Studio Technologies 58 1998 - Manual (Page 26)

Issue 2, April 1998 Model 58/59 User Guide
Page 26 Studio Technologies, Inc.
for Surround
clear on our explanation, that is! The
number of channels associated with each
of the four inputs is dependent on the
number of output channels. As an ex-
ample, a system that consists of one
Model 59 Console and three Model 58
Central Controllers supports six output
channels, and four 6-channel input
sources. The configuration parameter for
the number of input channels supported is
provided for those special cases where a
source has less channels than the number
of output channels.
Let’s look further at our mythical example,
the 6-channel system. Inputs 1 and 2 are
connected to 6-channel sources, so every-
thing is fine there. But the source for input
3 is only four channels. While the source
for input 4 is stereo. This makes it not so
“cool” for the operator to select input 3 or 4
for monitoring, as the unused input chan-
nels will get routed to the meter and moni-
tor outputs. Will the unused input channels
pick up lots of noise and hum? Unlikely,
but why take the chance of having a prob-
lem. Simply use the input channels sup-
ported configuration to disable the unused
channels associated with inputs 3 and 4.
Now when inputs 3 or 4 are selected, only
the active channels are monitored.
Note that when a channel associated with
an input is disabled, the input routing
circuitry, under software control, no longer
selects it; the corresponding output chan-
nel does not mute. With our 6-channel
example, when selecting input 4, the
stereo source, all six output channels
remain active, while the input routing
circuitry does not select the four unused
inputs. While to some this might seem
confusing, and a design fault, it was imple-
mented this way because multiple inputs
can be selected for simultaneous monitor-
ing. A 6-channel source might be selected
at the same time as a stereo source. Hav-
ing the output mute/solo mode LEDs going
on and off in response to the selected
input sources would be very annoying!
A special mode has been included to
allow an input to be disabled from being
accessed by the operator. This might be
useful, for example, when input 4 is not
connected to a source, and has no valid
reason to be selected. This might also be
useful when connecting a special source
to input 4, such as a house “tie line” or
router output that shouldn’t normally be
accessible. To disable an input is simple,
just disable all eight channels associated
with it. During configuration mode, all eight
LEDs will flash to show that this function
is active. Once the Model 59 is returned
to the normal operating mode the disabled
input simply cannot be selected.
Insert Sections
Configuring the insert sections is an excel-
lent test of your manual dexterity. If you
have any doubts about your ability, don’t
chew gum at the same time! The insert
sections are unique in their ability to be
configured on a channel-by-channel basis.
Each channel of each insert can be inde-
pendently set for one of four operating
modes: mute normal signal, maintain
normal signal flow, replace the normal
signal with the insert return signal, or mix
the insert return signal with the normal
signal. A detailed explanation of each
mode follows:
Mode 1, mute normal signal. In this mode
no signal flows through the insert section.
This is effectively a channel mute function.
The insert send continues to be active, but
the insert return is not active.