A P I M o d e l 1 6 0 8
R e c o r d i n g C o n s o l e
O p e r a t o r ' s M a n u a l
= F E
R
Page 1: ...A P I M o d e l 1 6 0 8 R e c o r d i n g C o n s o l e O p e r a t o r s M a n u a l F ER ...
Page 2: ... and the DC cable between the supply and the console from being walked on or pinched 9 Use only attachments accessories specified by the manufacturer 10 Unplug this device during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time 11 Refer all service to qualified personnel ATTENTION Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss or damage Individuals vary considerab...
Page 3: ...2 This page left blank ...
Page 4: ...the 70 s and early 80 s The success of the 1604 and the continued demand for a small footprint high quality console has produced the 1608 API takes great pride and great care in the hand assembly of all our professional audio products Above all we appreciate our loyal users those who create track mix engineer master and produce who have made the Company what it is today API User s Manual v1 3 01 0...
Page 5: ...Output Master and Monitor Output Module 5 1 Program Bus Output Masters 5 2 440B Stereo Master Fader Module 5 3 Monitor Output Controls 5 4 268B Connections 6 0 845B Control Room Monitor Module 6 1 Control Room Monitor Controls 6 2 Control Room Monitor Source Selectors 6 3 845B Connections 7 0 840B Central Facilities Module 7 1 Headphone Amplifier 7 2 Talkback 7 3 Mute Group 7 4 Aux Pre Mute 7 5 So...
Page 6: ...68B Control Room Monitor Output Connections 9 6 845B 6 Track Playback Input Connections 9 7 840B Ancillary Connections 9 7 1 Talkback Remote Port and Oscillator Output 9 7 2 Stereo Headphone Output 9 8 Expander Port 9 9 PSU Connection 10 0 Application Guide 10 1 Multitrack Recording 10 2 Multichannel Mixing 10 3 DAW Hybrid 10 4 E1608 Echo Send Applications 10 5 E1608 Echo Return Applications 10 6 ...
Page 7: ...6 This page left blank ...
Page 8: ...ans Features 16 Input Channels each with Mic Pre and Equalizer Accepts up to eight API 500 Series Modules 8 Main Buses 8 Auxiliary Buses 1 Stereo Bus 8 Echo Returns with main and stereo bus assign Full Center Section Control Analog Metering 5 1 Center Section Monitoring Comprehensive Rear Patch Connections The 1608 is built to the same exacting API build standards as our Vision consoles Legacy con...
Page 9: ...8 This page left blank ...
Page 10: ...ons Microphone instrument line preamplifier Equalizer High pass filter Balanced insert Eight 8 Echo Auxiliary Sends Fully featured mute and solo section Pan pot Direct Output Program and Summing Bus assignments All eight echo aux sends can be routed either pre or post fader Echo aux Sends 7 8 can be routed to feed the Summing Buses The basic signal flow through the 548B Channel module is as follow...
Page 11: ...ach fader Illuminates in red when engaged The 440B Mono Fader is the primary output level control for the channel The channel Fader controls the output to the Direct Output Summing Buses Program Bus Post fader Echo Auxiliary Sends When the Fader is set to 0dB the level is at unity gain Each 440B Mono Fader module contains eight mono Alps 100mm faders and supports the eight channel modules mounted ...
Page 12: ... from the Microphone Input is replaced with the signal from the Instrument Input when a 1 4 plug is inserted in the Instrument Input jack Instrument Input Accepts unbalanced high impedance instrument level signals from the 1 4 INSTRUMENT INPUT connector The Instrument Input reduces the need for separate Direct Injection DI boxes and has the following features 45dB of gain Peak Indicator Note The M...
Page 13: ...e or a 6dB pad for Line inputs Illuminates when engage Ǿ Inserts a Polarity Inverter Phase Reverse for the Microphone and Line inputs Illuminates when engaged No Buttons Engaged Line Input selected MIC Selects the Microphone Preamp as the input for the channel The MIC button must be engaged for the Instrument Input to be used Illuminates in blue when engaged The MIC button provides a peak Indicato...
Page 14: ...hen the PRE button is not engaged Illuminates when engaged 1 and 2 buttons Individual on off switches for Sends 1 and 2 Illuminates when engaged 3 4 Level Individual level controls for Sends 3 and 4 3 4 PRE Routes the pre fader signal to Sends 3 and 4 Sends 3 and 4 are fed post fader when the PRE button is not engaged Illuminates when engaged 3 and 4 buttons Individual on off switches for Sends 3 ...
Page 15: ...s Multitrack summing 5 1 mixing Additional channel outputs Additional echo auxiliary sends Sub grouping The summing buses ACA include the following features Individual Summing Bus assignments from the 548B modules Switchable Odd Even Summing Bus panning on the 548B modules Routing from Echo Auxiliary Sends 7 and 8 on the 548B modules Individual on off calibration trim solo and Program Bus assignme...
Page 16: ...Q and pre fader The Insert Return is active only when the INS button is engaged Illuminates when engaged Trim pot The trim pot below the channel pan pot calibrates the FADER IN to the DIRECT OUTPUT stage so the path is exactly at unity gain with the channel fader set to 0dB PAN pan pot Provides continuous panning control Stereo panning between the Left and Right Program Buses Odd and Even panning ...
Page 17: ...tional difficulties with the console Improper operation excessive current draw and poor module fit are all potential issues with these devices For the most recent list of VPR Alliance approved modules please visit www apiaudio com API reserves the right to deny warranty claims when non VPR Alliance 500 series modules are used Features 3 bands of classic API equalization Each band offers 7 API sele...
Page 18: ...ty which are characteristic of API products WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING The use of NON VPR Alliance approved 500 series modules in the 1608 is vehemently discouraged and may cause operational difficulties with the console Improper operation excessive current draw and poor module fit are all potential issues with these devices For the most recent list of VPR Alliance approved modules pl...
Page 19: ...rn Fader Input is defeated when a jack is inserted EQUALIZER INPUT Balanced Line level 1 4 tip ring sleeve switching jack The Preamp Output signal is replaced with this signal when a jack is inserted PREAMP OUTPUT Balanced Line level 1 4 tip ring sleeve jack Half normalled to feed the Equalizer Input INSTRUMENT INPUT Unbalanced High impedance Instrument level 1 4 tip sleeve switching jack The Micr...
Page 20: ...e 1608 Some possible applications of the Echo Send return module include Echo returns from reverbs and effect units Additional line level inputs during tracking or mixing Audio sub grouping Echo send masters Cue and foldback send masters Mix minus matrixes Parallel processing The E1608 Echo Send Return module has two primary sections Echo Send Echo Return ...
Page 21: ...gaged the external input is combined with the output from the corresponding Echo Sum Bus and is fed to the input of the Echo Send section Regardless of the input source the balanced line level output of the Echo Send is fed to the ECHO SENDS OUTPUT 1 8 sub D connector on the rear panel for connection to effects devices cue foldback systems and so on This output is active whenever the corresponding...
Page 22: ... of the Echo Send The E1608 ECHO RETURN section is an independent audio channel with multiple input options complete level muting and panning controls full solo capabilities and full routing to the Program and Summing Buses Some possible Echo Return applications include Return path for external devices multitracks reverb effects units etc Input path for tracking overdubs and virtual instruments Au...
Page 23: ...erting a plug into the ECHO RETURN 500 SLOT INPUT jack will defeat the signal from the Echo Return Input connector but the output of the slot is still sent to the Echo Return module o The Echo Return 500 Slot may be bypassed by using the Echo Return Auxiliary Input Note Please refer to section 3 3 Echo Return 500 Slots for further information Echo Returns Auxiliary Input Accepts the balanced line ...
Page 24: ... is active and another channel or Echo Return is soloed Illuminates when engaged MUTE Cuts the audio output from that Echo Return The MUTE button is the on off switch for the Echo Return output and is located post level control in the signal flow The MUTE button is the button with an E and a number 1 8 located in the Echo Return section Illuminates in red when engaged Summing Bus ACA Assignment 1 ...
Page 25: ... Buses with full assignment panning and solo functions This can greatly expand the capabilities of the console for almost all applications When equipped with a 512C Preamp an API EQ and a 525 Compressor three 500 Slots can be used to create a single high quality signal path for direct feed to the multitrack recorder or DAW As indicated by these examples the 500 Slots can be custom configured to ad...
Page 26: ...O RETURNS AUX INPUT 1 8 Balanced Line level 1 4 tip ring sleeve jack ECHO RETURNS INPUT 1 8 Balanced Line level Female 25 Pin Sub D connector ECHO RETURNS 500 SLOTS IN 1 8 Balanced Line level 1 4 tip ring sleeve switching jack The signal from the Reverb Return Input connector is replaced with this signal when a jack is inserted ECHO RETURNS 500 SLOTS OUT 1 8 Balanced Line level 1 4 tip ring sleeve...
Page 27: ...s control and routing for the eight Summing Buses also known as Active Combining Amplifiers ACA The following is provided for each Summing Bus ACA On off switch Solo PFL and AFL only Trim control ACA calibration Individual Left and Right Program Bus assignments Balanced line level outputs ...
Page 28: ...Bus Out application or 0dB to 30dB trim control for Return to Program Bus Cut only calibrate level to infinite cut CAL trim pot The trim pot calibrates the output of the Active Combining Amplifier 4 2 168B Connections The rear panel connections for the 168B Summing Bus Sub master module are as follows L and R PGM ASSIGN Individual assignment of the Summing Bus ACA output to the Left and Right Prog...
Page 29: ...Program Bus Output Masters and Monitor Output Module The 268B Program Bus Output Masters and Monitor Output module provides three functions Program Bus Output controls Monitor Output controls Program Insert Control ...
Page 30: ... fader unless the Program Insert button is engaged This allows insertion of external processing equipment pre Program Fader ACA CAL trim pot The trim pot calibrates the output of the Active Combining Amplifier BSTR CAL trim pot The trim pot calibrates the output booster TRIM Controls the output level of the Program Bus ACA 5 5bB to 1 5dB ON On off switch for the Program Bus Output Master PRG INS P...
Page 31: ... set of main 5 1 monitors and two sets of stereo monitors The Monitor Output section provides on off switching and calibration for a 5 1 Left Right Center Left Surround Right Surround and LFE main monitor system MAIN and the two stereo nearfield monitor systems SMALL 1 and 2 The Monitor Output section has the following features On off switch for all six Monitor Outputs 5 1 Main monitor trim contro...
Page 32: ...e level 1 4 tip ring sleeve jack Replaces the Program Insert Send signal when a jack is inserted and the PRG INS button is engaged PROGRAM BUS OUTPUT LEFT and RIGHT Balanced Line level Male XLR SMALL 2 CONTROL ROOM OUTPUTS LEFT and RIGHT Balanced Line level Male XLR SMALL 1 CONTROL ROOM OUTPUTS LEFT and RIGHT Balanced Line level Male XLR MAIN CONTROL ROOM OUTPUTS LEFT CENTER RIGHT Balanced Line le...
Page 33: ...ntrol Room Monitor Control Module The 845B Control Room Monitor Control module provides two functions Selection and volume control of the Control Room Monitor system Selection of the Control Room Monitor input source ...
Page 34: ...sengaged Supports two stereo monitor systems Routes the Monitor feed to the Small2 when engaged Routes the Monitor feed to the Small1 when not engaged Only active when the MAIN button is not engaged Illuminates in yellow when active o Illuminates slightly brighter when engaged MAIN Routes the Control Room Monitor feed to the Main monitor outputs Supports one stereo or 5 1 monitor systems Routes th...
Page 35: ...ix track playback source connector on the rear panel is fed to the Monitor Control section The selected 6 Track Playback button illuminates in red when engaged 6 TRK PLAYBACK 6TKAUX is currently inactive and is reserved for future use ECHO SENDS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Routes the output of the selected Echo Send to the Monitor Control section The Echo Send output is fed to the Monitor Control section The ...
Page 36: ...1 LEFT and RIGHT Input Balanced Line level Female XLR connectors Left and Right are paralleled with input with Sub D connector 6 TRACK PLAYBACK INPUTS 1 2 and 3 Left Center Right Left Surround Right Surround LFE Balanced Line level Female 25 Pin Sub D connector 6 Track Playback 1 is paralleled with the Left and Right XLR connectors ...
Page 37: ...ntral Facilities provides several ancillary console functions The control sections are included for the following functions Headphone amplifier Talkback controls Mute Group controls Master Solo controls Meter control Peak indicator controls Oscillator ...
Page 38: ...k to Auxiliaries Routes Talkback to the enabled Auxiliary Buses The E1608 Echo Send T B button must be engaged to enable Talkback to feed the corresponding Auxiliary Bus The Echo Send must be turned ON with the level up to enable Talkback to feed the corresponding Auxiliary Bus Momentary switch Independent level control Automatically engages the CR DIM function when pressed Illuminates in yellow w...
Page 39: ... Master section selects the solo function for the Channels and Echo Returns The following solo functions are provided Pre fader Listen PFL After fader Listen AFL Solo In Place SIP Pre fader Listen PFL The Solo Bus is fed pre fader from the channel or echo return Non destructive Mono Solo Level Control After fader Listen AFL The Solo Bus is fed post fader from the channel or echo return Non destruc...
Page 40: ... Channel Preamp output Channel Direct Output The first eight Channel Meters can also display Summing Bus masters SUB 1 8 output The 840B Channel Meter controls function as follows SUB MSTR Sub master Meters 1 8 display the output of the Summing Bus Sub masters SUB 1 8 Replaces the channel Preamp output and Direct Output meter feeds for Meters 1 8 Meters 9 16 will display the channel Preamp output ...
Page 41: ...840B Oscillator controls function as follows LEVEL Controls the output level of the Oscillator ON On off switch for the Oscillator output The Oscillator output is fed to the OSCILLATOR output connector on the rear panel Illuminates in red when engaged TO BUS Routes Oscillator output to the Program and Summing Buses The Left and Right Program Bus Output Masters must be turned ON with the level up t...
Page 42: ...ADPHONE JACK STEREO HEADPHONE JACK under armrest on Right side of console Headphone amplifier output 1 4 tip ring sleeve jack TALKBACK Talkback Remote Port Pin 1 5 volts fused Pin 2 T B To Echo Pin 3 T B to All Pin 4 T B Slate Pin 5 Ground 5 Pin Female XLR connector Connect pin5 to pin 2 3 or 4 through an external momentary switch for remote talkback use OSCILLATOR Oscillator Output Balanced Line ...
Page 43: ...for the sixteen Channel Meters in the Meter Bridge as follows 8 2 Left and Right Program Meters The large LEFT and RIGHT Meters display the stereo Program Master Output post the Master Fader No Buttons Engaged Meters display the output of the channel Preamps DIR OUT Direct Output Meters display the output of the channel Direct Output Replaces the channel Preamp output meter feed SUB MSTR Sub maste...
Page 44: ...is located below the Power Supply Voltage Indicators The E1 E8 Meters display the output of the eight Echo Auxiliary Send Masters post the Echo Send Master Blue LED indicators are provided for the five power supply voltages 16V 16V 24V 5V 48V The Power Supply Voltage Indicators are located to the left of the E5 and E7 meters ...
Page 45: ...the Insert Return Fader Input is defeated when a jack is inserted EQUALIZER INPUT Balanced Line level 1 4 tip ring sleeve switching jack The Preamp Output signal is replaced with this signal when a jack is inserted PREAMP OUTPUT Balanced Line level 1 4 tip ring sleeve jack Half normalled to feed the Equalizer Input INSTRUMENT INPUT Unbalanced High impedance Instrument level 1 4 tip sleeve switchin...
Page 46: ...25 Pin Sub D connector ECHO RETURNS 500 SLOTS IN 1 8 Fed from the Reverb Return Input connector Balanced Line level 1 4 tip ring sleeve switching jack The signal from the Reverb Return Input connector is replaced with this signal when a jack is inserted ECHO RETURNS 500 SLOTS OUT 1 8 Output of the 500 Slot Balanced Line level 1 4 tip ring sleeve jack Also normalled to feed the Echo Return module i...
Page 47: ...es the Summing Bus output signal at the Left and Right Program Assignment switches when a jack is inserted BUS OUTPUT 1 8 ACA OUTPUT Output from the Summing Bus Sub masters SUB 1 8 Balanced Line level Female 25 Pin Sub D connector PROGRAM BUS INSERT SEND ACA OUTPUT Balanced Line level 1 4 tip ring sleeve jack Half normalled to Program Insert Return PROGRAM BUS INSERT RETURN FADER INPUT Balanced Li...
Page 48: ...S LEFT and RIGHT Balanced Line level Male XLR MAIN CONTROL ROOM OUTPUTS LEFT CENTER RIGHT Balanced Line level Male XLR MAIN CONTROL ROOM OUTPUTS LEFT SURROUND CENTER RIGHT SURROUND Balanced Line level Male XLR 6 TRACK PLAYBACK 1 LEFT and RIGHT Input Balanced Line level Female XLR connectors Left and Right are paralleled with input with Sub D connector 6 TRACK PLAYBACK INPUTS 1 2 and 3 Left Center ...
Page 49: ...s actually WRONG serial numbers below 020 The CORRECT pinout is as above 9 7 2 Stereo Headphone Output Stereo Headphone Jack under armrest on the Right side of the frame Headphone amplifier output 1 4 tip ring sleeve jack TALKBACK Talkback Remote Port Pin 1 5 volts fused Pin 2 T B To Echo Pin 3 T B to All Pin 4 T B Slate Pin 5 Ground 5 Pin Female XLR connector OSCILLATOR Oscillator Output Balanced...
Page 50: ...Weight Standard 16 channel console 37 6 inches 17 9 inches 33 0 inches 228 Lbs 16 Channel Expander 25 6 inches 17 9 inches 33 0 inches 162 Lbs 32 Channel Console 50 inches 17 9 inches 33 0 inches 390 Lbs The 1608 is equipped with an Expander Port that allows the connection of a sixteen channel API 1608 Expander The Expander Port allows for complete integration of all major console functions Progra...
Page 51: ...olarity will be set by the Preamp 5 Use the onboard filter and EQ as needed Additional signal processors such as a compressor may be patched into various places in the channel audio path via the Insert and other connections on the rear panel 6 Connect the Direct Outputs or the Summing Bus Outputs to the desired recorder or DAW inputs The Direct Output is always fed by the channel Fader Make the ne...
Page 52: ... channels and output paths to a DAW or other multitrack recorder This scenario requires the engineer to sum the recorded channels to a mix within the DAW and output this mix for monitoring The diagram below this mix returns to the Program Bus Mix Inputs The signal from these jacks is routed to the 1608 Program Bus by assigning the corresponding Summing Bus Masters to the Left and Right Program Bus...
Page 53: ...s routed directly to the 845B Control Room Monitor module for monitoring In this scenario the Program Bus Inserts and Master Fader are bypassed This scenario requires the engineer to sum the recorded channels to a stereo or 5 1 mix within the DAW and output this mix for monitoring via the 845B Control Room Monitor module ...
Page 54: ...nds to feed effects units Pre fader cue foldback sends for tracking overdubbing broadcasting live events Sub group sends Additional output paths for multichannel mixing LCRS 5 1 5 1EX 7 1 9 Summing Buses can also be used as Multitrack summing Additional post fader mono auxiliary sends Audio sub groups sends Additional mix outputs Additional output paths for multichannel mixing LCRS 5 1 5 1EX 7 1 1...
Page 55: ...puts 17 24 are fed to the 1608 Echo Return Inputs 1 8 Select the Line input on channels For stereo mixing make assignments to the Program Bus For surround mixing use Program and Summing Bus 1 4 assignments to create six mix paths for 5 1 mixing as follows Left Program Bus Left Right Program Bus Right Center Summing Bus 1 Sub LFE Summing Bus 2 Left Surround Summing Bus 3 Right Surround Summing Bus ...
Page 56: ...g to the Echo Returns can be further processed before contributing to the mix Echo Returns are assigned to contribute to the mix in the same manner as with the channels for both stereo and surround mixing Engage the PAN button to enable the pan pot Outboard Effects Processor Connections The diagram below shows the connections between a 1608 and outboard effects processors for either mixing scenari...
Page 57: ...56 Mix Output Connections The diagram below shows mix output connected to a DAW or other mix recorder ...
Page 58: ...s processors 10 3 DAW Hybrid It is possible to use the 1608 as both the input path to a multitrack recorder or DAW and a return path for mixing as well This is accomplished by interfacing the recorder or DAW within the channel signal flow This simultaneously provides high quality input paths for recording and powerful analog mixing capabilities It is best suited for use with a DAW but could be use...
Page 59: ...ity gain The Echo Send is fed by the corresponding Auxiliary Bus Press the MIX button on the corresponding Echo Return The Echo Send output is fed to the Echo Return and the Echo Sends Output connector Assign the Echo Return to the Program Bus and or Summing Buses as needed Engage the PAN button if panning is needed Set the Echo Return level as desired Aux Send Multichannel Mix Output Master LCRS ...
Page 60: ... output to the Summing Bus The Summing Bus feeds Summing Bus Sub master SUB 1 8 Turn ON the corresponding Sub master Set the sub master to unity gain or as needed Connect the Bus Output connector to the input to the recorder or DAW Audio Sub group Return Use channel Echo Aux sends to feed the channels to be grouped to the desired Auxiliary Buses o It might be desirable to de assign these channels ...
Page 61: ...e effects unit recorder DAW etc to the Program Bus Mix Input This input feeds the input to the Program Bus Assignment switches on the Summing Bus Sub masters 1 8 Turn the corresponding Sub master ON Assign to the Program Bus Use the TRIM control to set the desired level Summing Bus Multichannel Mix Outputs LCRS 5 1 5 1EX 7 1 Use the Program Bus for the Left and Right channels Select four Summing B...
Page 62: ...s empty the signal will loop through the slot to feed the corresponding Echo Return input when a Bypass Card is inserted into the card edge connector of the corresponding slot These cards are supplied by API when the console is delivered without 500 modules in any 500 slot 500 Slots can deliver 48v phantom power to the Echo Return Input connector if equipped with a 512C Preamp The slots are normal...
Page 63: ...62 10 8 Rear Panel DB25 Wiring Diagrams The Rear panel DB25 connectors of the 1608 are wired as follows ...
Page 64: ...t a Return Authorization RA Products returned without an RA number may not be accepted b Pack the defective part by wrapping in plastic and cushioning material Seal securely in an approved shipping container If you do not have a sufficient shipping container ask API for advice when calling for the RA number c Include a note explaining the problem and conditions of the service request Include your ...
Page 65: ...e serial number of your 1608 console and your purchase information just in case you need that information someday in the future 1608 serial Number ________________________ Power Supply serial Number __________________ Purchase Date ______ ________ ________ ...
Page 66: ...l e A P I r e s e r v e s t h e r i g h t t o m o d i f y o r c h a n g e a n y o f t h e f e a t u r e s s p e c i f i c a t i o n s o r p e r f o r m a n c e o f i t s p r o d u c t s w i t h o u t n o t i c e o r o b l i g a t i o n A P I 8 3 0 1 P a t u x e n t R a n g e R o a d J e s s u p M D 2 0 7 9 4 T e l 3 0 1 7 7 6 7 8 7 9 w w w a p i a u d i o c o m F ER ...
