Q II - FOH Operators Manual Klark Teknik Building Walter Nash Road Kidderminster Worcestershire DY11 7HJ Tel: +44 (0) 1562 741515 Fax: +44 (0) 1562 745371 Email: info@uk.telex.com Website: www.ddaconsoles.com Q II - FOH Operators Manual Telex Communications (UK) Limited In line with the company’s policy of continual improvement, specifications and function maybe subject to change without notice. This Operator Manual was correct at the time of writing. E&OE.
Contents 3 4 5 7 9 10 12 12 15 16 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY GENERAL INFORMATION THE Q2 IN USE WARRANTY DIMENSIONS SPECIFICATIONS WIRING CONSIDERATIONS GROUNDING ATTENTION MODULE DESCRIPTIONS 18 19 20 28 31 36 40 44 48 49 50 56 57 62 THE MATRIX SECTION THE 20DB PAD INPUT MODULE VCA INPUT MODULE STEREO EFFECT RETURN MODULE MONO SUBGROUP OUTPUT MODULE STEREO SUBGROUP OUTPUT MODULE LCR SUBGROUP OUTPUT MODULE FOLDBACK MASTER MODULE AUXILIARY MASTER MODULE STEREO MASTER MODULE MASTER CONNECTOR PANEL VCA MASTER
Declaration of Conformity The Manufacturer of the Products covered by this Declaration is Klark Teknik Building, Walter Nash Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY11 7HJ. The Directives Covered by this Declaration. 89/336/EEC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive, amended by 92/31/EEC & 93/68/EEC 73/23/EEC Low Voltage Equipment Directive, amended by 93/68/EEC. The Products Covered by this Declaration.
GENERAL INFORMATION Three channel or Left, Centre, Right panning differs from the normal stereo panning arrangement in that where the conventional left/right pan moves the signal across the stereo image, LCR panning moves the mono signal across three distinct positions. Using LCR panning gives a more spatial effect, offers more control over vocal and effects positioning, and brings theatre performances to life in a way that conventional stereo panning cannot. In the LCR mode, the pan pot acts as follows.
THE Q2 IN USE Providing a hard centre image in addition to left and right speaker clusters improves localisation, as has already been proven in the cinema industry. Stars and soloists are typically mixed to the centre channel. Back-up vocals and orchestra or band may be wrapped around the vocalist in stereo, or panned across the three channels. In Theatrical performances, LCR panning may be used to follow an actor around the stage. Q2's typical use in the theatre maybe as follows.
Consultants and contractors will be pleased to note that Q2 has balanced inputs and outputs throughout, including inserts. In addition, all inputs and outputs (with the obvious exception of the mic input) operate at a nominal level of +4dBu. This alone means no catering for special levels on inserts, no compensating for unbalanced insert sends which combine with balanced returns. System connection and signal flow is therefore not console dependant.
WARRANTY If within a period of twelve 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 (but no faulty design) to such an extent that the effectiveness and/or the usability thereof is materially affected, the Equipment or the faulty component shall be returned to the Distributor or DDA and subject to the following conditions the Distributor or DDA will repair or at its option replace the defective components.
DDA shall not be liable for any damage caused to persons or property due to :i) Incorrect usage of the Equipment ii) Other equipment attached to the Equipment, which is not approved by DDA iii) Modifications made by non-authorised persons, or by using non-recommended parts, or incorrectly made.
DIMENSIONS Q2 Dimensions 24 Input Frame Width Depth Height : 1255mm / 49.4" : 810mm / 31.9" : 368mm / 14.5" 32 Input Frame Width Depth Height : 1505mm / 59.25" : 810mm / 31.9" : 368mm / 14.5" 40 Input Frame Width Depth Height : 1755mm / 69.1" : 810mm / 31.9" : 368mm / 14.5" 48 Input Frame Width Depth Height : 2005mm / 78.9" : 810mm / 31.9" : 368mm / 14.5" Floorstand (optional) Height to underneath of console : 700mm / 27.
SPECIFICATIONS Note : All specifications relate to dBu, ie 0dBu = 0.775V RMS MAXIMUM GAIN Mic Input to Mix Output: Line Input to Mix Output: 86dB 40dB FREQUENCY RESPONSE Mic Input to Mix Output: (gain 55dB) 20Hz , -0.50dB 20kHz, -0.20dB Line Input to Mix Output (gain 0dB) 20Hz , -0.50dB 20kHz, -0.20dB NOISE, DIN Audio Weighted Microphone Input Gain 55dB, EIN Ref 200 Ohm <-127.
Q2 Power Supply Specifications AC Mains Voltage selection :- 110V/120V/220V/240V Power Consumption (max) : 750VA AC Mains frequency : 50Hz. - 60Hz Fuse Ratings: 220/230/240V 90/100/120V Cooling Method: Internal fan DC Power Outputs: +17 Volts, -17 Volts, +48 Volts, - 6.3A - 10A 7A max 7A max 0.
WIRING CONSIDERATIONS To take full advantage of the excellent audio performance of DDA mixing consoles, it is essential that the installation is carried out with care and attention. All audio signals are referenced to the system earth, which must be clean and noise-free, and essentially equipotential. In addition, the earth system integrity is absolutely necessary for safety. Do not disconnect the mains earth wire from each piece of equipment as this could create a hazardous situation.
Do not install other equipment (lighting, vending machines etc) to the technical earth - only use it for Audio Equipment. If the star point is derived from mains earth, however, and not from a ground stake/plate, install separate clean and dirty mains outlets, wired individually to the mains distribution box. Use the clean supply for all audio equipment, and the dirty supply for all lighting, vending machines etc. Do not mix the two systems.
Rack mounted equipment which has unbalanced inputs and outputs may need to be electrically isolated from the equipment rack and/ or other equipment to avoid earth loops. DO NOT DISCONNECT THE MAINS EARTH. Connect all equipment in a logical sequence, starting with the monitor systems, followed by the multitrack and then the stereo machines and the peripheral devices and isolate any earth loop problems as they occur.
ATTENTION CABLES This product should only be used with high quality, screened twisted pair audio cables, terminated with metal bodied 3-pin XLR connectors. The cable shield should be connected to Pin 1. Any other cable type or configuration for the audio signals may result in degraded performance due to electromagnetic interference.
MODULE DESCRIPTIONS Before describing the module functions, it is worth looking at some of the facilities in some depth which would otherwise be too long to describe within the module texts. THE CUE SYSTEM Q2's cue system, smart cue, is as flexible as you want it to be. It can be operated in several modes, the simplest of which is of course a regular PFL solo system. SOLO MODE The three modes of cue listening are PFL (pre-fade), AFL (afterfade), and SIP (solo-in-place).
If the cue button is held depressed for at least one second, the cue will become momentary, and only active until the cue button is then released. This allows you to listen to a signal for a short period of time and only have to press the button once. CUE INTERLOCK MODE MASTER CUE RESET A further method of operation involves a choice of additive or exclusive cues. In normal mode, the cues are additive.
THE MATRIX SECTION Nowadays, any console destined for theatre or similar live performance use must have a matrix. This matrix takes the group signals, and probably other signals, and allows different sub mixes to be created for many uses. Traditionally, matrices have been used to provide backstage mixes, dressing room and foyer feeds where some elements of the mix are not required.
THE 20DB PAD One trend in modern console design that DDA has chosen not to follow is the removal of the traditional 20dB pad in favour of a wide range gain control system. The reason for this is mostly due to the use of microphone input transformers. Their position in the circuit is always before the input amplifier. Without a pad, the risk of saturating the transformer with high level microphone outputs is extreme, unless very large transformers are used.
INPUT MODULE The input module is essentially the same for all subgroup versions of Q2, with links selecting whether the buses feed 8 mono, 8 stereo, 4 LCR or 16 mono subgroups. Dedicated LCR input modules have 4 routing buttons marked A, B, C, and D instead of buttons 1-8. MTR This sub-panel preset is for calibration of the external meter output of the module. 48V Provides phantom power for a condenser microphone, or DI box. Optional balancing transformers may be fitted on the Mic input.
EQUALISER The Q2 Equaliser is a four-band design, all bands having sweep frequency adjustment. Each band consists of two dual-concentric pots. The upper pot is the gain adjustment, the lower control being the frequency adjustment. The two mid-range sections each have a switch-selectable Q. HF Shelving section, providing +/-15dB of gain with an adjustable frequency range of 2kHz to 20kHz. HI MID Peaking section, providing +/-15dB of gain, at frequencies from 525Hz to 15kHz. Q Selects the Q to be 0.9 or 1.8.
AUXILIARIES Q2 has eight auxiliary buses, accessed on the Input module from 4 sets of dual-concentric controls. In addition, the channel direct output may be controlled via one pot, to provide extended auxiliary sends. For convenient assignment four of the auxiliary buses are denoted as foldback buses. F/B 1 (Foldback 1, upper control) Controls the level of the channel signal fed to the Foldback 1 bus. This signal is normally post-fader, unless the PRE button, just below, is depressed.
AUX 1 (Upper control) Controls the level of the channel signal fed to the Aux 1 bus. This signal is normally post-fader, unless the PRE button, just below, is depressed. Internal links on the module pcb allow the pre-fader feed to be pre or post-EQ (paired with Aux 2). AUX 2 (Lower control) Controls the level of the channel signal fed to the Aux 2 bus. This signal is normally post-fader, unless the PRE button, just below, is depressed.
ROUTING AND STATUS PAN In normal mode and with the PAN set to centre, equal levels are sent to both sides of the stereo mix or to ODD and EVEN groups that are in use, with a 4.5dB drop relative to fully clockwise or anticlockwise. Setting the PAN control fully anticlockwise sends full level to the Left bus, cutting the send to the Right bus; fully clockwise rotation sends full level to the Right bus, cutting the feed to Left.
1 Routes the post-fade, post-pan channel signal to output bus 1, with led indication. 2 ( and 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) Routes the post-fade, post-pan channel signal to output bus 2 (and 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 if pressed), with led indication. ON The ON switch enables the channel signal path, and is indicated by an led in the switch when the channel is active. When OFF, all post-fade auxiliary sends and routing assignments are muted. Internal links allow the ON switch to be configured as a channel CUT.
CUE The CUE (or SOLO) button feeds a Pre-fader or post-fader signal (as selected on the master module PFL or AFL) to the Monitor section (loudspeakers or headphones), replacing the selected monitor source if one is selected. The main stereo output of the console is not affected unless SIP (Solo-in-place) mode has been selected on the master. The yellow led in the CUE switch will flash when the CUE function is active.
CONNECTORS AND PIN ASSIGNMENTS MIC INPUT :XLR type 3 pin connectors, Balanced Nominal level : -56dBu to -8dBu Pin 1 - Ground Pin 2 - Signal +ve (hot) Pin 3 - Signal -ve (cold) Input impedance : >2k.
VCA INPUT MODULE Q2 may also be supplied with 8 VCA/Mute groups. The input module is essentially the same as the standard mono input, with the addition of the 8 VCA/Mute groups, and mutes on most of the auxiliary sends. Replacing 4 input modules are the VCA master modules, which are the fader and mute masters to control the 8 VCA/Mute groups. Each module has 2 such masters, and a stereo effects return input.
F/B 1/2 ON Enables the channel feeds to the foldback buses 1 and 2. F/B 3/4 ON Enables the channel feeds to the foldback buses 3 and 4. AUX 1/2 ON Enables the channel feeds to the foldback buses 1 and 2. EXT This led illuminates when the channel is muted via an external source, for example a noise gate control system using the channel VCA. The remote control input accepts a DC voltage in the range 0 -10V.
EXTERNAL VCA FADER CONTROL WIRING Q2 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL 9601 30
STEREO EFFECT RETURN MODULE As an option, in place of a standard input, a stereo effect return input may be fitted. The effect return section may be controlled by the VCA master, if VCA/Mute subgrouping is fitted to the console. GAIN Adjusts the gain of the effect return input section. The gain is adjustable from -15dB to +15dB. L CUT Cuts the signal feed to the left channel, with led indication. R CUT Cuts the signal feed to the right channel, with led indication.
HF EQ A shelving equaliser with an adjustable gain of +/-15dB at a frequency of 12kHz. LF EQ A shelving equaliser with an adjustable gain of +/-15dB at a frequency of 50Hz. F/B and AUXILIARY SENDS F/B 1/2 This dual concentric pair of level controls adjusts the amount of signal fed to foldback buses 1 and 2 (or 3 and 4 if the switch 3-4 is pressed). The upper control adjusts the level for bus 1 (3), the lower for bus 2 (4).
BAL Balances the stereo signal within the stereo bus, or within pairs of groups if the MONO/STEREO button is set to STEREO. MONO/STEREO If set to MONO, a mono sum of the stereo signal is fed to any selected group. If set to stereo, a stereo signal is sent to pairs of groups via the BAL control, left to odd, right to even. MONO Assigns a MONO sum of the stereo signal to the main MONO (Centre) bus. L/R Assigns the stereo signal to the main STEREO L/R bus.
SAFE (Not active on VCA modules) Deselects the return from the MUTE Group system, without affecting the mute group assignments. Useful to locally protect signals, or manually override grouped MUTE ON conditions. VCA/MUTE GROUP 1 Assigns the channel to VCA/MUTE Group 1. Similarly for VCA/ MUTE Groups 2 through 8. If the VCA option is fitted then the post fader level will depend upon the local fader and the VCA group master fader.
CONNECTORS AND PIN ASSIGNMENTS LINE A : 3 Pin XLR type, Balanced Nominal Input Level: +4dBu Pin 2 : Signal +ve (Hot) Pin 3 : Signal -ve (Cold) Pin 1 : Ground Input Impedance : >10 kOhm LINE B : 1/4" TRS Jack Socket, ‘A’ Gauge, Balanced Nominal Input Level: +4dBu Tip : Signal +ve (Hot) Ring : Signal -ve (Cold) Sleeve: Ground Input Impedance : >10 kOhm Q2 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL 9601 35
MONO SUBGROUP OUTPUT MODULE Either 8 or 16 mono subgroup modules may be fitted in Q2. If 16 are fitted, routing is paired, with active pan across the group buses at all times. For 8 modules, routing is individually selected, with pan only switched in across odd and even groups as required. The module comprises the group control and output (lower part of module) and a matrix mixer section (upper part of module).
T/B Enables talkback signals to be routed to the Matrix output when the communication system is used, with led indication. This can be used to prevent talkback signals going to unwanted destinations. ON Enables the Matrix output, with led indication. MATRIX METER Sub-panel preset used to calibrate the Matrix level meter. GROUP METER Sub-panel preset used to calibrate the Group level meter. CUE/SOLO Solo’s the Matrix signal to the main monitors (headphones or loudspeakers), with flashing led indication.
SUB/LCR Routes the group signal to the main Stereo (Left/Right) and main Mono (centre) buses, with led indication. ON The ON switch enables the group output, and is indicated by an led in the switch when the output is active. Internal links allow the ON switch to be configured as a group CUT. MATRIX SEND PRE Allows the Group input to the Matrix to be fed pre-fader, rather than post-fader. CUE/SOLO Solo’s the Group signal to the main monitors (headphones or loudspeakers), with flashing led indication.
CONNECTORS AND PIN ASSIGNMENTS Group Ouptut : 3 Pin XLR type, Balanced Nominal Output Level: +4dBu Pin 2 : Signal +ve (Hot) Pin 3 : Signal -ve (Cold) Pin 1 : Ground Output Impedance : <75 Ohm Matrix Ouptut : 3 Pin XLR type, Balanced Nominal Output Level: +4dBu Pin 2 : Signal +ve (Hot) Pin 3 : Signal -ve (Cold) Pin 1 : Ground Output Impedance : <75 Ohm Insert Send : 1/4" TRS Jack socket, ‘A’ Gauge, Balanced Nominal Output level: +4dBu Tip : Signal +ve (Hot) Ring : Signal -ve (Cold) Sleeve: Ground Output Impe
STEREO SUBGROUP OUTPUT MODULE Eight stereo subgroup modules may be fitted in Q2, and routing is individually selected. The module comprises the Stereo Group control and output (lower part of module) and a Stereo Matrix mixer section (upper part of module). Each module has controls for inputs to the Stereo Matrix mixer ie they are not feeds from that Group to the Matrix buses, but feeds from the Groups etc to the Matrix.
T/B Enables talkback signals to be routed to the Matrix output when the communication system is used, with led indication. This can be used to prevent talkback signals going to unwanted destinations. ON Enables the Matrix output, with led indication. MATRIX METER (L and R) Sub-panel preset used to calibrate the Stereo Matrix level meters. GROUP METER (L and R) Sub-panel preset used to calibrate the Stereo Group level meters.
BAL Adjusts the Stereo Group signal within the main Stereo Left and Right buses. The range of adjustment is +/-3dB. SUB/LCR Routes the Stereo Group signal to the main Stereo (Left/Right) bus, and/or the main Mono (centre) buses, with led indication. ON The ON switch enables the group output, and is indicated by an led in the switch when the output is active. Internal links allow the ON switch to be configured as a group CUT.
CONNECTORS AND PIN ASSIGNMENTS Group Output : 3 Pin XLR type, Balanced Nominal Output Level: +4dBu Pin 2 : Signal +ve (Hot) Pin 3 : Signal -ve (Cold) Pin 1 : Ground Output Impedance : <75 Ohm Matrix Output : 3 Pin XLR type, Balanced Nominal Output Level: +4dBu Pin 2 : Signal +ve (Hot) Pin 3 : Signal -ve (Cold) Pin 1 : Ground Output Impedance : <75 Ohm Insert Send : 1/4" TRS Jack socket, ‘A’ Gauge, Balanced Nominal Output level: +4dBu Tip : Signal +ve (Hot) Ring : Signal -ve (Cold) Sleeve : Ground Output Imp
LCR SUBGROUP OUTPUT MODULE The LCR Subgroup Output module has three outputs (for the left, centre and right outputs from each group). It may be used with either the normal input module or the dedicated LCR input module. The module comprises the LCR Group control and output (lower part of module) and a mono Matrix mixer section (upper part of module).
T/B Enables talkback signals to be routed to the Matrix output when the communication system is used, with led indication. This can be used to prevent talkback signals going to unwanted destinations. ON Enables the Matrix output, with led indication. MATRIX METER Sub-panel preset used to calibrate the Matrix level meter. GROUP METERS (L, C, R) Sub-panel presets used to calibrate the LCR Group level meters.
CUE/SOLO Solo’s the Group signal to the main monitors (headphones or loudspeakers), with flashing led indication. See the Input Module for a functional description of the solo button. MUTE SAFE (Not active in VCA consoles) Prevents the Mute Group (or scene preset) master from muting the channel, and may be used to locally override muted channels. VCA/MUTE GROUP 1 ASSIGN Assigns the channel mute to VCA/Mute Group 1, with led indication. Similarly for assigns 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
CONNECTORS AND PIN ASSIGNMENTS Group Output : 3 Pin XLR type, Balanced Nominal Output Level: +4dBu Pin 2 : Signal +ve (Hot) Pin 3 : Signal -ve (Cold) Pin 1 : Ground Output Impedance : <75 Ohm Matrix Output : 3 Pin XLR type, Balanced Nominal Output Level: +4dBu Pin 2 : Signal +ve (Hot) Pin 3 : Signal -ve (Cold) Pin 1 : Ground Output Impedance : <75 Ohm Insert Send : 1/4" TRS Jack socket, ‘A’ Gauge, Balanced Nominal Output level: +4dBu Tip : Signal +ve (Hot) Ring : Signal -ve (Cold) Sleeve: Ground Output Impe
FOLDBACK MASTER MODULE F/B 1 LEVEL Adjusts the level of the Foldback 1 Master output signal. ON Enables the Foldback 1 Master output signal, with led indication. CUE/SOLO Solo’s the Foldback signal to the main monitors (headphones or loudspeakers), with flashing led indication. See the Input Module for a functional description of the solo button. Foldbacks 2-4 are identical to Foldback 1 above.
AUXILIARY MASTER MODULE AUX 1 LEVEL Adjusts the level of the Auxiliary 1 Master output signal. ON Enables the Auxiliary 1 Master output signal, with led indication. CUE/SOLO Solo’s the Auxiliary signal to the main monitors (headphones or loudspeakers), with flashing led indication. See the Input Module for a functional description of the solo button. Auxiliaries 2-4 are identical to Auxiliary 1 above. MUTE GROUP MASTER 1 When pressed, mutes all channels and outputs assigned to MUTE GROUP 1.
STEREO MASTER MODULE SOLO METER Indicates the level of the Solo signal in stereo. PFL METER Indicates the level of the PFL signal. METER CALIBRATIONS Sub-panel presets to calibrate all module and meterbridge master meters. PSU INDICATOR LEDs Three led’s which indicate all DC voltages are present. CUE MODE SIP Selects the CUE mode to be SIP (Solo-in-Place). This mode does not mute inputs when a channel or output is solo’ed.
INTERNAL SINEWAVE/NOISE GENERATOR Q2 features an integral generator capable of producing a 1kHz sinewave or pink noise for system testing and alignment. PINK/1kHz Selects the type of output from the generator. In the ‘up’ position, the generator produces PINK noise, in the ‘down’ position a 1kHz sinewave tone. ON Enables the generator, with led indication OSC Adjusts the level of the generator output.
MONITOR SECTION Any of three sources may be fed to the monitoring section, in addition to the CUE/SOLO signal. If no source is selected, nothing is heard on monitors until a CUE/SOLO is pressed. TAPE Selects the Tape input as the monitor source. L/R Selects the main Stereo Left/Right output as the monitor source. MONO Selects the main Mono output as the monitor source. If both L/R and MONO are pressed, monitoring is in true LCR mode, ie three channel outputs for simulation of the main speaker system.
CUE/SOLO MASTER SECTION PFL/AFL Selects the Cue/Solo mode to be PFL, or AFL when the switch is depressed. TRIM Adjusts the level of the Cue/Solo signal, most useful in the PFL mode. CUE INTLK Interlock mode selection. In normal mode, Cues are additive. That is any number of Cue buttons may be pressed and the signals will be added. In INTERLOCK mode, only one Cue may be active at any time, so pressing a Cue will automatically cancel the previously selected Cue. CUE I/P Indicates that an input CUE is pressed.
TALKBACK SYSTEM In addition to the normal talkback microphone input, Q2 includes a Clearcom-type communications interface. S/TONE Sub-panel preset for adjusting the sidetone of the Clearcom compatible interface. Sidetone is the level of your own voice that you will hear in the headphones when speaking into the communications microphone. Some sidetone is usually preferred as it gives confidence that the system is working. T/B LEVEL Adjusts the level of the talkback microphone system.
MASTER OUTPUT CONTROL PRE Allows the signal feed from the main Left/Right outputs to the Mono (Centre) output to be pre-fader rather than post-fader. L/R TO MONO Assigns the post-fader Left/Right Output to the main Mono (Centre) output. L/R CUE/SOLO Solo’s the main Left/Right output to the main monitors (headphones or loudspeakers), with flashing led indication. MONO CUE/SOLO Solo’s the main Mono (Centre) output to the main monitors (headphones or loudspeakers), with flashing led indication.
MASTER CONNECTOR PANEL CONNECTORS AND PIN ASSIGNMENTS Main Left, Right and Mono Outputs, Monitor Outputs, Auxiliary Outputs, and generator output : 3 Pin XLR type, Balanced Nominal Output Level: +4dBu Pin 2 : Signal +ve (Hot) Pin 3 : Signal -ve (Cold) Pin 1 : Ground Output Impedance : <75 Ohm Mix Insert Send : 1/4" TRS Jack socket, ‘A’ Gauge, Balanced Nominal Output level: +4dBu Tip : Signal +ve (Hot) Ring : Signal -ve (Cold) Sleeve: Ground Output Impedance: <75 Ohm Talkback Microphone Input : 3 pin XLR
VCA MASTER MODULE The effect return VCA master is only fitted to consoles with the optional VCA Grouping inputs. The effects return section may be controlled by the VCA masters. GAIN Adjusts the gain of the effect return input section. The gain is adjustable from -15dB to +15dB. L CUT Cuts the signal feed to the left channel, with led indication. R CUT Cuts the signal feed to the right channel, with led indication. PHASE REVERSE Inverts the phase of the signal on the right channel input.
F/B and AUXILIARY SENDS F/B 1/2 This dual concentric pair of level controls adjusts the amount of signal fed to foldback buses 1 and 2 (or 3 and 4 if the switch 3-4 is pressed). The upper control adjusts the level for bus 1 (3), the lower for bus 2 (4). Internal links allow these feeds to be selected from a mono sum of the stereo signal, or left to 1, right to 2 (all selectable pre or post fader by links). 3-4 The switch assigns the level controls to feed foldback buses 3/4 instead of 1/2.
BAL Balances the stereo signal within the stereo bus, or within pairs of groups if the MONO/STEREO button is set to STEREO. MONO/STEREO If set to MONO, a mono sum of the stereo signal is fed to any selected group. If set to stereo, a stereo signal is sent to pairs of groups via the BAL control, left to odd, right to even, groups. MONO Assigns a MONO sum of the stereo signal to the main MONO (Centre) bus. L/R Assigns the stereo signal to the main STEREO L/R bus.
VCA MASTER SECTION CUT 1 Mutes all channels assigned to VCA/MUTE Group 1. Similarly for for CUT 2 through 8. VCA 1 Switches in the VCA master fader to control VCA/Mute Group 1. If the VCA is not switched in, the VCA control reverts to a fixed unity gain setting. This is useful for quickly resetting all inputs to their nominal gains (as set on their individual faders). VCA MASTER FADER (100mm) Controls the overall level of all the channels assigned to that group.
CONNECTORS AND PIN ASSIGNMENTS LINE A : 3 Pin XLR type, Balanced Nominal Input Level: +4dBu Pin 2 : Signal +ve (Hot) Pin 3 : Signal -ve (Cold) Pin 1 : Ground Input Impedance : >10 kOhm LINE B : 1/4" TRS Jack Socket, ‘A’ Gauge, Balanced Nominal Input Level: +4dBu Tip : Signal +ve (Hot) Ring : Signal -ve (Cold) Sleeve: Ground Input Impedance : >10 kOhm Q2 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL 9601 61
Q2 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION THE AUDIO MASTER MODULE This consists of two main boards and one sub board. The sub board carries the balanced tape inputs, balanced mix outputs, balanced Left, Centre and Right monitor outputs and the Left AFL Meter. The tape signals are fed down to the audio master board while the mix and monitor outputs are fed in to the sub board from the master board.
A rotary pot is used to control the monitor outputs although not directly. A control voltage is derived from the pot which is fed to three VCAs on the sub board which control the monitor levels for Left, Centre and Right. The monitor has associated MONO, DIM and ON buttons and can be selected to carry CUE, TAPE, L/R and Centre signals. If both the L/R and CENTRE buttons are depressed then L C R monitoring will result. If no buttons are depressed then CUE will be selected.
Further input solos can be added and the reset button can be used to cancel them. If a solo is to be cancelled from the master reset button then a positive voltage is fed to the base of TR9 to switch it on causing the reset line to go low. Some means must be used to turn off TR8 as otherwise the Vdd and Vss rails would be shorted together and TR3 is turned on to prevent this from occurring.
The talkback microphone amplifier is adjustable in level from a front panel control and can be routed to the same destinations as the oscillator in addition to the CLEARCOM interface. Incoming communication from the CLEARCOM interface can be routed to the monitor system by use of the COMMS ON key. A SIDETONE trimmer allows the level of sidetone to be adjusted. This is the amount of your voice that you will then hear in the headphones when using the CLEARCOM system.
THE AUXILIARY MASTER MODULE This board contains the master sections for the auxiliary outputs of the console in addition to headphone amplifiers and a talkback microphone amplifier for the headset microphone. The 4 auxiliaries are identical and therefore it is only necessary to describe one. The signal from the bus is mixed by IC1 and is then passed through the fader followed by the ON switch to an SSM2142 balanced line driver which connects to the rear panel on the console.
THE FOLDBACK MASTER MODULE This contains the four master foldback sections which are identical to the auxiliary master sections. A matrix link connector takes the foldback outputs across to the output modules for use on the matrices.
THE INPUT MODULE THE SIGNAL PATH The Q2 is equipped with a microphone and a line input selected by a switch and controlled by the same pot. The microphone input may have a 20dB pad switched in and a phantom supply can be fed to the microphone from each module. From here the signal enters or by-passes a phase reverse circuit which is simply a unity gain inverting stage. The signal then enters or by-passes the sweepable high pass filter.
If the solo switch is held down then C43 will charge through D13 and R155 causing pin 1 of IC12 to go high. Pin 2 is already high as the flip flop has operated to give a solo and thus pin 3 of IC12 will go low. This low is applied to pin 2 of IC13 and when the solo button is released pin 1 will also go low. Pin 3 of IC13 then goes high causing the flip flop to be reset thus cancelling the solo. TR6 is also switched on to discharge C43.
Q2 PANNING The Q2 console can exploit either L-R panning or L-C-R panning selected by a switch. In either case the same components are employed as follows. The pan pot VR7 is centre tapped and under normal operation the input signal is fed to the top of the pot (the hot end). This is connected to the centre tap by a 10k resistor to give the appropriate law and the wiper signals are fed to the pan buffer IC9. These signals leave the module as LSUB or RSUB to give normal stereo panning.
ON/CUT CIRCUIT The ON circuit of an input module is based around IC11 a dual, positive edge triggered S/R Flip Flop. Under static conditions C40 will charge through R140 holding the clock input low. Pressing the ON switch applies Vdd to the clock input causing pin 2 to be clocked through to pin 1 reversing the states of Q and Q bar. For the channel to be on Q bar should be high. Assuming that the channel is SAFE at the moment then pin 10 of IC12 will go low causing pin 11 to go high.
THE MIDI INTERFACE. A cut is also possible from a midi muting system and this operates on the flip flop by setting Q high and Q bar low from the same signal which is inverted at TR2. The cut is a high on pin 2 of CON8. The local cut switch is connected to pin 1 of CON8 to feed a cut to the midi system.
Q2 ROUTING There are 20 buses available in the Q2 console giving rise to several possibilities. An input module can be configured to route to 8 mono groups, 16 mono groups with paired routing, 8 stereo sub groups or 4 LCR groups. The following tables can be used to check which links and resistors should be installed for the different configurations.
INPUT MODULE ROUTING LINKS LK 6 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Mono Stereo LCR * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * THE LEVEL METER The peak LED operates independently from the remainder of the meter and is wired to three points as follows:Pre EQ Post EQ Post fader Thus a high level on any of the three points may bring the peak LED on.
FOLDBACK and AUXILIARIES The Foldbacks and Auxiliaries can be switched pre or post fader. In the pre fade position the signal can be sourced pre or post the equaliser or post cut switch. Auxiliary 4 can be switched to control the direct output which is normally post fader. The VCA version of the console incorporates on/off switches for the auxiliary and foldback sends which are mounted on the sub board. The sub board connector is removed and replaced by links in a non VCA console.
THE MONO GROUP OUTPUT MODULE This module contains the circuit for one group output and one matrix output. The signal path for the group signal is from the bus through the appropriate link depending upon which group the module is programmed to receive into the bus mixing amplifier. The signal then is fed to the balanced insert send output by an SSM2142 and returned by an SSM2143 before entering the SSM2402 used for the cut function.
MONO GROUP OUTPUT LINKS Link Function 1, 2 Group Bus Programming ** 3, 4 Matrix Send Programming ** (5), (6) Group Transformer Balancing (7), 8 Post/Pre Mute Matrix Send (9), (10) Matrix Transformer Balancing (11) Link for non VCA version 12, 13, (14)Cut/On Lamp ** Installed link depends upon module position ( ) Factory Position Q2 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL 9601 77
THE STEREO GROUP OUTPUT MODULE The stereo module is very similar to the mono group output but of course the signal paths must be duplicated. There are two group output signal paths and two matrix sends which can selected pre or post fader. The matrix returns are fed to ganged pots and the matrix output is again duplicated to give a stereo output. Sub grouping to the L/R and Mono buses is done independently and there is a balance facility for the stereo sub signal.
THE LCR GROUP OUTPUT MODULE Three group outputs are required on this module to give the required Left, Centre and Right outputs. The signal path for each of these outputs is as for the mono group output. The matrix output is mono and is fed from a mix of the LCR signals. The matrix returns are stereo capable and again foldback and the mix can be merged onto the matrix send.
Q2 VCA The modules are similar to the normal Input and Output modules but with different sub boards. The VCA sub board carries the VCA and its associated control voltage circuits along with a mute switch interface for the auxiliaries and foldbacks. INPUT MODULE An SSM2018 VCA is used and audio is connected to this from the main board via CON4. The control voltage is fed from IC3B and this voltage can be a sum of the channel fader, the VCA group master fader and an external fader input.
The odd numbered group routing switches are mounted on the sub board along with the direct switch. Switches for enabling Foldbacks 1,2,3,4 and Auxiliaries 1,2 are also mounted on the sub board. LK3 is normally installed but if removed and LK4 installed then auxiliary 3 is routed through the direct switch. This gives the option of having no direct switch but an auxiliary 3,4 enable switch is created.
OUTPUT MODULE The output module sub board varies according to the output module that it is fitted to. It may require 1,2 or 3 VCAs to be fitted and there is no auxiliary enable switching. The control voltage circuits are identical to those found on the input VCA sub board as are the VCA circuits. A mono module requires 1 VCA, a stereo module requires 2 VCAs and of course an LCR output module requires 3 VCAs to be fitted.
VCA MASTER MODULES The VCA master module contains two VCA group master faders and their associated cut switches. A reference voltage of -5V is fed to the faders and applied to ICs 12A and B where it is offset by a fraction of the original reference voltage. The output of the ICs is fed via an enable switch to the VCA group buses from where it will be received by modules assigned to that VCA bus. The VCA group cut switch is a two pole switch.
Auxiliaries 1,2 and Foldbacks 1,2 can be accessed by the effect return and links 1 - 8 determine the signal that will be the source for these feeds. The mute control circuits and solo circuits are as previously described for other modules in the Q2 console.
Links 15 - 22 are used for bus routing and are installed as follows.
