X32 Rack Digital Mixer: User Manual
X32 Rack Digital Mixer: User Manual
X32 Rack Digital Mixer: User Manual
Table of Contents
Important Safety Instructions....................................... 3 7. Main Display.............................................................. 31
Legal Disclaimer.............................................................. 3 7.1 Overview............................................................................... 31
Limited warranty............................................................. 3 7.2 Home Screen.......................................................................34
Introduction.................................................................... 4 7.3 Meters Screen......................................................................38
1. Operational Overview................................................ 5 7.4 Routing Screen................................................................... 39
2. Callouts........................................................................ 9 7.5 Libraries Screen..................................................................44
3. Callouts...................................................................... 11 7.6 Effects Screen...................................................................... 45
4. FX Descriptions......................................................... 13 7.7 Setup Screen........................................................................46
5. Topic Guide............................................................... 19 7.8 Monitor/Talkback Screens: ............................................ 51
5.1 Starting up, shutting down, 7.9 Scenes Screen...................................................................... 53
and firmware updates.............................................................. 19
7.10 Mute Group Screen......................................................... 55
5.2 Default setup for connecting to
7.11 Utility Screen...................................................................... 55
monitoring and P.A. systems................................................. 19
7.12 USB Screen..........................................................................56
5.3 How do I connect a microphone,
process its signal and send it 8. Specifications............................................................ 58
out to the P.A. system?............................................................. 19
Block Diagram...............................................................60
5.4 How do I add one of the 8 internal
X32 MIDI Implementation............................................ 61
effects to the sound?................................................................ 20
Dimensions.................................................................... 63
5.5 How do I use an outboard effects processor?......... 20
5.6 How do I set up live stage monitoring?..................... 20
5.7 Everything you ought to know
about Solo and monitor sources......................................... 21
5.8 How do I share signals over AES50
Supermac network? ................................................................22
5.9 AES50 cabling requirements.........................................22
5.10 What kinds of Utilities are available?........................22
5.11 Using the X32 RACK in recording
and production studio environments...............................23
5.12 Remote control................................................................. 24
5.13 Recording a 2-track directly
with the console........................................................................ 24
5.14 Saving and recalling scenes......................................... 24
6. USB Interface Operation Guide............................... 25
6.1 Configuring the X-USB card
for use in the console...............................................................25
6.2 Configuring the PC to Interface
with the X-USB Card................................................................. 28
6.3 X-USB Specifications........................................................30
Important Safety 9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized TO BIND MUSIC GROUP BY ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
Instructions or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades UNDERTAKING OR REPRESENTATION. THIS MANUAL
with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug IS COPYRIGHTED. NO PART OF THIS MANUAL MAY
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM
blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the OR BY ANY MEANS, ELECTRONIC OR MECHANICAL,
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an INCLUDING PHOTOCOPYING AND RECORDING OF ANY
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. KIND, FOR ANY PURPOSE, WITHOUT THE EXPRESS
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MUSIC GROUP IP LTD.
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
Terminals marked with this symbol carry ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
electrical current of sufficient magnitude © 2013 MUSIC Group IP Ltd.
to constitute risk of electric shock. 11. Use only attachments/accessories specified by Trident Chambers, Wickhams Cay, P.O. Box 146,
Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with the manufacturer. Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
¼" TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed. All other 12. Use only with the
installation or modification should be performed only cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
by qualified personnel. LIMITED WARRANTY
or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with For the applicable warranty terms and conditions
This symbol, wherever it appears,
the apparatus. When a cart and additional information regarding MUSIC Group’s
alerts you to the presence of uninsulated
is used, use caution when Limited Warranty, please see complete details online at
dangerous voltage inside the
moving the cart/apparatus www.music-group.com/warranty.
enclosure - voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a
risk of shock. combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.
This symbol, wherever it appears,
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
alerts you to important operating and
when unused for long periods of time.
maintenance instructions in the
accompanying literature. Please read the manual. 14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
Caution damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
remove the top cover (or the rear section). into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed
No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has
qualified personnel. been dropped.
Caution 15. The apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, outlet with a protective earthing connection.
do not expose this appliance to rain and 16. Where the MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is
moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall
or splashing liquids and no objects filled with liquids, remain readily operable.
such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
Caution
These service instructions are for use
by qualified service personnel only.
To reduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any
servicing other than that contained in the operation
instructions. Repairs have to be performed by qualified
service personnel.
1. Read these instructions.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
2. Keep these instructions.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND APPEARANCES
3. Heed all warnings.
ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE AND
4. Follow all instructions. ACCURACY IS NOT GUARANTEED. BEHRINGER,
5. Do not use this apparatus near water. KLARK TEKNIK, MIDAS, BUGERA, AND TURBOSOUND
6. Clean only with dry cloth. ARE PART OF THE MUSIC GROUP (MUSIC-GROUP.COM).
ALL TRADEMARKS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THEIR
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
RESPECTIVE OWNERS. MUSIC GROUP ACCEPTS NO
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSS WHICH MAY BE SUFFERED
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as BY ANY PERSON WHO RELIES EITHER WHOLLY OR
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus IN PART UPON ANY DESCRIPTION, PHOTOGRAPH
(including amplifiers) that produce heat. OR STATEMENT CONTAINED HEREIN. COLORS AND
SPECIFICATIONS MAY VARY FROM ACTUAL PRODUCT.
MUSIC GROUP PRODUCTS ARE SOLD THROUGH
AUTHORIZED FULLFILLERS AND RESELLERS ONLY.
FULLFILLERS AND RESELLERS ARE NOT AGENTS OF
MUSIC GROUP AND HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO AUTHORITY
1. Operational Overview
01 13:45 : 19
Ch01 A: S16 A: 48K
01: 0:00 - 0:00 B: - C: X-USB
home analog out aux out p16 out card out aes50-a aes50-b
Channel Processing Block Patch Connected Devices
Inputs 1-8 Inputs 9-16 Inputs 17-24 Inputs 25-32 Aux In 1-4 AES50 A
Local In 1-8 Local In 1-8 Local In 1-8 Local In 1-8 Aux 1-4
Local In 9-16 Local In 9-16 Local In 9-16 Local In 9-16 Local 1-4
[Local In 17-24] [Local In 17-24] [Local In 17-24] [Local In 17-24] AES50 A1-4
[Local In 25-32] [Local In 25-32] [Local In 25-32] [Local In 25-32] AES50 B1-4
AES50 A1-8 AES50 A1-8 AES50 A1-8 AES50 A1-8 Card 1-4
AES50 A9-16 AES50 A9-16 AES50 A9-16 AES50 A9-16
AES50 A17-24 AES50 A17-24 AES50 A17-24 AES50 A17-24
AES50 A25-32 AES50 A25-32 AES50 A25-32 AES50 A25-32 AES50 B
AES50 A33-40 AES50 A33-40 AES50 A33-40 AES50 A33-40
AES50 A41-48 AES50 A41-48 AES50 A41-48 AES50 A41-48
AES50 B1-8 AES50 B1-8 AES50 B1-8 AES50 B1-8
AES50 B9-16 AES50 B9-16 AES50 B9-16 AES50 B9-16
AES50 B17-24 AES50 B17-24 AES50 B17-24 AES50 B17-24
AES50 A25-32 AES50 A25-32 AES50 A25-32 AES50 A25-32
Routing I/O Note: All signal blocks patched to the audio processing will be connected to the
corresponding input channels automatically.
The X32 RACK console features 16 analog rear-panel XLR inputs with microphone
preamps, as well as 8 rear-panel XLR Outputs and 6 TRS Aux Sends and Returns. Local inputs 17-24 and 25-32 are listed with brackets, indicating that these are
In addition, there are two AES50 ports, each featuring 48 input and output channels, not physically available on this device. Assigning these will obviously carry no
and a card slot for 32 channels of input and output to and from a connected computer signal, but they can still be used when preparing shows for a full X32 console.
via USB 2.0.
Cabling for AES50 connections between X32 and S16 stageboxes:
Input Signals can be attached to the console’s internal audio processing engine in
• Shielded Cat-5e cables only
blocks of 8 signals from any one of the aforementioned input sources.
• Ethercon terminated cable ends
• Maximum cable length 100 meters (300 feet)
01 14:09 : 37
Ch01 A: S16 A: 48K
01: 0:00 - 0:00 B: - C: X-USB
home analog out aux out p16 out card out aes50-a aes50-b
Edit Output Assignment
Analog Output Current Setting Category Processed Output Signal Tap
Output 01 MixBus OFF OFF Pre EQ 0.3 ft
Output 02 Main (LRC) Main L Post EQ 0.10 m
Output 03 Mix Bus Main R Pre Fader
Output 04 Matrix Main C/M Post Fader 0.3 ms
Output 05 Direct Out Main Bus 01
Output 06 Monitor Main Bus 02
Output 07 Main Bus 03
Delay
Output 08 Main Bus 04
*Output 09 Main Bus 05
*Output 10 Main Bus 06
*Output 11 Main Bus 07
*Output 12 Main Bus 08
*Output 13 Main Bus 09
Delay
*Output 14
Output Signals can be freely assigned from any internal signal to any of the Any and all of the above signals can also be mirrored in blocks of 8 signals on
following outputs: either one of
• 8 analog local XLR outputs (with adjustable digital delay for time-alignment • 48x channels on AES50 port A
of speakers)
• 48x channels on AES50 port B
• 8 virtual outputs (marked with *) for routing over AES50 or card outputs
• 32x channels on USB interface card
• 6 auxiliary sends on ¼" TRS outputs
• 16 channel personal monitoring using the console’s P-16 Bus output connector
01 14:11 : 37
Ch01 A: S16 A: 48K
01: 0:00 - 0:00 B: - C: X-USB
home config gate dyn eq sends main
Insert Position
clip
-6 48V In t
-12 Reverse
-18
-24 Delay Pre Ins Post
-30 0.3 ft
Source Insert
-36 Link Lo Cut 0.10 m
OFF OFF
-42 +0.0 dB 2.0 Hz Input 01 0.03 ms InsFX 1L
-48 Input 02 InsFX 1R
-54 Input 03 InsFX 2L
Input 04 InsFX 2R
Gain Lo Cut Input 05 Delay InsFX 3L
Input 06 InsFX 3L
Input Channels 1-16 are pre-configured to use the local input signals 1-16, Aux Return Channels 1-8 are pre-configured to use the 6 aux input signals,
but can be patched to use any other available signal on the audio engine as well, and the two USB playback outputs, but can be patched to use any other available
including mix bus/sub group outputs. Changes of the Channel Source can be signal of the console as well.
made on the Preamp Config page.
FX Return Channels 1L-4R control the 4 stereo output signals of
Input Channels 17-32 are pre-configured to AES50 A inputs 1-16, so that side-chain FX1-4.
connecting an S16 stage box to port A will automatically feed the channels.
The configuration of Mix Bus Channels 1-16 can be pre-set (in the Setup/Global Main Bus Channels LR/C are always available and independent from
page) or can also be configured on an individual, per-channel basis. The bus Mix Buses. The processing steps for this signal path include (in this order):
processing includes (in this order):
• Insert point (swappable between post-EQ and pre-EQ operation)
• Insert point (swappable between post-EQ and pre-EQ operation)
• 6-band fully parametric EQ
• 6-band fully parametric EQ
• Compressor/expander (swappable between post-EQ and pre-EQ operation)
• Compressor/expander (swappable between post-EQ and pre-EQ operation)
• Bus sends to 6 matrices
• Bus sends to 6 matrices
Matrix Channels 1-6 are fed exclusively by MAIN LRC and Mix Bus 1-16 signals.
• Main LR panning The processing steps include (in this order):
• Mono/Center level • Insert point (swappable between post-EQ and pre-EQ operation)
• 6-band fully parametric EQ
• Compressor/expander (swappable between post-EQ and pre-EQ operation)
Ch01
01 OpeningScene
02: next 0:00 - 0:00
A: S16
B: -
A: 48K
C: X-USB 15:33 : 15
FatSn a re home config gate dyn eq sends main
Main Display Area Customizing the X32 RACK through the Utilities page
The top section of the main display permanently covers useful status Press the Utility button, located to the right of the main display, to bring up
information. The top left corner shows the selected channel number, useful functions in a “context-sensitive” manner. For example:
its nickname and the selected icon. The next block shows the current scene
• When you are adjusting the equalizer of a console channel, pressing the Utility
number and name in amber, as well as the next upcoming scene. The center
button will offer copying, pasting, loading or saving of equalizer settings
section displays the playback file name along with elapsed and remaining
time and a recorder status icon. The next block to the right has 4 segments • On the Routing pages, pressing the Utility button will offer loading or saving
to show the status of AES50 ports A and B, the Card slot and the audio clock different presets of routing scenarios
synchronization source and sample rate (top right). Small green square indicators
• In the Scenes menu, pressing the Utility button offers copying, loading, saving or
show proper connectivity. The right most block shows the console time that can
naming console scenes
be set under Setup/Config.
NOTE: The X32 RACK DCA groups can be selected using the Channel Select control
When working with any given screen, press the Page keys located on the display
in order to adjust their fader level, mute or solo status. Note, however, that the
bezel to switch to different screen pages.
main display will remain focused on the last real channel (bus or input) that was
Editing parameters or settings on each of the screens is done using the 6 selected before DCA, since DCAs do not feature any processing.
associated push-encoders along the bottom edge of the display.
• Whenever there is a continuous control or list entry, you can turn the
corresponding knob for editing, which is indicated by various circular icons
• When there is a switch or toggle function on one of these knobs, you will see
a broad rectangular button along the lower edge of the field. Pressing the
encoder changes the on/off state of the corresponding function. When the
rectangular button in the display is dark grey, the corresponding function is
off/inactive; when it is amber, the function is on/active
16 A 48K
C X-USB 15
In order to prevent any errors by losing power during a store operation,
we recommend using the “Safe Shutdown” function from the Setup/Global page.
NOTE: The X32 RACK can be locked against unintended use by activating ‘Lock Console’
from the Setup/Global page. In this state the UI will not allow any changes to be made
and the display shows “X”. Keep HOME depressed for about 5 seconds to unlock the
X32 again.
The X32 firmware can easily be updated by performing the following steps:
• Download the new console firmware from the X32 RACK product page onto
the root level of a USB thumb drive
• Plug the USB thumb drive into the front panel USB connector while the console
is turned off
• Hold the USB button depressed while switching the console on. While booting,
the X32 RACK will run a fully automatic firmware update, which will take
2-3 minutes longer than the regular boot sequence
When no update file is available on the USB drive, or when it is corrupted,
the update mode will remain active, preventing the X32 from booting regularly.
Switch the console off and back on without holding the USB button to boot the
console with the existing firmware.
CAUTION: Please do not block the vent openings on the sides of the X32 RACK
cabinet! Specifically when mounting the X32 RACK in a road case, please ensure
there is sufficient space to allow for some airflow.
2. Callouts
(1) (3) (4) (5) (6) (10) (11) (13) (10) (16) (17) (21)
(2) (7) (8) (9) (12) (14) (15) (19) (18) (20)
(1) USB button opens the Recorder View on the MAIN DISPLAY, causing the LED (16) TALK button engages the Talkback microphone. Routing is defined in the
to glow green. The LED will glow red to indicate access on the DATA/AUDIO Monitoring Preferences page.
input. An unlit LED indicates no data access and inactive Recorder View.
(17) TALK LEVEL knob sets the Talkback mic gain.
(2) DATA/AUDIO USB input allows connection of USB flashdrives for firmware
(22)loading/saving
(23) scenes and show(24) (18) CLEAR SOLO(31)
button lights to indicate that one of the channels has been
updates, files, and playing back or
Soloed. Press to deactivate all active solo functions.
recording WAV files.
(19) MAIN LR LEVEL knob adjusts the main stereo output bus.
(3) CHANNEL SELECT control cycles through all channels by turning the knob.
By pressing this knob, you can jump to the next type of channels. (20) ON/OFF button turns the power on and off.
(4) CHANNEL TYPE LEDs indicate which type of channel is currently selected. (21) MONITOR LEVEL knob adjusts the headphone and monitor output volume.
Connect headphones to the 1/4" front panel input.
(5) CHANNEL NUMBER display shows the currently selected channel.
(25)
(6) INPUT METER displays the pre-fader input level of the selected channel.
(7) SOLO button routes the currently selected channel to the monitoring
paths. The LED lights when active.
(8) CHANNEL LEVEL control adjusts the currently selected channel’s output.
(9) MUTE button mutes the currently selected
(26) channel. The LED lights(27) (28) (29) (30)
when active.
(10) MAIN MENU buttons open specific menus on the MAIN DISPLAY.
(11) MAIN DISPLAY shows permanent information about the mixer’s
configuration as well as information about the currently selected menu.
(12) DISPLAY ENCODER knobs allow adjustment and on/off selection of the
menu items indicated at the bottom of the MAIN DISPLAY.
(13) MAIN METER indicates the Main Mono or SOLO level in the left meter and
the Main Stereo level on the right.
(14) PAGE SELECT buttons curse horizontally in the MAIN DISPLAY and make
Yes / No confirmations.
(15) LAYER SELECT buttons access different parameter layers that can be edited
by the DISPLAY ENCODERS.
(25)
(22) TALKBACK input connects a talkback microphone via XLR cable. (29) ULTRANET connector sends 16 channels of audio to a P16 monitoring system.
(23) MONITOR outputs send audio to monitor speakers via 1/4" balanced cables. (30) AES50 A and B connectors allow 96 channels of bidirectional audio for
connection to S16 digital snakes or other X32 family products. Shielded
(24) AUX IN and OUT jacks send and receive signals via 1/4" and RCA connectors.
CAT-5e cable should always be used for AES50 connections between X32
(25) XLR OUT jacks send audio via XLR cable. Output signals are configured on and S16 units.
the Routing/Aux Out page of the MAIN DISPLAY.
(31) XLR IN jacks receive inputs via XLR cable. These inputs feature 16 MIDAS-
(26) X-USB card provides 32 channels of input and output via USB cable to and designed mic/line preamps with 72 dB of gain range. Each input has an
from any connected personal computer DAW application. adjacent red LED to indicate when 48 V phantom power supply is engaged.
(27) ETHERNET connector allows full OSC-based remote control of the X32 RACK.
(28) MIDI IN/OUT allows the unit to send and receive MIDI commands via
standard 5-pin DIN cables.
3. Callouts
X32 RACK Live Performance Setup with S16, X32, and P16 Monitor System
VIEW
VIEW
–6
10 10 10
5 5 5
VIEW
0 0 0
–5 –5 –5
– 20 – 20 – 20
– 30 – 30 – 30
– 40 – 40 – 40
– 50 – 50 – 50
– 60 – 60 – 60
– 00 – 00 – 00
X32 RACK Out 1-8 for S16 Out 1-8 for FOH
FOH amps/loudspeakers, amps/loudspeakers,
front and side fills, AES50 front and side fills or
or stage monitoring stage monitoring
on the left on the right
CH 1-16 In CH 17-32 In
Phones IEM
Drummer Voc 1 Percussionist Spare
Floor wedges
POWERPLAY P16-M
Digital Personal Mixers
Vocal 1 Keyboards Percussion
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
P16-D Distributor
Phones Phones
Phones Phones
Phones Phones
POWERPLAY P16-M
Personal Monitor Mixers
FX Descriptions
Here is a list and brief description of the effects available on the X32 RACK.
When Stereo and Dual versions of an effect are offered, use the Stereo version
when the left and right signal are to be altered together (e.g. on linked stereo
channels or buses), or Dual when you want to dial different settings for the left
and right signal. See the Topic Guide for instructions on how to add effects to a
channel or bus. Sometimes called a 3-Tap Delay, the Triple Delay provides three delay stages with
independent frequency, gain, and pan controls. Create time-based echo effects
Stereo Precision Limiter with the Triple Delay to increase the sense of stereo separation.
TIME BASE sets the master delay time, which is also the delay time for the first
stage. GAIN BASE sets the gain level of the first stage of the delay. PAN BASE sets
the position of the first delay stage in the stereo field. LO CUT sets the frequency
at which the source signal can begin passing through the delay. HI CUT sets the
frequency at which the source signal no longer passes through the delay. X-FEED
indicates that stereo cross-feedback of the delays is active. MONO activates a mono
mix of both channels for the delay input. FEED adjusts the amount of feedback.
Stereo Precision Limiter allows you to set a precise volume limit, FACTOR A controls the amount of delay time in the second stage of the delay.
ensuring distortion-free, optimal signal integrity. Use X32’s Stereo Precision GAIN A controls the gain level of the second delay stage. PAN A sets the position of
Limiter to boost quiet signals or preventing clipping while preserving the level of the second delay stage in the stereo field. FACTOR B controls the amount of delay
“hot” signals. time in the third stage of the delay. GAIN B controls the gain level of the third delay
stage. PAN B sets the position of the third gain stage in the stereo field.
AUTOGAIN activates an additional long-term gain correction, allowing automatic
gain scaling of varying input level ranges. STEREO LINK applies limiting to both
Ambience
channels equally when activated. INPUT GAIN provides up to 18 dB of gain to
the input signal prior to limiting. OUTPUT GAIN sets the final gain level of the
processed signal. SQUEEZE adds compression to the signal to add punch and a
slight distortion depending on the amount you dial in. ATTACK sets the attack
time, ranging from 0.05 mS to 1 mS. RELEASE adjusts the release time from
0.05 mS to 1.04 seconds. KNEE adjusts the soft limiting threshold point from hard
limiting (0 dB) to maximum soft limiting (10 dB).
Ambience creates a customizable virtual acoustic space in which to place the
Stereo Delay
elements of a mix. Use Ambience to add warmth and depth without coloring the
direct sound. (Inspired by the Lexicon Ambience Algorithm)
PRE DELAY sets the time before the reverb follows the source signal. DECAY adjusts
the time it takes for the reverb to completely dissipate. SIZE controls the room
size emulation. DAMPING controls the high frequency decay within the reverb
tail. DIFFUSE controls the initial echo density. Level sets the volume output of the
affected signal. LO CUT adjusts the low frequency cut, allowing lower frequencies
to remain unaffected by the reverb. HI CUT adjusts the high frequency cut,
Stereo Delay provides independent control of left and right delay (echo)
allowing higher frequencies to remain unaffected by the reverb. MOD adjusts the
times and features high and low pass filters for enhanced tone shaping of the
level of reverb decay modulation. TAIL GAIN adjusts the volume of the reverb tail.
delayed signals. Use the Stereo Delay to give your mono signals a wide presence
in the stereo field.
Reverse Reverb
The MIX control lets you blend the source signal and the delayed signal.
TIME adjusts the master delay time up to three seconds. LO CUT adjusts the low
frequency cut, allowing lower frequencies to remain unaffected by the delay.
HI CUT adjusts the high frequency cut, allowing higher frequencies to remain
unaffected by the delay. FACTOR L sets the delay on the left channel to rhythmic
fractions of the master delay time. FACTOR R sets the delay on the right channel
to rhythmic fractions of the master delay time. OFFSET LR adds a delay difference
between the left and right delayed signals. The FEED LO CUT/HI CUT adjusts filters Reverse Reverb takes the trail of a reverb, turns it around, and places it in front
in the feedback paths. FEED L and FEED R control the amount of feedback for of the sound source. Use the swelling crescendo of the Reverse Reverb to add an
the left and right channels. MODE sets the feedback mode: Mode ST sets normal ethereal quality to vocal and snare tracks. (Inspired by the Lexicon 300/480L)
feedback for both channels, X crosses feedbacks between left and right channels.
Adjusting the PRE DELAY knob adds up to 200 milliseconds of time before the
M creates a mono mix within the feedback chain.
reverb follows the source signal. The DECAY knob adjusts the time it takes for
the reverb to completely dissipate. RISE controls how quickly the effect builds
up. DIFF(USION) controls the initial reflection density. SPREAD controls how the
reflection is distributed through the envelope of the reverb. The LO CUT knob sets
a low frequency beneath which the source signal will not pass through the reverb.
The HiSvFr/HiSvGn knobs adjust a Hi-Shelving filter at the input of the reverb effect.
Classic Hall Reverb simulates the reverberation that occurs w hen sound is
This effect was originally achieved by combining a reverb with a noise gate. recorded in medium to large-sized concert halls. Use the Hall Reverb to give your
Our gated reverb creates the same impression by a special shaping of the reverb tail. mix a lush, three-dimensional quality that will make your performance sound
larger than life. (Inspired by the Lexicon Hall)
Gated Reverb is especially effective for creating a 1980s-style snare sound or to
enlarge the presence of a kick drum. (Inspired by the Lexicon 300/480L) The PRE DELAY slider controls the amount of time before the reverberation is
heard following the source signal. DECAY controls the amount of time it takes for
PRE DELAY controls the amount of time before the reverberation is heard following
the reverb to dissipate. SIZE controls the perceived size of the space being created
the source signal. DECAY controls the amount of time it takes for the reverb to
by the reverb effect. The DAMP slider adjusts the decay of high frequencies within
dissipate. ATTACK controls how fast the reflection density builds up. DENSITY shapes
the reverb tail. DIFF(usion) controls the initial reflection density. SHAPE adjusts
the reverb decay tail. The higher the density, the greater the number of sound
the contour of the reverberation envelope.
reflections. SPREAD controls how the reflection is distributed through the envelope
of the reverb. The LO CUT knob sets the frequency beneath which the source signal
Vintage Room
will not pass through the reverb. The HiSvFr/ HiSvGn knobs adjust a Hi-Shelving filter
at the input of the reverb effect. DIFF(USION) controls the initial reflection density.
Plate Reverb
Vintage Room simulates the reverberation that occurs when sound is recorded in
a small room. When you want to add a bit of warmth and just a touch of reverb,
X32’s Vintage Room breathes life into close-miced guitar and drum tracks.
(Inspired by the Quantec QRS)
A plate reverb was originally created by sending a signal through a transducer
to create vibrations on a plate of sheet metal which were then picked up as an The VU meter displays the input and output levels. Set the early reflection times
audio signal. Our algorithm simulates that sound with high initial diffusion and a for the left and right channel with ER DELAY L and ER DELAY R. ER LEVEL sets the
bright colored sound. X32’s Plate Reverb will give your tracks the sound heard on loudness of the early reflection level. REV DELAY controls the amount of time before
countless hit records since the late 1950s. (Inspired by the Lexicon PCM-70) the reverberation is heard following the source signal. HI/LOW MULTIPLY adjusts the
decay time of the high and bass frequencies. TIME shows the duration of the reverb
PRE DELAY controls the amount of time before the reverberation is heard
effect. ROOM SIZE adjusts the size of the room effect being created incrementally
following the source signal. DECAY controls the amount of time it takes for the
from small to large. HIGH CUT sets the frequency above which the source signal
reverb to dissipate. SIZE adjusts the size of the virtual room created by the reverb
does not pass through the reverb. DENSITY manipulates the reflection density in the
effect. The DAMP knob adjusts the decay of high frequencies within the reverb
simulated room. (This slightly changes the reverb decay time). LOW CUT sets the
tail. DIFF(USION) controls the initial reflection density. The LO CUT knob sets the
frequency below which the source signal does not pass through the reverb.
frequency beneath which the source signal will not pass through the reverb.
The HI CUT knob sets the frequency above which the source signal will not pass
Vintage Reverb
through the reverb. The BASS MULT(IPLIER) knob adjusts the decay time of the
bass frequencies. XOVER controls the crossover point for bass. MOD DEPTH and
SPEED control the intensity and speed of the reverb tail modulation.
When Layer 1 is selected, the far left encoder push button allows you to select Chorus / Stereo Chorus
between virtual front and rear outputs. Rear is suitable for drums due to it being
less reflective. Front is well-suited for vocals and other dynamic instruments.
The Vintage button enables the simulation of the input transformers.
Chorus samples the input, slightly detunes it and mixes it with the original
signal to produce a somewhat thicker, shimmering sound. Use it to thicken up
background vocals, or to double the sound of brass and woodwind instruments.
Where as DELAY L/R set the total amount of delay for the left and right channel,
WIDTH determines the amount of modulated delay. SPEED sets the modulation
Tube Stage/Overdrive is a versatile effect capable of emulating a variety of
speed. MIX adjusts the balance of the dry and wet signals. You can further sculpt
modern and classic tube preamps. Available in stereo and dual-mono versions,
the sound by trimming some of the low and high end from the effected signal
use Tube Stage/Overdrive to dial in warm and fuzzy sounds from subtle to
with the LO and HI CUT knobs. Additionally, the PHASE knob can tweak the
fully saturated.
phase offset of the LFO between left and right channel and the SPREAD knob
DRIVE adjusts the amount of harmonics being driven by the effect. EVEN and ODD adjusts how much of the left channel is mixed into the right and vice versa.
adjust the amount of even and odd harmonics. GAIN adjusts the output gain of Finally, the WAVE knob blends between the “Danish-style” digital triangular
the effect. LO CUT sets the input frequency below which the source signal will not chorus sound and the classic analog sine wave.
pass through the effect. HI CUT sets the input frequency above which the input
signal will not pass through the effect. BASS GAIN/FREQ adjust a low shelving Flanger / Stereo Flanger
filter at the output of the effect. TREBLE GAIN/FREQ adjust a high shelving filter at
the output of the effect.
Stereo Imager
Rotary Speaker
Wave Designer is a powerful tool for adjusting signal transients and dynamics,
such as attack and sustain. Use it to make a snare drum really “crack” in the
Stereo Tremolo creates an up and down volume change at a constant and even mix or level out volume inconsistencies of slap bass tracks. (Inspired by the SPL
tempo just like the guitar amps of yesteryear. Use X32’s Stereo Tremolo to add a Transient Designer)
unique “surf-music” texture to a vocal or instrument track.
Adjusting the ATTACK knob can add punch or tame overly dynamic signals.
SPEED adjusts the LFO rate and DEPTH sets the amount of modulation. Increasing the SUSTAIN knob acts in a similar way as a compressor, allowing the
PHASE can be used to set an LFO phase difference between the left and right peaks to carry longer before decay. The effect can also be used to reduce the
channel, which can be used for panning effects. The WAVE knob blends the LFO sustain for a more staccato sound. The GAIN knob compensates for level changes
waveform between triangular and square shape. The signal envelope, shaped by caused by the effect.
ATTACK, HOLD and RELEASE, can be used to modulate the LFO speed (ENV SPEED)
and the LFO modulation depth (ENV DEPTH). Stereo Exciter / Dual Exciter
Exciters increase presence and intelligibility in live sound applications, and are
indispensable for adding clarity, air and harmonic overtones in the recording
studio. This effect is particularly useful for filling out the sound in difficult rooms
and for producing a more natural live/recorded sound. (Inspired by the famous
Aphex Aural Exciter)
Pitch shifting is often used in two different ways. One is to set the Mix knob lower
and only use the Cent knob to make a small offset in pitch between the wet and Set the frequency of the side-chain filter with the TUNE knob, and further shape
dry tones. This results in a “voice doubling” effect that thickens the overall sound the filter slope with the PEAK and ZERO FILL knobs. Turning the TIMBRE knob
in a more subtle way. The extreme use of the effect is to turn the Mix knob fully- left of center adds more odd harmonics, while turning it right of center adds
clockwise so the entire signal is effected. This way, the signal can be shifted into more even harmonics. Adjust the harmonic content added to the signal with
other keys up to an octave above or below the original. When used on a voice, the HARMONICS knob, and blend in the effected signal with the MIX knob.
this results in a “chipmunk” sound or a low Darth Vader effect. Engage the SOLO MODE to isolate only the audio resulting from the effect so you
can hear exactly what you’re adding to the mix.
When the SEMI and CENT knobs are set at 12:00, the pitch is not altered.
Making adjustments by semitone will have a very pronounced effect,
Stereo Enhancer / Dual Enhancer
whereas changes to the CENT knob will be very minor. The DELAY knob creates a
time difference between the wet and dry sound. The LO and HI CUT knobs allow
the effected signal to be band-limited. The Dual Pitch effect allows the left and
right channels to be adjusted independently, and allows GAIN compensation and
panning of the two channels.
X32’s Enhancers are so called “Psycho EQs”. They can enhance the signal
Stereo / Dual Guitar Amp
spectrum in bass, midrange and high frequencies but they differ from traditional
equalizers. When you need to generate maximum punch, clarity and detail,
without turning up the overall volume, our enhancers are the solution.
(Inspired by the SPL Vitalizer)
Adjust the BASS, MID and HI GAIN knobs to add or reduce content in those
Modeled after the Tech 21 SansAmp, the Stereo / Dual Guitar Amp simulates the spectrums. The BASS and HI FREQuencies can be specifically selected, while the
sound of plugging into a real guitar amp. From shimmering cleans to saturated MID Q (bandwidth) can be adjusted instead. The OUT GAIN knob compensates for
crunch, X32’s Stereo / Dual Guitar Amp allows an electric guitar player to sound changes in level resulting from the effect, and the SPREAD knob (Stereo version
great without using an amp on stage. only) emphasizes the stereo content for a wider mix. Engage the SOLO MODE
to isolate only the audio resulting from the effect so you can hear exactly what
The PREAMP knob adjusts the amount of input gain prior to the band-specific
you’re adding to the mix.
distortion adjustment. BUZZ adjusts the low-end breakup, PUNCH adjusts
the midrange distortion, and CRUNCH tailors the high-frequency content and
distortion for smooth or cutting notes. The DRIVE knob simulates the amount
of power amp distortion from a tube amp. The LOW and HIGH knobs allow
EQ adjustment independent of distortion content, and the overall output is
controlled by the LEVEL knob. The CABINET simulation can be bypassed if the
guitarist is already using a real cab, which allows the effect to function like a
boost or distortion pedal. The Dual Guitar Amp allows the left and right channels
to be adjusted independently.
The Mood Filter uses an LFO generator and an auto-envelope generator to control Taking up only one FX slot, the Chorus + Chamber effect combines the shimmer
a VCF (voltage-controlled filter), as well as a side chain function where the and doubling characteristics of a studio-grade Chorus with the sweet sound of a
channel B signal controls the envelope of channel A. When applied to electronic traditional Chamber reverb. (Reverb is Inspired by the Lexicon PCM 70)
instruments, the Mood Filter can be used to emulate the natural sound of
The BALANCE knob adjusts the balance between chorus and reverb. Low
acoustic instruments. (Inspired by the MiniMoog)
frequencies can be excluded with the LO CUT knob, and the MIX knob adjusts
This filter can be modulated with the signal’s envelope using the ENV MOD how much of the effect is added to the signal. SPEED, DELAY and DEPTH adjust
(with positive and negative amounts), ATTACK and RELEASE knobs, or the LFO the rate, delay, and modulation depth of the chorus. The LFO PHASE between left
can modulate the filter. The WAVE knob selects between 7 different wave forms and right channel can be offset by up to 180 degrees, and WAVE adjusts the LFO
– triangular, sine, saw plus, saw minus, ramp, square, and random. The PHASE waveform from a sine wave to triangular wave. The PREDELAY knob determines
can be offset by up to 180 degrees. The SPEED knob adjusts the rate of the LFO the hesitation before the reverb affects the signal. The DECAY knob adjusts how
and the DEPTH adjusts the amount of LFO modulation. Adjust the resonance of quickly the reverb fades. The SIZE controls how large or small the simulated
the filter until self-oscillation with the RESO(nance) knob. BASE adjusts the range space is (room, cathedral, etc.). The DAMPING knob determines the decay of high
of the filter from 20 Hz to 15 kHz. The MODE switch selects between low pass frequencies within the reverb tail.
(LP), high-pass (HP), band-pass (BP) and Notch. Use the MIX knob to blend the
effected signal with the dry sound. With the 4 POLE switch engaged, there will Flanger + Chamber
be a steeper slope than the OFF (2 pole) setting. The DRIVE knob adjusts the
level and can also introduce an overdrive effect (as with real analogue filters)
if pushed hard. In Sidechain mode, only the left input signal is processed and
fed to both outputs. The envelope of the right input signal can be used as a
modulation source.
Delay + Chamber
Add the mind-bending, filter-sweeping effect of a state-of-the-art Flanger to
the elegant sweetening of a traditional Chamber reverb—all in one FX slot.
(Reverb is Inspired by the Lexicon PCM 70)
The BALANCE knob adjusts the ratio between flanger and reverb. Low frequencies
can be excluded with the LO CUT knob, and the MIX knob adjusts how much of
the effect is added to the signal. SPEED, DELAY and DEPTH adjust the rate, delay,
and modulation depth of the flanger. FEEDback can be adjusted with positive and
Here we have combined Delay and Chamber reverb, so a single device can provide
negative amounts. The PHASE can be offset by up to 180 degrees. The PREDELAY
a variety of delay settings, plus add just the right type and amount of reverb to
knob determines the hesitation before the reverb affects the signal. The DECAY
the selected signal. This device only uses one FX slot. (The Reverb is Inspired by
knob adjusts how quickly the reverb fades. The SIZE controls how large or small
the Lexicon PCM 70)
the simulated space is (room, cathedral, etc.). The DAMPING knob determines the
Use the BALANCE knob to adjust the ratio between delay and reverb. decay of high frequencies within the reverb tail.
Low frequencies can be excluded with the LO CUT knob, and the MIX adjusts
how much of the effect is added to the signal. The TIME knob adjusts the delay
time for the left channel delay, and the PATTERN sets the delay ratio for the
right channel delay. Adjust the FEEDBACK and trim some high frequencies with
the FEED HC (high-cut) knob. The XFEED knob allows you to send the delay
sound to the reverb effect, so instead of running completely parallel, the reverb
effects the echos to a selected degree. The PREDELAY knob determines the
hesitation before the reverb affects the signal. The DECAY knob adjusts how
quickly the reverb fades. The SIZE controls how large or small the simulated
space is (room, cathedral, etc.). The DAMPING knob determines the decay of high
frequencies within the reverb tail.
This combination effect merges a user-definable Delay (echo) with a studio- The TruEQ incorporates a special algorithm that compensates for the gain
quality Chorus sure to fatten up even the “skinniest” track. Uses only one FX slot. adjustment overlapping effect that adjacent frequency bands have on one
(Inspired by the TC Electronic D-Two) another. On a standard EQ, when neighboring bands are boosted together,
the resulting effect is magnified beyond what is visible from the positioning of
The TIME knob adjusts the delay time, and the PATTERN knob sets the delay ratio
the sliders.
for the right channel and negative values activate a cross feedback between
the two channels. The FEEDHC knob adjusts the delay high-cut frequency,
while the FEEDBACK knob adjusts the number of repeats. The X-FEED knob allows
you to send the delay sound to the chorus effect. The BALANCE knob adjusts
the ratio between delay and chorus. SPEED, DELAY and DEPTH adjust the rate,
delay, and modulation depth of the chorus. The right channel LFO PHASE can be
offset by up to 180 degrees, and WAVE adjusts the chorus character by shaping
the LFO waveform from sine wave to triangular wave. Use the MIX knob to blend
the effected signal with the “dry” sound.
Delay + Flanger
Graphic equalizer without frequency response correction.
This handy dynamic duo blends the “woosh” of soaring jet planes with classic
Delay, and can be adjusted from mild to wild. This combination effect only takes
up one FX slot. (Inspired by the TC Electronic D-Two)
The TIME knob adjusts the delay time, and the PATTERN knob sets the delay ratio
for the right channel and negative values activate a cross feedback between
the two channels. The FEEDHC knob adjusts the delay high-cut frequency,
while the FEEDBACK knob adjusts the number of repeats. The X-FEED knob
allows you to send the delay sound to the flanger effect. The BALANCE knob
Graphic equalizer with frequency response correction.
adjusts the ratio between delay and flanger. SPEED, DELAY and DEPTH adjust the
rate, delay, and modulation depth of the flanger. The right channel LFO PHASE
can be offset by up to 180 degrees, and FEED (positive and negative amounts) Dual / Stereo DeEsser
adjusts the feedback effect. Use the MIX knob to blend the effected signal with
Rotate the 1st and 2nd encoder to adjust the low and high-band reduction
the “dry” sound.
respectively. Press the 1st encoder to select male or female to optimize the
frequency for the vocalists range. Repeat the steps for the B channel using the
Dual / Stereo GEQ
3rd and 4th encoders. If using the Stereo DeEsser, press the 5th encoder to select
between Stereo or Mono/Stereo, which allows the left and right channels to be
adjusted independently.
5.4 How do I add one of the 8 internal effects • Adjust rotary control #6 to select the specific processor you have applied the
to the sound? effect to, in this case “Ins FX 5L”. Press the encoder to connect the selected
insert effect.
There are two types of effects that are commonly used:
• The Precision Limiter is now applied as an insert on the selected channel.
• “Effects Loop” (side chain) style effects, where multiple channels all send
Sending more than one channel through the same insert effect is, of course,
varying amounts of their signal to a common effect, such as a reverb,
prohibited. There will be a warning when you try to insert an effect slot that
delay, or chorus.
has already been used as an insert on any other channel. Both sides of a dual
• “Insert” style effects that are inserted in to the signal path of a single type effect can be used as inserts on different channels or buses.
channel of audio. Examples would be a graphic EQ, filter, exciter,
or tube emulator. 5.5 How do I use an outboard
To apply an “Effects Loop” style effect: effects processor?
In some situations, you may wish to use a loop-style effect provided by an
• Press the “Effects” menu button. The main screen will show the FX
external effect processor, as opposed to using one of the eight built-in processors.
home screen where different effects processors are assigned to the 8
To do so:
processing slots.
• Press the ROUTE button, page right to the “Aux Out” screen, and adjust the
• Adjust rotary encoder #6 to highlight the first effects processor; it will be
first and fourth encoders to tie a rear panel ¼" aux out, such as Aux Out 1,
surrounded by an orange outline.
to an available mix bus, such as Mix Bus 2.
• Adjust rotary encoder #1 and rotary encoder #2, selecting your desired bus as
• Patch rear panel Aux Output 1 to the input of your external effects processor.
the source for both the left and right inputs of the first effect processor.
• Patch the output of the external effects processor to rear panel Aux Input 1.
• Adjust rotary encoder #5 to select a specific effect processor,
such as “Ambience”. • Rotate the Channel Select knob until A1 appears in the display, the press the
knob. On the Home screen, ‘home’ tab, verify that the Main LR is highlighted.
• Rotate the Channel Select knob until 1 L appears in the channel number
display and press the knob. Use the Channel Level knob to bring the return • Move the Aux 1 channel level to 0 dB.
up to 0 dB. Turn the Channel Select knob to the right one click so that 1r
• Adjust the settings on the external effects processor to taste.
appears in the display, the press the knob. Bring the return level up to 0 dB.
• Back on the Effects page, press the PAGE SELECT right button to switch the 5.6 How do I set up live stage monitoring?
screen to the editor for the Ambience processor. The screen will switch to an
Setting up a live stage monitor mix using conventional monitors:
editor page for the first processor. Adjust the rotary encoders to tailor the
effect to your liking. 1. Press the ROUTE button and page right to the Analog Out page.
• Press the Home button again and tab over to the ‘sends’ page. Raise 2. Adjust the first encoder to select a rear panel analog output (e.g. Output 1),
the virtual faders for the channels to which you want to add the effect. then adjust the fourth encoder to select a mix bus (e.g. Mix Bus 1). When the
The higher you raise the fader, the more of that channel's signal will be sent source and destination have been selected, press the 4th encoder to
to the processor. complete the assignment.
To apply an “insert” style effect: 3. Adjust the 5th encoder to set up the monitor send as pre-fader, or pre/post
EQ. This will prevent the monitor mix from changing when the front-of-
• Press the “Effects” menu button.
house mix is adjusted.
• As the effects on the left side are also able to handle complex send effects
4. Connect a cable from rear panel analog Out 1 to the input of:
like reverb, the slots on the right side shall be used for insert effects like
limiter, graphic EQ, etc. You can also use insert effects on the left side, a) A powered stage monitor
but this will limit your use of reverbs and other processor-intensive effects.
b) An external amplifier feeding a passive stage monitor
• Adjust rotary encoder #6 to highlight one of the effects processors on the
c) A transmitter for a set of wireless in-ear monitors
right side; it will be surrounded by an orange outline.
5. Rotate the Channel Select knob to select Bus 1, then press the knob.
• Adjust rotary encoder #1 and rotary encoder #2, selecting “Insert” as the
Adjust the Channel Level knob to 0 dB. You can change the output on this
source for both the left and right inputs of the effect processor.
bus later.
• Adjust rotary encoder #5 to select a specific effect processor, such as
6. To adjust the mix sent to the monitor, select an input channel with the
“precision limiter”.
Channel Select knob, nagivate to the Home screen’s ‘sends’ tab, then raise
• Select the specific input or output channel you wish to use the inserted the faders for each bus that the channel should be sent to.
effect on.
• Press the HOME button, then the PAGE SELECT right button to navigate to the
selected channel’s “Config” screen.
Setting up a live stage monitor mix using the S16 Digital Stage Box: 5.7 Everything you ought to know about Solo
1. Connect the S16 stage box to AES50 port A on the rear panel of the console and monitor sources
using a standard Cat 5 Ethernet cable. The X32 RACK allows you to monitor audio sources on a set of headphones or
monitor speakers when operating the console from a front-of-house position.
2. On the stage, connect a cable from Output 1 of the S16 stagebox to the input
of the stage monitor. 1. Connect a set of headphones to the ¼" phones jack on the front panel.
3. Press the ROUTE button and page right to the AES50 A page. 2. Alternatively, connect a set of monitors to the ¼" monitor outs on the
rear panel.
4. Adjust the first encoder to select “Out 1-8” for the first 8 outputs of the
AES50 A bus, then press the encoder to make the connection. 3. Press the Monitor button.
5. Analog Outputs 1-8 on the X32 RACK are now routed to the first 8 outputs of 4. Adjust the 6th encoder to select the audio source for the monitor bus,
the AES50 A connector, which in turn feeds the 8 analog outputs of the S16 for example LR PFL (LR Pre-Fader Listen). This will output the main LR
stage box connected to the AES50 A connector. pre-fader signal to the monitors when no Solo button is selected on any of
the channels or buses.
6. Adjust the monitor mix that feeds Mix Bus 1, as described above.
5. Adjust the first encoder to set the level of the monitor signal.
Setting up a live stage monitor mix using the P16 Ultranet Bus:
Then, adjust the level of the connected headphones and/or monitor
1. Connect an Ultranet personal monitor mixer (or P16 distribution amplifier) using their respective level controls on the X32 RACK front panel.
to either the P16 connector on the rear panel of the X32 RACK, or to the P16
6. Press the Solo button on any input or output channel to send that channel’s
connector on an S16 stage box that is connected to the X32 RACK console.
audio to the solo bus. This operation will not affect the mix that the audience
2. Press the ROUTE button and page right to the P16 page. is hearing, nor the monitor mix heard by the talent. Input channels take
priority over DCAs, DCAs take priority over buses, and buses take priority
3. Adjust the first and fourth encoders to pair specific audio slots on the P16 bus
over main LRC/mono.
with direct outs of various console channels, pressing the fourth encoder to
complete each connection. 7. Press the “Clear Solo” button above the main fader to quickly clear the solo
status of any and all channels. This is particularly useful when solo is active
4. Any personal mixer connected to the P16 bus will now receive up to 16
on a channel that is not present on the current input layer and you wish to
individual audio channels, allowing its user to craft their own unique
quickly clear its solo status.
monitor mix.
The solo bus also has various preferences that can be set using the second
5. When using the P16 connector on an S16 connected to AES50 port A,
encoder, allowing you tailor its operation to your specific working style.
press the ROUTE button and page right to the AES50 A page, then adjust
Examples include:
the fifth encoder to select ‘P16 1-8’, then press the encoder. Adjust the sixth
encoder to select ‘P16 9-16’, then press the encoder. Note: The P16 signals on 1. Use “Exclusive” if you want the act of pressing another solo button to
the S16 are sourced from AES50 channels 33-48. automatically disengage the previous solo. This is useful if you know you
will never want to solo more than one channel of material at the same time.
Communicating with talent on stage:
In this mode you can press several Solo buttons at the same time to solo the
1. Press the Monitor button and page over to the ‘talkback A’ tab. corresponding channels together.
2. Adjust the fourth encoder to set the destination of the talkback microphone, 2. Use “Solo Follows Select” if you want the solo selection to automatically
pressing the encoder to set the connections. The talkback mic can be routed follow any channel that you have selected. This allows you to quickly hear
to any of the individual mix buses that are feeding a monitor system. the audio of that channel in your headphones when you select it to adjust
EQ, compression, etc. Remember that you need to solo a channel first before
3. Adjust the third encoder to set the volume of the talkback mic.
this function is active.
4. Press the button below the Talk Level knob to activate the talkback
3. Use “Select Follows Solo” when you want the reverse to occur: Any channel
microphone to communicate with the stage talent. The talkback button can
that is soloed will automatically become the currently selected channel,
be set to latching or non-latching using the push action of the 5th encoder.
allowing you quickly make adjustments for any channel you have soloed.
4. Use the “Channel Solo AFL” to listen to the channel signal after the fader and
stereo PAN.
5. Use “Mix Bus Solo AFL” to listen to the mix bus signal after the fader and
stereo PAN.
6. Use “DCA Group AFL” if you want to put the contents of a soloed DCA group into
after-fader listen mode when the solo button is pressed on a DCA channel.
7. “Use Master Fader” option lets you adjust the solo signal on the monitor/
headphones with the Master fader on the console. Note: The master output
level cannot be changed in this mode. This mode has primarily been
designed for using the X32 RACK as a pure monitor console where the main
bus is not used for your PA system.
5.11 Using the X32 RACK in recording and • When running a 32 track live recording from your FOH desk, you can simply
production studio environments assign the card outputs to the mic inputs (local or stage box), using the
’Routing/card out’ page. Note however, that the mic preamp gain (also for
The X32 RACK can function equally well as part of a live sound or recording
recording) will be controlled from the FOH console, and Gain changes during
studio environment.
the show can be heard in the recording.
• The console contains extremely clean and detailed microphone preamps,
• When recording track by track into a DAW, you will need to pass all audio
allowing you to capture up to 16 separate microphones for recording even a
from the mic preamp of the console directly into the PC, and then back into
very large ensemble.
the console for monitoring. In this case, the DAW track’s record-ready status
• High-end analog to digital converters for each channel preserve the audio will determine which direct and which previously recorded signal will be
quality as it is recorded to assorted DAW software. audible on the console.
• With the X32 RACK’s built-in X-USB card, individual channels of audio can • This configuration can also be used in a live setup where additional FX
be sent, in the digital domain, to a studio DAW computer, using USB 2.0. processing using native plug-ins is required. Your PC (provided it has
With this card, the X32 RACK becomes the “world’s biggest computer audio the capacity to do so) could perform as a 32 channel outboard effects
interface” allowing up to 32 channels of microphones to be sent into the processor, allowing you to apply your favorite production processing in a live
DAW software (with the addition of an S16 stagebox), while at the same environment to every single channel. You should however, consider that
time allowing up to 32 individual channels of DAW tracks to return back to plug-in effects have inherent latencies that add up with the PC I/O latency.
the console for mixing “out of the box”. So, make sure that there are no adverse effects when applying outboard
processing. The internal latencies of the console are typically 10-15 times less
• With the X32’s full recall of all preamp and monitor settings, the console
than the the latency introduced by external processing.
makes a great solution for the modern home and project studio,
where multiple projects are worked on in “stages” and previous settings Please also note that in both cases, you need to adjust the physical preamp
need to be quickly and easily recalled. For example, if a band returns parameters, Gain and Phantom power, from the ’Setup/preamps’ page on
the following week to pick up where they left off, a single “load project” the console. See details in Chapter 6.
command can return the console to exactly where it left off, in terms of
mic gain settings for the different instruments, as well as various different
monitor mixes for the different performers.
• Since the X32 RACK works with the affordable S16 digital stagebox,
the combined system makes a great solution for routing audio signals
between a separate studio and control room. The S16 and various Ultranet
personal monitor mixers can be set up in the studio, while the console
itself is set up in the control room. A single shielded Cat5-e Ethernet cable
is all that is needed to connect the 16-32 channels of audio from 1-2 S16
boxes and all of the Ultranet mixers, a much better alternative than a thick,
noisy, and expensive analog snake. In more modern homes and apartments
that have Cat-5 cabling running through the walls as part of a pre-built
“structured wiring” package, the S16/Ultranet mixers and X32 console can
even be set up in different rooms, with no need to run a long cable or leave
any doors partially open!
• The various X-USB card modes to be selected on the Setup/card page can be
used to reduce the traffic over USB, just in case your computer has difficulty
handling the full 32x32 channel capacity. See Chapter 6 for details.
6. USB Interface Operation Guide 6.1 Configuring the X-USB card for use in
the console
Host system requirements for X-USB interface
The console will automatically detect the X-USB card during the regular boot
expansion card
cycle, and it will display the card’s presence in several instances.
Check the BEHRINGER website at behringer.com for updates of X-USB firmware
or system requirements. Please find the recommended hardware/software
minimum configurations in the specifications section.
Configuration
After the console has fully booted up, you can access the Setup/Card screen to
view the current channel count configuration. Depending on your application,
you may want to select an option other than the maximum 32 x 32 channel count
to preserve system resources.
32 in / 32 out
This mode obviously allows the full potential of the interface to be tapped. It is also possible to run a virtual sound check of all 32 input channels by recording
Note that the computer needs to be able to handle that amount of concurrent I/O them directly to a computer during a brief line check. The performers can leave
stream without any glitches. Depending on its speed and memory configuration, the stage while you play back the recorded instruments from the hard drive and
some optimization for audio recording might be required. tweak the sound accordingly.
Generally, the Card outputs may use any of the available signal sources in the mic preamps must now be controlled from the Setup/preamps page, which gives
console (local or AES50) for recording independently. When the X32 RACK is used remote control to every one of the available preamps in the system. Use the Setup/
in a quasi in-line mode, the card with connected computer represents a classic preamps page to make sure that phantom power is set as needed, and that there is a
tape machine. In this case, the X32 RACK mic inputs would be selected to feed reasonable amount of headroom for recording the preamp signals.
the card outputs (see graphic), and all signals are run from the mixer’s preamps
TIP: Sometimes it is more convenient to run the sound check while the preamps
directly to the multi-track recording machine (PC) and from there 1:1 back into
are still connected to the X32 RACK input channels. Once you are confident about
the console’s input channels.
the fundamental settings, you can switch the channel inputs to the X-USB Card
When the console channel inputs are set to Card, the channel Gain control will be a inputs for laying the tracks and monitoring the DAW outputs.
+/- 12 dB digital trim for the interface card signal, without direct access to any head
If you wish to switch back and forth between the two modes more frequently,
amp - which is great for mixdown but would be an issue for recording. So, mixing and
you could consider storing 2 routing scenes, ’DAW’ and ’preamps’. Make sure
monitoring can be done using the X32 RACK input channel controls, but the actual
Scene Safes are set in a way that all other parameters remain unchanged.
16 in / 16 out zero-latency overdub setup, which would be impossible if signals were run
through the computer. In this case, the 16 input signals are put on channels
If you don’t actually need more than 16 concurrent input and output tracks to
1-16, while the tape (card) returns are put on channels 17-32. The monitoring is
be exchanged between the console and your PC, then this mode might be more
directly fed from Ch1-16 as usual, including all processing and effects. It remains
appropriate for you. First, it will slow the required bandwidth on the interface
independent from any computer audio latency, even though you can hear back all
down. Second, there will be no excessive I/O tracks in your DAW configuration
the recorded tracks without any repatching.
that might clutter your setup. Third, it allows you to run a fully-featured
32 in / 8 out 8 in / 32 out
This mode is tailored to suit a typical studio and overdub recording situation, This is a useful mode for utilizing the excellent audio engine and effects
with many input channels but only a few output channels for monitoring of processing of the console during final mixdown of your project. All 32 tracks
previously recorded takes. would be fed from your DAW into the console where all the magic happens.
Then only 2-8 tracks of the complete mixdown would be sent back to the DAW.
8 in / 8 out and 2 in / 2 out
For very small recording sessions or overdubs with single sources like vocals,
reducing the channel I/O frees up more processing power and ensures stable
operation with small latency settings.
The ’Devices’ screen displays the card name and serial number. You can rename
the card if necessary.
The ’Input Channels’ screen allows you to name each input channel for more
organized mixing.
The ’Output Channels’ screen allows you to name each output channel for more
organized mixing.
The ’Synchronisation’ screen allows manual selection of the sample rate and
clock source.
The ’Settings’ screen allows the stream, ASIO, and WDM sound buffers to be set.
Any detected drop outs will be documented as well, in which case a larger buffer
should be selected.
Ch01
01 OpeningScene
02: next 0:00 - 0:00
A: S16
B: -
A: 48K
C: X-USB 15:33 : 15
Fat Sn a re home config gate dyn eq sends main
The “global” screen elements are located at the top of the screen, laid out in a AES50-A: Displays, by name, what AES50 based equipment is connected to the
horizontal row. They always remain visible no matter what specific screen the console’s AES50-A port. The green LED lights solid when a valid AES50 connection
user has currently navigated to, because they displays console parameters that is present.
are always important to keep in view at all times.
AES50-B: Displays, by name, what AES50 based equipment is connected to the
These screen elements include, from left to right: console’s AES50-B port. The green LED lights solid when a valid AES50 connection
is present.
Channel Indicator: Displays various elements of the currently
selected, including:
Word Clock/Sample Rate Indicator:
1. The number of the specific input or output channel that is currently selected
1. Displays the current sample rate of the console.
2. The custom channel name (if one has been assigned)
2. The green LED illuminates when a valid internal or external clock is present.
3. Channel color (if one has been assigned)
3. Displays the current source of the clock:
4. Channel icon (if one has been assigned)
• L: Internal Clock
Show Indicator: This number, presented in a large orange colored font,
• A: AES50 port A
displays the currently loaded show.
• B: AES50 port B
Scene Name/Number: Thus number, displayed in a smaller black colored font,
indicates the number of the currently loaded scene. • C: X-USB
USB Recorder File: Displays the name of the active file that is currently being Clock: Displays the current time of day in hours:minutes:seconds.
recorded or played back.
Main Content
01 01: 0:00 - 0:00 B: - C: XUF 14:11 : 37
home config gate dyn eq sends main
Insert Position
clip
-6 48V In t
-12 Reverse
-18
-24 Delay Pre Ins Post
-30 0.3 ft
Source Insert
-36 Link Lo Cut 0.10 m
OFF OFF
-42 +0.0 dB 2.0 Hz Input 01 0.03 ms InsFX 1L
-48 Input 02 InsFX 1R
-54 Input 03 InsFX 2L
Input 04 InsFX 2R
Gain Lo Cut Input 05 Delay InsFX 3L
Input 06 InsFX 3L
The main content of the screen is displayed in the middle of the screen and is The most important information for any screen category will be located on its
divided up into different sections of information, depending on the specific “home” page. However, most screens contain alternate pages of information that
screen being shown at any given time. are also useful. They are represented by different “tabs” that can be seen towards
the top of the screen. Each tab is named to describe the functions it represents.
Information shown in the main content portion of the screen consists of
Navigate to these alternate tabs by pressing the Page Select left and right keys.
two types:
1. Display-only content: This type of content is a visual indication only and
cannot be adjusted by the user. An example would be the graphical response
curve of an equalizer or the response graph of a compressor.
2. Adjustable content: Content that displays an adjustable parameter,
controlled by a dedicated top-panel control. For example, the “home” tab of
the “home” screen displays a knob graphic for input gain (trim). This control
is adjustable by turning the dedicated “gain” control on the top panel of the
console, in the Channel Strip section of the top panel.
The bottom of most screens contain 6 slots of information that are always paired 2. Parameters displayed in the bottom half of each slot (outlined in dark grey)
with the 6 hardware rotary encoders located directly underneath each slot. are most often “on/off” style parameters, and are adjusted by pushing the
The hardware encoders are used to adjust parameters displayed in these slots, encoder inward, using it as a button.
and operate in the following manner:
• For example, in the “home” tab of the Home screen, the “link”
1. Parameters displayed in the top half of each slot are most often “continuous” parameter of the selected input (located in slot 1) is adjusted with the
type parameters, and are adjusted by rotating the corresponding encoder first encoder’s push action.
located directly below the bottom of the screen.
3. If a given screen contains more parameters than fits into the 6 slots, then a
• For example, in the “home” tab of the Home screen, the “gain” 2nd set of slots is made available. Navigate to the next set of slots by
parameter of the selected input (located in slot 1) is adjusted with the pressing the Layer down key, and the bottom-of-screen content will change
first encoder. to display the next set of 12 parameters to be adjusted. Press the Layer up
key to return to the original set of 12 parameters.
7.2 Home Screen 3. Tap the 2nd encoder to toggle phase flip on/off for the currently
selected channel.
The home screen contains a high-level overview of the selected input or output
channel, and offers various adjustments not available through the dedicated 4. Adjust the 3rd encoder to select which of the 8 DCA groups the currently
top-panel controls: selected channel will be assigned to.
The home screen contains the following separate tabs: 5. Tap the 3rd encoder to assign the currently selected channel to the selected
DCA group.
1. Home: General signal path for the selected input or output channel
6. Adjust the 4th encoder to select which of the 6 mute groups to assign the
2. Config: Allows selection of signal source/destination for the channel,
currently selected channel to.
configuration of insert point, and other settings
7. Tap the 4th encoder to assign the currently selected channel to the selected
3. Gate: Controls and displays the channel gate effect beyond those offered by
mute group.
the dedicated top panel controls
8. Tap the 5th encoder to toggles solo on/off for the currently selected channel.
4. Dynamics: Controls and displays the channel dynamics effect (compressor)
beyond those offered by the dedicated top panel controls 9. Adjust the 6th encoder to adjust the fader level for the currently
selected channel.
5. EQ: Controls and displays the channel equalizer effect beyond those offered
by the dedicated top panel controls 10. Tap the 6th encoder to toggle mute on/off for the currently selected channel.
6. Sends: Controls and displays for channel sends, such as sends metering and
7.2.2 Home Screen: Config Tab
send muting
The configuration tab allows selection of signal source/destination for the
7. Main: Controls and displays for the selected channel’s output
channel, configuration of insert point, and other settings, as well as configuration
of the channel delay.
7.2.1 Home Screen: Home Tab
The config tab contains the following parameters that can be adjusted using the
The home tab of the home screen displays a general signal path for the currently
six rotary-push encoders:
selected input or output channel. It visually displays various parameters of the
input, gate, insert point, equalizer, dynamics, output path, and buses. 1. Adjust the 1st encoder to control the input gain (trim) of the channel.
The home tab contains the following parameters (divided into two pages) 2. Tap the 1st encoder to allow linking of the channel with adjacent channel.
that can be adjusted using the six rotary-push encoders.
3. Adjust the 2nd encoder to set the low-cut frequency of the channel.
Page 1
4. Tap the 2nd encoder to toggle the low-cut filter in/out of the signal path.
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to control the input gain (trim) of the channel.
5. Adjust the 3rd encoder to scroll among all of the possible sources for
2. Tap the 1st encoder to link the channel with its adjacent channel. the channel.
3. Adjust the 2nd encoder to set the threshold of the channel noise gate. 6. Tap the 3rd encoder to select the currently highlighted source and assign it
to the channel.
4. Tap the 2nd encoder to toggle the channel noise gate in/out of the
signal path. 7. Adjust the 4th encoder to set the amount of digital line delay applied to
the channel.
5. Adjust the 3rd encoder to toggle the channel’s insert point between
pre-fader and post-fader status. *Note – this is not an echo effect
6. Tap the 3rd encoder to toggle the channel insert in/out of the signal path. 8. Tap the 4th encoder to toggle the delay in/out of the signal path.
7. Adjust the 4th encoder to toggle the channel dynamics between pre-EQ and 9. Adjust the 5th encoder to toggle the channel insert between pre and post
post-EQ status. EQ/compressor.
8. Tap the 4th encoder to toggle the channel EQ in/out of the signal path. 10. Tap the 5th encoder to toggle the channel insert in/out of the signal path.
9. Adjust the 5th encoder to set the threshold of the channel compressor. 11. Adjust the 6th encoder to scroll among the signal path choices for the
insert point.
10. Tap the 5th encoder to toggle the channel compressor in/out of the
signal path. 12. Tap the 6th encoder to assign the selected signal path to the insert point.
11. Adjust the 6th encoder to pan the selected channel within the main
stereo output.
12. Tap the 6th encoder to assign the selected channel to the main
stereo output.
Page 2
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to select the console channel currently controlled by
the home screen.
2. Tap the 1st encoder to toggle +48V phantom power on/off for the currently
selected input.
7.2.3 Home Screen: Gate Tab 7.2.4 Home Screen: Dynamics Tab
The gate tab contains the following parameters, divided among two pages, The dynamics tab contains the following parameters that can be adjusted using
that can be adjusted using the six rotary-push encoders: the six rotary-push encoders:
Page 1 Page 1
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to set the input threshold of the gate. 1. Adjust the 1st encoder to set the input threshold of the compressor.
2. Tap the 1st encoder to toggle the noise gate in/out of the signal path. 2. Tap the 1st encoder to toggle the compressor in/out of the signal path.
3. Adjust the 2nd encoder to set the range of a “ducking” effect applied to 3. Adjust the 2nd encoder to set the ratio of the compressor.
the channel.
4. Tap the 2nd encoder to switch the channel dynamics effect between
4. Tap the 2nd encoder to toggle the ducker effect in/out of the signal path. compression and expansion.
5. Adjust the 3rd encoder to set the attack time of the onset of the noise 5. Adjust the 3rd encoder to set the attack time of the compressor effect.
gate effect.
6. Tap the 3rd encoder to switch the compressor between Peak and RMS
6. Adjust the 4th encoder to set the hold time of the noise gate effect. (root-mean-squared) mode, where the average level of the signal is
evaluated more than any specific peak of the channel material.
7. Adjust the 5th encoder to set the release time of the noise gate,
controlling how quickly the gate opens up and lets the signal through. • PEAK: A peak sensing compressor responds to the instantaneous level
of the input signal. While providing tighter peak control, peak sensing
Page 2
might yield very quick changes in gain reduction, more evident
1. Encoders 1 and 2 function the same on pages 1 and 2. compression, or sometimes even distortion. This mode is very suitable
for control/limiting of dynamic material.
2. Adjust the 4th encoder to set the frequency of the key filter that can be used
to trigger the noise gate. • RMS: In this mode, the compressor applies an averaging function on the
input signal before its level is compared to the threshold. This allows
3. Tap the 4th encoder to toggle the key filter on/off, allowing a specific
a more relaxed compression that also more closely relates to our
frequency to control the gate.
perception of loudness. Sharp dynamic transients will be less affected in
4. Adjust the 5th encoder to set the steepness of the EQ slope used in the this mode. This mode is good for controlling levels in a mix.
key filter.
7. Adjust the 4th encoder to adjust the “hold” time of the compressor.
5. Tap the 5th encoder to send the key source to the solo bus, allowing the key
• “Hold” time is a parameter not often found on commercial units, but is
source to be monitored and evaluated.
very handy. If a compressor is set to use a very fast attack/release time,
6. Adjust the 6th encoder to select the specific key source to be used. audible distortion can occur, because the compressor is trying to work
Choices include “self” (the channel’s own signal) as well as any other on individual waveform cycles of the signal instead of sound envelope
input/output of the console. as a whole. The “hold” parameter works around this issue by providing
a short delay. This delay prevents the compressor from releasing until a
7. Tap the 6th encoder to assign the selected key source to the gate.
certain time has passed.
8. Tap the 4th encoder to switch between Linear and Logarithmic modes for the
compressor. Following are some brief definitions of these different modes:
• LOG: This mode is used in many well-respected compressors and is the
natural result of more recent analogue units employing logarithmic
side chains and resistor/capacitor time constants. The exponential/
dB law has some interesting characteristics. Firstly, the time taken to
complete a compression event tends to stay the same however large
the dynamic signal excursion is. Also, since the peak rate of gain change
increases with dynamic excursion, the resulting harmonic content due
to compression tends to follow the loudness of the program in a way
the ear expects. This helps to mask the effects of the compression and
thus provides the most forgiving solution, being tolerant to differing
timing settings and program material. This makes it the best choice
for general compression use and overall dynamic control of complex
musical program.
• Linear: In this mode, the rate of gain change is constant (as set by the 7.2.5 Home Screen: EQ Tab
timing controls). Therefore, the greater the signal dynamic excursion,
The EQ tab displays all aspects of the channel equalizer and also displays a
the longer the compressor will take to complete a gain change.
detailed visual graph of the current EQ curve.
Also, since the total time that the compressor spends in attack or decay
is proportional to the size of the gain excursion, the harmonic content 1. If the currently selected channel is an input, the channel equalizer contains
of the compression artifacts will seem to reduce in frequency content. four bands, with various aspects of each band adjusted by encoders 2-5.
The louder the signal excursion is. This type of compressor is useful
2. If the currently selected channel is a bus, the channel equalizer contains six
for generating dynamic sound effects because the sonic character of
bands, with various aspects of each band adjusted by encoders 1-6.
the compression is much more affected by time control settings and
program material than the exponential type. 3. On the equalizer screen, the various encoders are always tied to the various
equalizer bands, and the Layer up/down keys are used to toggle whether the
9. Adjust the 5th encoder to set the release time of the compressor.
four/six encoders adjust:
10. Adjust the 6th encoder to set the makeup gain of the compressor,
• Gain
useful when the compression effect has reduced the overall signal level of
the channel too much. • Frequency
Page 2 • Q (Bandwidth)
1. Encoders 1 and 2 function the same on pages 1 and 2. • Equalizer Mode
2. Adjust the 3rd encoder to set the steepness of the compressor “knee” Page 1 (Gain)
between five separate settings. Adjust this control to switch between a
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to set the frequency of the channel low-cut filter.
“harder” sounding or more transparent compression effect.
2. Tap the 1st encoder to toggle the low-cut filter in/out of the signal path.
3. Tap the 3rd encoder to move the compressor effect before or after the
equalizer in the channel signal path. 3. Adjust the 2nd encoder to boost/cut the gain of the low band.
4. Adjust the 4th encoder to set the frequency of the key filter that can be used 4. Adjust the 3rd encoder to boost/cut the gain of the low-mid band.
to trigger the compressor.
5. Adjust the 4th encoder to boost/cut the gain of the high-mid band.
5. Tap the 4th encoder to toggle the key filter on/off, allowing a specific
6. Adjust the 5th encoder to boost/cut the gain of the high band.
frequency to control the compressor.
7. Tap the 6th encoder to toggle the EQ in/out of the signal path.
6. Adjust the 5th encoder to set the steepness of the EQ slope used in
the compressor. Page 2 (Frequency)
7. Tap the 5th encoder to send the key source to the solo bus, allowing the key 1. Works as above, but the encoders now adjust the frequency center points for
source to be monitored and evaluated. the different EQ bands.
8. Adjust the 6th encoder to select the specific key source to be used. Page 3 (Q)
Choices include “self” (the channel’s own signal) as well as any other
1. Works as above, but the encoders now adjust the Q (bandwidth) for the
input/output of the console.
different EQ bands. Use a narrow slope for working with a specific frequency,
9. Tap the 6th encoder to assign the selected key source to the compressor. or use a more broad slope for general tone shaping.
Page 4 (Mode)
1. Mode: Works as above, but the encoders now adjusts the EQ mode for each
EQ band. Choices include:
• Low Cut
• Low Shelf
• Parametric Equalizer
• VEQ
• High Shelf
• High Cut
2. The LOW and HIGH EQ bands available in the six matrices allow selection
of additional Modes for filtering, especially in crossover applications:
BU (Butterworth), BS (Bessel) or LR (Linkwitz-Riley) with 6, 12, 18 or 24 dB slopes.
When one of these is active, the adjacent LOW2 or HIGH2 bands are not available.
7.2.6 Home Screen: Sends Tab 7.2.7 Home Screen: Main Tab
The sends tab contains the following parameters that can be adjusted using the The main tab displays and controls all aspects of the main bus assignments.
six rotary-push encoders:
The main tab contains the following parameters that can be adjusted using the
Page 1 six rotary-push encoders:
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to set the level for the first send of the currently 1. Adjust the 1st encoder to pan the selected channel within the main
selected four-send group. stereo output.
2. Tap the 1st encoder to mute the first send of the currently selected 2. Tap the 1st encoder to assign the selected channel to the main stereo output.
four-send group.
3. Adjust the 2nd encoder to adjust the level of the currently selected channel
3. Repeat process with the next three encoders for the other three sends in the within the mono (center) bus.
currently selected four-send group.
4. Tap the 2nd encoder to assign the selected channel to the mono output
4. Adjust the 6th encoder to select which four sends to control with the screen signal path. Use this function when crafting an LCR mix as opposed to a
encoders, shifting focus two sends at a time. mono or stereo mix.
5. Tap the 6th encoder to select which four sends to control with the screen 5. Tap the 5th encoder to solo/unsolo the currently selected channel.
encoders, shifting focus four sends at a time.
6. Adjust the 6th encoder to set the fader level for the currently selected channel.
Page 2
7. Tap the 6th encoder to mute/unmute the currently selected channel.
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to select where in the signal chain the send is
tapped from, for the first two sends of the currently focused four sends.
Options include:
• Pre-EQ
• Post-EQ
• Pre-Fader
• Post-Fader
• Sub-Group
2. Adjust the 3rd encoder to perform the same operation for the second two
sends of the currently focused four sends.
3. Adjust the 6th encoder to select which four sends to control with the screen
encoders, shifting focus two sends at a time.
4. Tap the 6th encoder to select which four sends to control with the screen
encoders, shifting focus four sends at a time.
7.4 Routing Screen To assign various inputs to the console’s input channels, perform the
following steps:
The routing screen is where all signal patching is done, allowing you to route
internal signal paths to and from the physical input/output connectors located on 1. Adjust the first rotary encoder to select which 8-channel audio input
the console’s rear panel. source feeds input channels 1-8 of the console. As the encoder is rotated,
the currently selected input will be highlighted in the vertical list of choices.
The routing screen contains the following separate tabs:
2. When the desired 8-channel source is selected, push the 1st encoder to
1. Home: Allows patching of physical inputs to the 16 input channels and
“connect” the currently selected 8-channel source. The selected source now
Aux inputs of the console.
feeds input channels 1-8 of the console.
2. Analog Out: Allows patching of internal signal paths to the console’s
3. Input choices that can be assigned include:
8 rear-panel XLR outputs.
• Local 1-8
3. Aux Out: Allows patching of internal signal paths to the console’s
6 rear-panel ¼"/RCA auxiliary outputs. • Local 9-16
4. P16 Out: Allows patching of internal signal paths to the 16 outputs of the • AES50-A 1-8
console’s 16-channel P16 Ultranet output.
• AES50-A 9-16
5. Card Out: Allows patching of internal signal paths to the 32 outputs of the
• AES50-A 17-24
X-USB card.
• AES50-A 25-32
6. AES50-A: Allows patching of internal signal paths to the 48 outputs of the
rear panel AES50-A output. • AES50-A 33-40
7. AES50-B: Allows patching of internal signal paths to the 48 outputs of the • AES50-A 41-48
rear panel AES50-B output.
• AES50-B 1-8
None of the routing screen’s tabs contains a secondary level of encoder functions.
• AES50-B 9-16
When routing audio, the Layer up/down keys do not need to be used.
• AES50-B 17-24
7.4.1 Routing Screen: Home Tab
• AES50-B 25-32
The routing screen’s home tab allows the user to patch the console’s physical
• AES50-B 33-40
rear-panel inputs to the 16 input channels and Aux inputs of the console.
• AES50-B 41-48
As a default, the console maps the console’s 16 rear-panel analog inputs to their
the respective 16 channel inputs that are accessed on input fader layers one • Card 1-8
and two, and maps the rear panel line-level (auxiliary) inputs to the third input
• Card 9-16
fader layer.
• Card 17-24
However, the home tab of the routing screen can be used to change this
default assignment and “crosspatch” different physical inputs to different • Card 25-32
channel inputs, in banks of 8 channels at a time. This allows the user to create a
4. To assign an 8-channel source for the other input channels of the console
custom layout of channel inputs that differs from the order that the sources are
(9-16, 17-24, 25-32), simply repeat the process above, using the other four
plugged into the rear panel, and is easier than physically re-patching physical
rotary encoders on the same screen.
audio cables.
5. Choices for Aux In 1-4 include:
• Aux 1-4
• Local 1-4
• AES50-A 1-4
• AES50-B 1-4
• Card 1-4
7.4.2 Routing Screen: Analog Out Tab 6. Tap the 5th encoder to assign the selected signal tap point.
The routing screen’s analog out tab allows the user to patch the console’s various 7. Adjust the 6th encoder to adjust the amount of digital line delay applied to
internal signal paths to the 8 analog XLR outputs that are located on the console the output path as it is sent to the rear-panel physical output. As the amount
rear panel. of delay is adjusted, the current delay time is displayed in three different
units of measurement: Feet, Meters, and Milliseconds.
The X32 console allows for many different kinds of output signal paths, and this
screen is where these output paths are assigned to an actual physical rear panel 8. Tap the 6th encoder to toggle delay on/off. The “delay” label illuminates
output so that the signal path can be patched to their eventual destination when the delay is inserted into the signal path.
(such as the front-of-house PA speakers or a powered stage monitor).
TIP: Applying a delay to an output signal is typically done when the console
To assign the various output paths to the rear panel XLR outputs, perform the is used in a “multi-zone” P.A. speaker setup, where some PA speakers are
following steps: located near the stage and a second set of speakers are located further back
within the audience. By applying an appropriate amount of delay only to
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to select which of the 8 rear panel analog outs you
the speakers located near the stage, the audience hears the audio from the
wish to assign an output signal path to.
closer/further speakers at the same time, insuring maximum time-alignment
2. Adjust the 3rd encoder to select an output path “category”. and sound quality. The console assumes an operating temperature of 20°C/68°F
These categories include: when calculating the delay times.
• Off
• Main (LRC) Mix
• Mix Bus Outputs
• Matrix Outputs
• Direct Outs
• Monitor
3. Adjust the 4th encoder to select a specific output path, including:
• Off
• Main L
• Main R
• Main C/M
• Any of the 16 Mix Outputs
• Any of the 6 matrix outputs
• Any of the 32 direct outputs
• Any of the 8 Auxiliary Outputs
• Any of the FX Direct Outputs
• Monitor L
• Monitor R
• Talkback
4. Tap the 4th encoder to assign the selected output path,
completing the process.
5. Adjust the 5th encoder to select the signal tap point for the output
assignment. This determines where in the audio signal path the source is
“tapped” as it is sent to the physical rear panel output. The available signal
tap points include:
• Input
• Pre-EQ
• Pre-Fader
• Post-Fader
7.4.3 Routing Screen: Aux Out Tab 7. Tap the 4th encoder to assign the selected output path,
completing the process.
The route screen’s aux out tab allows the user to patch an internal signal
path (such as a mix output used as an effects send) to the 6 separate ¼"/RCA 8. Adjust the 5th encoder to select the signal tap point for the output
auxiliary outputs. assignment. Choices include:
Since these six outputs can have a wide variety of signal paths assigned to them, • Input
they can be used for a wide variety of tasks, such as:
• Pre-EQ
1. Feeding an external effects processor when the internal effects
• Pre-Fader
are insufficient
• Post-Fader
2. Patching a specific console signal path into an outboard recorder
9. Tap the 5th encoder to complete the signal tap point assignment.
3. Feeding the analog or digital audio inputs of a nearby video recorder
To make an assignment as described above, perform the following steps:
4. Adjust the 1st encoder to select which auxiliary outputs to assign a source
for. Choices include:
• Aux Out 1
• Aux Out 2
• Aux Out 3
• Aux Out 4
• Aux Out 5
• Aux Out 6
• AES/EBU (Digital) Out L
• AES/EBU (Digital) Out R
5. Adjust the 3rd encoder to select for coarse range
• Insert
• Main (LRC)
• Mix Bus
• Matrix
• Direct Out
• Monitor
6. Adjust 4th encoder to select specific signal path to feed the selected physical
output. Choices include:
• Insert Point
• Main L
• Main R
• Main C/M
• Any of the 16 Mix Outputs
• Any of the 6 matrix outputs
• Any of the 32 direct outputs
• Any of the 8 Auxiliary Outputs
• Any of the FX Direct Outputs
• Monitor L
• Monitor R
• Talkback
7.4.4 Routing Screen: P16 Tab 7.4.5 Routing Screen: Card Output Tab:
The routing screen’s P16 tab allows the user to route various console signal paths The routing screen’s card tab allows the user to patch various signal paths to the
to the rear panel P16 Ultranet output. The Ultranet output allows for 16 channels physical inputs and outputs of the X-USB card. The X-USB’s signal path provides
of audio to be sent, in digital form, to various accessories such as a personal 32 channels of inputs and 32 channels of outputs. The 32 card inputs can be used
monitoring distribution box. as alternate sources for the two input fader layers, switchable in banks of 8.
Using the P16 routing screen, the user can configure the P16 output to carry not To assign an output path to the option card, perform the following steps:
only the main LR mix, but also various audio “stems” of program material sources
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to select which 8-channel output path to send to the
from a bus send mix, such as a stereo drum mix, stereo keyboards, guitars,
first 8 outputs of the card. Choices include:
bass, vocals, etc. Musicians on stage would then be free to each craft their own
personal mix of these musical stems, all delivered from the FOH position to stage • Local 1-8
over a single Ethernet cable.
• Local 9-16
To select which audio signals are sent to the P16 bus, perform the following steps:
• AES50-A 1-8
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to select which of the 16 channels in the P16 bus you
• AES50-A 9-16
wish to select an audio source for.
• AES50-A 17-24
2. Adjust the 3rd encoder to select a category of audio source to send to the
currently selected P16 channel. These categories include: • AES50-A 25-32
• Insert • AES50-A 33-40
• Main (LRC) • AES50-A 41-48
• Mix Bus • AES50-B 1-8
• Matrix • AES50-B 9-16
• Direct Out • AES50-B 17-24
• Monitor • AES50-B 25-32
3. Adjust the 4th encoder to select which specific signal path to feed to the • AES50-B 33-40
currently selected P16 output. Choices include:
• AES50-B 41-48
• Off
• Card 1-8
• Main L
• Card 9-16
• Main R
• Card 17-24
• Main C/M
• Card 25-32
• Any of the 16 Mix Outputs
• Out 1-8
• Any of the 6 matrix outputs
• Out 9-16
• Any of the 32 direct outputs
• P16 1-8
• Any of the 8 Auxiliary Outputs
• P16 9-16
• Any of the FX Direct Outputs
• Aux 1-6/Mon
• Monitor L
2. Tap the 1st encoder to assign the selected output path,
• Monitor R completing the process.
• Talkback 3. Repeat the process with encoders 2-4 to select output paths for the other
24 channels of card outputs.
4. Tap the 4th encoder to assign the selected output path,
completing the process.
5. Adjust the 5th encoder to select the signal tap point for the output assignment.
This determines where in the audio signal path the source is “tapped” as it is
sent to the P16 output. The available signal tap points include:
• Input
• Pre-EQ
• Pre-Fader
• Post-Fader
6. Tap the 5th encoder to complete the signal tap point assignment.
7.4.6 Routing Screen: AES50-A and AES50-B Tabs: 2. Tap the 1st encoder to connect the currently selected signal path to the
AES50 pathway.
The routing screen’s AES50-A and AES50-B tabs allow the user to patch various
console output paths to the outputs of the dual AES50 connectors. These AES50 3. Repeat the above process for the other five sets of 8-channel AES50 outputs.
connectors can feed other AES50 equipped devices such as a digital stagebox or
The AES50-B tab works exactly the same as the AES50-A screen, but instead
standalone multi-track recorder.
selects sources sent to the output of the console’s AES50-B connector.
The console contains two separate AES50 connectors, an “A” connector and a
“B” connector. These dual connectors allow for an increased level of flexibility in
networking the console with various AES50 based equipment.
Each of the two AES50 screens contains the same following sets of parameters
that can be adjusted. To assign various console signal paths to the AES50
connectors, perform the following steps:
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to select an 8-channel signal path that will be sent to
the first 8 channels of the AES50 connectors output. Choices include:
• Local 1-8
• Local 9-16
• AES50-A 1-8
• AES50-A 9-16
• AES50-A 17-24
• AES50-A 25-32
• AES50-A 33-40
• AES50-A 41-48
• AES50-B 1-8
• AES50-B 9-16
• AES50-B 17-24
• AES50-B 25-32
• AES50-B 33-40
• AES50-B 41-48
• Card 1-8
• Card 9-16
• Card 17-24
• Card 25-32
• Out 1-8
• Out 9-16
• P16 1-8
• P16 9-16
• Aux 1-6/Mon
7.5 Libraries Screen 9. Tap the 6th encoder to export the currently highlighted preset to an
attached USB drive.
The libraries screen allows loading and saving of commonly used setups for the
channel inputs, effects processors, and routing scenarios. • When the 6th encoder is tapped, an “Export Preset to
USB drive appears”.
The libraries screen contains the following separate tabs:
• Adjust the 1st encoder to scroll among the currently available
1. Channel: This tab allows the user to load and save commonly used
presets to export, then tap the first encoder to select the currently
combinations of the channel DSP effects.
highlighted preset.
2. Effects: This tab allows the user to load and save commonly used effects
• Adjust and tap encoders 4-6 to apply a custom name to the preset as it
processor presets.
is exported.
3. Routing: This tab allows the user to load and save commonly used signal
• Tap the 2nd encoder to cancel out of the export operation.
routings they have set up.
7.5.2 Libraries Screen: Effects Tab
7.5.1 Libraries Screen: Channel Tab
The library screen’s effects tab allows you to load and save presets for the various
The library screen’s channel tab allows you to load and save commonly used
onboard effects processors.
combinations of the channel DSP effects. For example, once you have dialed in
a combination of equalization and compression that works well for a particular To adjust the various settings on the FX tab, perform the following steps:
singer, you can save the channel DSP chain as a preset for later recall.
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to navigate among which of the eight effects slots to
To adjust the various settings on the channel tab, perform the following steps: load or save a preset.
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to navigate among which specific elements of • As you navigate among the eight effects slots, the specific effect
the input channel can be recalled when loading an input channel preset. processor loaded into each slot will display on the screen as both a name
Choices include: and icon.
• Head Amp (Microphone Preamplifier) 2. To save and load presets, as well as import/export them, follow the same
procedures as detailed in the Libraries Screen: Channel Tab
• Configuration
• Gate 7.5.3 Libraries Screen: Routing Tab
• Compressor The library screen’s routing tab allows you to load and save presets of the
console’s signal routings. This can be useful for repeating specific routing
• Equalizer
scenarios that occur over and over on a regular basis, such as when using the
• Sends console for a weekly club gig or worship service.
2. Tap the 1st encoder to turn the currently selected element on/off in the To adjust the various settings on the routing tab, perform the following steps:
recall list.
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to navigate among which specific console signal paths
3. Adjust the 2nd encoder to scroll among a list of input channel presets. will be recalled when loading a routing preset. Choices include:
4. Tap the 2nd encoder to load the currently highlighted preset and make it • Channel Inputs
active on the currently selected console channel.
• Analog Out
5. Adjust the 3rd encoder to scroll among a list of channel preset slots to save
• Auxiliary Out
the current state of the currently selected console channel.
• P16 (Ultranet) Out
6. Tap the 3rd encoder to save the currently selected channel’s state, to the
currently selected preset slot. • Card Out
• When the 3rd encoder is tapped, a preset naming screen appears. • AES50 Out
Adjust and tap encoders 4-6 to apply a custom name to the preset
2. Tap the 1st encoder to turn the currently selected element on/off in the
before saving it, then tap the 6th encoder to complete the save process.
recall list.
7. Tap the 4th encoder to delete a preset from the currently highlighted
3. To save and load presets, as well as import/export them, follow the same
preset slot.
procedures as detailed in the Libraries Screen: Channel Tab.
8. Tap the 5th encoder to import a preset from an attached USB drive.
• When the 5th encoder is tapped, an “import preset from USB”
screen appears. Adjust the 1st encoder to navigate among the contents
of the USB drive, and then tap the 1st encoder to select the currently
highlighted preset folder.
• When the preset file has been imported, tap the 2nd encoder to leave
the screen.
7.6 Effects Screen 5. Adjust the 5th encoder to scroll among the different available audio effects.
Choices include:
The effects screen controls various aspects of the eight internal effects
processors. On this screen, the user can select specific types of effects for 1. Hall Reverb 14. Rotary Speaker 27. Dual Enhancer
the eight internal effects processors, configure their input and output paths, 2. Plate Reverb 15. Tremolo/Panner 28. Stereo Enhancer
monitor their levels, and adjust the various effects parameters. 3. Vintage Reverb 16. Delay & Chamber 29. Dual Exciter
The home screen contains the following separate tabs: 4. Vintage Room 17. Chorus & Chamber 30. Stereo Exciter
5. Ambience 18. Flanger & Chamber 31. Stereo Imager
1. Home: The home screen provides a general overview for all eight effects
6. Gated Reverb 19. Delay & Chorus 32. Dual Guitar Amp
processors, displaying what effect has been inserted in each of the eight slots,
7. Reverse Reverb 20. Delay & Flanger 33. Stereo Guitar Amp
as well as displaying input/output paths for each slot and the I/O signal levels.
8. Stereo Delay 21. Dual Graphic EQ 34. Dual Tube Stage
2. FX1-8: These eight duplicate screens display all relevant data for the eight 9. 3-tap delay 22. Stereo Graphic EQ 35. Stereo Tube Stage
separate effects processors, allowing the user to adjust all parameters for 10. Stereo chorus 23. Dual TruEQ 36. Dual Pitch
the selected effect. 11. Stereo Flanger 24. Stereo TruEQ 37. Stereo Pitch
12. Stereo Phaser 25. Wave Designer 38. Dual De-Esser
7.6.1 Effects Screen: Home Tab
13. Mood Filter 26. Precision Limiter 39. Stereo De-Esser
The effects screen’s home tab provides a high-level overview of the eight effect
processor slots, giving the user “at-a-glance” feedback on what effects they 6. Tap the 5th encoder to assign the selected effect to the currently highlighted
have assigned to the slots, the console source and destination for each processor, effects slot.
and the input/output levels for each processor.
7. Adjust the 6th encoder to scroll among the eight effects slots, to select one
To make adjustment on the effects screen’s home tab, perform the for editing.
following steps:
8. Tap the 6th encoder to go to the edit page for the currently highlighted
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to select the input source for the currently highlighted effects slot.
effect block. Signal path choices include:
7.6.2 Effects Screen: FX 1-8 Tabs:
• Insert Send
The effect editor tab allows you to edit the parameters for the specific effect
• Mix Bus 1-16
processor assigned to the corresponding effects slot.
2. Tap the 1st encoder to assign the currently selected input source.
In order to more closely simulate the look and feel of the outboard processors
3. Adjust the 2nd encoder to select the input source for the right side of the that are no longer necessary with a digital console, the individual effects
currently highlighted effect block. processor screen provides a graphical representation of the effect processor’s real
world physical counterpart. This provides greater ease of use to the user than a
4. Tap the 2nd encoder to assign the currently selected input source.
simple text list of parameters.
TIP: To configure an effect as mono input and stereo output, set both input
To make adjustment on the FX screen’s editing tab, perform the following steps:
sources to the same signal path.
1. Adjust the six rotary encoders to change the various effect parameters
shown at the bottom of the screen.
2. Use the Layer up/down buttons to switch the rotary encoders to a second
set of parameters for effects that contain more than six adjustable
parameters total.
3. When the effect processor has been edited to your satisfaction, push the 6th
encoder to go back to the FX home tab (or simply resume the mixing duties
in general).
4. See the FX Descriptions chapter for details on specific parameters.
7.7 Setup Screen 4. Network: This screen offers different controls for attaching the console to a
standard Ethernet network.
The setup screen offers various controls for global, high-level functions of
the console such as display adjustments, sample rates and synchronization, 5. DCA Groups: This screen offers controls for various aspects of the console’s
user settings, and network configuration. DCA groups.
The setup screen contains the following separate tabs: 6. Card: This screen selects the input/output configurations of the USB
interface card.
1. Global: This screen offers adjustments for various global preferences of how
the console operates. None of the setup screen’s tabs contain a secondary level of encoder functions,
so the Layer up/down keys do not need to be used for these screens.
2. Config: This screen offers adjustments for sample rates and synchronization,
as well as configuring high-level settings for signal path buses.
3. Remote: This screen offers different controls for setting up the
console as a control surface for various DAW recording software on a
connected computer.
The setup screen’s global tab allows the user to adjust various global controls of • LCR enable: In this mode, the signal is panned from Left over Center
the console, such as display brightness and contrast, the panning mode used by to Right. This behavior is emulated by the faders on the Main tab,
channels, text languages, and more. a behavior that is more intuitive than on other consoles. Note that in
this mode, the definition of “mono” changes since the setup is no longer
To make adjustments in the global screen, perform the following steps:
mono, but rather a setup consisting of Left-Center-Right.
1. Adjust the first encoder to select various console settings for pop-up
6. Adjust the 4th encoder to set the brightness of the various LED lights of the
messages and assorted preferences.
console, from a range of 1-100.
2. Tap the 1st encoder to turn the currently selected setting on/off.
7. Adjust the 5th encoder to set the brightness of the color screen
3. Adjust the 2nd encoder to select settings for linking multiple console channels. (main display), from a range of 1-100. In order to prevent any errors by losing
power during a store operation, we recommend using the “Safe Shutdown”
4. Tap the 2nd encoder to turn the currently selected setting on/off.
function by pressing the 5th encoder, then turning the power switch off.
5. Adjust the 3rd encoder to set the console’s panning mode, which affects how
8. Adjust the 6th encoder to set the brightness of the individual LCD screens
channel panning is performed in the stereo field. The two choices are:
(channel display) above each input and output channel, from a range of 1-100.
• LR + Mono: This is the default mode of the console. In this mode,
NOTE: The X32 can be locked against unintended use by pressing the 6th encoder
channels can be panned between the left and right mix outputs, as well
to activate ’Lock Console’. In this state, the UI will not allow any changes to be
as assigned to the separate mono mix bus. In this mode, the Center/
made and the display shows “X”. Keep HOME depressed for about 5 seconds to
Mono bus is not affected by from the pan control.
unlock the X32 again.
7.7.2 Setup Screen: Config Tab: 6. Adjust the 3rd encoder to set the word clock synchronization of the
console to use its internal digital clock, or slave to an external digital clock.
The setup screen’s config tab allows adjustment of various audio-related settings,
Choices for the clock signal include:
such as the console’s base sample rate and use of an internal or external digital
clock. It also offers choices for high-level global settings for how signal path • Internal clock
buses operate.
• External clock from the AES50-A port
To adjust the various settings of the config tab, perform the following steps:
• External clock from the AES50-B port
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to select between Console, Show Data, and Libraries
• X-USB card
for initialization.
Note that the graphics at the top of the screen will always display a green led
2. Tap the 1st encoder to initialize the console back to its factory state.
when the console has achieved proper “digital lock”, from either its own internal
• An “are you sure” message will appear. Use the left Page Select key to clock or a valid external clock.
cancel out of the operation, or the right key to confirm the operation
7. Tap the 4th encoder to cycle through the different settings for the console’s
and initialize the console.
internal date and time settings.
3. The console’s current firmware is displayed in the first column of the main
8. Adjust the 4th encoder to set the value for the currently selected
color screen.
date/time setting.
• If/when a firmware update is available for the console, the user simply
9. Adjust the 5th encoder to select the console’s “Bus Pre-Configuration”.
needs to download the new firmware file to the root level of a USB
This settings allows the mix bus outputs to be configured in various
thumb drive, attach the thumb drive to the console, and then reboot.
combinations of:
The console will see the firmware file and an update will be done
automatically while booting. • Pre-fader, variable output auxiliary sends
4. Adjust the 2nd encoder to select the digital sample rate of the console. • Post-Fader, variable output auxiliary sends
Choices include:
• Fixed-output sub groups
• 48 kHz
10. Choices include:
• 44.1 kHz
• 8 pre-fader auxiliary sends, 8 post-fader auxiliary sends,
5. Tap the second encoder to assign the currently selected sample rate. and no sub-groups
Tip: Note that the sample rate of the console will be the same sample rate for • 8 pre-fader auxiliary sends, 4 post-fader auxiliary sends,
any audio recorded to the onboard stereo USB recorder, as well as the sample and 4 sub-groups
rate output by the AES/EBU connector that may get patched into an outboard
• 6 pre-fader auxiliary sends, 4 post-fader auxiliary sends,
recorder. Thus, it is often beneficial to select a sample rate that is appropriate for
and 6 sub-groups
the medium that recorded audio will eventually be used on.
• 4 pre-fader auxiliary sends, 4 post-fader auxiliary sends,
If the program material being recorded is audio only, with no video component,
and 8 sub-groups
then it usually makes sense to set a sample rate of 44.1 kHz. This will ensure that
any audio recorded is compatible with the 44.1 kHz sample rate of commercial • 10 pre-fader auxiliary sends, 6 post-fader auxiliary sends,
audio CDs. and 0 sub-groups
If the program material being recorded is audio that is meant to accompany 11. Tap the 5th encoder to assign the currently selected configuration.
video, then it usually makes sense to set a sample rate of 48 kHz. This will ensure
As the configuration is selected, a display on the right-hand side of the color
that any audio recorded is compatible with the 48 kHz sample rate of the various
screen changes to show the currently selected configuration.
audio formats used on a video DVD.
7.7.3 Setup Screen: Remote Tab: 7.7.4 Setup Screen: Network Tab:
To adjust the various remote settings, perform the following steps: The setup screen’s network tab contains settings used when connecting the
console to a standard Ethernet network. The user can set parameters such as
1. Tap the 1st encoder to enable DAW remote control.
using a fixed IP address or having one assigned, as well as setting up the Ethernet
2. Adjust the 2nd encoder to select the specific control surface protocol used, and subnet mask settings.
in conjunction with the target DAW software. Choices include:
To set the network address for the console, perform the following steps:
• Mackie Control: Use this protocol to control any DAW software that is
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to select which specific network field to adjust.
compatible with a Mackie Control hardware control surface.
Choices include:
• HUI: Use this protocol to control any D.A.W. software that is compatible
• IP Address
with a HUI hardware control surface, such as Pro Tools.
• Subnet Mask
3. Tap the 2nd encoder to assign the currently selected control surface protocol.
• Gateway
4. Adjust the 5th encoder to select whether the remote function uses the MIDI
In and OUT jacks or the X-USB card’s MIDI. 2. Adjust encoders 2, 3, 4, and 5 to set the 4 numerical fields to be adjusted,
for the selected network field.
5. Tap the 5th encoder to confirm the selection.
3. Tap the 6th encoder to assign the adjusted settings.
6. Adjust the 6th encoder to adjust various MIDI-based operations for the
console. Choices include:
• MIDI In/Out: This toggles the MIDI input and outputs for the console
on/off.
• Card MIDI: Allows MIDI transmission through the X-USB card.
• USB In/Out: This toggles the console’s USB ports on/off.
• RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol): This toggles on/off the console’s
ability to interface with an Ethernet-based MIDI system.
• Enable MIDI scene recall: This toggles on/off the console’s response to
incoming MIDI messages for switching console scenes.
7. Tap the 6th encoder to toggle the currently selected MIDI option
on/off. This can be useful if you want to ensure that any connected MIDI
transmitters cannot interfere with the console.
The Scribble Strip tab allows the color, icon and name that appears in the small 7.7.6 Setup Screen: Preamps Tab
LCD display of a channel, bus, matrix or DCA group to be adjusted.
The Preamps tab allows the digital trim to be adjusted for all local and
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to select the channel, bus, matrix, DCA group, AES50 channels.
etc. you wish to edit.
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to select a block of 8 channels.
2. Adjust the 2nd encoder to set the color for the currently selected channel.
2. Adjust encoders 2-5 to set the preamp gain for the top or bottom
• The selected color will be shown in the LCD screen above the selected row of inputs.
channel’s fader. For example, if DCA#5 is assigned the color red, the LCD
3. Tap encoders 2-5 to toggle phantom power on and off.
screen above output fader #5 will illuminate in red.
Note - Use the Layer Up and Down buttons to select the top or bottom row of
3. Adjust the 3rd encoder to select the graphical icon for the channel. A large
inputs for editing.
variety of clip-art is available to represent various input sources and
output destinations.
7.7.7 Setup Screen: Card Tab
4. Adjust the 4th encoder to select a name from a list of common preset names
The Card tab allows selection and configuration of the X-USB card. Note that if
(snippets), for the currently selected channel.
no card is installed, this tab is not accessible. Specific routing for the card can be
5. Tap the 4th encoder to assign the currently highlighted preset text (snippet) adjusted on the Routing: Home and Card Out tabs.
to the channel.
1. Adjust the 2nd encoder to select the configuration that best suits your
6. Tap the 5th encoder to edit the channel name. An edit screen will pop up. application. See the USB Interface Operation chapter for more details.
Options include:
7. Adjust the 4th encoder to shift the cursor position.
• 32 in/32 out
8. Tap the 4th encoder to issue a “backspace” command, deleting the currently
highlighted character. • 16 in/16 out
9. Adjust the 5th encoder to select a letter, number, or symbol to enter into the • 32 in/8 out
channel’s name field.
• 8 in/32 out
10. Tap the 5th encoder to insert the currently highlighted letter, number,
• 8 in/8 out
or symbol into the channel’s name field.
• 2 in/2 out
11. Adjust the 6th encoder to select whether the text entry choices offer capitals,
normal characters, or numbers and symbols. 2. Tap the 2nd encoder to confirm your selection.
12. Tap the 6th encoder to exit the editing page, and save the current
parameters to the channel.
7.8 Monitor/Talkback Screens: 5. Tap the 3rd encoder to toggle the delay function on/off.
The monitor/talkback screen contains the following separate tabs: TIP: The delay function is useful for aligning the sound of audio monitored
through headphones or speakers used at the Front-of-House position with audio
Monitor: This screen controls various solo options, dimming, speaker delay,
that is coming from the stage location.
and sources for the control room output.
By delaying the control room audio, it can be brought into alignment with
Talkback A: This screen controls various adjustments for the talkback A path
the slightly delayed audio that has to travel from the stage to the Front of
of console.
House position.
Talkback B: This screen controls various adjustments for the talkback B path
6. Adjust the 4th encoder to set the amount of volume reduction that occurs
of console.
when the control room bus has its “dim” function enabled. The amount of
Oscillator: This screen offers various controls for the onboard oscillator and how volume reduction ranges from -40 dB to 0 dB (no change).
it is routed throughout the console.
7. Tap the 4th encoder to toggle the dim function on/off.
7.8.1 Monitor/Talkback Screen: Monitor Tab: 8. Adjust the 5th encoder to adjust the volume trim for the source currently
feeding the control room bus, allowing it to be level/matched with other
The monitor tab controls various console options related to the solo bus, as well
sources. The amount of trim can be adjusted from -20 dB to +20 dB.
as the console’s control room outputs. These options include various solo
settings, speaker dimming, speaker delay, and selection of sources for the control 9. Tap the 5th encoder to toggle the control room between mono and stereo
room output. operation. This is very useful in a studio context for checking how a mix
sounds when played back on a mono speaker such as a clock radio.
To adjust the various settings on the monitor tab, perform the following steps:
10. Adjust the 6th encoder to select what specific signal source to monitor in the
1. Adjust the 1st encoder to change the gain of the monitor signal. This digital
control room bus. Choices include:
gain stage occurs as a first preliminary level control, before the top panel’s
analog-based monitor level control. A display above the encoder shows the • Off (No source)
currently set gain value in dB.
• LR Bus
• A multi-segment level meter is displayed on the color screen to allow for
• LR + C/M
proper gain staging of the monitor signal.
• LR PFL (pre-fader listen solo bus)
2. Adjust the 2nd encoder to scroll through the various solo methods
available to the console when audio is routed to the solo bus. • LR AFL (after-fader listen solo bus)
Available options include:
• Auxiliary returns 5/6
• Exclusive (Last): In this mode, pressing another solo button disengages
• Auxiliary returns 7/8
the previous solo.
11. Tap the 6th encoder to activate the signal source that has been chosen.
• Solo Follows Select: When this method is selected, the audio of the
currently selected channel will automatically be sent to the solo bus.
Since a user will often select a channel to adjust its dedicated DSP
controls, this method is useful because the audio of the channel will
now already be feeding the solo bus where it can be monitored with
headphones in a live sound environment.
• Select Follows Solo: When this method is selected, any channel that is
soloed will automatically become the currently selected channel.
• Channel Solo AFL: With this method, the channel and select button do
not have any correlation to each other. When a channel’s solo button
is pressed, its audio is sent to the solo bus in “after-fader listen” mode,
reflecting the current level of the channel fader and any channel DSP
that has been applied.
• Mix Bus AFL/PFL: This toggles the AFL/PFL setting for the mix
buses when they are soloed (as opposed to the soloing of a single
input channel).
• DCA Group AFL: This puts the contents of a soloed DCA group into after-
fader listen mode when the solo button is pressed on a DCA channel.
• Use Master Fader: This allows the Main Fader/mute button to control the
solo/mon output.
3. Tap the 2nd encoder to select and assign the currently chosen solo option.
4. Adjust the 3rd encoder to adjust the amount of digital delay that is applied to
the control room signal path. The display on the screen will show the current
amount of delay in feet, meters, and milliseconds.
7.8.2 Monitor/Talkback Screen: Talkback Tabs: 7.8.3 Monitor/Talkback Screen: Oscillator Tab:
The talkback tabs offer various adjustments for the talkback paths of the console, The oscillator tab offers controls for the console’s onboard oscillator, a very handy
such as destination of the talkback signal and more. tool that can be used for setting up PA systems and testing various signal flow
paths without the need for a live source feeding a microphone. Settings include
To adjust the various settings on the Talkback A tab, perform the following steps:
oscillator type, frequency, volume, and routing destinations.
1. The screen displays a multi-segment level meter showing the signal strength
To adjust the various settings on the Oscillator tab, perform the following steps:
of the talkback signal as it has currently been set. It also displays a multi-
segment gain reduction meter, showing the user how much compression has 1. Adjust the 1st encoder to set the level of the onboard oscillator.
been automatically applied to the talkback signal to keep its level even to
2. Tap the 1st encoder to toggle the onboard oscillator on/off.
the recipient.
• The color screen displays a multi-segment level meter that show the
2. Tap the 1st encoder to enable the talkback circuit. The talkback microphone
current level of the oscillator.
will now transmit audio to the Talkback A path’s assigned destination.
3. Adjust the 2nd encoder to set the frequency of the primary
3. Adjust the 3rd encoder to set the gain of the talkback A signal. This is an
onboard oscillator.
additional gain stage that follows the initial gain stage set by the top panel
Talk Level knob. 4. Adjust the 3rd encoder to set the frequency of the alternate
onboard oscillator.
4. Tap the 3rd encoder to toggle on/off the talkback circuit’s “auto-dim”
function. This function is useful in a studio setting, and will automatically 5. Tap the 3rd encoder to alternate between the 2 onboard oscillators.
dim the control room outputs when the talkback circuit is active.
6. Adjust the 4th encoder to select the type of oscillator to be used.
This prevents a feedback loop from occurring between the talkback
Choices include:
microphone and the nearby studio monitors.
• Sine Wave
5. Adjust the 4th encoder to scroll through the various talkback destinations,
which include: • Pink Noise
• Mix Bus 1-16 • White Noise
• LR Bus 7. Tap the 4th encoder to engage the selected oscillator type.
• Center/Mono Bus 8. Adjust the 6th encoder to select a destination for the onboard oscillator.
Choices include:
6. Tap the 4th encoder to activate any talkback destination when it is currently
selected. Multiple talkback destinations can be selected, allowing the • Mix Bus 1-16
talkback signal to reach many destinations at the same time.
• Main L Bus
7. Tap the 5th encoder to toggle the dedicated top-panel talkback buttons
• Main R Bus
between latching and non-latching operation.
• Main L+R Bus
8. Adjust the 6th encoder to adjust the brightness of the lamp that is connected
to the console’s top-panel lamp connector. • Main Center/Mono
9. Tap the 6th encoder to toggle the attached lamp on/off. • Matrix Outputs 1-6
All controls for the talkback B tab work as described above, but pertain to the 9. Tap the 6th encoder to assign the selected oscillator destination.
talkback B signal path.
7.9 Scenes Screen 8. Tap the 4th encoder to complete the save operation. The console’s current
state will be overwritten on the scene number that was selected with
The scenes screen allows setup for saving and recalling different memory scenes
the encoder.
of the console. The comprehensive recallability of the console (including gain
settings for the digitally controlled mic preamps) is one of the most powerful 9. Rotate the 6th encoder to select which aspects of the console’s routing
aspects of the console. are made “safe” from a scene change, and will be unaffected by any scene
changes that occur. Routing choices that can be safed include:
The scenes screen contains the following separate tabs:
• Routing
Home: This screen contains a general overview of the scenes contained in the
console, along with their custom names and what parameters are included in • Output Patch
each scene.
• Mic Preamp Gain (HA, short for head-amplifier)
MIDI: This screen allows the console to associate different scenes with incoming
• Configuration
and outgoing MIDI messages, allowing the console’s scene changes to control or
be controlled by external MIDI equipment. • Channel Processing
Parameter Safe: This screen configures which console parameters are and are • Mix Buses
not saved/switched with the console scenes.
• Effects
Channel Safe: This screen configures which console channels are and are not
• Talkback
changed when a console scene change occurs.
10. Tap the 6th encoder to select any of the above choices as the encoder
7.9.1 Scenes Screen: Home Tab rotation is used to select them. Multiple categories can be selected at the
same time.
The scenes screen’s home tab shows a general overview of the scenes that
have been configured in the console, along with their custom names and what
7.9.2 Scenes Screen: MIDI Tab
parameters are included in each scene.
This MIDI tab of the scenes screen allows the console to associate different scenes
For a setting where scenes are used heavily and are very critical (such as a theater
with outgoing MIDI messages, allowing the console’s scene changes to control by
performance), this would be a good screen to leave on at all times so that the
external MIDI equipment.
console operator can be completely sure, at all times, what scene the console
currently resides on and what scene will come up next when the “Go” button For instance, the user could configure the console to issue a MIDI program
is pressed. change message as each new scene is recalled, with the outgoing MIDI message
triggering a new scene of a MIDI-equipped lighting controller.
To adjust the various settings on the home tab, perform the following steps:
Note - Scenes can be recalled via MIDI using simple Program Change 1-100
1. Rotate the 1st encoder to scroll among the available scenes in the scenes list,
commands, provided that MIDI Scene Recall is generally enabled on the
which is displayed on the left side of the color screen.
Setup/Remote page.
2. Tap the 1st encoder to “go” to the currently selected scene in the list,
To adjust the various settings on the MIDI tab, perform the following steps:
switching the console to the state it was in when that scene was stored
1. Rotate the 1st encoder to select a scene to edit.
3. Rotate the 2nd encoder to select a scene in the list to be “skipped”
when cycling through scenes using the Prev and Next buttons. 2. Tap the 2nd encoder to “safe” the console from any incoming MIDI messages,
preventing the console from switching scenes in response to MIDI data.
4. Tap the 2nd encoder to complete the “skip” command on the currently
selected scene. That scene will now be skipped when scrolling through 3. Rotate the 3rd encoder to select what type of MIDI event is transmitted by
the list. the console when a scene change is issued. The choices include:
5. Rotate the 3rd encoder to scroll back through recent changes. • Off (No MIDI event)
6. Tap the 3rd encoder to undo the recent change. • MIDI program change
7. Rotate the 4th encoder to select a slot to save a new scene. • MIDI control change
• Note
4. Encoders 4, 5 and 6 adjust the channel, number, and velocity (if applicable).
The color screen displays the MIDI data associated with the currently
selected scene.
7.9.3 Scenes Screen: Parameter Safe Tab 7.9.4 Scenes Screen: Channel Safe Tab
The scenes screen’s “parameter safe” tab configures which console parameters The scenes screen’s “channel safe” tab configures which console channels are
are and are not saved/switched with the console scenes. This is very useful and are not changed when a console scene change occurs. This allows the
when the operator has certain parameters that they wish to remain in control user to “protect” certain channels from ever changing during a scene change,
of, and would never want to have altered during a scene change, for example, giving them as much control as possible for key audio sources.
the mic pre gains on the input channels.
For example, in a theater context, the console operator may have dialed in just
To adjust the various settings on the Parameter Safe tab, perform the the right EQ and compressor settings and channel volume for the voice of the lead
following steps: actor, and does not wish to have them altered when the console changes scenes
and alters various parameters.
1. Rotate any of the first 4 encoders to navigate among the checkboxes in the
color screen, which represent various console areas that can be isolated from To adjust the various settings on the Channel Safe tab, perform the
scene changes. following steps:
2. Tap any of the first 4 encoders to select the console areas that have been 1. Rotate any of the 6 encoders to navigate among the check boxes in the color
selected with the encoders. In each of the four columns, multiple console screen, which represent various groups of channels that can be isolated from
areas can be selected and isolated from scene changes. scene changes.
The following areas of the console can be isolated from scene changes, and are 2. Tap any of the 6 encoders to select the console areas that have been
divided up into 4 columns on the color screen: highlighted with the encoders. In each of the 6 columns, multiple console
areas can be selected and isolated from scene changes.
Column 1: Input Channels
The following areas of the console can be isolated from scene changes, and are
• HA (Head Amp/Microphone Preamp)
divided up into six columns on the color screen:
• Configuration
Column 1: Channels
• Channel Equalizer
• Input Channels 1-16
• Channel Gate/Compressor
Column 2: Channels
• Channel Insert
• Input Channels 17-32
• Channel Groups
Column 3: Buses
• Fader, Pan, Mute, Mix Ons
• Aux 1-8
Column 2: Input Channels
• FX 1L through 4R
• Mix sends 1-16
Column 4: Returns
Column 3: Mix Buses
• Mix 1-16
• Mix sends 1-16
Column 5: Main/Matrix/Groups
• Configuration
• Matrix 1-6
• Equalizer
• LR Bus
• Compressor
• Center/Mono Bus
• Insert
• DCA groups 1-8
• Groups
Column 6: Effects Slots
• Fader, Pan, Mute, Matrix Ons
• FX 1-8
Column 4: Console
• Configuration
• Solo
• Routing
• Output Patch
5. Rotate the 4th encoder to select the specific signal source to feed the
currently selected channel of the stereo recorder. Choices include:
• Main L
• Main R
• Main C/M
• Any of the 16 Mix Bus Outputs
• Any of the 6 matrix outputs
• Any of the 32 direct outputs
• Direct Outputs Aux 1-8
• Any of the FX Direct Outputs
• Monitor L
• Monitor R
• Talkback
6. Rotate the 5th encoder to select the signal tap point that the selected audio
path is tapped from when feeding currently selected channel of the stereo
recorder. Choices include:
• Pre EQ
• Post EQ
• Pre-Fader
• Post-Fader
7. Tap the 6th encoder to toggle the “playback folder” mode on/off.
• When playback folder mode is OFF, the transport will stop after playing
the currently selected audio file. This is useful for situations like
triggering audio cues or sound effects in a theatrical setting.
• When playback folder mode is ON, the transport will continue playing
back all audio files residing in the currently selected folder one by one.
This is useful for playing back several songs during a break in the main
set, allowing the attached USB drive to act as a source for “break music”.
8. Specifications
Processing
32 input channels, 8 aux channels, 8 FX return channels, 16 aux buses,
Number of processing channels
6 matrices, main LRC
Internal effects engines, true stereo / mono 8 / 16
Internal total recall scenes (incl. preamp and fader) 100
Signal processing 40-bit floating point
A/D-D/A conversion (Cirrus Logic A/D CS5368, D/A CS4385) 24-bit @ 44.1 / 48 kHz, 114 dB dynamic range
Local I/O latency (local in > console processing* > local out) 0.8 ms
Network I/O latency (stagebox in > console processing* >
1.1 ms
stagebox out)
Connectors
XLR inputs, programmable mic preamps, designed by MIDAS 16
Talkback mic input, XLR 1 external (no internal mic)
RCA inputs/outputs 2/2
XLR outputs 8
Monitoring outputs 1/4" TRS balanced 2
Aux inputs/outputs, 1/4" TRS balanced 6/6
Phones outputs, 1/4" TRS 1 stereo (front panel)
AES50 ports, SuperMAC 2
Expansion card slot 32 channel audio input/output, various standards
P-16 connector, Ultranet (no power supplied) 1
MIDI inputs / outputs 1/1
Ethernet, RJ45, rear panel, for remote control 1
USB Type A, front panel, for audio and data export/import 1
Mic Input Characteristics
Preamp design MIDAS
THD + noise, 20 dB gain, 0 dBu out < 0.006% A-weighted
Input impedance XLR jack, unbal. / bal. 5 kΩ / 10 kΩ
Non clip maximum input level, XLR +23 dBu
Phantom power, switchable per input 48 V
Equivalent input noise level, XLR (input shorted) -128 dBu
CMRR, XLR, @ 20 dB gain (typical) > 70 dB
CMRR, XLR, @ 40 dB gain > 80 dB
Input/Output Characteristics
Frequency range, @ 48 kHz sample rate, 0 dB to -1 dB 10 Hz - 22 kHz
Dynamic range, analog in to analog out (typical) 106 dB
A/D dynamic range, preamp to converter (typical) 109 dB
D/A dynamic range, converter and output 108 dB
Cross talk rejection @ 1 kHz, adjacent channels 100 dB
Output level, XLR, nom./max. +4 dBu / +21 dBu
Output impedance, XLR, unbal. / bal. 75 Ω / 75 Ω
Input impedance TRS jack, unbal. / bal. 20 kΩ / 40 kΩ
Non clip maximum input level, TRS +16 dBu
Nominal output level, TRS +4 dBu / +16 dBu
Output impedance, TRS, unbal. / bal. 150 Ω / 300 Ω
Phones output impedance / level 40 Ω / +25 dBm (stereo)
Residual noise level, XLR and TRS -87 dBu A-weighted
Display
Main screen 5", 800 x 480, 262k color TFT
Main meter 18-segment (-45 dB to clip)
Power
Switch-mode power supply Autorange 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
Power consumption 60 W
Physical
Standard operating temperature range 5°C – 40°C (41°F – 104°F)
Dimensions 132 x 483 x 287 mm (5.2 x 19 x 11.3")
Weight 6.5 kg (14.4 lbs)
*including all channel and bus processing, excluding insert effects and line delays
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Cirrus Logic is a trademark of Cirrus Logic Inc. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
Block Diagram
Dimensions
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION COMPLIANCE
INFORMATION
Important information:
Changes or modifications to the equipment not expressly approved by MUSIC Group
can void the user’s authority to use the equipment.