MODEL SSM Synth and Line Mixer l Model SSM-24 l Model SSMEX-16 l Model SSMEX-32 Operation Manual
ii Notice Speck Electronics makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Speck Electronics shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material. This document contains proprietary information which is protected by copyright. All rights are reserved.
iii Contents Contents Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Initial Preparation General ...................................................................................... Operator Safety Summary ......................................................... Power Source ...................................................................... Grounding the product ........................................................ Use the proper power cord ..................................................
Contents iv Chapter 3 Installation General ...................................................................................... Mechanical Installation ............................................................. Physical Placement of Adjacent Equipment .............................. Power supply ............................................................................. Mounting location ............................................................... Configuring the AC ..............................
Contents v Rear Panel Controls ................................................................ 38 Chapter 5 Wiring and Other Input Channel Connections and Switches ................................. Effects Send and Return Connections ....................................... Master Input/Output Connections .............................................. Stereo Cue Return Section ......................................................... Mono Click Return Section ............................................
Chapter 1 1 Introduction Section Introduction General Thank you for purchasing our Model SSM Synth and Sampler Mixer. The Model SSM was designed from the ground up as a high performance mixer dedicated to the professional synth player. The Model SSM has operational features that are unique to our products and are somewhat technical in nature. We hope this manual is easy to understand. If you have any questions regarding the Model SSM or any Speck product, do not hesitate to contact Speck Electronics.
Chapter 1 Introduction Section 2 Figure 1.
Chapter 1 3 Introduction Section Figure 2.
Chapter 1 4 Introduction Section Do not remove covers or panels To avoid personal injury, do not remove the cover from the power supply, or the rear panel of the Model SSM or optional Expander. Never operate the external power supply without the covers and panels properly installed. If it becomes necessary to remove the rear panels of the SSM or optional Expander for service, always unplug the AC power and disconnect the DC interface cable before proceeding.
Chapter 1 Introduction Section Effects section 5 The effects section provides total control for up to 8 stereo effects devices. Each of the effects channels include an effects send master and associated solo. The effects return includes a stereo effects return level, pan, in-place solo, and mute. Each effects channel has a 1/4" send jack and two 1/4" jacks for the left and right effects returns.
Chapter 1 Introduction Section 6 Standard Accessories Regulated power supply The SSM is supplied with an external rack mount power supply that is capable of powering the Model SSM main unit and one additional Model SSM 16 input channel expander. The SSM requires the Model PS3-1.5 regulated power supply. The power supply is supplied with a 6 foot, 3 conductor AC power cord and a 8 foot shielded DC cable. The DC cable has a circular locking connector that insures a positive connection to the SSM.
Chapter 1 Introduction Section 7 This three rack space module incorporates 28 stereo or mono assign banks, 8 master outputs, 8 stereo effects returns, a complete monitoring section, and a stereo grand master feed. Any mono or stereo input channel from the Model SSM may be assigned to any of eight buss outputs. The eight busses may be used as individual outputs or as stereo groups. The eight busses have an associated level control and may be muted with a master kill switch.
Chapter 1 Introduction Section 8 Specifications Synthesizer Input Impedence Patch Point Return Impedence Effects Return Input Impedence Cue Return Input Impedence (Unbalanced) (Transformer Isolated) Click Return Input Impedence (Unbalanced) (Transformer Isolated) Aux Return Input Impedence Microphone Input Impedence (Optional) Patch Point Output Impedence Direct Out Impedence Effect Send Output Impedence Program Feed Output Impedence Monitor Feed Output Impedence Tuner Feed Output Impedence Synth Input
Chapter 1 9 Introduction Section Specifications (Cont.) Residual Noise Measurement (Synth In to Program Out) -82dBu Test Conditions: -10dBu signal at synth input. Input slide fader set to #10 position. Pan pot centered. Adjust program master to indicate 0VU (+4dBm) at program feed jack-left. Input signal removed and terminated with 10k ohms. Noise measured at program feed-left with a unweighted filter.
Chapter 2 10 Initial Preparation Initial Unpacking and Inspection The Model SSM is delivered in a special, protective container and was carefully inspected both mechanically and electrically before shipment. It should be physically free of mars and scratches and in perfect electrical order upon receipt. To confirm this, the product should be inspected for physical damage that may have occurred in transit. Any damage should be reported to your dealer and delivery company as soon as possible.
Chapter 2 Initial Preparation Rack grounding Repacking For Shipment 11 Merely affixing the Model SSM or optional SSM Expander into an equipment rack is no guarantee that the product is making a reliable ground connection. The mounting rails in the equipment rack should never be depended upon for a ground connection. The following information is provided as a general guide for repackaging your Model SSM for shipment.
Chapter 3 12 Installation Section Installation General The following information should give you the basics on how to install the Model SSM Main Unit, optional SSM Expander, and Model PS3 Power Supply. The proper installation of the SSM as a part of a larger system requires a clear understanding of audio wiring, AC distribution, grounding, and shielding techniques.
Chapter 3 Installation Section Power Supply 13 The Model SSM is supplied with the Model PS3-1.5 power supply that offers a variety of mounting options. The power supply may be placed on any flat surface, permanently affixed to a flat surface, or mounted on a single rack rail with the optional rack mount adapter.
Chapter 3 14 Installation Section There are five terminals available on the power transformer of the power supply. The configuration of the five terminals determines the operating voltage of the power supply. It is only necessary to change the black (line) and white (neutral) AC wires. Do not attempt to remove or change the Green AC safety wire or the multicolored wires used at the DC terminals.
Chapter 3 15 Installation Section Connecting the Power Supply Before connecting the circular DC power supply connector to the SSM, make certain the power supply is not plugged in. To connect the power supply to the main mixer, fit the circular connector from the DC power supply cable to the circular chassis mount receptacle mounted at the rear of the Model SSM. The respective connectors are keyed so the plug and chassis mount receptacle can fit in only one direction.
Chapter 3 16 Installation Section Attach the rack mount adapters to the left and right sides of the chassis with the eight screws and tighten. Optional Slide/Tilt Rack Adapters IMPORTANT! Default Control Settings In order to install the optional slide/tilt adapters it will be necessary to remove the standard rack mount adapters. The slide/tilt adapters are available in many sizes and mounting configurations depending on the dimensions and style of your equipment rack.
Chapter 3 17 Installation Section Interfacing Expanders The Model SSM has been prewired with a multipin pin connector to accept any of the SSM series of Expanders. SSM Expanders are available in two versions: The SSMEX-32, 16 stereo channels; and the SSMEX-16, 16 mono channels. The Expander is connected to the main mixer with a special 6 foot shielded multiconductor interface cable that utilizes 38 pin Elco connectors at each end.
Chapter 3 18 Installation Section Expander pin assignment The following chart represents the audio and power connections vailable at the 38 pin interface connector at the rear of the SSM. PIN A PIN B PIN C PIN L PIN M PIN N PIN P PIN R PIN S Interfacing the Assign 28 - COMMON PLUS 16.25 VDC MINUS 16.
Chapter 3 19 Installation Section Expression Pedal Enable Switch Pedal Connector Pin The Expression Pedal Enable Switch on the front panel of the main mixer must be depressed in order to operate the volume pedal. The following chart represents the audio connections available at the 6 pin DIN connector at the rear of the SSM main unit.
Chapter 4 20 Operation Section Operation General We hope to give you basic information on the operation of the Model SSM and adequately describe its controls, switches, and connectors. It is assumed that you have a working knowledge of audio and signal flow. If this is your first mixer it is suggested that you purchase a book on the basic operation of audio mixers. Speck Electronics or your dealer will be happy to suggest some publications on this subject.
Chapter 4 Operation Section 21 Figure 3.
Chapter 4 Operation Section 22 Refer to Figure 3 for location of items 1 thru 16. 1. Synth Trim Control The dual Synth Trim Control simultaneously adjusts the gain (level) of the left and right channel inputs. Its normal operating or starting position is when set fully counterclockwise. In order to help maintain the extremely high frequency response and low noise characteristics of the Model SSM, utilize this control only as needed.
Chapter 4 Operation Section 23 5. Low and Mid Frequency Sweep Control The Low/Mid Frequency Sweep Control is used in conjunction with the Low/Mid - Boost/Cut Control and provides continuous adjustment from 50hz (fully counterclockwise) to 500hz (fully clockwise) when the Low/ Mid Band Select Switch (see below) is in the Low position. This control provides continuous adjustment from 500hz (fully counterclockwise) to 5Khz (fully clockwise) when the Low/Mid Band Select Switch is in the Mid position. 6.
Chapter 4 24 Operation Section A yellow LED to the right of this switch will illuminate indicating the Mono status of operation. Pre Fader Listen (PFL) Switch When the Model SSM is configured with mono input channels, this switch acts as a Pre Fader Listen (PFL) Switch. Depressing this button allows the selected channel's signal to be soloed (in mono) even if the slide fader is down or the channel is muted.
Chapter 4 Operation Section 25 Unlike traditional pre-fader modes, here the sends are still post fader. So if, for example, you create a delicately balanced multi effects only patch, changing its overall level is simply a matter of adjusting the channel fader and not the individual effect sends. Layering one synths effects over another synths dry sound is one other way of creatively utilizing this function.
Chapter 4 Operation Section 26 Figure 4.
Chapter 4 27 Operation Section Refer to Figure 4 for location of items 17 thru 22. Effects Send and Return Section There are eight effect send and return sections incorporated into the Model SSM. Each section provides a master level control and solo for the effect sends. The eight stereo effects returns include a master return level control, in-place solo switch, and mute switch. 17.
Chapter 4 Operation Section 28 Figure 5.
Chapter 4 29 Operation Section Master Section 23. Effects Return Group Master Control Refer to Figure 5 for location of items 23 thru 43. This control acts as a master level adjustment for all eight stereo effects returns and is normally set to its fully clockwise position. In reality, there is no additional level available in the effects return signal path. Unity gain, meaning no level lost or added, is obtained when the Group Master Control is set to its fully clockwise position.
Chapter 4 30 Operation Section 27. Solo Master Level Control This control adjusts the overall stereo in-place solo listening level to the monitor and/or headphone outputs (see the Solo to Monitor Switch, rear panel section). The adjustment of this control permits the volume of a soloed signal to match the level of the normal stereo mix. Keep in mind that the monitor and/or headphone output level controls still function even when the solo output is activated. 28.
Chapter 4 31 Operation Section The status of this VU meter is determined by the selection of the Solo/ Efx Meter Switch. When the Solo/Efx Meter Switch is in the normal position (up) the VU indicates the overall stereo mix of the Model SSM until any solo or PFL switch is depressed. When any solo or PFL switch is depressed, this VU meter displays that respective signal. When the Solo/Efx Select Switch is depressed, this VU meter displays the sum of all effects send signals. 34.
Chapter 4 Operation Section 37. Program Stereo/Mono Select Switch 32 Depressing this switch applies a monaural version of the program mix to the left and right program outputs. This means it is possible to send the control room or house mix a mono feed while retaining stereo operation for a set of personal monitors or the headphone feed. The monitor and headphone outputs are unaffected by the operation of the Program's Stereo/Mono Select Switch. 38.
Chapter 4 Operation Section 42. Stereo Headphone Level Control 33 This dual potentiometer controls the volume of the stereo headphone circuit. The Headphone Master Control operates the headphones that are plugged into the front and rear headphone jacks, as well as the transmitter feed jack. The operation of the Headphone Master Control does not affect the operation of the program level or monitor level. CAUTION! 43.
Chapter 4 Operation Section 34 Figure 6.
Chapter 4 35 Operation Section Refer to Figure 6 for location of items 44 thru 55. Stereo Cue Return Section This feature of the SSM allows an external stereo cue source (otherwise known as headphone or foldback) or any stereo line level signal to be integrated into the SSM's monitor and/or headphone feeds. This makes it possible to customize a balance between the SSM's stereo mix and, for instance, the cue feed from a studio control room.
Chapter 4 Operation Section 36 The Mono Click Return Section includes the return level control, the return pan control, the return mute switch, and the return in-place solo switch. 48. Click Return Level Control 49. Click Return Pan Control 50. Click Mute Switch The Click Return Level Control adjusts the level of an external Click source or any monaural signal. This signal returns only to the monitor master and headphone outs.
Chapter 4 Operation Section Figure 7.
Chapter 4 38 Operation Section REAR PANEL CONTROLS Input Channel Connections and Switches Refer to Figure 7 for location of items 1 and 2. 1. Input Channel Jacks Each input channel has four 1/4" jacks. The configuration of these four jacks depend on whether your Model SSM is configured with mono channels, stereo channels or a combination of both. Mono Input Channel Jacks Each mono input channel has synth input, patch output, patch input, and direct output jacks (from top to bottom).
Chapter 4 Operation Section 39 As an option, the stereo input channels may be configured with stereo patch points instead of the direct outputs. When configured with patch points, the four jacks are the left synth input, right synth input, left channel patch In/Out, and right channel patch In/Out (from top to bottom). Each patch In/Out provides a 1/4" T.R.S. (tip, ring, sleeve) jack. The ring of the jack is the "patch out" signal, the tip is the "patch in" signal, and the sleeve is the signal ground.
Chapter 4 Operation Section 40 Figure 8.
Chapter 4 Operation Section Effects Send and Return Connections 3. Effects Send Jack 41 Refer to Figure 8 for location of items 3 and 4. Each of the eight effect send channels has a separate unbalanced 1/4" T.S. jack to interface to the input of an effects device. It is completely acceptable, from an electronic standpoint, to adapt this connector to the input of any effects device, regardless of the type of input connector utilized on the effects unit (phone, RCA, XL, barrier strip, etc.). 4.
Chapter 4 42 Operation Section Figure 9.
Chapter 4 43 Operation Section Master Input/Output Connections 5. Left/Right Meter Sensitivity Select Switch Refer to Figure 9 for location of items 5 thru 15. This pushbutton switch selects the sensitivity of the left and right Program VU meters; +4dbm operation in the normal (up) position, and 18dbm operation when depressed. The operation of this switch in no way modifies the electronic operation of the mixer.
Chapter 4 44 Operation Section 9. PFL Level Trim Control 10. Program Feed Jacks (Unbalanced) For SSM systems incorporating mono input channels, the Pre Fader Listen (PFL) level may be adjusted with this recessed trim pot. Use care when inserting a screwdriver as other components could be damaged. These unbalanced 1/4" T.S. phone type jacks are the left/right outputs for the stereo program master. The signal present at these jacks is adjusted by the Program Master Control on the front panel.
Chapter 4 Operation Section 12. Program Ground Lift Switch 45 When used, this switch disconnects the shields (pin 1) from the left and right balanced XL connectors thereby inducing any piece of gear interfaced at these points to search out a ground path external to the Model SSM. This can reduce the chance of ground loops and eliminate unwanted hums or buzzes. The operation of the Ground Lift Switch does not affect the program feed's unbalanced 1/4" jacks. 13. Monitor Feed Jacks 14.
Chapter 4 Operation Section Figure 10.
Chapter 4 47 Operation Section Refer to Figure 10 for location of items 16 thru 26. Stereo Cue Return Section 16. Cue Return Input Jacks (Unbalanced) 17. Cue Return Connector (Transformer Isolated XL) The Stereo Cue Return provides two means of connection. Two unbalanced 1/4" T.S. jacks and a XL transformer isolated input connector with phase reverse and ground lift switches. These standard unbalanced 1/4" T.S. jacks are available for the connection of a stereo cue signal or any stereo audio signal.
Chapter 4 48 Operation Section Mono Click Return Section 20. Click Return Input Jacks (Unbalanced) 21. Click Return Connector (Balanced XL) The Mono Click Return provides two means of connection; a standard 1/4" jack and a balanced transformer isolated XL input connector with phase reverse and ground lift switches. A standard unbalanced 1/4" T.S. jack is available for the connection of a mono click signal or any mono audio signal that you would like returned to the Click Return Section.
Chapter 4 Operation Section 49 24. Aux Return Input Jacks These standard unbalanced 1/4" T.S. jacks allow the interface of an external stereo signal, such as a DAT, CD player or the output of Specks "Assign 28" subgroup module. 25. Program Trim Control This recessed stereo trim pot controls the level of program signal (stereo mix) to the monitor and headphone feeds relative to the cue, click and aux returns.
Chapter 4 Operation Section Figure 11.
Chapter 4 Operation Section 51 Refer to Figure 11 for location of items 27 and 29. 27. Expander Connector This multipin connector will accommodate any of the Model SSM Expanders for a potential of 56 inputs (28 stereo channels). For the proper pin out configuration and installation instructions, refer to the Interface Section of this manual. 28. Power Supply Connector This 9 pin circular connector will accommodate the connector from the power supply cable.
Chapter 5 Wiring and Other 52 Wiring and Other General It is assumed that in addition to the Model SSM, a considerable investment has been made in electronic equipment such as synthesizers, samplers, effects, and computers. We believe that the overall performance of the SSM and your mixing system is dependent on the condition and quality of this equipment. A general discussion about AC, AC grounding, audio grounding, EMI, and quality wiring is discussed in this section.
Chapter 5 53 Wiring and Other Connectors All wire and cable interfaced to the Model SSM and Speck products should be terminated with high quality connectors. A 1/4" plug or XL connector should make a positive connection to its respective mating jack and provide adequate strain relief to its cable. All connectors should also have a metal shell to provide 100% shield for exposed conductors. Feel free to check with Speck Electronics or your dealer when selecting cable and connectors.
Chapter 5 Wiring and Other 54 Clock Noise and AC Clock noise is one of the greatest enemies of the audio racks AC system. If a synth or any microprocessor based device emits or somehow couples its clock signal with the neutral or earth of its own power cable, it will contaminate your AC system and carry the clock noise into other equipment; almost always with undesirable results.
Chapter 5 Wiring and Other 55 If a patchbay is utilized in your mixing system, the rules for shielding change. With a patchbay, normally all shields are connected at the patchbay jacks, and not connected at the mixer or external audio equipment. EMI and RFI The occurrence of EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) and RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) in a synth and sampler based system should be of great concern and not overlooked when installing the Model SSM.
Chapter 5 Wiring and Other Balanced to Unbalanced Connections 56 When connecting the 1/4" unbalanced (TS) inputs and outputs of the Model SSM to balanced equipment, it will be necessary to configure your cables in order to unbalance the signal. There are 2 types of balanced output circuits; transformer and transformerless (electronically balanced). Balanced audio outputs are normally terminated with 3 pin XL type connectors, 1/4" TRS (stereo) type jacks, or on rare occasions, with screw terminals.
