ALLEN&HEATH GL3800 USER GUIDE Publication AP6157
Limited One Year Warranty This product has been manufactured in the UK by ALLEN&HEATH and is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase by the original owner. To ensure a high level of performance and reliability for which this equipment has been designed and manufactured, read this User Guide before operating.
Important Safety Instructions WARNINGS - Read the following before proceeding : CAUTION ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE – NE PAS OUVRIR Read instructions: Read and retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference. Adhere to all warnings printed here and on the console. Follow the operating instructions printed in this User Guide. Do not remove cover: Operate the console and power units with their covers correctly fitted.
General Precautions Damage To prevent damage to the controls and cosmetics avoid placing heavy objects on the control surface, scratching the surface with sharp objects, or rough handling and vibration. Environment Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat and vibration when operating and storing. Avoid tobacco ash, smoke, drinks spillage, and exposure to rain and moisture. If the console or its power unit becomes wet, switch off and remove mains power immediately.
Introduction Welcome to the Allen & Heath GL3800, the latest generation of the popular GL series of dual function live sound mixing consoles. We have tried to keep this user guide brief and to the point. Please read it fully before starting. Included is information on installing, connecting and operating the console, panel drawings, system block diagram and technical specification.
LAMP +48V 30 LINE DUAL STEREO RETURN (PAD) 0 40 GAIN 50 DUAL FUNCTION AUDIO MIXING CONSOLE POLARITY LINE (PAD) 20 GL3800 +48V POLARITY 0 20 30 STEREO GAIN -5 40 GAIN 50 0 -10 60 40 6 -14 6 HPF 12k 1k -15 3k +15 4k 700 1k 6k 15k 500Hz 700 HM 6k AUX 70 LM -15 250 70 400 35Hz 1k 180 LM 35Hz 1k LF +15 80Hz LF +15 AUX +6 5 GRP 5 5 +6 GRP +6 GRP 6 GRP 6 M 6 +6 +6 GRP 7 7 L-R +6 GRP GRP 7 10 +6 7 L-R 3 +6 5 20 20 30 30 +
The Range: GL3800-824m 24 channels, 2 dual stereo returns GL3800-832m 32 channels, 2 dual stereo returns GL3800-840m 40 channels, 2 dual stereo returns GL3800-848m 48 channels, 2 dual stereo returns m = A all mono channels B 4 stereos to right of masters C 4 stereos on right of console D 8 stereos on right of console L/M 2TRK OUT 2TRK IN RPS11 Power Supply GL3800-SLV2 Sys-Link V2 console in/out expander option kit IN IN IN 4 MTX OUT 3 MTX OUT 2 MTX OUT IN L/M L/M L/M L/M 1 MTX O
Introducing the Allen & Heath GL3800 The GL3800 is a large format 8-bus dual function analogue mixing console designed for professional audio applications. Whether mixing FOH, monitors or both, recording live or in the studio, installed in a busy venue, out on the road touring, or earning its keep in rental stock, the GL3800 provides the perfect solution. Engineered to the same exacting standards as our top of the range consoles it ensures the highest reliability and finest sonic performance.
Here are just a few key points we considered when specifying the GL3800: Choice Our goal has been to provide a truly professional range of consoles to satisfy your mixing needs, whatever the application. The GL3800 is not only available in 4 different frame sizes, but also 4 different mono/stereo channel combinations for each size… that is a choice of no less than 16 variants! You can even extend the number of channels feeding the mix by linking two consoles using our Sys-Link option.
Installing the Console The GL3800 has a robust, all metal chassis design. It is convenient both for fixed installation and flight casing. The control surface has a 10 degree slope for optimum visibility during operation. The rear connector panel is recessed and angled for ease of plugging and unplugging the connectors. Free Standing The console has rubber feet fitted for free standing operation on a flat surface.
Connecting Power A B DC POWER IN (MAIN) (BACKUP) USE ONLY THE RECOMMENDED ALLEN & HEATH POWER SUPPLY Read and understand the Important Safety Instructions printed at the start of this guide, and the warnings printed on the rear of the console. Check that your local mains supply voltage is the same as that marked on the rear of the RPS11 power unit. Check that the correct mains lead with moulded plug has been supplied.
19 0V (CHS) 18 L+ 17 R+ 16 GRP 1+ 15 GRP 2+ 14 GRP 3+ 13 GRP 4+ 12 AUX 1+ 11 AUX 2+ 10 AUX 3+ 9 AUX 4+ 8 AUX 5+ 7 AUX 6+ 6 PFL+ 5 AFL+ 4 nc 3 PFL DC 2 AFL DC 1 0V (PAFL) 19 0V (CHS) 18 M+ 17 nc 16 GRP 5+ 15 GRP 6+ 14 GRP 7+ 13 GRP 8+ 12 AUX 7+ 11 AUX 8+ 10 AUX 9+ 9 AUX 10+ 8 nc 7 nc 6 nc 5 nc 4 nc 3 nc 2 nc 1 nc L- 37 R- 36 GRP 1- 35 GRP 2- 34 GRP 3- 33 GRP 4- 32 AUX 1- 31 AUX 2- 30 AUX 3- 29 AUX 4- 28 AUX 5- 27 AUX 6- 26 PFL- 25 AFL- 24 nc 23 nc 22 nc 21 nc 20 M- 37 nc 36 GRP 5- 35 GRP 6- 34 GRP 7- 33
Audio Connections The GL3800 uses professional grade 3 pin XLR and 1/4" TRS (3 pole) jack sockets. To ensure best performance, we recommend that you use high quality audio cables and connectors, and take time to check for reliable and accurate cable assembly. It is well known that most audio system problems are due to faulty or sub standard interconnecting leads.
The Console Connectors MONO CHANNEL MIC / LINE IN The LINE (PAD) switch selects either the MIC XLR or the LINE TRS jack as the input source. The XLR is normalled through the TRS jack so that it can be used for microphone or line level signals when nothing is plugged into the jack socket. This gives the channel preamp a massive headroom with +34dBu maximum input capability using XLR or jack. Both inputs are balanced but can be wired to work with unbalanced signals when INPUT required.
OUT Operating Modes In FOH mode, LR and M feed the main PA. Groups outputs 18 may be used for multitrack recording, zone feeds and so on, or simply left unconnected where they are used as ‘subgroups’ to LRM for level masters and/or inserted processing. In monitor mode Groups 1-8 and LR XLRs and inserts become the 10 aux mix masters. Stereo Aux 9-10 is available on the LR XLRs. M becomes the engineer’s listen wedge AFL/PFL feed.
The MONO Input Channel +48V POLARITY LINE (PAD) 0 20 30 40 GAIN 50 -14 60 40 6 HPF 100Hz HF 12k -15 1k 3k +15 4k 700 HM -15 15k 180 +15 250 400 45 35Hz 1k -15 +15 -15 +15 LF WARNING: Do not connect unbalanced sources or cables to inputs with phantom power selected. To avoid loud clicks always mute the channel before switching +48V on or off and when plugging or unplugging microphones.
AUX SENDS These rotary controls adjust how much channel signal is mixed to each of the aux outputs. They adjusts from fully off to +6dB boost. Unity gain 0dB is marked at 3 o’clock position. HPF +5 0dB -5 AUX SENDS 1-8 Mono aux sends with independent control. -10 -15 AUX SENDS 9-10 A dedicated stereo aux send with level and pan controls. Set pre-fade to create stereo monitor mixes such as IEM. Set post-fade to create stereo recording feeds or to balance between two effects devices such as reverb.
The STEREO Input Channel (if fitted) +48V POLARITY LINE (PAD) 0 20 30 40 GAIN 50 -14 6 60 40 HPF 100Hz STEREO GAIN-10 -5 0 -20 5 -30 OO 16 -15 +15 -15 +15 Each GL3800 stereo channel features a mono microphone preamp as well as a stereo line input. These sources can be mixed together into the channel or split using the mic breakpoint, so providing a unique flexibility.
The STEREO Return Channel Two additional dual stereo return channels are provided. Each has two stereo line inputs which can be mixed together or used separately. ST1 and ST3 can be routed directly to LR instead of the return channels. This gives you the flexibility of mixing in four more stereo sources in a small panel space.
The GROUP / AUX Masters AUX 1-8 MASTERS Each aux mix has a master level control that AUX 0 1 OO +10 AFL REV GRP1 TO M GRP1 TO LR = PAN L R PK! +6 0 SIG MUTE adjusts the output level to match external equipment, or trims the monitor, effect or other send without affecting the mix balance. Up to +10dB boost is available above the normal 0dB position. Note that this becomes the group master in monitor mode.
The MUTE, AUX 9-10 and L-R-M Masters MUTE MASTERS 1-4 Press to mute all the input channels assigned to the mute group. Any combination of masters may be active at any time. The red LED indicates that the master is active. AUX 9-10 MASTER Controls the master level of stereo Aux 9-10. AUX 9-10 AUX 9-10 STEREO OO MUTE MONITOR +10 MUTE GROUPS REV REV mode switch Reverses Aux 9-10 rotary master with the L-R faders, inserts and XLR outputs. Recessed to prevent accidental operation.
12x4 MATRIX EXT IN OO +6 GRP 1 OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 GRP 2 GRP 3 GRP The matrix adds to the powerful multi-tasking capability of the GL3800. It provides a set of 4 additional console outputs. It is a ‘mixer within a mixer’ creating its output from any combination of the groups, main LR mix and external inputs. It can be used to provide duplicate main outputs or to create new mixes from these outputs.
2-TRACK REPLAY and CONSOLE MONITOR 2TRK REPLAY A stereo source such as a recording playback or PHONES 2TRK REPLAY TALKBACK MIN MAX +10 OO 2TRK TO LR OSC/NOISE POWER MIN MAX PINK NOISE 1kHz OSC L R +16 +9 +6 +3 0 -3 -6 -9 -12 -16 -20 -30 ON M L-R PFL/AFL MTX3-4 MONITOR 0 10 AUX 3-4 M AUX 5-8 L-R AUX 9-10 2TRK LATCH TALK Console Monitor Comprehensive engineer’s headphones and local monitoring is provided. Select the source from the monitor select switch bank.
TALKBACK and SIGNAL GENERATOR PHONES TALKBACK Individually assignable talkback is available to all the main outputs. Plug in a suitable cable or gooseneck microphone. A good quality dynamic or condenser vocal microphone is recommended. Note that +48V phantom power is available at the XLR as standard. If you prefer, this can be disabled by repositioning an internal jumper link. 2TRK REPLAY TALKBACK MIN MAX WARNING: Do not connect unbalanced sources or cables to inputs with phantom power selected.
GL3800 Applications and Operating Tips The following is a collection of brief descriptions, application notes, hints and tips to help the operator understand some of the technical terms referred to, and to get the most out of the uniquely capable GL3800 live sound mixing console. They are written as a concise reference to spark your imagination to creatively and effectively deal with the many challenges now faced in modern day mixing.
Using the Oscillator / Noise Generator The GL3800 includes a useful signal generator able to produce a pure 1kHz sine wave tone, or a pink noise test source. This is invaluable in testing the system components and setting up correct gain structure. The generator can be routed independently to the various console outputs.
AFL Note: The stereo Aux 9-10 and matrix 1-4 outputs can be monitored using the monitor select switch bank. This provides true stereo monitoring of these mixes. PFL/AFL automatically overrides any source selected on this switchbank.
Polarity POLARITY Refers to the positive (+) and negative (-) wires of a loudspeaker or balanced audio connection. The console input channels include POLARITY switches which reverse the + and – input connections.
Dual Functionality Now an industry standard, Allen & Heath pioneered this feature with the introduction of the first GL consoles in the ‘90s. In the past it was necessary to stock two different types of live sound console, one for mixing FOH (front-of-house), the other designed for mixing on-stage monitors. With the introduction of a few clever ‘mode’ switches we changed all that. Now, the same console can be quickly configured to carry out either task properly and without compromise.
Applications for the Matrix EXT IN EXT IN +6 OO GRP EXT IN +6 OO OO GRP 1 +6 OO +6 OO +6 OO GRP OO +6 OO +6 OO OO +6 OO +6 OO GRP +6 OO +6 OO GRP +6 OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 OO LEVEL OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 M +6 LEVEL OO MUTE OO R OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 M LEVEL MUTE +6 L +6 OO +6 8 R M OO GRP OO +6 OO M +6 L R +6 7 OO +6 OO GRP 8 OO R +6 GRP L +6 LEVEL +6 MUTE OO +6 MUTE MAX PINK NOISE
Create IEM Mixes with Ambience MIC OUT (BREAK POINT) STEREO LINE IN L/M L/M MIC OUT (BREAK POINT) 2TRK OUT STEREO LINE IN L/M R R MIC IN MIC IN 2TRK IN IN IN IN 4 MTX OUT 3 MTX OUT 2 MTX OUT IN L/M L/M L/M 1 MTX OUT ST4 ST3 ST2 R R R * R MONITOR OUT R INSERT M L OUT OUT M (WEDGE) R (10) TB/OSC OUT OUT L (9) INSERT R INSERT L INSERT 8 INSERT 7 INSERT 6 INSERT 5 INSERT 4 INSERT 3 AUX (R) 10 AUX (L) 9 AUX (GRP) 8 AUX (GRP) 7 AUX (GRP) 6 AUX (GRP) 5 AUX (GR
Mix and Aux-Fed Subs Driving the PA system sub bass speakers with their own mix has two main advantages. First, the mix is much cleaner because only sources that generate the low frequencies, for example kick drum, bass guitar, keyboards and sound effects are sent to the subs. Low frequency bleed from these sources into open microphones such as vocals and snare is eliminated from the PA much more effectively than using just the channel filters.
MIC OUT Using the Stereo Channels The full feature stereo channels (if fitted) and the two dual stereo returns present a unique flexibility. The channels each include a patchable mic input and a stereo line input. The returns each include two stereo inputs which can be mixed together or used separately. MIC OUT (BREAK POINT) (BREAK POINT) STEREO LINE IN L/M STEREO LINE IN L/M R R MIC IN MIC IN The mic preamp has a TRS jack MIC OUT breakpoint so that its output can be used independently.
Specifications Performance Maximum input level Mic CH Line Other Line +34dBu (inc pad) +34dBu +20dBu Maximum output level XLR Jack Internal headroom Channels Mix Meters Sensitivity Master meters Channel meters 3 colour LED, quasi peak response Moving coil VU with built-in LED peak indicators 0VU = +4dBu at XLR output 12 segment -30 to +16dB 4 segment -12,0,+6+16dB (5dB before clip) Frequency response 20Hz to 50kHz Mic CMRR at 1kHz > 80dB typical THD+n at +14dBu 1kHz Mic to mix out < 0.
Connections Mono channel XLR balanced pin 2 hot TRS balanced, tip hot Total gain range Pad out (MIC) Pad in (MIC or LINE) Max input level XLR phantom power Sensitivity -60 to +14dBu Sensitivity -40 to +14dBu 74dB 2k ohm >10k ohm, -20dB attenuation +34dBu +48V, on/off Stereo channel Mic in Stereo in Same as mono channel TRS balanced >10k ohm, -16 to +20dBu Stereo return ST1/3 ST2/4 TRS unbal >10k ohm, -16 to +20dBu TRS balanced >10k ohm, -16 to +20dBu Talkback mic XLR balanced pin 2 hot Phantom pow
MUTE 1-4 AUX 1-10 GRP 1-8 LR M PFL/AFL System Block Diagram GL3800 SYS-LINK CONNECTION SL PHANTOM POWER METER 4 BAND EQUALISER AFL PFL 48V GRP/AUX REV HF MUTE GAIN MIC LINE/PAD POL -20dB 2= + BALANCED HM HPF + - PAN EQ IN L-R FADER LINE INSERT 0dBu TIP= + GROUPS / AUX 1-8 3-4 LF TIP= SEND AUX OUT +10dB boost AUX MIX 1-2 LM TIP= + AUX SL M 7-8 PRE-INSERT, PRE-EQ FADER AFL +10dB boost GRP MIX SL INSERT PRE PRE-FADE A TIP= + 0dBu PRE PRE 2=+ +4dBu M2 JUMPER C
User Options The GL3800 has a versatile architecture which should satisfy most applications you may encounter without modification. However, the following internal options provide alternative settings for those applications that may demand them. Access is required to the internal assemblies. For user convenience, pluggable jumper links are used in most places. Do not adjust the user options while power is applied to the console. Do not remove or tamper with the internal power unit, its cover or wiring.
AUX 2 Aux pre/post EQ For convenience, this option PRE-EQ AUX 3 +6 OO MONO CHANNEL JUMPER E D C B A PR PO PO PR AUX 1-2 SW PR=PREFADE SW=SWITCHED PO=POSTFADE is a recessed front panel switch per channel. No internal access is required. The up position is postEQ, pressed is pre-insert and pre-EQ. Note that this setting affects all pre-fade sends from the channel, including auxes and direct output. DIR OUT CN4 Direct output source Factory default is prefader.
Output balance options The aux and matrix MASTER L GROUP 1&3 GROUP / MTX GROUP 2&4 R103 U5 R102 outputs are impedance balanced as standard operating at nominal -2dBu and with +20dBu maximum drive. They provide similar interference rejection to electronically balanced outputs when connected to balanced equipment inputs. An electronically balanced option is available if you require nominal +4dBu and higher output drive up to +26dBu over very long cable runs.
Cue Sheet 1 of 5 Master GL3800 Copy and use this page to record your console settings.
Cue Sheet 2 of 5 8M GL3800 Copy and use this page to record your console settings.
Cue Sheet 3 of 5 4SM GL3800 Copy and use this page to record your console settings.
Cue Sheet 4 of 5 4MS GL3800 Copy and use this page to record your console settings.
Cue Sheet 5 of 5 8S GL3800 Copy and use this page to record your console settings.
