Allen&Heath GL3800 - Manual (Page 9)

GL3800 User Guide 9
Here are just a few key points we considered when specifying the GL3800:
Choice Our goal has been to provide a truly professional range of consoles to satisfy
your mixing needs, whatever the application. The GL3800 is not only available in 4
different frame sizes, but also 4 different mono/stereo channel combinations for each size…
that is a choice of no less than 16 variants! You can even extend the number of channels
feeding the mix by linking two consoles using our Sys-Link option. The feature set is
bristling with innovative capability that lets you work the way you want.
Reliability Without doubt, the most important quality for any equipment intended for the
professional application. The GL3800 uses the well proven and long term serviceable
Allen & Heath method of individual channel card construction with every potentiometer
nutted to the front panel, a solid steel chassis with rigid beam front extrusion, long life
premium grade dual rail faders, metal bodied jacks, gold-plated Neutrik XLRs, and sealed
Alps pots and switches to ensure you can mix with confidence show after show. The
external linear power supply has plenty of overhead. A socket is available to plug in a
second supply as a backup for added security.
Performance The GL3800 benefits from our latest circuit developments which have
improved the sound and responsiveness of the mic preamp and EQ, and achieved
astonishingly low residual noise from the mix head amp and output stages, crucial when
mixing into modern high powered speaker systems. The new mic preamp maintains ultra
low distortion and can accept as much as+34dBu to deal with the hottest signal you are
ever likely to plug in. The XLR outputs provide proper differential drive up to a massive
+26dBu to work with the longest and most hostile cable environments. Extensive listening
evaluation together with solid engineering practice have ensured the console achieves
accurate sound reproduction under all conditions.
Capability We know a thing or two about ‘Dual Functionality’ having pioneered this
innovative feature back in the early 90’s. The GL3800 takes this an important stage
further with its new multiple stereo mix capability. Tamperproof recessed switches
configure the console safely for optimum FOH or stage monitor operation, or for mixing
monitors from FOH. In FOH mode you get 3 main mix buses L, R and M. You can use M to
feed the C in an LCR system, to create a mono fill by summing L and R, or even drive a
sub-bass speaker system. In MONITOR mode the ‘M’ fader becomes the engineer’s
monitor wedge control, you get all 10 aux masters available on faders with mutes, inserts,
meters and electronically balanced XLR drive, and you still get the 8 subgroups to LRM,
and the groups/LRM feeding the matrix for yet more mixes. The fully featured 12x4 matrix is
a valuable addition. For example, in FOH mode you can create independent fill speaker
and acoustics compensated recording feeds, even capturing the atmosphere by cross
patching the stereo channel mic preamps into the matrix to add individual or common
mono or stereo ambience signals. In MONITOR mode the matrix gives you more monitor
outputs easily created from the groups and LR with added ‘more me’ and ambience for the
in-ear application. This console can feed up to 14 independent mixes, for example 8
wedges and 3 true stereo IEM. We have also considered the RECORDING application with
direct outputs on all mono channels, 8 groups, matrix and not least the studio quality
analogue mic preamps and EQ. Whatever your application you get full control with nothing
wasted.
Attention to detail In true Allen & Heath form, every detail has been meticulously
thought through. Take for example, the neat, colour coded layout, the practical, no frills
chassis that gives you a seat saving, flight case convenient footprint, the provision of
individual channel rather than restrictive global pre/post aux switching, comprehensive
talkback, the built-in tone/pink noise generator for system checking, both LED and VU
metering, the multi-functional stereo channel and return strips… and much more. We hope
you enjoy being as creative using the GL3800 as our team enjoyed creating it.
Carey Davies, Head of Design, and sound guy too…