SoundCraft Spirit Folio 4 - Manual (Page 20)

The three colour PPM Bargraph Meters normally follow the Monitor selection to show the level of the Stereo MIX
outputs or 2-Track Tape Returns, giving you a constant warning of excessive peaks in the signal which might cause
overloading. Alternatively they may be switched to monitor a choice of Group or Auxiliary outputs, the Stereo
Returns or the Tape Returns. The fast attack of the meters means that a signal with high level transients (e.g. kick
drum) will tend to give a higher reading than a less dynamic signal (e.g. a synth) at the same level. You should
therefore aim for an average reading of +6/+9 if the mix contains a high proportion of high level transients and a
lower reading of around ‘0’ for steadier signals with the Master Faders at about the ‘0’ mark.
If the output level is too low and hardly registering at all on the meters, the level of background noise may become
significant. In this case check that input
levels and gain settings are correct (see the
section -- Initial Setting Up). When any PFL
or AFL switch is pressed the left meter is
switched off and the Right meter displays
the PFL/AFL signal.
OSCILLATOR
A built-in 1kHz OSCILLATOR provides a
test tone for system tests or aligning Tape
Machines. Press the switch to turn ON the
oscillator and feed a 1kHz tone to the MIX
and GROUP outputs at a fixed level. DON’T
DO T HI S DU RI N G A LI V E
PERFORMANCE, OR WITH THE AMPLIFIERS TURNED UP HIGH - a sudden, very loud burst of tone will not
do your ears or your loudspeakers any good! Since this button must therefore only be used with caution, its
importance is highlighted by a mauve cap colour.
2 TRACK RETURN LEVEL
The TAPE RETURN jacks are an ideal place to connect the playback of a tape machine, without using up any of
the LINE inputs. This pot sets the level of playback signal fed either to the MIX (when MIX
is pressed) or MONITOR, when MIX/2TK is pressed. The inputs accept signals from
100mV Hi-Fi through -10dBV semi-professional equipment up to +4dBu professional
machines.
The TAPE RETURN is also the best way of connecting a tape or CD player to feed pre-show
music to a PA rig, since this leaves all input settings unaltered. It can also serve as the
return from an Effects unit to save using up Line Inputs.
MIX
Press this switch to route the TAPE RETURN signal direct to the mix outputs. Adjust the
input level with the TAPE RETURN LEVEL control. The Tape Return signal will now be
present at the Mix outputs, at a level set by the Master Faders, and the meters will display
this same signal.
MIX/2TK
Press this switch to route the TAPE RETURN signal to the MONITOR and PHONES outputs. Adjust the input
level with the TAPE RETURN LEVEL control. An setting of 3
1 ⁄
2
corresponds to an input level of about +4dBu and
a setting of 6 corresponds to -10dBV. The PPM meters will now be directly reading the level of the Tape Return,
providing a useful way of matching the level of sources for recording.
NOTE: If both MIX/2TK and MIX are pressed, the mix outputs will be carrying the Tape Return signal under the
control of the Master Faders and the VU meters will show the true output level, while the PPM meters will be
displaying the full Tape Return signal.
STEREO LISTEN
Signal
Screen
Screen
Signal (+ve)
Ground Sense (-ve)
Screen
Signal Send
Signal Return
Gnd/Screen
Tip
Ring
Sleeve
Inserts Tape Returns Outputs
Left Signal
Right Signal
Ground
Headphones
SPIRIT FOLIO 4
19