Phonic HELIX BOARD 12, User Manual

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6 HELIX BOARD 12 UNIVERSAL
14. USB 2.0 Connection
This USB 2.0 port is for connecting the Helix Board to any PC or
Macintosh computer. It allows all 8 input channels to be streamed
to a computer, as well as an additional stereo channel. A stereo
audio channel from the computer can also be returned to the
Helix Board for monitoring. The audio sent to the computer can
be either pre- or post-fader, depending on the pre/post setting on
each input channel. The main left and right signal, AUX signal
and ALT 3/4 (all of which can also be sent through the USB
interface) are pre-fader signals. The returned USB signal can be
utilized in the USB Return section on the face of the mixer.
15. FireWire Connections
These two FireWire ports, just like the USB connection, are for
connecting the Helix Board to any PC or Macintosh computer.
The exact same channels sent to and from the computer through
the USB port can be utilized through this connection. Please
note that the FireWire and USB connections cannot be used
simultaneously.
16. Power Connector
This port is for the addition of a power cable and supply, allowing
power to be supplied to the mixer. Please use the external power
supply that is included with this mixer only as using other adaptors
could damage the mixer. For a replacement supply, contact your
nearest Phonic dealer.
CONTROLS AND SETTINGS
Rear Panel
17. Power Switch
This switch is used to turn the mixer on and off. Ensure you turn
all level controls down before activating.
18. Phantom Power Switch
When this switch is in the on position, it activates +48V of
phantom power for all microphone inputs, allowing condenser
microphones (well, the ones that don’t use batteries) to be
used on these channels. Activating Phantom Power will be
accompanied by an illuminated LED above the left channel Level
Meter. Before turning Phantom Power on, turn all level controls
to a minimum to avoid the possibility of a ghastly popping sound
from the speakers.
NB.
Phantom Power should be used in conjunction with balanced micro-
phones. When Phantom Power is engaged, single ended (unbalanced)
microphones and instruments should not be used on the Mic inputs. Phan-
tom Power will not cause damage to most dynamic microphones, however
if unsure, the microphone’s user manual should be consulted.
19. FireWire / USB Switch
When connecting the unit to the computer through a FireWire
cable, this switch should be set to the left. When connecting to
the computer through USB, it should then be set to the right.
Channel Controls
20. Low Cut Filter (75 Hz)
This button, located on channels 1 through to 4, will activate a
low-cut / high-pass filter that reduces all frequencies below 75
Hz at 18 dB per Octave, helping to remove any unwanted ground
noise or stage rumble.
21. Mic / Line Gain Control
This controls the sensitivity of the input signal of the Microphone
/ Line input. The gain should be adjusted to a level that allows
the maximum use of the audio, while still maintaining the quality
of the feed, based on the channel setup instructions. This can
be accomplished by adjusting it to a level that will allow the peak
indicator occasionally illuminate. All 4 mono channels feature this
control.
22. High Frequency Control
This control is used to give a shelving boost or cut of ±15 dB to
high frequency (12 kHz) sounds. This will adjust the amount of
treble included in the audio of the channel, adding strength and
crispness to sounds such as guitars, cymbals, and synthesizers.
23. Middle Frequency Control
This control is used to provide a peaking style of boost and cut
to the level of middle frequency (2.5 kHz) sounds at a range of
±15 dB. Changing middle frequencies of an audio feed can be
rather difficult when used in a professional audio mix, as it is
often more desirable to cut middle frequency sounds rather than
boost them, thereby soothing overly harsh vocal and instrument
sounds in the audio.
24. Low Frequency Control
This control is used to give a shelving boost or cut of ±15 dB
to low frequency (80 Hz) sounds. This will adjust the amount
of bass included in the audio of the channel, and bring more
warmth and punch to drums and bass guitars.
25. Pre/Post Switch
This switch is used to change the signal of the corresponding
channel that is sent to the Computer via the USB or FireWire
interface between that of a pre-EQ, pre-fader, pre-low cut to that
of a post-EQ, post-fader, post-low cut. In the uppermost position,
the channel will be pre, and in the lower position post.
26. AUX 1 (Monitor) Control
This control allows the user to send the corresponding signal
to the AUX 1 output, which can be used in conjunction with an
amplifier and studio or stage monitors, or simply as an auxiliary
output for any means required. The control is pre-fader, therefore
any changes made to the corresponding channel level control do
not affect the AUX 1 send signal.
27. AUX 2 (Effects) Control
This control alters the signal level that is sent to the AUX 2
(or EFX) send output, which can be used in conjunction with
external signal processors (this signal of which can be returned
to mixer via the AUX return input, or any stereo input channel),
or simply as an auxiliary output for any means required. This
control is set to ‘post-fader,’ therefore any changes made to the
corresponding channel level control are also applied to the EFX
signal. The EFX send signal is also sent to the built-in effect
processor for providing effects to the main output and AUX 1
send, as required.
28. Pan / Balance Controls
This alternates the degree or level of audio that the left and right
side of the main mix should receive. On mono channels, this
control will adjust the level that the left and right should receive
(pan), where as on a stereo channel, adjusting the BAL control will
attenuate the left or right audio signals accordingly (balance).
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