4 M86 Operation
25
Normally the C/S Image Balance control is left
centered. However it can be used to change the
pan control range available at each input of the
mixing console.
When set slightly toward Center, it will limit the pan
control range to a narrower soundstage. This may
be useful when the left and right loudspeakers
cover most of the audience and
stereo
soundstaging
at the fringe areas is a priority.
If the C/S Image Balance control is set slightly
toward Sides, it will extend the pan control range.
This may be useful when wide soundstaging for
central listeners is desired, and
basic sound
coverage
of the fringe areas is a priority. Note that
in this case the pan control can still be kept near the
center for sounds which require narrower staging.
The Discrete Center and Discrete Subwoofer inputs
are typically used with direct or subgroup outputs
from the mixing console. This can provide an extra
degree of pinpoint focus and high intelligibility for
center signals for use where appropriate. The
subwoofer input is useful for special effects where a
direct feed to the subwoofer loudspeakers is
desired.
Sound source panning and mix adjustments are
made at the mixing console in the normal way.
As always, the best way to determine the optimum
pan locations and mix levels is by listening. If the
mix location is not too far from the center of the
listening area and within the coverage area of all
three loudspeakers, everyone in the audience will
hear much more closely the same mix that the mix
engineer hears, compared to other types of sound
systems.
Mixing for Two-Channel Transmission
or Recordings
More precise monitoring of a stereo mix is possible
using a Multisonic monitor system, even while
generating a stereo mix. In this case the resulting
stereo output is the signal connected to the input of
the Multisonic Imager. The Imager is used just for
monitoring.
When mixing for stereo broadcast or for a two-
channel recording while monitoring in Multisonic, it
is important to leave the C/S Image Balance control
in the center ‘Normal’ position so that the stereo mix
will have the same mix balance on a traditional
two-loudspeaker playback system.
It is good to listen to familiar two-channel stereo
mixes on the Multisonic monitor system so that the
differences can be appreciated.
Vocal Cancellation
The M86 can easily and accurately perform vocal
cancellation (removal from the mix) in stereo
recordings. This process is based on the principle
that a lead vocal signal in a stereo recording is
almost always panned to the exact center. This also
works with other instruments, generally solo
instruments, which are panned to the center of the
recording.
The procedure is simple: use the left/right stereo
inputs and the Surround outputs. Adjust the left-right
balance at the signal source so that the vocal signal
is minimized. With a high-quality signal source, and
most recordings, the vocal or center-panned
instrument will be almost completely removed from
the output.
An advantage of this method is that the left and right
Surround outputs will provide a stereo
SpreadSound signal. This signal can be recorded in
stereo, preserving the SpreadSound effect for future
playback. The stereo SpreadSound signal will have
mono compatibility as well.
Another method which can be used on the M44 is to
set the C/S Image Balance control to ‘Diff’ and use
the Left or Right main output (they will be the same
but one inverted from the other).
Again, adjust the left-right balance at the signal
source so that the vocal signal is minimized. This
will provide the best possible cancellation.
