Addendum #2 :- Using the Monitor Panel.
An optional feature for the Audio Sidecar, which can be factory or distributor retro
fitted, is the new monitor panel that turns the Sidecar into a small Console.
These involve fitting a new, hinged, rear panel that contains the insert circuit boards and
the XLRs for Playback Inputs and Monitor Outputs. This option is only available with
the Channel and Bus Pre fade insertion option so basic Sidecars must be converted to
adopt both options.
The source selector can switch between four stereo
sources and the 2T VU meters, the Monitor outputs
and Headset outputs follow the the source selected.
The Sources are 2T O/P, Playback 1, Playback 2 and
Aux which, because its input is a TRS jack socket,
can also serve as an input from a smartphone or
similar device.
While the first three inputs are +4dBu
balanced/floating inputs for 0VU on the VU meters
and a +10dBu monitor output (i.e. 6dBu level “in
hand”), the Aux input is unbalanced (actually it's
quazi balanced) and has 6dB additional gain for low
output devices (i.e 12dB level “in hand”).
The Monitor level control is detented to provide a
degree of repetition of favorite output level.
The Headset output is independent of the Monitor
Level control enabling the monitor speakers to be
turned off and monitoring be done via the headset
output. Alternatively the headset output could be
used as a cue source for the artist being recorded.
As headphones come in a wide range of impedances
the driver amplifiers are two 25 watt output devices
that enable the output signal to swing high enough
for high impedance headphones. At the lower
impedance end, protection is provided to prevent
damage to both headphones and users ears!