair, you can
pan the microphone signal from left to right using the Pan control (8).
Note: The XLR input on channels 1 - 4 is very sensitive.
Depending on your microphone or your application, you
may need to press the PAD button to prevent
distortion occurring; don’t worry, this is perfectly
normal.
Note: Be careful not to point the microphone at the
loudspeakers or you could accidentally create
unpleasant feedback sounds.
A note on Condenser Microphones
If your microphone is a condenser microphone that requires phantom
power you will need to switch on the 48V phantom power switch (4)
located to the left of the Graphic Equaliser. Before doing this make sure
that the Main Volume control (6) on the chosen channel is turned fully
off to avoid causing an unpleasant sound that might damage your
speakers.

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3. Adding Treble, Mid or Bass to the signal
The GigRac offers Treble, Mid and Bass control for changing the tone of
the signal.
Treble (9)
To add or remove some brightness or ‘sparkle’ to or from a signal, use
the Treble control. In the center ‘click’ position (0) the Treble control
has no effect. Turning it clockwise will boost the treble frequencies
making the signal sound brighter. Turning it anti-clockwise will have the
opposite effect by removing the treble frequencies and making the signal
sound less bright.
The Treble control is handy for adding some sparkle for example to an
acoustic guitar, or for reducing the ‘s’ sound from sibilant vocals.
Mid (10)
Short for ‘Midrange’ this knob can be used to cut or boost important
fundamental frequencies. In the centre ‘Click’ position the Mid control
has no effect. Turning it clockwise will boost the mid frequencies adding
‘body’ to signals. This is particularly effective on snare drums and
percussive instruments. Turning it anti-clockwise will have the opposite
effect and is useful for removing ‘boxy’ resonant frequencies from
acoustic guitars and other signals.
Bass (11)
To add some ‘bass thump’ to a signal or remove some ‘boominess’ or
rumble, use the Bass control. In the center ‘click’ position (0) the Bass
control has no effect. Turning it clockwise will boost the Bass frequencies
making the signal sound punchier and more ‘bassy’. Turning it anti-
clockwise will have the opposite effect by removing the bass frequencies
and making the signal sound less ‘boomy’.
The Bass control is useful for making a bass drum sound punchier, or
alternatively could be used for reducing explosive ‘b’ and ‘p’ sounds
from a vocal signal.

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4. Plugging in an Acoustic Guitar, Stereo Keyboard or CD
Player
The GigRac will happily receive signals from instruments with either mono
or stereo outputs such as guitars (Mono) or stereo keyboards and CD
Players (Stereo).
Before plugging in, make sure the Main Volume control (6) for the chosen
channel is turned fully off to avoid accidental damage to your speakers.
Acoustic Guitars
Set the Main Master Volume control (1) to about halfway.
Make sure the Main Volume control (6) on the channel you are about to
use is turned fully down.
Plug the guitar lead into the jack socket in the center of the combination
input socket (5) on the channel of your choice. Turn up the volume
control on your guitar to about halfway, and then gradually turn up the
Main Volume control (6) until you hear the guitar signal appearing in the
loudspeakers.You should also see activiity on the Main Output meter
(7).
Stereo Keyboards and CD Players
The GigRac offers four channels that can receive stereo inputs. Two of
these channels are equipped with RCA/Phono connectors (Channel 5
and 6) (12) and two with Jack connectors (Channels 7 and 8) (13).
Connect up the Left and Right outputs of your CD player or Cassette
deck to the Left and Right RCA/Phono inputs on either Channel 5 or 6 of
the GigRac. Turn up the Main Master Volume control (1) to about halfway,
and then turn up the Main Volume control (6) on the chosen channel
until you hear the signal appearing in the loudspeakers.
Connect up the Left and Right outputs of your Stereo Keyboard to the
Left and Right Jack inputs on either Channel 7 or 8 of the GigRac. Set
the volume control of your keyboard to about halfway. Turn up the Main
Master Volume control (1) to about halfway, and then turn up the Main
Volume control (6) on the chosen channel until you hear the signal
appearing in the loudspeakers.
You may now use the Treble, Mid and Bass controls as mentioned above
to change the tone of the signals.

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5. Apply one of the 10 GigFX digital effects to the signals
The GigRac’s GIGFX Processor (14) has a choice of 10 studio quality
digital effects that can be added to any individual or group of signals
running through the mixer. Usually vocals require some digital reverb or
echo to be added to them in order to create a more spatial sound that
is pleasing to the listener.
Make sure the ‘effects On’button (15) is selected.
To try this out simply select one of the 10 GigFX presets, such as Hall
Reverb, using the selector knob (16).
Turn the ‘FX to Main’control (17) to about halfway and then gradually
turn up the individual ‘FX’send control (18) on the channel you wish to
add the effect to. As you turn up the ‘FX’send level you should hear the
signal change.
By pressing the ‘effects On’(15) switch to the off position you can
compare the original ‘dry’signal with the ‘wet’effect signal.
You can now turn the selector knob (16) to select different types of
effects for comparative purposes.
A Note on Channel Use
Channels 1-4 are the most sensitive. It is better to use these channels
for microphones (particularly if your microphones are fitted with jack
plugs), and guitars with passive pickups. It is likely that you will need to
have the pad buttons pressed in if you use mics fitted with XLRs.
Channels 5-8 are less sensitive, they are ideal for line-level devices such
as keyboards, CD players and tape players. They will also work with
guitars with active pickups. Microphones fitted with XLRs will also work
(unless they need phantom power).

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Front Panel
Input channel
The GigRac 1000st has a total of 8 channels. Channels 1-4 are designed
to handle mono microphone or mono line level signals only. Channels 5-8
are designed to handle mono microphone and stereo line level signals
but will also accommodate mono line-level signals as well.
(1) Input Connector
This connector is a combination Jack/3 Pin XLR connector and can receive
any of the following types of input connectors:
Microphone cables with Jack connectors
Microphone cables with 3 pin XLR connectors
Line input cables with Jack connectors (e.g. guitars, keyboards
etc.)
Line input cables with 3 pin XLR connectors.

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(2) PAD switch (Channels 1-4 only)
Pressing the PAD switch reduces the input level by 20dB allowing line or
mic level signals that would normally be too loud for the Input stage to
handle to be connected without any audible distortion.
(3) Main Volume Control
The Main Volume Control determines the amount of level sent from the
channel to the main output mix.
This allows each channel’s relative volume level to be ‘blended’together
to create the final mix whose overall level is then controlled by the Main
Master Volume control (10 - see the master section).
(4) Mon Volume Control
The Monitor (Mon) Volume Control determines the amount of level sent
from the channel to the Monitor (Mon) Output (23).
This allows each channel’s relative volume level to be ‘blended’together
to create a separate monitor mix whose overall level is then controlled
by the Mon Master Volume control (11 - see the master section). This
feature is used mainly for creating a ‘foldback’mix for the musicians and
would normally be sent to a monitor speaker with its own amplifier. (This
could also be used for creating a headphone mix).
The Mon Volume Control operates independent of the Main Volume Control
and will therefore not be affected if the Main Volume Control is turned
up or down. (For the more technically minded, the signal is sourced
Pre-Fader and Post EQ, see the block diagram for signal routing details.)
(5) PAN/Balance Control
This allows you to position the signal within the stereo image or, in the
case of stereo signals, to balance the level of the signals between the L
and R speakers.
(6) FX Control
The FX Control determines the amount of level sent from the channel to
the GigFX digital effects processor and also to the ‘FX Bus output’
connector (24).
This allows each channel’s relative level to be ‘blended’together to create
a separate effects mix whose overall level is then controlled by the ‘FX
to Main’(28 - see the master section)and ‘FX to Mon’(29).

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The FX Bus Output connector could also be used to connect to other
external devices such as effects processors or recorders.
(7) Bass Control
The Bass Control is set at 80Hz and allows you to either add or remove
the low frequency content of the signal by 15dB.
Rotating the control clockwise will ’boost’the signal, rotating the control
anticlockwise will ‘cut’the signal.
This control is useful for adding more ‘thump’to low frequency signals
such as bass guitars and kick drums but can also be used to remove
unwanted rumble or boominess from signals such as vocal or instrument
microphones.
(8) Mid Control
The Mid Control is set at 600Hz and allows you to either add or remove
the high frequency content of the signal by 15dB.
Rotating the control clockwise will ‘boost’the signal, rotating the control
anticlockwise will ‘cut’the signal.
This control is useful for adding ‘body’ to drums, bass guitars or
percussion but can also be used to remove ‘boxy’ resonant frequencies
from acoustic guitars and other signals.
(9) Treble Control
The Treble Control is set at 12kHz and allows you to either add or remove
the high frequency content of the signal by 15dB.
Rotating the control clockwise will ‘boost’the signal, rotating the control
anticlockwise will ‘cut’the signal.
This control is useful for adding ‘crispness’or ‘sizzle’to signals with a lot
of high frequency content such as guitars and cymbals but can also be
used to remove unwanted sibilance from signals such as vocals.

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Master Section

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(10) Main Master Volume Control
This control determines the overall level that is sent to the internal
amplification and to the Main Output sockets (22). It also controls the
volume of the headphone socket (21).
(11) Mon Master Volume Control
This control determines the overall level that is sent to the Monitor
Output (Mon Output) socket (23).
(12) Phantom 48V Switch
This switch turns the 48v phantom power On/Off for the 3 pin XLR
sockets on channels 1-4. When the switch is turned On the red LED
will illuminate.
48V phantom power is used to power condenser microphones and DI
boxes.
NB! To avoid possible damage to your loudspeakers,
make sure that the Main and Monitor Master Volume
controls are turned down fully before switching on the
48V phantom power.
(13) Graphic Equalisers
The Graphic Equalisers are divided into 7 frequency bands. Each frequency
band can be used to either ‘cut’or ‘boost’the Main Output signal by up
to 10dB. One is in the main (stereo) path, the other is in the monitor
path.
They are very useful for compensating for poor room acoustics or
improving the performance of your loudspeakers.
(14) Power LED
The red Power LED illuminates when the GigRac is switched on.

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(15) Amp Clip LEDs
The red Amp Clip LEDs illuminate when the input levels to the internal
amplifiers are too high. It is acceptable for these LEDs to come on
momentarily every now and then but the Main or Monitor Master Volume
(depending on which signals have been routed to the amplifiers: see
(16) below) should be turned down if the Amp Clip LEDs illuminate
consistently.
NB! Continued use of the GigRac with the Amp Clip
LED illuminated could cause serious damage to your
GigRac and your loudspeakers!
(16) Internal Amplifier Source Select Switch
This switch determines which signals are routed to the internal power
amplifiers. The options are: Main L to amp 1, and Main R to amp 2, or,
Main L + R to amp1, and monitor to amp 2. See the diagram opposite.
(17) Main Output Meters
The dual 10-segment output meters show the signal levels being fed to
the internal power amplifiers. See (16) above.
It is best to aim to have the red 10dB LEDs lighting up regularly during
the loudest signals peaks playing through your GigRac and the 16dB
LEDs flicking on very occasionally. This will ensure that a good level is
passing through the mixer.
(18) Record Outputs
The Record Outputs (L & R) are for connecting a recording device such
as a cassette or mini disk recorder.
The signal output at the Record Output sockets is a post fade signal
derived from the Main Mix outputs. The amount of signal level leaving
the GigRac via the Record Outputs is determined by the Main Master
Volume control (10).
(19) Playback In
The Playback In connectors allow you to playback from your recording
device through the Main outputs/Speakers/Headphones. A useful tip is
to press the standby mute switch (20), this mutes all other inputs to