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SOUNDCRAFT 324 Details324 Live is a compact digital mixer which addresses the unique requirements of the Live Sound reinforcements engineer. Equally comfortable touring with a small band, installed in a Theatre, or providing vocal reinforcements in a Place of Worship, 324 Live is equipped as standard to handle a wide variety of Sound Reinforcement tasks. Based on the proven technology of the Digital 328 console, 324 Live boasts much of the standard featureset of its powerful Project Studio sibling. However, to reflect the unique requirements of Live Sound mixing, 324 incorporates a number of adaptations and new features designed to assist the Live Sound operator in creating the desired mix with the minimum of fuss. The compact footprint of the console belies the power behind the front panel. With up to 32 inputs plus 2 stereos, 4 Auxiliary sends, 2 internal FX units with dedicated sends and returns, 4 Groups, 4 Matrices, Left/Right and Mono busses, 324 Live delivers exceptional flexibility in a small package.
ANALOGUE INPUTS 324 Live offers 16 Mic / Line inputs, referred to as BANK A. Connection to these is via either the balanced XLR connector, or the balanced 1/4” TRS Jack. Each of the 16 inputs benefits from Spirit’s UltraMic+ preamp. This renowned design provides some 28dB of headroom, and 66dB of gain range with sensitivity adjustable from +6dBu to -60dBu. This wide range allows simple and fast control over Live microphone signals, where unpredictable levels pose a constant challenge. Immediately after the gain control sits a steep 18dB per octave high-pass filter – invaluable in helping remove microphone handling noise, excessive proximity effect and low frequency stage “rumble”. The final stage before conversion of the audio into the digital domain is an Insert point, allowing connection of external processing devices in the analogue domain. Although the integrated Dynamics Processors on 324 Live allow extensive processing of incoming signals, there are times when only that favourite old valve Compressor will fit the bill. Metering The sixteen 10-segment, peak-reading LED meters on 324 Live may be selected to display levels for the Mic/Line (BANK A) inputs, the Digital T-DIF (BANK B) inputs, or the Master Outputs. They may also be configured to show the gain reduction applied by Dynamics processors inserted into any given channel. Below each meter is an ALT PK LED. Since 324 Live can handle up to 32 inputs (BANK A and BANK B), and only 16 of these may be metered at any time, there is a good chance that a peaking channel may not currently be shown on the meters. To assist in finding such peaking channels, the ALT PK LED below each meter will illuminate to show that the associated channel on the bank not currently selected for metering (the “hidden” bank) has peaked. The user may then select that bank for more detailed viewing and editing, or choose to ignore that warning. REAR CONNECTOR PANEL 324 Live supports a total of 32 channel inputs : 16 conventional Mic/Line inputs (BANK A), and 16 additional inputs in the form of two 8-way bi-directional Digital T-DIF connectors (BANK B). Each of the T-DIF connectors will support 8 inputs (and 8 outputs), which might come from a T-DIF equipped Digital Multitrack Tape machine or Computer Soundcard, or from one of the optional Spirit Digital T-DIF Interfaces. Using the Mic/Line T-DIF interface, for example, 8 additional fully-featured Mic/Line inputs (plus 8 outputs) with separate Phantom power switches may be connected to each port. Fitting two of these results in a 324 Live with 32 conventional Mic/Line inputs. The console also offers a Digital Stereo input, in the form of a Sample Rate Converted S/PDIF or AES/EBU Input. This stereo input has all the digital capabilities of the Mono inputs, but level control is via a rotary encoder rather than a linear fader. 324 Live E-Strip and Channel Select
The “layered”, paged approach of a digital mixing console could easily have reduced this accessibility. However, 324 Live employs the “E-Strip” – the same class-leading interface as its sister console, the Digital 328. Based on the idea of a conventional channel strip rotated through 90 degrees, this multi-function strip is the heart of 324 Live’s user interface, and is the key to fast Live operation. The E-Strip works in one of two modes – Channel Select or Function Select – selected automaticall y depending on the user’s last keypress. These two modes offer two different views of the same channel information; either a complete view of the information for one channel, or a view of one particular function across all channels. CHANNEL SELECT In Channel Select mode, the E-strip offers a conventional channel strip, oriented from left to right across the 16 encoders rather than verticall y. Above each channel fader is an associated SEL(ect) switch. Pressing SELect on any channel will result in that channel being presented on the E-Strip for viewing and editing of the channel parameters. The 3-band parametric EQ, the sends to the 4 Auxiliaries and 2 FX, and Pan are all now adjusted simply by moving the associated controls. Since the SELect switch is associated with the channel fader below, selecting channels on BANK B is as simple as pressing the BANK B switch in the FADER BANK area (bringing the BANK B inputs onto the faders), then SELecting the appropriate channel. This mode is particularly useful when configuring channels during rehearsal and setup. It might be appropriate to view each channel in detail as each performer plays or sings into their microphone, and make the required detailed adjustments to their EQ and sends. Channel mode is fine when editing one channel in detail. However, if, for example, an FX unit is suddenly being overloaded, it would be useful to see which channels were sending to that Auxiliary, and in what quantity. That’s where Function Select mode comes in. FUNCTION SELECT In Function Select mode, the 16 encoders will show a single selected function from the E-Strip across all channels. To take the above example, pressing the AUX1 switch above the E-Strip will turn all the encoders into AUX1 send controls for the channels below. It is now a simple task to locate the offending channel, and reduce the send level. Apart from the channel sends, the E-Strip Function may also be set to LEVEL. In this mode, the 16 encoders show and edit the channel level for those channels not on the faders. So, when BANK A inputs are on the faders, BANK B inputs are on the encoders and vice versa. This gives access to level control for all 32 Inputs without the need for paging. COPYING DATA It is often useful to copy channel parameters from one input to another. When aligning EQs across three backing vocal mics, for example, or when an instrument is repatched from one input to another. Copying channel information on 324 Live is accomplished simply by pressing and holding the SELect switch on the source channel, then pressing the SELect switch on the desired destination channel(s). CHANNEL SWITCHES The Select Panel When a channel is SELected onto the E-strip, the SELECT panel to the right of the fader tray becomes active for that channel. The SELECT panel contains all the switches usually associated with an audio channel: Soloing, Muting, Audio Routing. Pressing any of these switches will toggle the state for the currently selected channel. Just as with the E-Strip, the Select panel can operate in a secondary mode. Pressing and holding any of the switches in the Select panel will result in the console going into “Query” mode. In this state, the SELect switches above each of the channel faders take the function of the switch being held in the Select panel. Pressing and holding the MIX switch, for example, will display the ROUTE TO MIX status for each channel by illuminating the SELect button for the associated input, which may also be used for editing the status. FADER SWITCHES These are dedicated to key channel functions, and operate just as their Select Panel equivalents, but their status is available to view and edit regardless of which channel is SELected. It is therefore possible to toggle EQ in/out, MUTE channels or SOLO channels without having to SELect the channel first. CHANNEL FUNCTIONS Drops that channel 180 degrees out of phase. Particularly useful for undermiking snares, and emergency fixes for out-of-phase wiring. DIR PRE Derives the Direct output for that channel before the channel fader, so fader movements no longer have any effect on the level sent. DIR=CHAN The source for the Digital outputs carried on the T-DIF connectors may be selected to be Group outputs 1-4 (pattern repeated 3 times to cover the 16 direct outputs) or Direct from BANK A channels 1-16. When DIR=CHAN is selected, the source of the associated Direct output is the channel path. When it is off, the source is the associated Group. DIR ON Activates the channel Direct output. The EQ on 324 Live is a 3-band fully parametric type. HF: ±15dB Swept / Shelving 1kHz-20kHz, Q 0.3-2.8 MF: ±15dB Swept 200Hz-8kHz, Q 0.3-2.8 LF: ±15dB Swept / Shelving 40Hz-800kHz, Q 0.3-2.8 Mute The MUTE switch mutes all sends from the associated channel – even those Aux and FX sends set to derive their feed PRE- channel fader. Only the Direct output is unaffected. Solo The Solo switch activates the current The Select Panel Phase SOLO mode for the associated channel. Solo modes available are: PFL: prefade listen – useful for troubleshooting instruments during a performance, as the SOLOed channel appears only in the engineer’s headphones and the Monitor outputs. AFL: after fade listen – useful for confirming the real output level of a fader. SIP (Solo in Place): leaves the SOLOed channel and any channel defined as SIP-safe unaffected, but mutes all other inputs to the console, effectively leaving only the SOLOed channel running through the selected outputs. Useful for hearing an individual instrument through the full-range system. SIP SAFE A partner function to SOLO IN PLACE, SIP SAFE protects the associated channel from SIP muting. This is very useful when SIPed channels should ideally be heard with their associated FX returns. Arming SIP SAFE on the FX Returns will result in the FX remaining intact when any channel is SIPed. GRP1 / GRP2 / GRP3 / GRP4 The Group switches will route the post-fade signal for the associated channel to Groups 1 through 4. Groups may be linked together into pairs for ease of stereo subgroup operation if required. Mix The MIX switch routes the post-fade signal from the associated channel to the Left/Right Mix buss. Mono The MONO switch routes the post-fade signal from the associated channel to the MONO buss 324 Live Faders & Master Control Section The Faders on 324 Live are of the 100mm motorised type. They will apply a gain range of -∞ to +10dBu for all input channels, and -∞ to 0dBu (Unity) on all output faders. The input or output BANK to be affected by the faders is selected in the FADER BANK panel. Here, the operator may select either BANK A (Inputs 1-16), BANK B (Inputs 17-32), or the MASTERS BANK (all output masters except L/R). In addition, a second press on the currently illuminated BANK switch will activate a fourth "hidden" mode of the faders: in this mode, the 16 faders will act as 16 Assignable MIDI Continuous Controller Masters. Up to 64 MIDI Controller Maps, or "Presets", may be stored in 324 Live for later recall . MASTER CONTROL SECTION The Master section of 324 Live houses the controls for the internal Snapshot automation system, general console configuration, and the integrated Lexicon FX and Dynamics units. AUTOMATION The Automation system in a Live sound console needs to be intuitive, clear and sufficiently flexible to allow for the inevitable variances in the performance from night to night, show to show. 324 Live's internal snapshot automation system allows up to 100 Snapshots of the console status to be created for later recall . All primary digital audio parameters are reset, along with the parameters of both the FX and Dynamics units. In addition to the console audio, 324 Live also permits up to 10 MIDI Events to be tagged onto each Snapshot. These Events may be Program Changes (ideal for resetting external FX or Sampler devices) or Note On messages (with duration and velocity, great for triggering Samplers to replay Sound FX). This integration of MIDI with the Audio in the console means that 324 Live is equally at home either as the core of a completely automated sceneset / FX replay system for Theatre sound, or as the centrepiece of a PA rig with recall of external FX units. Replay Once snapshots are stored in the Cue List, they may be recall ed in sequence using the NEXT and LAST switches. operator to activate the LOCKOUT Navigation Switches The NEXT switch simply steps sequentially from one Cue to the next, and the LAST switch recall s the previously recall ed cue. LAST is a "press and hold" function to help prevent accidental LAST Cue recall . In addition to the Cue name and snapshot number in the main LCD, for clarity the current Cue number is also displayed in a large format LED display in the centre of the Master section. In order to avoid accidental erasure of important data, this display also includes an "E" to denote that a Cue slot is empty and may be safely overwritten. To the right of the main digits, an "o" symbol denotes the presence of MIDI Event programming in the Cue, so the user is alerted to the presence of MIDI in that Cue, and therefore the possibility of SFX being triggered by that Snapshot. Cues may also be recall ed out of sequence, using the CUE SCROLL function. Pressing CUE SCROLL reconfigures the PARAM encoder in the centre of the Master section as a Scroll wheel for the Cue list. This allows the user to move the cursor quickly through the Cue list. Pressing RECALL when the required Cue is shown will replay that data to the console. Navigation Switches To assist in fast navigation of the LCD screens, four Page Selection switches are placed around the display, which access key elements of the 324 Live Setup menu hierarchy. These allow direct access to the MIDI, Snapshot, Presets (FX, DYN and MIDI) and Menu switches. Jump & Mark Since it is often useful when programming to move back and forth between two pages (for example between the MIDI Continuous Controller programming page and the MIDI Event programming page), 324 Live uses a Jump and Mark concept, using the F1 and F2 keys as assignable page markers. Pressing and holding the F1 or F2 switch when the desired page is present on the LCD will result in the page location being stored into that F key. Pressing the F key at any point thereafter will return the user to the stored page location for that key. Console Lock It is often necessary for the operator to leave a Live Sound console unattended (pre-show, problemsolving during a show, etc.) and during that time, the control surface of a mixer can sometimes prove too much of a temptation for members of the audience. Pressing and holding the padlock symbol switch allows the function, which results in the illumination of the console surface being deactivated, and the faders being parked at the bottom of their travel. Various levels of lockout are available, ranging from combinations of Faders or Automation to the whole surface, so the security level can be set as appropriate. Audio will continue to pass when the console is in a LOCKED state. Unlocking the desk is achieved either by pressing and holding the lock switch, or by cycling power to the console. MUTE GROUPS Mute Groups offer the Live Sound operator an extremely effective way of eliminating certain groups of unwanted channels from the Mix with a single button press. Each channel on 324 Live may be assigned to none, any or all of the 4 Mute groups. When the Mute Group Master switch is pressed for a Mute Group, all channels assigned to that Mute Group will be muted. This is particularly useful during rehearsal periods, when trying to identify problem areas in a mix, or when handling a large number of radio mics with performers frequently leaving or entering the stage. Putting different groups of radio users into different Mute Groups depending on when they are onstage will allow simple muting of sets of mics as performers come and go, without having to create snapshots. Mute groups can also be used to create Mix “blocks” to assist in troubleshooting the mix. It might be appropriate, for example, to put the whole band into MUTE Group 1, the Radio mics onto MUTE Group 2, the FX returns onto MUTE Group 3, and the Matrix outputs onto MUTE Group 4. The operator now has a number of single switch presses which will remove or add certain elements of the mix, and can easily listen to Radio Mics, Radios plus Band, Radios with FX, Radios without FX, and so on. Configuring Mute Group assignments is achieved by pressing and holding the appropriate Mute Group Master switch, at which point the channel SELect switches will toggle channels into or out of that Group. Mute Group assignment and status may be included in console snapshots if required. STEREO INPUTS In addition to the 32 channel inputs, 324 Live offers an additional pair of stereo inputs. These take the form of an Analogue Stereo input (which can derive its signal either from a pair of 1/4” balanced Jacks, from the digital S/PDIF, or from the digital AES/EBU inputs), and one Digital Stereo input, which derives its signal from either the S/PDIF or the AES/EBU inputs. Both stereo channels have associated SELect switches, and may therefore be assigned to the E-Strip with access to all the EQ, Routing and Soloing features of the conventional Mono inputs. Only the DIRECT OUT is unavailable. LEXICON FX 324 Live includes two dedicated Lexicon FX units, which offer a huge range of high quality FX including some of the renowned Lexicon Reverb algorithms. The outputs from these devices appear at the FX1 and FX2 Return encoders, which can be selected onto the E-Strip for EQ and Routing using the dedicated SELect switches. Auxiliary (external) and FX (internal) sends from Input Channels may be defined as Pre- or Post-fader per send. That is, Aux 1-4 and FX1 and FX2 may be independently configured such that sends from channels are affected by channel fader movements, or remain static regardless of channel fades. Pre-fade sends are most often used for artist foldback (which most artists prefer to remain at a consistent level), Post-fade sends most often for connection of external FX devices. For monitor applications, sends configured as Pre-fade may also be defined as Pre- or Post-EQ (note that Pre-EQ sends are also Pre-Dynamics). CHANNEL / GROUP LINK 324 Live allows linking of pairs of Groups or Channels. Groups are usually linked to facilitate handling of stereo subgroups, but this can also be useful to set up identical feeds to two different destinations (e.g. broadcast split). Channels are linked to allow for stereo pairs of inputs (e.g. synthesizer pairs). The scope of channel links may be defined as required, but is usually set to all parameters except Pan. OUTPUTS Output capabilities are paramount when choosing a Live console, and 324 Live caters for a wide variety of applications. Auxiliaries For connection to external FX processing, or artist foldback, 4 Auxiliary sends are provided on 1/4” balanced jacks. Should more than 4 sends be required, the FX1 and FX2 sends (which carry the signals to the Internal Lexicon FX units) may be assigned to appear at the FL1 and FL2 Floating outputs on balanced male XLRs. The signals will continue to reach the Internal FX units, but using FL1 and FL2 a full 6 Auxiliary busses can be broken out in the analogue domain. Main Outputs Main (Left / Right) Mix outputs appear on a pair of balanced male XLRs. The Mono buss does not have a dedicated output, but instead defaults to FL1 output on a balanced male XLR. Groups The 4 Group busses on 324 Live do not have dedicated outputs, but attaching an optional Mic/Line Interface unit and defeating the DIR=CHAN switches on four channels will result in the Group busses appearing on the balanced 1/4” jack connections of the Mic/Line Interface. Alternatively, 2 of the Groups may be assigned to the FL1 and FL2 assignable outputs, on balanced male XLRs. Matrices The 4 Matrix outputs on 324 Live appear on dedicated balanced male XLRs, and can derive their feed from Groups 1-4, the Left/Right Mix Buss, or the Mono Buss. Although usually employed for speaker feeds, mapping groups to matrices 1:1 (GRP1-MTX1 etc) could be used to break out the 4 Groups on XLR outputs. Monitors Monitor outputs are provided on 1/4” balanced jacks, with an associated output level control. Monitor outputs are intended for use with small powered nearfield monitor speakers, and will by default carry the MIX signal. The default signal is over-ridden by any SOLO operation performed on the console. Talkback A talkback control is provided to allow the engineer to speak to certain outputs, which may correspond to the performers onstage, to particular parts of the room, or to backstage areas. Signal is derived from a single female XLR, with an associated gain control.
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SOUNDCRAFT 324 DIGITAL MIXER
