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API “The BOX”

Operator’s Manual

3

6.0

527 Compressors

6.1

Input Channel Routing

6.2

Program Bus Routing & Link

6.3

Compressor Controls
6.3.1

Compressor Routing Controls

6.3.2

Compressor Configuration Controls

6.3.3

Compressor Parameter Controls

6.3.4

Gain Reduction Meter

7.0

Auxiliary Masters

7.1

Auxiliary Master Controls
7.1.1

Aux Master Solos

7.2

Auxiliary Master Rear Panel Connections

8.0

Cue Master

8.1

Cue Master Controls
8.1.1

Cue Master Solo

8.2

Cue Master Rear Panel Connections

9.0

Talkback

9.1

Talkback Microphone and Trims

9.2

Talkback Routing and Controls

10.0 Solo System

10.1 Solo Modes
10.2 Solo Master Controls

11.0 Monitoring Systems

11.1  Control Room Source Selection
11.2  Control Room Monitor Controls
11.3  Headphone Amplifier
11.6  Monitor System Rear Panel Connections

12.0 VU Meters

13.0 Rear Panel Connections

13.1  Input Channels 1-4 Connections
13.2  Summing Inputs 1-16 Connections
13.3  Program Bus Connections
13.4  Auxiliary & Cues Connections
13.5  Control Room Monitor/Headphone Output Connections
13.6  AC Power Connections

14.0 Application Guide

14.1 Recording

14.1.1  Input Channels While Recording
14.1.2  Summing Inputs While Recording
14.1.3  Using DAW Mixes While Recording
14.1.4  Cue and Headphones
14.1.5  Talkback

14.2 Mixing in “The BOX”

14.2.1 Program Bus Compression
14.2.2 Effect Sends and Returns

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Summary of Contents for The BOX

Page 1: ...1 Recording Mixing Console Operator s Manual 10 01 13 Written for Automated Processes Incorporated by Dan Pfeifer 2013 ...

Page 2: ...2 6 2 Input Channel Insert Connections 2 6 3 Input Channel Direct and Preamp Output Connections 3 0 Summing Input Channels 1 16 3 1 Input Routing 3 1 1 Insert 3 1 2 0dB Unity Gain 3 2 Fader Mute Solo and Solo Safe 3 3 Output Routing and Pan Pot 3 4 Auxiliary Sends 3 4 1 Mono Aux Sends 1 2 3 4 2 Stereo Aux Sends 3 4 3 4 3 Stereo Cue Sends 3 5 Summing Input Rear Panel Connections 3 5 1 Summing Input...

Page 3: ...rols 10 0 Solo System 10 1 Solo Modes 10 2 Solo Master Controls 11 0 Monitoring Systems 11 1 Control Room Source Selection 11 2 Control Room Monitor Controls 11 3 Headphone Amplifier 11 6 Monitor System Rear Panel Connections 12 0 VU Meters 13 0 Rear Panel Connections 13 1 Input Channels 1 4 Connections 13 2 Summing Inputs 1 16 Connections 13 3 Program Bus Connections 13 4 Auxiliary Cues Connectio...

Page 4: ...API The BOX Operator s Manual 4 APPENDIX A 1 Limited Warranty and Service Information A 2 Block Diagram A 3 DB 25 Pin out Diagrams ...

Page 5: ... power supply 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 va...

Page 6: ... bus cue sends with talkback monitor control and more without the redundant capacities of larger consoles Most importantly The BOX provides the legendary all discrete API sound in an efficient cost effective package Features Two 2 input channels with mic instrument line preamp HP filter integral 550A EQ Two 2 input channels with mic instrument line preamp HP filter 500 slot Two 2 compressors assig...

Page 7: ...nsive rear panel connections with balanced inputs and outputs Integrated power supply Console Layout For recording The BOX provides four 4 input channels Channels 1 2 are equipped with preamp filter built in 550A equalizer insert assignable compression and output routing Channels 3 4 provide the same features but are each equipped with an API 500 series slot instead of the built in EQ ...

Page 8: ...is very useful for summing individual DAW tracks that have fader mute automation The BOX is equipped with a comprehensive master section that includes controls for program bus insert and external inputs auxiliary and cue masters solo master talkback VU meters and a fully featured monitor section that supports two 2 stereo speaker systems and headphones In addition the master section contains two 2...

Page 9: ...line preamplifier Assignable compressor Integral 550A EQ or 500 slot High pass filter Balanced insert send return Two 2 mono auxiliary sends One 1 stereo aux cue send Fader and mute Pan pot Solo and solo safe Direct or preamp output routing Program bus assignment The onboard compressors can be assigned to only two 2 input channels at a time All aux cue sends have ON OFF switches and can be routed ...

Page 10: ...the input channels module is as follows Preamplifier compressor EQ 500 slot insert fader mute filter output The compressor can be moved to after the insert COMP POST to yield Preamplifier EQ 500 slot insert compressor fader mute filter output Input Channel Sections ...

Page 11: ...INPUT whenever a plug is inserted in the INSTRUMENT INPUT jack Note The pad and polarity inverter phase reverse do not apply to the INSTRUMENT INPUT If these functions are needed the use of an external direct injection DI box connected to the MIC INPUT is suggested The preamplifier section of the input channels provides a fully featured input stage that s identical to the channel preamps in the AP...

Page 12: ...al arriving at the MIC INPUT and LINE INPUT Illuminates when engaged Does not affect the instrument input PAD Attenuates the MIC INPUT by 20dB and the LINE INPUT by 6dB Illuminates when engaged Does not affect the instrument input MIC Selects the microphone signal as the input for the channel MIC must be engaged for the INSTRUMENT INPUT to be used The MIC INPUT signal is replaced by the INSTRUMENT...

Page 13: ...on to the DB 25 connector input channels 3 4 have a separate preamp output that s part of an extra set of connections that support the 500 slots INSTRUMENT INPUT tip sleeve unbalanced high impedance MIC must be engaged to use this input Replaces MIC signal as preamp input MIC INPUT 3 pin female XLR balanced low impedance MIC must be engaged to use this input Provides phantom power when the 48v swi...

Page 14: ...uting possibilities Routing possibilities include Compressor assignment to input channels Compressor placement in signal flow Insert Direct output routing Program bus assignment Meter routing Filter Routing and Meter Controls 2 2 1 High Pass Filter FLTR Filter Engages high pass filter 3 dB at 50Hz 6dB octave slope Located post fader Illuminates when engaged ...

Page 15: ...ssor from the program bus to the input channels When PGM CHAN is engaged compressor 1 is assigned to input channel 1 and compressor 2 is assigned to input channel 2 by default Engaging CH 3 or CH 4 assigns the compressors to these channels These switches illuminate when engaged When assigned to an input channel the compressor will be located after the preamp and before the equalizer 500 slot and i...

Page 16: ...0 slot on input channels 3 4 In addition to the insert send and return the signal path on channels 3 4 can be accessed pre 500 slot via the PREAMP OUTPUT and 500 SLOT INPUT jacks on the rear panel INS insert Routes the insert return to the signal path The insert return is active only when the INS switch is engaged Illuminates when engaged EQUALIZER OUT INSERT SEND tip ring sleeve balanced low impe...

Page 17: ...tputs from input channels 3 4 Standard pin out 1 4 direct or preamp outputs 1 4 5 6 insert send 1 2 7 8 preamp outputs 3 4 Program Bus Assignment Stereo Pan Pot PGM Program Assigns the input channel output to the program bus when engaged Program bus is fed post pan pot Illuminates when engaged PAN pan pot Continuously variable left right stereo pan pot Program bus is fed post pan pot 3dB pan law 3...

Page 18: ...o 0dBFS on the meter matches 0dBFS in the connected DAW 0dBFS 8 segment LED full scale meter Indicates post fader channel output level by default Indicates preamp output level when MTR PRE is engaged METER calibration Meter calibration trim pot Calibrates the meter to match 0dBFS on the DAW converter MTR PRE meter preamp Replaces the output of the fader with the output of the preamp as the meter s...

Page 19: ...ols The fader module with blue fader caps contains the faders MUTE and SOLO switches for input channels 1 4 These faders are the primary output level controls for the input channels The input channel faders can be routed to feed Direct output Program bus Post fader auxiliary cue sends ...

Page 20: ... in red when engaged Activates on release SOLO Activates the current solo function on that channel PFL AFL or solo in place PFL is default Can be cleared by pressing the SOLO CLEAR switch Illuminates in orange when engaged SAFE solo safe Activates the solo safe function on that channel SAFE prevents muting when Solo In Place is active and another channel is soloed Illuminates when engaged INPUT FA...

Page 21: ...unts are selected by three dual concentric switches and a push button IN switch allows the EQ to be silently introduced to the signal path A small push button is used to insert the band pass filter into the 550A The API 550A Equalizer provides three 3 bands of equalization and a band pass filter It has been slightly repackaged for installation on input channels 1 2 Other than the repositioning of ...

Page 22: ...Proportional Q circuitry gives the 550A user an uncomplicated way to generate acoustically superior equalization With the long awaited reissue of this unit an EQ that has had such a part in the history of recording is continuing to make history in today s music Equalizer Controls 550A EQ Curves ...

Page 23: ...equency knob blue numbers 2 5kHz 5kHz 7kHz 10kHz 12 5kHz 15kHz 20kHz Boost Cut ring white numbers 12dB in 5 steps each Peak or shelf High Frequency Shelving Changes the high frequency band from a peaking EQ to a shelving EQ All frequencies above the selected center frequency will be boost or cut Low Frequency Center Frequency knob blue numbers 30Hz 40Hz 50Hz 100Hz 200Hz 300Hz 400Hz Boost Cut ring ...

Page 24: ...tional information about approved 500 series modules and the VPR Alliance is available at http apiaudio com vpr_alliance html IMPORTANT NOTE Installation of any module that s not approved by the API VPR Alliance may void the console warranty If the slots remain empty a jumper is installed in place of a module and the slot is covered with a blank panel API 500 Series Slot Rear Panel Connections The...

Page 25: ...uxiliary sends 1 2 and one 1 stereo auxiliary cue send 3 4 Each pair of sends has pre post fader routing and an on off switch The stereo aux send 3 4 can be routed to feed the stereo cue bus instead of aux buses 3 4 To support these sends The BOX is equipped with four auxiliary buses a stereo cue bus and corresponding masters with balanced outputs ...

Page 26: ... 4 or CUE can be used for effects sends A common on off switch is used to silently engage the stereo send The post fader signal feeds AUX 3 4 CUE by default but the pair can be switched to the pre fader signal In common practice post fader sends are often used for effects sends and pre fader sends are typically used for headphone feeds An internal jumper determines the source of the aux cue feed w...

Page 27: ...t feeds the aux cue sends when the PRE switches are engaged The AUX PRE jumper can be set to one of two positions PRE EQ pre equalizer Pre EQ 500 slot o Post preamp post compressor if routed o Pre EQ 500 slot pre insert send pre fader FDR IN fader input Pre fader input o Post preamp post compressor if routed post EQ post insert return o Pre fader The default position for this routing jumper is fac...

Page 28: ...eamp inputs mic instrument and line Insert sends and returns Direct outputs preamp outputs Preamp output 500 slot input channels 3 4 only INSTRUMENT INPUT tip ring sleeve unbalanced high impedance MIC must be engaged to use this input Replaces MIC signal as preamp input MIC INPUT 3 pin female XLR balanced low impedance MIC must be engaged to use this input Provides phantom power when the 48v switc...

Page 29: ...alf normalled pair and the channel signal flows through these jacks If a plug is inserted into the 500 SLOT INPUT jack that signal replaces the signal from the PREAMP OUTPUT jack The signal from the onboard preamp is broken and does not continue in the channel flow path EQUALIZER OUT INSERT SEND tip ring sleeve balanced low impedance line level INSERT RETURN tip ring sleeve balanced low impedance ...

Page 30: ...Outputs 7 8 Preamp outputs from input channels 3 4 Standard pin out 1 4 direct or preamp outputs 1 4 5 6 insert send 1 2 7 8 preamp outputs 3 4 In addition to the DB 25 connector input channels 3 4 have a separate preamp output that s part of an extra set of connections that support the 500 slots PREAMP OUTPUT tip ring sleeve balanced low impedance line level Not available on input channels 1 2 Th...

Page 31: ...uts that are optimized for mixing in a DAW environment All sixteen summing inputs are identical Along with their associated faders each summing input provides a simple but appropriately featured audio path for mixing applications In recognition of the signal processing power of most DAWs the summing inputs do not contain filters equalization or dynamic processing compressor However they do provide...

Page 32: ...API The BOX Operator s Manual 32 2 Channel Summing Input Strip Sections ...

Page 33: ...than the insert return it s the only input available 3 1 1 Insert A balanced insert with switch is provided on each summing input The insert send is fed pre fader immediately after the line input and is always active The insert return is located before the fader bypass 0dB and is routed to the signal path only when the INS switch is engaged INS insert Routes the insert return to the signal path Th...

Page 34: ... of automated tracks coming from the DAW The BOX includes a fader bypass 0dB switch on the summing inputs to route these tracks directly to the program bus at unity gain Engaging the 0dB switch is equivalent to setting the fader to unity gain 0dB Only the fader is bypassed and all other channel functions operate normally This feature avoids the need to manually set the faders to 0dB prevents error...

Page 35: ...n the faders MUTE and SOLO switches for summing inputs 1 16 1 2 shown The summing input fader controls for each pair of channels are arranged in a side by side configuration These faders are the primary output level controls for the summing inputs The summing input faders can be routed to feed Program bus Post fader auxiliary cue sends ...

Page 36: ...in red when engaged Activates on release SOLO Activates the current solo function on that channel PFL AFL or solo in place PFL is default Can be cleared by pressing the SOLO CLEAR switch Illuminates in orange when engaged SAFE solo safe Activates the solo safe function on that channel SAFE prevents muting when Solo In Place is active and another channel is soloed Illuminates when engaged SUMMING F...

Page 37: ...us is fed post fader mute and pan pot Program Bus Assignment Stereo Pan Pot PGM Program Assigns the summing channel output to the program bus when engaged Program bus is fed post pan pot Illuminates when engaged PAN pan pot Continuously variable left right stereo pan pot Program bus is fed post pan pot 3dB pan law 3dB per side when panned center Center detent ...

Page 38: ...both mono sends The post fader signal feeds AUX 1 2 by default but the pair can be switched to the pre fader signal The BOX is equipped with four 4 auxiliary sends fed by two 2 mono auxiliary sends 1 2 and one 1 stereo auxiliary cue send 3 4 Each pair of sends has pre post fader routing and an on off switch The stereo aux send 3 4 can be routed to feed the stereo cue bus instead of aux buses 3 4 T...

Page 39: ...g the primary purpose of this cue system is the creation of a headphone feed so talkback and other sources can be routed to the cue master When mixing stereo send 3 4 can be routed to the cue bus instead of aux buses 3 4 to provide an alternate stereo effects send AUX 1 AUX 2 Level controls for AUX 1 2 Knob 1 ring 2 PRE pre post Routes the pre fader signal to AUX 1 2 when engaged AUX 1 2 are fed p...

Page 40: ...clude Line inputs Insert sends and returns 3 5 1 Summing Input Line Input Connections The line inputs for the sixteen summing inputs are distributed across two DB 25 connectors SUMMING INPUTS 1 8 DB 25 balanced low impedance line level Standard pin out 1 8 summing inputs 1 8 SUMMING INPUTS 9 16 DB 25 balanced low impedance line level Standard pin out 1 8 summing inputs 9 16 ...

Page 41: ...ns are balanced low impedance line level signals routed via tip ring sleeve jacks on the rear panel The insert send is fed immediately after the input on summing inputs 1 16 INSERT SEND tip ring sleeve balanced low impedance line level INSERT RETURN tip ring sleeve balanced low impedance line level ...

Page 42: ...API The BOX Operator s Manual 42 4 0 Master Section The master section of The BOX is equipped with a comprehensive set of components needed to support a wide range of recording and mixing applications ...

Page 43: ...er PGM SUM IN PGM INSERT and master fader Auxiliary bus masters AUX MASTER 1 4 Cue master CUE Solo master SOLO MASTER Control room monitor master CONTROL ROOM OUT Talkback master TALKBACK Headphone master HEADPHONES Subsequent sections of this manual will explore each component of the master section in detail ...

Page 44: ...Stereo master fader Balanced line level output The default signal flow through the program master is as follows Program sum inputs Channels program bus compressor insert master fader output 5 1 Program Sum Inputs The BOX is equipped with a stereo pair of external inputs that sum with the program bus This is useful for adding an external stereo source such as a sub mix to the program bus in The BOX...

Page 45: ...ontrol voltage is summed To assure that gain reduction is keyed equally by both left and right channels it is essential to set parameters on both compressors exactly the same Refer to section 6 0 Compressors for more information regarding the compressors The compressors are assigned to the program bus by default When PGM CHAN is engaged the compressor is assigned to the selected input channel Thes...

Page 46: ... 4 Program Master Fader PGM INSERT program insert Routes the program insert return to the signal path The program insert return is active only when the PGM INSERT switch is engaged Illuminates when engaged INSERT SEND ACA OUTPUT LEFT RIGHT tip ring sleeve balanced low impedance line level INSERT RETURN LEFT RIGHT tip ring sleeve balanced low impedance line level The fader with the red fader cap be...

Page 47: ...connectors 5 6 Program Bus Rear Panel Connections PROGRAM BUS OUTPUT LEFT RIGHT 3 pin male XLR balanced low impedance line level Located post master fader The rear panel provides a comprehensive and flexible set of stereo program master connections LEFT and RIGHT program bus connections include Program bus outputs Insert sends Insert returns Program sum input ...

Page 48: ... LEFT RIGHT 3 pin male XLR balanced low impedance line level Located post master fader PROGRAM SUM INPUT LEFT RIGHT 3 pin female XLR balanced low impedance line level Located pre insert and compressor INSERT SEND ACA OUTPUT LEFT RIGHT tip ring sleeve balanced low impedance line level INSERT RETURN LEFT RIGHT tip ring sleeve balanced low impedance line level ...

Page 49: ...method is what most of the classic compressors used for the gain control circuit The new way gain reduction is more typical of the newer VCA type compressors that rely on RMS detectors for the gain control voltage There is a SOFT HARD KNEE switch for an over easy type compression resulting in a very natural uncompressed sound or a typical sharp knee type that lends itself to a much more severe lim...

Page 50: ...g To use the compressors while recording they need to be assigned to the input channels Compressor 1 can be assigned to input channels 1 or 3 Likewise Compressor 2 can be assigned to input channels 2 or 4 Assignments to input channels are accomplished using the two ASSIGN switches on the compressors Engaging the PGM CHAN switch will move the compressor from the program bus to the input channels Wh...

Page 51: ...yed equally by both left and right channels it s essential to set parameters on both compressors exactly the same The compressors are assigned to the program bus by default Assignment to the program bus is accomplished by disengaging the PGM CHAN switches on the compressor When PGM CHAN is engaged the compressor is assigned to the selected input channel These switches illuminate when engaged The c...

Page 52: ...nput channel when engaged Illuminates when engaged IN Places the compressor in the signal path when engaged Silent operation Illuminates when engaged CH 1 CH 3 channel 1 channel 3 Toggles compressor 1 routing between input channels 1 and 3 Compressor 1 is routed to input channel 1 when not engaged Compressor 1 is routed to input channel 3 when engaged Illuminates when engaged CH 2 CH 4 channel 2 c...

Page 53: ... an over easy type knee More transparent HARD Sharp response curve Immediate onset of compression sudden transition to set ratio More aggressive and noticeable KNEE SOFT HARD Toggles between soft and hard knee compression Changes the shape of the compression curve at the rotation point SOFT is selected when not engaged Hard is selected when engaged Illuminates when engaged ...

Page 54: ...smoother softer more transparent sound NEW Feed Forward Compression In a feed forward compressor the RMS detector normally gets its signal from a split of the input signal The detector path can alternately get its signal from a Side Chain Input With this method the RMS detector sends a signal to the VCA that is an exact ratio of the desired compression set by the RATIO control This is how many new...

Page 55: ... ear In Hi fi equipment a LOUDNESS contour is used to equalize the music at lower levels so it sounds correct Even with this curve there is still a substantial amount of low frequency information compared to high frequency information in the audio signal path When that signal is fed into the RMS detector the detector will process the signal into a DC control voltage based upon the those louder low...

Page 56: ...t remains fairly constant regardless of the threshold and ratio settings This allows for live adjustments to be made with noticeable changes in perceived level THRESH threshold Sets the level at which compression begins Continuously variable between 10dBu and 20dBu Detented rotary pot for easy recall LINK Activated DC link between compressions 1 and 2 Stereo compression when engaged Sums the DC ga...

Page 57: ...bers Detented rotary pot for easy recall 6 3 4 Gain Reduction Meter A 5 segment LED gain reduction GR meter is provided to indicate the amount of compression being applied The following gain reduction increments are provided 1dB 2dB 3dB 6dB 12dB Attack and release times are fully variable on the 527 compressor and share a dual concentric potentiometer for control Attack time is adjusted using the ...

Page 58: ...in solo in place SIP mode will not active the SIP solo function The aux masters provide 6dB of gain at the fully clockwise position For most applications the masters should be initially set to unity gain approximately 2 o clock From here the masters can be used to trim the aux outputs upward or downward as needed AUX MASTER 3 4 Output level control for auxiliary buses 3 and 4 Stereo aux master wit...

Page 59: ...s is fed immediately after the AUX MASTER potentiometers NOTE When solo in place SIP is the current solo mode engaging an aux master AFL SOLO switch will activate the current PFL or AFL solo function The solo function is determined by the position of the AFL switch in the solo master section Engaging an aux master AFL SOLO while in SIP mode will not active SIP mutes on channels 7 2 Auxiliary Maste...

Page 60: ...ile recording talkback can be added and the cue master output can be routed to the headphones master as well as the AUX OUTPUTS CUE OUTPUTS connector on the rear panel 8 1 Cue Master Controls Engaging the cue master AFL SOLO switch will activate the current PFL or AFL solo function The solo function is determined by the position of the AFL switch in the solo master section Engaging the cue master ...

Page 61: ... master This feed will include the program master outputs only if PROGRAM is selected as the C R SOURCE and CUE SOURCE Refer to section 11 1 Control Room Source Selectors for additional information Cue source selections are additive so more than one source can be selected Each source is added in stereo at unity gain CUE SOURCE selections are fed to the CUE MASTER via the CUE SOURCE level control I...

Page 62: ... Operator s Manual 62 8 2 Cue Master Rear Panel Connections AUX OUTPUTS CUE OUTPUTS DB 25 balanced low impedance line level Fed from the aux and cue masters Standard pin out 1 4 aux outputs 1 4 5 6 cue outputs L R ...

Page 63: ...he following SLATE Program bus AUX Auxiliary masters CUE Cue master The talkback signal flow is as follows SLATE trim program bus Talkback mic preamp TALK button routing AUX trim aux masters CUE trim cue master 9 1 Talkback Microphone and Trims MICROPHONE Internal talkback microphone Electret condenser mic SLATE Talkback to program bus calibration trim pot AUX Talkback to auxiliary master calibrat...

Page 64: ...ing the GAIN control Levels to each destination can be trimmed using the SLATE AUX and CUE trim pots GAIN Talkback level control SLATE Enables talkback routing to the program bus Illuminates when engaged AUX Enables talkback routing to the auxiliary master Illuminates when engaged CUE Enables talkback routing to the cue master Illuminates when engaged TALK Activates talkback to the enabled destina...

Page 65: ... AFL is the current solo mode and a SOLO switch is engaged on a channel or master the post fader post pan pot signal is routed to the stereo AFL solo bus The output of the solo master replaces the current control room monitor source and the The BOX is equipped with a fully featured solo system that allows the engineer to isolate exactly what needs to be heard in three different ways PFL Pre Fader ...

Page 66: ...t PFL or AFL solo function The solo function is determined by the position of the AFL switch in the solo master section Engaging an aux or cue master AFL SOLO while in SIP mode will not active the SIP solo mode 10 2 Solo Master Controls Solo In Place SIP is a stereo destructive solo mode SIP is active when the SIP switch is engaged SIP solo can be activated from input channels and summing inputs A...

Page 67: ...nd VU meters as well as the default source for headphones 2 TRACK source selections 1 4 are additive so more than one external source can be selected simultaneously Each source is summed at unity gain when multiple sources are selected Engaging PROGRAM will override any 2 TRACK source selections The illuminated switches indicate the actual active source Rear Panel Control Room Source Input Connect...

Page 68: ...o 2 sets of loudspeakers Level and Cut C R LEVEL control room level Sets the output level of the control room loudspeakers WARNING This is largest and most dangerous knob on the console please be careful and use it wisely CUT Mutes the selected control room loudspeakers when engaged Monitor output on off switch Illuminates in red when engaged ...

Page 69: ...lternate Toggles between the main and alternate control room loudspeakers outputs Main outputs are cut when engaged Illuminates when engaged ALT TRIM alternate trim Trims the alternate control room loudspeaker outputs 10dB to 10dB Center is 0dB unity gain ALT C R OUTPUT alternate control room outputs 3 pin male XLR balanced low impedance line level LEFT RIGHT stereo outputs Fed from the C R LEVEL ...

Page 70: ...peaker outputs to mono Left and Right C R SOURCE selections are summed to mono when engaged Illuminates when engaged DIM Activates the control room loudspeaker DIM function when engaged Monitor output is attenuated by the amount set with the DIM pot DIM activates when the TALK button is engaged Illuminates in orange when engaged DIM Sets the control room loudspeaker DIM level Controls the amount o...

Page 71: ...TO PHONES switch To support headphone feeds cue feeds while recording talkback can be added to the cue master output before it is routed to headphones Headphone Jacks LEVEL Stereo level control for the headphone amplifier Stereo level control with one ganged potentiometer Feeds the HEADPHONES jacks under the arm rest and on the rear panel CUE TO PHONES Routes the cue master outputs to the headphon...

Page 72: ...ngaged MAIN C R OUTPUT main control room outputs 3 pin male XLR balanced low impedance line level LEFT RIGHT stereo outputs Fed from the C R LEVEL when ALT is not engaged HEADPHONES tip ring sleeve headphone jack LEFT RIGHT stereo output Fed from headphone amp outputs when ON is engaged Second headphone jack under armrest 2 TRACK INPUTS 1 4 DB 25 balanced low impedance line level Standard pin out ...

Page 73: ...nd have an extended range to 5 to accommodate high output content 0VU 4dBu The meters are fed from the C R SOURCE selectors above the control room monitors controls The stereo VU meters display the levels of the sources selected for control room monitoring C R SOURCE Refer to section 11 1 Control Room Source Selection for additional information regarding VU meter source selection ...

Page 74: ...nputs insert sent return direct pre out Input Channels 3 4 Preamp inputs preamp output 500 slot input insert sent return direct pre out Summing Inputs 1 16 Line inputs insert send return Program Bus Sum inputs insert send return outputs Aux Cue outputs Control Room Cue Source 1 4 2 tracks 1 4 Control Room Loudspeakers Main and alternate outputs Headphones Headphone amp output AC Power IEC connecto...

Page 75: ...p inputs mic instrument and line Insert sends and returns Direct outputs preamp outputs Preamp output 500 slot input channels 3 4 only INSTRUMENT INPUT tip sleeve unbalanced high impedance MIC must be engaged to use this input Replaces MIC signal as preamp input MIC INPUT 3 pin female XLR balanced low impedance MIC must be engaged to use this input Provides phantom power when the 48v switch is eng...

Page 76: ...s a half normalled pair and the channel signal flows through these jacks If a plug is inserted into the 500 SLOT INPUT jack that signal replaces the signal from the PREAMP OUTPUT jack The signal from the onboard preamp is broken and does not continue in the channel flow path EQUALIZER OUT INSERT SEND tip ring sleeve balanced low impedance line level INSERT RETURN tip ring sleeve balanced low imped...

Page 77: ...rom input channels 3 4 Standard pin out 1 4 direct or preamp outputs 1 4 5 6 insert send 1 2 7 8 preamp outputs 3 4 In addition to the DB 25 connector input channels 3 4 have a separate preamp output that s part of an extra set of connections that support the 500 slots 13 2 Summing Inputs 1 16 Connections The DIRECT OUTPUTS PRE OUTPUTS connector carries direct or preamp outputs from input channels...

Page 78: ...ions All insert sends and returns are balanced low impedance line level signals routed via tip ring sleeve jacks on the rear panel The insert send is fed immediately after the input on summing inputs 1 16 INSERT SEND tip ring sleeve balanced low impedance line level INSERT RETURN tip ring sleeve balanced low impedance line level SUMMING INPUTS 1 8 DB 25 balanced low impedance line level Standard p...

Page 79: ...RAM SUM INPUT LEFT RIGHT 3 pin female XLR balanced low impedance line level Located pre insert The rear panel provides a comprehensive and flexible set of stereo program master connections LEFT and RIGHT program bus connections include Program bus outputs Insert sends Insert returns Program sum input ...

Page 80: ...eeve balanced low impedance line level INSERT RETURN LEFT RIGHT tip ring sleeve balanced low impedance line level AUX OUTPUTS CUE OUTPUTS DB 25 balanced low impedance line level Fed from the aux and cue masters Standard pin out 1 4 aux outputs 1 4 5 6 cue outputs L R PROGRAM BUS OUTPUT LEFT RIGHT 3 pin male XLR balanced low impedance line level Located post master fader ...

Page 81: ...RIM when ALT is engaged MAIN C R OUTPUT main control room outputs 3 pin male XLR balanced low impedance line level LEFT RIGHT stereo outputs Fed from the C R LEVEL when ALT is not engaged HEADPHONES tip ring sleeve headphone jack LEFT RIGHT stereo output Fed from headphone amp outputs when ON is engaged Second headphone jack under armrest 2 TRACK INPUTS 1 4 DB 25 balanced low impedance line level ...

Page 82: ...API The BOX Operator s Manual 82 13 6 AC Power Connections POWER SWITCH On off AC power switch FUSE 2 amp slow blow IEC Connector Connection to AC power mains 100 240v 47 63Hz ...

Page 83: ...ted to the program bus while mixing and recording as well as cue aux sends for headphone feeds and effects Control room monitors are fed from the program master outputs and headphones are fed cue with talkback 14 1 1 Input Channels While Recording 1 Connect the audio sources to be recorded to the input channel preamp inputs MIC INSTRUMENT or LINE inputs on the rear panel 2 Select the appropriate p...

Page 84: ...familiar with this technique experiment with a percussive source and listen to what happens to the attack as you drive the transformer harder Also listen for undesirable distortion don t go too far The waveform display in the DAW will visually display the effect and reinforce what you re hearing 14 1 2 Summing Inputs While Recording 1 Use summing inputs 1 16 and unused input channels to route DAW ...

Page 85: ...t a pair of DAW outputs to one of the SUMMING INPUT connectors on the rear panel typically channels 1 and 2 2 Route the DAW mix to the DAW outputs connected to the summing inputs 3 Engage the 0dB switches on these channels This will bypass the console faders 4 Pan the summing inputs hard LEFT and RIGHT respectfully 5 Engage the PGM switch to route the DAW tracks to the program bus at unity gain Th...

Page 86: ... From Cue Sends 1 Use the cue system to create a primary headphone feed 2 With the 3 4 send LEVEL turned down engage the CUE PRE and 3 4 on off switches on summing inputs and input channels carrying DAW returns CUE assigns the 3 4 send to the stereo cue bus PRE is selected for cue sends so the bus is fed pre fader This allows the program bus mix to be changed without affecting the headphone feed 3...

Page 87: ...the CUE SOURCE and CUE MASTER levels as needed 11 Engage the CUE talkback assignment switch and adjust the GAIN as needed NOTE In addition to routing to headphones the output of the cue master appears on the rear panel as well This can be connected to external headphone amps for further distribution Headphone Feeds From DAW Via Cue Source Many times a headphone mix will be created using aux sends ...

Page 88: ...eadphone master 7 Turn up the CUE MASTER level control to a nominal level 8 Connect a pair of headphones to one of the console HEADPHONE jacks 9 Engage the ON switch on the headphones master 10 Adjust the headphone master LEVEL to a comfortable volume 11 Adjust the CUE SOURCE and CUE MASTER levels as needed 12 Engage the CUE talkback assignment switch and adjust the GAIN as needed 14 1 5 Talkback ...

Page 89: ...the C R SOURCE and set the loudspeakers to a modest level no more than 85dB please 8 Use faders and pans to carefully push up a balanced stereo mix 9 Employ the onboard signal processing as needed High Pass Filter Refer to section 2 2 1 High Pass Filter 527 COMPRESSOR Refer to section 2 2 2 Compressor Routing INSERT External processors Refer to section 2 2 3 and 3 1 1 Insert 550A Equalizer Channel...

Page 90: ...is will retain the perceived wet dry ratio as the channel fader is moved 4 The channel cue sends can be used as an alternate stereo effect send when the CUE switch is engaged When CUE is engaged the 3 4 send is routed to the cue bus instead of aux bus 3 4 5 Turn up the AUX MASTER level controls to nominal levels 6 Turn up the CUE MASTER level control to a nominal level 7 Engage PGM on channels car...

Page 91: ...ur product f You may also contact API s Service Department directly a Call API at 301 776 7879 ext 252 between 8 30 AM and 5 00 PM Monday through Friday Eastern Time to get 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 ...

Page 92: ...File Date 13 Sep 2013 20 34 C vutrax WORK api Block Diagrams api the box block rev d dia API The BOX A 2 Block Diagram Operator s Manual 92 ...

Page 93: ...pin out standard Channel Signal Pin Channel 1 High 24 Low 12 Ground 25 Channel 2 High 10 Low 23 Ground 11 Channel 3 High 21 Low 9 Ground 22 Channel 4 High 7 Low 20 Ground 8 Channel 5 High 18 Low 6 Ground 19 Channel 6 High 4 Low 17 Ground 5 Channel 7 High 15 Low 3 Ground 16 Channel 8 High 1 Low 14 Ground 2 ...

Page 94: ...ing Line Input 3 4 Summing Line Input 4 5 Summing Line Input 5 6 Summing Line Input 6 7 Summing Line Input 7 8 Summing Line Input 8 SUMMING INPUTS 9 16 Standard API 1 Summing Line Input 9 2 Summing Line Input 10 3 Summing Line Input 11 4 Summing Line Input 12 5 Summing Line Input 13 6 Summing Line Input 14 7 Summing Line Input 15 8 Summing Line Input 16 ...

Page 95: ...put 1 2 Direct Output Pre Output 2 3 Direct Output Pre Output 3 4 Direct Output Pre Output 4 5 Insert Send 1 6 Insert Send 2 7 Preamp Output 3 8 Preamp Output 4 Auxiliary Cue Output Connections AUX OUTPUTS CUE OUTPUTS API Standard 1 Aux Output 1 2 Aux Output 2 3 Aux Output 3 4 Aux Output 4 5 Cue Output LEFT 6 Cue Output RIGHT 7 8 ...

Page 96: ...ernal 2 Track Input Connections 2 TRACK INPUTS 1 4 1 2 TRACK 1 Input LEFT 2 2 TRACK 1 Input RIGHT 3 2 TRACK 2 Input LEFT 4 2 TRACK 2 Input RIGHT 5 2 TRACK 3 Input LEFT 6 2 TRACK 3 Input RIGHT 7 2 TRACK 4 Input LEFT 8 2 TRACK 5 Input RIGHT ...

Page 97: ...I The BOX Operator s Manual 97 Dan Pfeifer is a Professor of Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University Automated Processes Inc 8301 Patuxent Range Road Jessup MD 20794 USA http apiaudio com ...

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