Studio Technologies 68A 2001 - Manual (Page 33)

Model 68A/69A User Guide Issue 1, March 2001
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 33
for Surround
Dim
The dim function is quite self-explanatory.
Press the dim button to enable the dim
mode, which reduces the monitor output
level by a preset amount. The dim button
is always set to “latch” the function on and
off. Dim activity applies no matter whether
the monitor output level is being set by the
rotary control or the reference button. The
dim level can be configured for 10, 15, 20,
or 25dB, so one of those values will apply
when dim is active. The LED associated
with the dim button will light whenever dim
is active. Note that if dim is enabled via the
remote dim function, the dim LED will
flash.
What’s not so self-explanatory is the auto-
dim-off function. Whenever dim is enabled
due to the dim button being pressed, and
reference mode is not active, changing the
rotary level control will automatically turn
off dim. The auto dim off function is a
unique attempt at protecting the aural
health of audio engineers. No longer will
there be a heart-stopping blast of audio
when the dim button is pressed, suppos-
edly to enable dim, but actually turning
dim off because it was already enabled.
It’s hard to explain unless you’ve used
an audio console and experienced this
in person—trust us, this situation does
happen! Auto dim off is a wonderful
“real-world” feature.
Note that the auto dim off function is not
active whenever dim is enabled due to
the remote dim function being active. This
allows remote control equipment, such as
a talk-back system, to reliably dim the
monitor outputs.
Rotary Level Control
The rotary level control is used to manu-
ally adjust the monitor output level. It is
active any time the reference level function
is not active. When the rotary level control
is set to give the same output level as the
preset reference level, the reference LED
will flash.
By default, when the rotary level control is
set to its fully counterclockwise position,
the monitor output channels automatically
mute. This feature is provided for those
users accustomed to having a completely
quiet output when the level control is set
to its minimum position.
A Model 69A configuration parameter
allows the level control’s automatic mute
all function to be disabled. When disabled,
the rotary level control simply adjusts the
monitor output level over its approximately
72dB of range. When the control is in its
fully counterclockwise position, low level
audio signals will be present on the moni-
tor outputs. This level control operating
mode may be preferable for those users
who do not like the abrupt level change
when the automatic mute all function
activates. When the automatic mute all
function is disabled, the mute all button
can be used to achieve a full monitor
output mute.
Mute/Solo
The mute/solo mode button and the six
monitor output channel buttons, along with
associated LEDs, work together to provide
excellent operating flexibility. The mute/
solo mode switch allows the operator to
select between mute and solo functions.
Going from mute mode to solo mode, or
vice-versa, clears all active mutes or
solos. Pressing the mode switch twice
is a legitimate means of quickly clearing
muted or soloed channels.