SPL Frontliner Modular Recording Channel - Manual (Page 25)

25
Frontliner
EXTERNAL INPUTS
A main feature of the Frontliner is the modular concept. That’s why each module has its own
input and output. Aside from the standard application – using the Frontliner as a recording
channel – you can also integrate each module independently into your studio or live setup,
just like an analog plug-in. With the EXTERNAL INPUTS keys you can apply all switch functions
to exclude single modules or dual and triple module groups from the channel strip unit and you
can determine inserts between the modules. See pages 9 and 10 for wiring diagrams with appli-
cation examples.
Let’s start with the standard configuration: No EXTERNAL INPUTS key is engaged. You can use
the entire channel strip: preamplifier, de-esser, compressor and EQ with tube saturation stage
for one signal. The EQ can be switched in front of the compressor with the EQ PRE COMP. key.
Excluding a single module: Press the respective EXTERNAL INPUTS key and hold it for about
one second.
The key illuminates permanently and the module can now be used with its own inputs and
outputs. With the de-esser as example, the signal now runs from the preamplifier directly into
the compressor, while the de-esser can be used as an autarchic device. Each processing module
(de-esser, compressor, and equalizer with tube saturation) can be taken out of the channel
strip unit in this way. EQ and tube saturation stage are always treated as one module. If all
modules are excluded as single modules, the preamp signal is routed directly to the MAIN
OUTPUTS – the Frontliner now is a pure preamplifier.
Excluding a group of two or three modules: Press the respective EXTERNAL INPUTS keys of
two or three modules simultaneously and hold them for about one second.
Pressing and holding the EXTERNAL INPUTS keys of two or three modules simultaneously
defines a group and excludes this group from the channel strip unit. The input of the first
module is the group input. All module outputs can be used, the output of the last module is
the group output. With the example of de-esser and EQ as an excluded dual module group, the
Frontliner signal now runs from the preamplifier directly into the compressor and from there to
the MAIN OUTPUTS. The de-esser/EQ module group could be used for example to treat vocals
from another preamp, while the Frontliner is used to record and process (compression) an
acoustic guitar. The successful determination of a group is confirmed by pulsing illumination of
the respective EXTERNAL INPUTS keys. Like the signal flow the pulse moves from left to right.
If all three modules are excluded from the channel strip unit as a group, the group input is the
de-esser’s input, but the output signal is also present at both MAIN OUTPUTS. The preampli-
fier signal in this case is only present at the preamp’s output.
Ungroup: Press and hold the EXTERNAL INPUTS keys for modules to be grouped for about 1 s.
The module group is ungrouped when the pulsed illumination goes out. Pressing only one
key within in a group also ungroups the grouped modules, but the respective module is also
excluded from the channel strip unit.
Notes on the EQ PRE COMP. key: This function can also be applied if compressor and EQ are
excluded as a group. In this case the input signal connected to the compressor input sockets
is directly routed to the EQ inputs. The EQ PRE COMP. function is not available if either the
compressor or EQ module is used as a single module or if an insert is determined at the
compressor or EQ inputs. The EQ PRE COMP. key flashes if you press the key and the function
is not available for one of the above reasons.
Please also note the block diagram on page 32 and the table on page 33 for details about
switching configurations.
Control Elements
External Inputs
7 5 3 1 0 3 5
30 50 70 100
VU
5 3 1
VU
20
10
0 %
MIC GAIN
S-R
EDUCTION
IN
STR UMEN
T
S- DETECT
AD -OVL
13
1
4
1 5 1 6 1 8 20 2 2 24 26 28 30
33 3 6 3
9 4
2 4
5 5
2 6
1 68
INS
TR. GAIN LINE GAIN RATIO
ATTACK
LMF
MHF
LMF – / +
MHF – / + AIR BAND
TU
BE SATURATIO
N
INSTR.
LINE IN TUBE
+15 dB
ON ON
MUTE
EQ PRE
COMP.
EQ/TUBE COMP.
EXTERNAL INPUTS
DE-ES. AUTO 48 V PAD
R e c o r d i n g C h a n n e l
Ø
MAKE-UP
RELEASE
OUTPUT
Sound Performance Lab Made in Germany
ON
0
-1
-2
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9
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16
11
6
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2 .0
2.3 2.7 3.0
3
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6
∞
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7
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1 k 0
1 k 5
2 k 7 3 k 4 4 k 5
6 k 5
1
0 k
13 k
15 k
30
4
0
5 0
80
125
160 200
3
00
5 00
64
0
70 0
Model 2800
GR VU VU PPM 0 dB -10 dB
THR
ESHOLD
Frontliner
6
8 1 1 1 4 1 7 1 9 2 1 23 25 26 27 29 3
2 3
5 3
7 3
9 4
1 4
2
4 3
-20
-1 8
- 12
-9
0
3
9
10
dB 1:x dB dB
dB dB Hz
Hz %
ms s
dB dB
dB
EQ/TUBE COMP.
EXTERNAL INPUTS
DE-ES.