SoundCraft mini Stagebox 32i Troubleshooting guide

®
by HARMAN
User & Installation Guide

Soundcraft Mini Stagebox 32iUser/Installation Guide 0514
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by HARMAN
®
IMPORTANT
Please read this manual carefully before using
your unit for the first time.
© Harman International Industries Ltd. 2017
All rights reserved. Parts of the design of this product may be patented.
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
http://www.soundcraft.com

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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
SAFETY NOTICES
SAFETY SYMBOL GUIDE
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE (ESD)
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WORKING SAFELY WITH SOUND
FEATURES 9
MINI STAGEBOX FRONT PANEL 10
MINI STAGEBOX REAR PANEL 10
MOUNTING MINI STAGEBOX 11
MADI LINK 11
CONNECTING IT UP 12
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MINI STAGEBOX CONNECTING TO Vi CONSOLE RANGE
CONSOLES MINI STAGEBOX CONNECTING TO Si OR Vi1
CONSOLES MINI STAGEBOX CONNECTING TO TWO CONSOLES 14
SPECIFICATIONS 15
WARRANTY 17
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INTRODUCTION
For your own safety and to avoid invalidation of the warranty all text marked
with these symbols should be read carefully.
WARNINGS
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of un-insulated “dangerous voltage” within
the product’s enclosure that may be of sufcient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
CAUTIONS
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.
NOTES
These notes contain important information and useful tips on
the operation of your equipment.
HEADPHONES SAFETY WARNING
These notes contain important information and
useful tips on headphone outputs and monitoring
levels.
ESD WARNING
The crossed-out hand symbol is intended to alert the user to
devices sensitive to electrostatic discharge. Please refer to the
instructions on page 6.
SAFETY NOTICES
For updated safety and certification information, go to: http://
www.soundcraft.com/safetyandcertifications.
FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AND TO AVOID INVALIDATION OF THE
WARRANTY PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY.
SAFETY SYMBOL GUIDE

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED. Under no circumstances should the safety
earth be disconnected from the mains lead.
The mains supply disconnect device is the mains plug. It must remain accessible so as
to be readily operable when the apparatus is in use.
If any part of the mains cord set is damaged, the complete cord set should be
replaced. The following information is for reference only.
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:
Earth (Ground): Green and Yellow (US - Green/Yellow)
Neutral: Blue (US - White)
Live (Hot): Brown (US - Black)
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 symbol.
The wire which is coloured Blue must be connected to the terminal in the plug
which is marked with the letter N.
The wire which is coloured Brown must be connected to the terminal in the plug
which is marked with the letter L.
Ensure that these colour codes are followed carefully in the event of the plug being
changed.
This unit is capable of operating over a range of mains voltages as marked on the rear panel.
The internal power supply unit contains no user serviceable parts. Refer all servicing
to a qualied service engineer, through the appropriate Soundcraft dealer.
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ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE (ESD)
Many semiconductor components are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD).
The lifespan of assemblies containing such components can be drastically reduced
by improper handling during maintenance and repair. Please observe the following
rules when handling ESD sensitive components:
•ESD sensitive components should only be stored and transported in the
packing material specifically provided for this purpose.
•When performing a repair by replacing complete assemblies, the removed
assembly must be sent back to the supplier in the same packing material in
which the replacement assembly was shipped. If this should not be the case,
any claim for a possible refund will be null and void.
•Unpacked ESD sensitive components should only be handled in ESD protected
areas (EPA, e.g. area for field service, repair or service bench) and only be
touched by persons wearing a wrist band connected to the ground potential of
the repair or service bench by a series resistor. The equipment to be repaired or
serviced as well as all tools and electrically semi-conducting work, storage, and
floor mats should also be connected to this ground potential.
•The terminals of ESD sensitive components must not come in uncontrolled
contact with electro statically chargeable or metallic surfaces that would result
in a puncture voltage and a discharge shock hazard.
•To prevent the components from undefined transient stress and possible
damage due to inadmissible voltages or compensation currents, electrical
connections should only be established or separated when the equipment is
switched off and after any capacitor charges have decayed.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including ampliers) that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of a 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 t 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,
convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specied by the manufacturer,
or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of
time.
Refer all servicing to qualied service 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 fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
NOTE: 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.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus
to rain or moisture. Do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing and do not
place objects lled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus. No naked ame
sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
Ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items
such as newspapers, table cloths, curtains etc.

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WORKING SAFELY WITH SOUND
Although your new unit will not make any noise until you feed it signals, it has
the capability to produce sounds which when monitored through a PA system or
headphones can damage hearing over time.
The table below is taken from the US Department of Labor directive on
occupational noise exposure (1926.52):
PERMISSIBLE NOISE EXPOSURE
DURATION PER DAY,
HOURS
SOUND LEVEL dBA
SLOW RESPONSE
8 90
6 92
4 95
3 97
2 100
1.5 102
1 105
0.5 110
<0.25 115
Conforming to this directive will minimise the risk of hearing damage caused by
long listening periods. A simple rule to follow is — the longer you listen, the lower
the average volume should be.
Please take care when working with your audio. If you are manipulating controls
which you don’t understand (which we all do when we are learning), make sure
your monitors are turned down.
Most importantly — don’t be afraid to experiment to find out how each parameter
affects the sound — this will extend your creativity and help you to get the best
results.
Recommended headphone impedance is 50-600 ohms.

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FEATURES
The Mini Stagebox 32i is ideal for for expanding the I/O capabilities of
any of the Vi or Si range of Soundcraft consoles regardless of whether
that I/O is needed locally or at a distance.
The Soundcraft Mini Stagebox 32i requires only 3U of rack space, and in
this tiny footprint, provides 32 recallable mic/line inputs and 12
balanced line outputs, all lifted directly from the Soundcraft console
family.
The Mini Stagebox 32i is connected to a host console using a CAT5
cable and RJ45 connectors. Using two cables to a single console offers
redundant MADI capability when the mode switch is set to "RED".
Audio can be supplied to two different consoles by using the Main and
Aux connections simultaneously. In this instance, one console should be
nominated to have control of the Mic input gains and phantom power.
Set the switch to Main or Aux according to which console you have
selected to have control.
The efficient design of the Mini Stagebox 32i negates the need for a fan
making it ideal for applications where silent operation is critical.

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1. MIC/LINE IN 1-16
2. MIC LINE IN 17-32
3. LINE OUT 1-12
4. MADI CONNECTIONS
5. POWER INDICATORS
MINI STAGEBOX 32iFRONT PANEL
1. AC INLET
MINI STAGEBOX 32iREAR PANEL
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MOUNTING MINI STAGEBOX 32i
When installed in a 19" rack mount ensure all four mounting holes are
used.
If mounted with other equipment that may get hot it is recommended
to leave a 1U gap between the equipment.
In all scenarios, the air vents must not be obstructed. The Mini
Stagebox32i must not be mounted in a fully sealed enclosure.
MADI LINK CONNECTIONS
The Mini Stagebox 32i RJ45 connections provide digital audio and
control connections to the console through Cat-5 MADI links.
The corresponding MADI card connections in Soundcraft consoles
transmit the clock for the Mini Stagebox 32i through the MADI stream.
Each card on Si Consoles can only control a single Mini Stagebox mic
pre's functionality.
The second (AUX) connector can be used to provide a redundant
connection to the console, or to connect to a second console. The MAIN/
AUX switch changes the mode of the mic preamp control and
redundancy setting.
- When the switch is set to "MAIN", the console connected to the MAIN
port will have the mic preamp control.
-When the the switch is set to "AUX" the console connected to the AUX
port will have the mic preamp control.
-When the switch is set to "REDUNDANT" the console will operate in
REDUNDANT mode.
The MADI mode light indicates its clock status with the ‘LOCK’ LED.
It is possible to connect two different consoles to the MAIN and
AUX ports, and provide a split of the mic inputs to the two consoles.
However, be aware of which console has control of the preamp
gains and is able to send signals to the Mini Stagebox 32i outputs.
The main console is determined by the Main/Aux/Redundant
switch.

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CONNECTING IT UP
MINI Stagebox 32i Connecting to Vi-Range Consoles Note:
Connections from the local rack to the Mini Stagebox 32i may
vary depending on actual flight case and breakout panel
options.
Local Rack
RJ45 cables
MINI Stagebox 32i
See notes regarding setup of
preamp control on page 11.

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MINI STAGEBOX 32iCONNECTING TO Si OR Vi1 CONSOLES
•Connections from the console to the MINI Stagebox 32i may vary
depending on actual flight case and breakout panel options.
MINI Stagebox 32i
See notes regarding setup of
preamp control on page 11.
Si Performer (Vi1 or other Si series)
With optional MADI card in the extension slot(s).
RJ45 cables

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MINI STAGEBOX CONNECTING TO TWO CONSOLES
‘MAIN’ console ‘AUX’ console
MINI Stagebox 32i
Dual Cat5 MADI mode with the switch
set to "MAIN".
This console will control preamp gain
and will be able to access the Mini
Stagebox outputs.
RJ45 cables

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MINI STAGEBOX 32i TYPICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response
Signal path: Stagebox Mic input to Stagebox line output, 4dBu input signal, 4dB input Mic gain. 20Hz – 20kHz
+0.5dB /- 0.5dB
THD & Noise
Signal path: Stagebox Mic In (at minimum gain, -5dB) to Stagebox Line Output.
Measurement is taken with 8dBu, 1kHz input signal, 20Hz – 20kHz filters applied, unweighted.
0.004%
Signal path: Mic In with 50dB gain to Stagebox Line Output
Measurement is taken with -40dBu, 1kHz input signal20Hz – 20kHz filters, unweighted.
<0.02%
THD Only
Signal path: Stagebox Mic In (at minimum gain, -5dB) to Stagebox Line Output.
Measurement is taken with 8dBu, 1kHz input signal, 20Hz – 20kHz filters applied, unweighted.
0.002%
Signal path: Mic In with 50dB gain to Stagebox Line Output
Measurement is taken with -40dBu, 1kHz input signal20Hz – 20kHz filters, unweighted.
<0.015%
Mic Input E.I.N.
Mic input is fitted with 150 Ohm Termination jack. Signal is routed to console AES output.
Measurement is taken with 22Hz – 22kHz bandwidth, unweighted.
Input signal of -40dBu.
Max Gain = (Output level (dBFS) + clip point in dBu) – Input level (dBu))
E.I.N = Max Gain – (noise floor(dBFS) + clip point in dBu)
126dBu
Residual Noise (Noise floor)
Master output; no inputs routed, Mix fader @0dB
<-87dBu
Crosstalk
10dB input gain, -22dBu 10kHz input signal, Adjacent channels
<-80dB

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Digital Format
Sampling Frequency 48kHz
Converter Resolution 24 bit
Latency
MSB In -> Mixer -> MSB Out
1.5ms
Internal Clock
Accuracy
+25ppm
Input & Output Levels
Mic inputs
23.5dBu max
Bus Outputs
21.5dBu max
Nominal Operating Level
0dBu (-22dBFs)
Mains Voltage Operating Range
90-264VAC, 47-63Hz
Mains Power Consumption
50W
Temperature/Humidity Range
Operating Temperature Range
0 to +50 C
Relative Humidity
0 to 90%
Storage temperature range
-10 to +50 C

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WARRANTY
1 Soundcraft is a trading division of Harman International Industries Ltd.
End User means the person who rst 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 36 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 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 valid if:
a) the Equipment has been properly installed in accordance with instructions contained in Soundcraft’s
manual; and
b) the End User has notied 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 specications and otherwise in all respects in
accordance with 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 inuences, accidental damage, Acts of God, neglect, deciency
in electrical power, air-conditioning or humidity control.
6 The benet 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.
PRODUCTS UNDER WARRANTY
UK customers should contact their local dealer.
Customers outside the UK are requested to contact their territorial distributor who is able to offer support in the
local time zone and language. Please see the distributor listings on our website (www.soundcraft.com) to locate your
local distributor.
OUT-OF-WARRANTY PRODUCTS
For all out-of-warranty services, please contact the appropriate territorial distributor.
When mailing or faxing please remember to give as much information as possible. This should include your name,
address and a daytime telephone number. Should you experience any difficulty please contact Customer Services
Department (e-mail: [email protected]).

by HARMAN
®
www.soundcraft.com