Audient ASP8024 Large Format Recording Console - Manual (Page 18)

Operation Manual
18
Using the ASP8024
© 8.21
JACK SOCKETS
Jack sockets are a very common form of
connector and are used extensively in the
8024 console. There is more to them,
however, than merely connecting with the
Tip, Ring and Sleeve of the mating jack
plug.
The switching contacts allow the jacks
sockets to be used to pass a signal through
while no mating plug is inserted but break
this signal and accept the signal from the
plug when it is inserted. This is known as
“normalling” and the signal connected
through the switching contacts is known
as the “normalled” signal.
The prime use of this function within the
console is on the insert points. If this
facility did not exist and the insert point
was switched in, nothing could pass
through the signal path unless an external
unit was connected between the insert
send and the insert return jacks. If the
insert return jack has its normal contacts
wired to the signal being sent to the insert
send, then, if no jack is inserted in to the
return socket the send signal will pass
through the contacts and appear on the
output of the jack.
This allows the insert point to be left
switched into circuit at all times with the
only consideration being that the signal
passes through one more stage of
electronics than it otherwise would.
The insert sends are ground sensing
outputs enabling them to connect to
balanced and unbalanced loads with equal
ease. When connected to an unbalanced
load any ground noise from the destination
is also added to the signal making it a
common mode signal which is rejected.
XLRS
XLR connectors are the connectors found
on many items of professional audio
equipment. XLR stands for “extra low
resistance” as there is a large contact area
associated with this connector. Male
connectors are used as outputs while the
female connectors are used as inputs.
There are 3 pins on each connector with
pin 1 always being used as the earth or
ground pin to which the cable shield
should be connected.
The balanced signal is carried on pins 2
and 3, Pin 2 is normally the Hot pin while
pin 3 is Cold pin. In the USA generally the
reverse is true and pin 3 is the Hot pin.
With balanced circuits throughout this
makes little or no difference but beware if
unbalanced inputs and outputs exist as
this may be the cause of a polarity reversal,
or signal short circuits.
SWITCHING
CONTACTS
SLEEVE
RING
TIP
MORE ON CONNECTORS