SoundCraft Spirit Folio 4 - Manual (Page 12)

INITIAL SETTING UP
You will probably use your SPIRIT FOLIO 4 with a wide range of different types of sound source, and these will be
at varying signal levels. It is important to set the GAIN of the inputs correctly to give the best performance.
Set up the individual mono input channels as follows:
••
Plug in the chosen source (usually the MIC input for mics and the LINE input for
anything else). Plug in phantom powered mics before switching the phantom power
on.
••
Set the Master and Group Faders fully down.
••
Provide the chosen source with a typical signal level and press and hold the PFL button
by the fader. The level of signal will be shown on the right-hand Bargraph PPM Meter
(the Left meter will be switched off by depressing the PFL button).
••
Adjust the input GAIN until the PPM meter is just reaching the amber LED (0dB) at a
typical maximum source level with a steady signal. If the source signal is rich in
high-level transients (e.g. drums) a rather higher meter reading of +6/+9 will be needed
to achieve an equivalent average level. This leaves enough headroom to cope with
peaks in the signal without distortion.
••
Adjust each mono input channel in the same way.
••
If you find that you cannot set a reasonable level within the range of the GAIN control
when using a MIC input, try the LINE input instead.
The Stereo inputs do not have a GAIN control, since the typical source for these inputs will be external tape
machines or effects units which have a much more predictable signal level. Set the +4/-10 switch to +4 (released)
initially, and check the input level with the PFL switch as decribed above. If the level is too low, switch to the -10
input setting.
You will now have initial settings for each of the input sources and are ready to start building a mix.
••
Connect the mix or monitor outputs to your power amplifiers and speakers and set the
gain of the amplifiers to about 70%. Move the Master Faders gradually to the top,
listening carefully for any hint of feedback or overload. You may find that the input
gain settings will need to be edged back slightly as the mix is built up.
••
Listen carefully for the characteristic sound of ‘feedback’. If you cannot achieve a
satisfactory input level setting without feedback, adjust microphone and speaker
positions and try again.
Careful microphone placement and the choice of a suitable type of microphone is essential for successful PA use.
The aim should be to place the microphone as close as possible to the source, to cut out unwanted surrounding
sounds. This allows a lower gain setting on the mixer and helps to avoid feedback. You will also find that a
well-placed microphone will not need any appreciable equalisation.
SPIRIT FOLIO 4
11