Allen&Heath GL2800 User Manual
Page 28
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28
GL2800 User Guide
Polarity
Refers to the positive (+) and negative (-) wires of a
loudspeaker or balanced audio connection. The console input
channels include POLARITY switches which reverse the + and – input
connections. Some applications include correcting for reverse wired
cables, correcting for microphone placement problems, mixing two
mics on a snare drum, one above the other below where the
diaphragms move in opposite directions, and helping to reduce comb
filtering effects as radio miked actors perform close to each other.
Polarity is sometimes labelled ‘phase’ on mixing consoles.
Technically, ‘phase’ is not the correct term as it implies a 180 degree
time shift. Polarity simply reverses the wires. It does not affect time.
Before starting your mixing, check that all the channel polarity
switches are correctly set, normally up (+).
Mixing the PA in mono or stereo?
Because a console
provides an L and R output does not mean you have to mix in stereo.
It is often convenient to have separate fader control, processor inserts,
and outputs to drive two mono speaker stacks in an FOH system.
How much stereo you introduce into your mix depends on where you
position the pan controls. In most situations the size of the room and
position of the speakers makes stereo mixing an advantage only for a
small section of the audience, usually those around the sound
operator! Those listening near the speakers are likely to lose
information from the opposite stack. For this reason it is best to mix
most sources in mono (pan centred). However, it can enhance the
image by mixing some ‘ambient’ sounds in stereo, for example reverb
returns, keyboards and special effects. Where the speakers are
widely placed, you can reduce the stereo image by reducing the
amount of panning to each side. Whatever image you create it is
important that you listen to the results and consider the listeners at all
positions in the room.
Zero the console
Before starting the sound check it is good
practice to ‘zero’ the console by setting all its controls to a sensible
starting condition. Check that the mode switches are correctly set for
your application. Set all GAIN, EQ and PAN controls mid, FADER, AUX
and MATRIX controls off, TALKBACK and OSC/NOISE levels off, and
all switches up. Make sure the osc/noise generator is turned off. Cue
Sheets are provided at the rear of this user guide for you to copy and
log your control settings. This can also be downloaded from our web
site.
Turning the system on and off
It is good practice to:
•
Turn the amplifiers on last and off first.
•
Mute channels before plugging cables, unplugging
instruments and switching phantom power.
•
Let equipment which has been stored in a damp or cold
place acclimatise in the venue first before powering it up.
•
Power up the system in plenty of time before you start the
sound check or show.
Sound levels
The ear is a delicate instrument. Do not subject
yourself or any listener to long periods of loud sound, particularly with
extreme equalisation. This may result in frequency selective or full
range hearing loss. Adhere to the sound level regulations which may
apply to the venue… and common sense!
10
10
20
30
5
5
0
00
10
10
20
30
5
5
0
00
10
10
20
30
5
5
0
00
10
10
20
30
5
5
0
00
10
10
20
30
5
5
0
00
10
10
20
30
5
5
0
00
10
10
20
30
5
5
0
00
10
10
20
30
5
5
0
00
0
0
0
5
5
30
20
10
10
0
0
0
5
5
30
20
10
10
0
0
0
5
5
30
20
10
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
L
R
M
POWER
+9
+6
+3
0
-3
-12
-16
-30
-20
-9
-6
+16
+10
2TRK
R
TO LR
2TRK REPLAY
OO
L
1-2
AUX
3-4
AUX
5-8
AUX
9-10
AUX
MTX3-4
MTX1-2
LATCH
L-R
TALKBACK MIC
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
ON
TALKBACK
OSC/NOISE
M
TALK
M
L-R
9-10
MONITOR
2TRK
AUX
MTX4
MTX3
MTX2
MTX1
10
0
PFL/AFL
MONITOR
STEREO
STEREO
MUTE GROUPS
WEDGE
MODE
10
M
P/AFL
0
0
1kHz OSC
PINK NOISE
PFL
REV
REV
REV
REV
REV
REV
REV
REV
REV
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
O
=
GRP5
TO LR
R
L
PAN
=
GRP6
TO LR
R
L
PAN
=
GRP7
TO LR
R
L
PAN
=
GRP8
TO LR
R
L
PAN
=
GRP1
TO M
GRP2
GRP4
GRP3
GRP5
GRP6
GRP7
GRP8
TO M
TO M
TO M
TO M
TO M
TO M
TO M
MUTE
STEREO
+10
OO
9-10
AUX
3
AUX
O
O
AUX
1
OO
+10
AFL
AFL
+10
2
AUX
0
0
AFL
+10
OO
AFL
+10
OO
0
4
AUX
0
AFL
+10
OO
5
AUX
0
AFL
+10
OO
6
AUX
0
AFL
+10
OO
7
AUX
0
AFL
+10
OO
8
AUX
MUTE
LEVEL
R
L
6
7
8
GRP
5
GRP
GRP
2
3
GRP
4
GRP
GRP
GRP
1
GRP
IN
EXT
M
MUTE
LEVEL
R
L
6
7
8
GRP
5
GRP
GRP
2
3
GRP
4
GRP
GRP
GRP
1
GRP
IN
EXT
M
MUTE
LEVEL
R
L
6
7
8
GRP
5
GRP
GRP
2
3
GRP
4
GRP
GRP
GRP
1
GRP
IN
EXT
M
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
O
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
OO
+6
MUTE
LEVEL
R
L
6
7
8
GRP
5
GRP
GRP
2
3
GRP
4
GRP
GRP
GRP
1
GRP
OO
+6
IN
EXT
M
DUAL STEREO RETURN
DUAL STEREO RETURN
ST4
ST3
MUTE
DIRECT TO
LR
O
O
L-R
3-4
M
O
O
+6
9-10
AUX
2
AUX
1
AUX
OO
+6
OO
+6
O
O
PFL
ST2
ST1
5
0
10
20
5
OO
30
MUTE
DIRECT TO
LR
O
O
L-R
1-2
M
O
O
+6
9-10
AUX
2
AUX
1
AUX
OO
+6
OO
+6
O
O
PHONES
STEREO
ST2
GAIN
-10
-20
10
16
-5
0
5
STEREO
GAIN
-10
-20
10
16
-5
0
5
STEREO
GAIN
-10
-20
10
16
-5
0
5
STEREO
GAIN
-10
-20
10
16
-5
0
5
MUTE
MUTE
MUTE
MUTE
MUTE
MUTE
MUTE
MUTE
MUTE
SIG
0
+6
PK!
SIG
0
+6
PK!
SIG
0
+6
PK!
SIG
0
+6
PK!
SIG
0
+6
PK!
SIG
0
+6
PK!
SIG
0
+6
PK!
SIG
0
+6
PK!
SIG
0
+6
PK!
SIG
0
+6
PK!
SIG
0
+6
PK!
0dB
OO
L-R TO M
PAN
GRP2
GRP1
L
PAN
R
TO LR
=
PAN
L
R
TO LR
=
GRP4
GRP3
TO LR
R
L
R
=
TO LR
L
PAN
30
O
O
5
20
10
0
5
10
GL2800
GL2800
FADERS
ROTARIES
AUX MODE
FOH
MONITOR
POLARITY
Think before you hit
the switch!