Audient ASP8024 Large Format Recording Console - Manual (Page 12)

Operation Manual
12
Using the ASP8024
© 8.21
Foldback is the means whereby a
performer can hear previously recorded
material and probably other current
performers in order that he/she can play
along in time both with them and the pre
recorded material.
Loudspeakers and headphones can be
used for foldback although in most
situations headphones are the usual
choice. Several problems can occur if the
foldback is not giving the performer what
he/she expects to hear leading to timing
and pitch variations.
The first problem is of course the number
of available foldback mixes. If the number
of performers exceeds this then an element
of compromise is already introduced.
The second problem is that
of creating a suitable
foldback mix. Listening on headphones is
a very unnatural experience for most
people. Checking the foldback mix on the
control room loudspeakers or even on
headphones is unlikely to sound the same
as it is perceived by the performer listening
in the studio.
Should the foldback be mono or stereo ?
Generally it has been found easier to follow
a beat that is in mono. If a click track is
being followed than it may pay to vary the
click sound as the performer’s hearing
adjusts to the click and desensitizes to it.
Increasing the level of the click is of course
an option but this will quickly lead to more
desensitization and the risk of requiring to
increase the level yet again.
The level of the performer relative to the
remaining foldback is a critical point.
If timing is a problem it may be that the
performer is hearing too much of himself
and not enough of the rest of the
performers. A solution here is to remove
one of the ear pieces so the performer can
retain a feel for his own instrument while
getting more of the others.
For vocalists the pitching may be a little
sharp if there is insufficient of themselves
in the foldback to be able to judge pitch.
The converse is also true where if there is
too much of the vocalist in the foldback
then pitching may be flat. Pitching is
usually easier with a stereo foldback mix.
If pitching is erratic it may be that there is
too much reverberation on the
foldback, however, insufficient
reverberation can lead to a
lifeless performance.
Foldback in the ASP8024
can be derived from
Auxiliary A and
Auxiliary B.
It is also possible to select the CONTROL
ROOM SOURCE or the EXTERNAL INPUTS
to the monitor system as foldback sources.
Additionally the stereo returns can be sent
to the foldback system allowing effects to
be heard by the performers.
Auxiliaries A and B are normally derived
from the LF path of the console but can be
switched to take signal from the SF path.
The signal is normally post fader but can
be selected to be the pre-fade signal. The
foldback outputs are line level outputs and
require to be connected to a suitable
amplifier. They are not intended to directly
drive headphones or loudspeakers.
THE USE OF FOLDBACK