Api-audio THE BOX Manuale Utente Pagina 1

1 Recording & Mixing Console Operator’s Manual 10-01-13 Written for Automated Processes Incorporated by Dan Pfeifer 2013

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 10 The basic signal flow through the input channels module is as follows: Preamplifier ⇒ compressor ⇒ EQ/500 slot

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 11 2.1 Preamplifier Line Input: Accepts balanced, low-impedance, line-level signals from the LINE INPUT con

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 12 Preamp Controls: No switches engaged: LINE INPUT is selected by default 48V (Phantom Power):

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 13 Rear Panel Preamp Connections All four input channels have the same preamp input connections on the rear pane

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 14 2.2 Filter, Routing, and Meter Input channels provide a 50Hz high-pass filter, an 8-segment LED fu

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 15 2.2.2 Compressor Routing “The BOX” includes two API 527 compressor/limiters in the center section

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 16 2.2.3 Insert A balanced insert with switch is provided on each input channel. The insert send is

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 17 2.2.4 Output Routing and Pan-Pot Direct Output Each input channel has a direct output intended to

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 18 2.2.5 Meter and Meter Routing Input channels are equipped with an 8-segment LED full-scale meter.

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 19 2.3 Fader, Mute, Solo, and Solo-Safe Input Fader Controls The fader module with blue fader caps

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 2 Table of Contents 1.0 Overview 2.0 Input Channels 1-4 2.1 Preamp 2.2 Filter, Routing, and Meter 2.2.1 Hi

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 20 The input channel MUTE and SOLO switches are located just above the fader. NOTE: The SAFE switch is

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 21 2.4 550A Equalizer – 500 Slot Input channels 1 & 2 provide semi-parametric equalization using t

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 22 The combination of Walker's incomparable 2520 op-amp, and his "Proportional Q" circui

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 23 NOTE: The band-pass filter in the equalizer should not be confused with the high-pass filte

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 24 2.4.2 API 500 Series Slot Input channels 3 & 4 are each equipped with an API 500 series slo

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 25 2.5 Auxiliary/Cue Sends Auxiliary/Cue Controls “The BOX” is equipped with four (4) auxili

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 26 2.5.1 Mono Aux Sends 1/2 AUX 1 and AUX 2 are mono auxiliary sends that feed aux buses 1 and 2. These sends a

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 27 2.5.3 Stereo Cue Sends In addition to auxiliary buses 1-4, “The BOX” is equipped with a separate ste

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 28 2.6 Input Channel Rear Panel Connections 2.6.1 Input Channel Preamp Connections All four input channels

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 29 2.6.2 Input Channel Insert Connections All insert sends and returns are balanced, low-impedance, line-level

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 3 6.0 527 Compressors 6.1 Input Channel Routing 6.2 Program Bus Routing & Link 6.3 Compressor Controls 6

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 30 2.6.3 Input Channel Direct and Preamp Output Connections DIRECT OUTPUTS / PRE OUTPUTS: DB-25, balanced, l

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 31 3.0 Summing Input Channels 1-16 To make efficient use of space, summing inputs are arranged with two (2) c

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 32 2-Channel Summing Input Strip Sections

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 33 Summing Input Controls 3.1 Input Routing Summing inputs accept balanced, low-impedance, line-level

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 34 Rear Panel Insert Connections All summing input insert sends and returns are balanced, low-impedance

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 35 3.2 Fader, Mute, Solo, and Solo-Safe Summing Fader Controls The fader modules with white fader caps conta

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 36 The summing input MUTE and SOLO switches are located just above the fader. NOTE: The SAFE switch is

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 37 3.3 Output Routing and Pan-Pot Each summing input can be routed to the program bus via the PGM

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 38 3.4 Auxiliary Sends Auxiliary/Cue Controls 3.4.1 Mono Aux Sends 1/2 AUX 1 and AUX 2 are mono auxilia

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 39 3.4.2 Stereo Aux Send 3/4 AUX 3/4 is a stereo auxiliary send that feeds aux buses 3 and 4 b

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 4 APPENDIX A.1 Limited Warranty and Service Information A.2 Block Diagram A.3 DB-25 Pin-out Diagrams

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 40 3.5 Summing Input Rear Panel Connections The rear panel provides a comprehensive and flexible set

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 41 3.5.2 Summing Input Insert Connections All insert sends and returns are balanced, low-impedance, line-level

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 42 4.0 Master Section The master section of “The BOX” is equipped with a comprehensive set of comp

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 43 The master section includes the following facilities: • Stereo program bus master: PGM SUM IN, PGM INSERT, an

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 44 5.0 Stereo Program Master “The BOX” stereo program bus employs the same “Active-Combining-Amplifier”

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 45 5.2 Program Bus Compression “The BOX” includes two API 527 compressor/limiters in the center secti

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 46 5.3 Program Bus Inserts The program bus is equipped with a stereo balanced insert with switch. The prog

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 47 5.5 Program Bus Outputs “The BOX” is equipped with stereo, balanced, low-impedance line-level progr

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 48 5.6.1 Program Sum Input Connections 5.6.2 Program Bus Outputs 5.6.3 Rear Panel Program Insert Conne

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 49 6.0 527 Compressors “The BOX” is equipped with two API 527 compressor/limiters that are located above

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 5 Important Safety Instructions 1. Please read these instructions 2. Keep this Information in a safe place 3

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 50 The 527 compressors in “The BOX” have the following features: • Feed-forward or feed-back compression • Hard

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 51 6.2 Program Bus Routing & Link To use the compressors while mixing, they need to be assigned t

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 52 6.3 Compressor Controls The 527 compressor provide a complete set of functions and parameters, including the

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 53 6.3.2 Compressor Configuration Controls Knee SOFT: Rounded response curve • Gradual onset of compression

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 54 Compressor Circuit Topologies The 527 compressors can be set to operate in two circuit topologies: • OLD: Fe

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 55 THRUST® The 527 compressor includes API’s patented THRUST® circuit that can be switched in or out as nee

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 56 THRUST® filter response Stereo Link NOTE: Both compressors must be IN, assigned to the program

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 57 ATTACK (ring): Sets the time it takes the compressor to react when the input level exceeds the set threshold

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 58 7.0 Auxiliary Masters “The Box” is equipped with four (4) auxiliary buses arranged as two mono buses (

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 59 7.1.1 Aux Master Solos Each aux master can be soloed using either the AFL or PFL solo mode. When AFL is th

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 6 1.0 Overview Building on API's rich heritage of extremely high-quality recording consoles, we

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 60 8.0 Cue Master In addition to the four auxiliary buses, “The BOX” is equipped with a separate stereo cue bus

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 61 8.1.1 Cue Master Solo The cue master can be soled using either the AFL or PFL solo mode. When AFL is the

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 62 8.2 Cue Master Rear Panel Connections AUX OUTPUTS / CUE OUTPUTS: DB-25, balanced, low-impedance, line-leve

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 63 9.0 Talkback “The BOX” is equipped with a complete talkback system for use when recording. The talkback syst

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 64 9.2 Talkback Routing and Controls Talkback routing to the desired destination(s) is enabled using

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 65 10.0 Solo System 10.1 Solo Modes “The BOX” has three solo modes as explained below: PFL (Pre-Fader-Li

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 66 soloed audio is heard in the loudspeakers in stereo. The program bus outputs are unaffected when

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 67 11.0 Monitoring Systems “The BOX” is equipped with a comprehensive stereo control room monitoring

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 68 11.2 Control Room Monitor Controls The CONTROL ROOM OUT master section provides a full set of con

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 69 Main and Alternate Control Room Monitors The selected C/R SOURCE can be routed to one of two sets

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 7 • PFL, AFL, and solo-in-place solo modes with stereo solo bus • Full-featured monitor section that supports t

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 70 Loudspeaker DIM Function Stereo and Mono Monitoring The selected C/R SOURCE can be monitored in st

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 71 11.3 Headphone Amplifier In addition to the two control room monitor controls, “The Box” is equi

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 72 11.4 Monitor System Rear Panel Connections Loudspeaker and Headphone Outputs External 2-Track Inputs

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 73 12.0 VU Meters “The BOX” come equipped with a pair of LEFT and RIGHT stereo VU meters mounted above the 5

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 74 13.0 Rear Panel Connections “The BOX” rear panel contains all the connections needed to interface the consol

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 75 13.1 Input Channels 1-4 Connections Input Channel Preamp Connections All four input channels have the sa

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 76 Input Channel Insert Connections All insert sends and returns are balanced, low-impedance, line-level signals

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 77 Input Channel Direct and Preamp Output Connections DIRECT OUTPUTS / PRE OUTPUTS: DB-25, balanced, low-impe

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 78 The rear panel provides a comprehensive and flexible set of summing input connections. Connections

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 79 13.3 Program Bus Connections Program Bus Sum Input Connections PROGRAM SUM INPUT (LEFT &

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 8 For mixing, “The BOX” provides sixteen (16) dedicated summing input channels, as well as the four (

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 80 Program Bus Insert Connections Program Bus Output Connections 13.4 Auxiliary & Cue Connections

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 81 13.5 Control Room Monitor/Headphone Output Connections Loudspeaker and Headphone Output Connections Exte

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 82 13.6 AC Power Connections POWER SWITCH: On/off AC power switch FUSE: 2 amp slow-blow IEC Connecto

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 83 14.0 Application Guide “The BOX” is a highly versatile audio production console and is at home with a wide v

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 84 • API 500 Series Slot Patches: Channels 3 & 4 only. In additional to the insert, external

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 85 If a desirable automated mix has already been created in the DAW, use the following procedure to return the a

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 86 14.1.4 Cue and Headphones The cue system is designed to support headphone feeds while recording.

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 87 “More Me” Headphone Feeds From Cue Sends and Program Bus When recording a simple overdub, the program b

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 88 11) Engage the CUE talkback assignment switch and adjust the GAIN as needed. Headphone Feeds From DAW Via Su

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 89 14.2 Mixing This setup uses summing inputs 1-16 and input channels 1-4 to return up to twenty (20

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 9 2.0 Input Channels 1-4 “The BOX” provides four (4) input channels that are designed primarily for

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 90 14.2.1 Program Bus Compression Use the following procedure to use stereo program bus compression: 1) Disenga

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 91 APPENDIX A.1 a. Warranty Information: This product carries a one year labor and a five year parts warrant

File Date: 13 Sep 2013 20:34 C:\vutrax\WORK\api\Block Diagrams\api the box block rev d.diaAPI "The BOX"A.2 Block DiagramOperator's M

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 93 A.3 DB-25 Pin-Out Diagrams The DB-25 connectors use a typical 8-channel pin-out standard. Channel Si

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 94 Summing Input Line Input Connections SUMMING INPUTS 1-8: Standard = API • 1 = Summing Line Input 1 • 2 =

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 95 Direct/Preamp Output Connections DIRECT OUTPUTS/PRE OUTPUTS: Standard = API • 1 = Direct Output / Pre Outp

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 96 External 2-Track Input Connections 2 TRACK INPUTS 1-4: • 1 = 2-TRACK 1 Input LEFT • 2 = 2-TRACK 1 Input

API “The BOX” Operator’s Manual 97 Dan Pfeifer is a Professor of Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University