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AWS 900+ Owner’s Manual

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6. Function Keys

The F-Keys

(Fkys)

menu gives acess to the DAW function keys. The use of the function (F) keys can vary between DAW

applications. A standard configuration for Pro Tools® is :

Peak Hold Clear for the AWS 900+ channel meters

Cycles

Fixed

Velocity-sensitive

modes for the D-Pots

Escape

7. EDIT Menu

The Edit

(Edit)

menu provides quick access to frequently used editing functions including

Capture

Separate

Cut

Copy

Paste

and

Delete

8. SSL Menu

This menu is used to access additional optional AWS 900+ features such as Total Recall. Information regarding
these features will be found in the appropriate section of this manual.

Summary of Contents for AWS 900+

Page 1: ...www solid state logic com AWS 900 This is SSL AWS 900 Analogue Workstation System Digital control for analogue souls ...

Page 2: ...andard RMS compressor switchable to peak sensing with hard knee characteristic via pull switch on Ratio control There are controls for Expander Gate range threshold release and hold Expand is selected via a pull switch on the hold control Digital Control For Analogue Souls Centre Section Control The AWS 900 Centre Section offers an uncompromising approach to global console function management moni...

Page 3: ...desk installation or freestanding options Innovative new large fader dual control of both DAW and console input path with follow fader metering Exceptional Signal Processing Legendary SSL sound quality Identical SuperAnalogue technology to SSL s flagship XL 9000 K Series console DC Coupled for excellent low frequency response Balanced signal paths throughout for optimal dynamic range Greater bandw...

Page 4: ...Owner s Manual Solid State Logic 82S6AWS030A ...

Page 5: ...te Logic All Rights reserved under International and Pan American Copyright Conventions AWS 900 AWS 900 AWSomation Total Recall Solid State Logic and SSL are trademarks of Solid State Logic All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means whether mechanical or electronic without the written ...

Page 6: ...ments 3 1 Cable Ducting 3 1 Service Access 3 1 Power Connections 3 1 Grounding 3 1 Thermal Considerations 3 1 Console Drawing 3 2 Unpacking The Console 3 3 Attaching the legs 3 3 Removing the trim 3 5 Studio Integration 3 7 Audio Connections 3 7 DAW Connection 3 8 Connecting a Patchbay 3 9 Mic Inputs 3 9 Instrument Inputs 3 9 Line Level Inputs and Outputs 3 10 4 Console Operator s Guide Overview 4...

Page 7: ... Assignment 4 11 Signal Processor Routing 4 12 Centre Section 4 15 Introduction 4 15 Power Supply Indicators 4 15 Main Output Functions 4 15 Dynamics 4 16 Stereo Compressor 4 16 Master Fader 4 16 Centre Section Dynamics 4 17 Compressor Limiter 4 17 Noise Gate Expander 4 17 Metering 4 18 Track Bus Master Controls 4 18 Monitoring 4 19 External Source Selectors 4 20 Monitor Insert 4 21 Monitor Option...

Page 8: ...Strip Displays 5 7 Channel SEL Button Track Arming Edit Select 5 8 Record Ready Mode 5 8 Edit Mode 5 8 Select Mode 5 8 Working With Channel D Pots 5 9 Pan Mode 5 9 Channel Mode 5 9 Send Mode 5 9 Setting Sends Pre Post Fader 5 10 Muting Sends 5 10 Flipping Send Levels to the Faders 5 10 Input Output and Send Routing 5 11 Viewing Input Output and Send Routing 5 11 Setting Input Output and Send Routi...

Page 9: ...ecode Bars Beats Samples Display 5 17 DAW Status Display 5 17 Plug in Display Modes 5 17 Viewing Current Inserts Insert Mode 5 17 Assigning a Plug in or I O Insert Assign Mode 5 17 Assigning the Same Plug in to all Channels 5 17 Assigning the Same Plug in to Selected Channels 5 17 Editing Plug in Parameters Parameter Mode 5 18 Selecting a Plug In to Edit 5 18 Changing Plug in Parameters 5 18 Hi Re...

Page 10: ... Nuendo Cubase Template 5A 7 Nuendo Control Key Layout 5A 8 AWS Nuendo Control Screen 5A 9 Mackie Control Surface Steinberg Overlay 5A 10 The Sonar Template 5A 11 Sonar Control Key Layout 5A 11 AWS Sonar Control Screen 5A 13 Mackie Control Surface Steinberg Overlay 5A 14 The Digital Performer Template 5A 15 Digital Performer Control Key Layout 5A 15 AWS Digital Performer Control Screen 5A 17 Macki...

Page 11: ...ader Links 7 12 Pro Tools Setup Notes 7 13 Appendices Console Specification A 1 Service Warranty Information A 2 Audio Connectors and Pinouts A 3 MIDI Implementation Chart A 6 Software Download and Installation A 8 Troubleshooting A 10 Introduction A 10 Locating Problems A 10 Audio Faults A 10 Control Faults A 11 Replacing Modules A 13 The Channel Strip A 14 The Channel Fader A 15 The Channel Mete...

Page 12: ...r pinched particularly at the plugs convenience receptacles and at the point where they exit from the apparatus 11 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time 12 Refer all servicing to qualified personnel Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way such as power supply cord or plug is damaged liquid has been spilled or objects have...

Page 13: ... current European CE regulations and these ferrites should not be removed If any of the console metalwork is modified in any way particularly the addition of holes for custom panels etc this may the adversely affect the CE certification status of the product FCC Certification This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to part 15 of the ...

Page 14: ...ctions for Disposal of WEEE by Users in the European Union The symbol shown here is on the product or on its packaging which indicates that this product must not be disposed of with other waste Instead it is the user s responsibility to dispose of their waste equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment The separate collec...

Page 15: ...usefully control from the AWS 900 centre section Finally the last section in this manual holds a number of useful appendices that you may need to refer to from time to time Conventions Used Some typographical conventions have been used in this manual to help distinguish explanatory text from the text referring to items on the console They are as follows Switch cap engravings on the console are usu...

Page 16: ...dback Key Features Summary Combined SSL console and DAW controller Legendary SSL SuperAnalogue mic preamps and signal processing Comprehensive monitoring system up to 5 1 surround Direct control of DAW recording editing and mixing functions Flexible signal routing SuperAnalogue Audio Quality The AWS 900 is a complete compact SSL console with all of the audio quality robustness and advanced ergonom...

Page 17: ...omprehensive studio monitoring section Hi visibility channel meters 4 main VU meters and complete bus metering in the centre section DAW Controller DAWs provide the power and convenience of recording and editing audio but a keyboard and mouse is not the most intuitive way to access these controls For most users finding an integrated solution that answers all of their working needs is strongly desi...

Page 18: ...itted with auto sensing power supplies which will function at any voltage from 90 to 250 volts without adjustment It is supplied with two IEC mains power leads One will have a US style 3 pin mains plug fitted the other will be unterminated to allow the user to install a mains plug of their preferred type the wires are colour coded according to the EC standard Grounding A standard system should not...

Page 19: ...Installation and Setup 3 2 AWS 900 Owner s Manual 863 862 877 637 726 454 260 115 910 102 1154 1458 1358 ...

Page 20: ...n the AWS 900 console crate The console should first be rolled onto its back Ensure that ample padding is provided such as blankets or bubble wrap to support the rear panels the PSU heatsink fins protrude from the rear of the console and care must be taken not to damage them Position the legs on the console beam and attach the M10 bolts using the 6mm hex key supplied There are four bolts per leg U...

Page 21: ...Installation and Setup 3 4 AWS 900 Owner s Manual ...

Page 22: ...and two in each end trim These are all visible from beneath the buffer End Trim Each of the end trims is secured by four countersunk Posi head screws through the profile one is located in the kneepanel area two more are found either side of the main beam and the fourth is located on the bottom corner of the outside profile as well as two pan head screws through the front buffer visible from beneat...

Page 23: ... Light switch 6 15 TB All switch 19 16 FB A switch 7 17 FB B switch 20 18 Ext TB switch 8 19 4V Max current 200mA fused 21 20 Slate Tally 9 21 Listen Tally 22 22 Red Light Tally 10 23 TB All Tally 23 24 FB A Tally 11 25 FB B Tally 24 26 Ext TB Tally 12 27 n c 25 28 n c 13 29 n c All inputs are active low ie connect to 0V to activate Inputs are pulled up to 4V via 3K9 resistor Inputs are diode clam...

Page 24: ...he console The headphone sockets are located on the centre section knee panel The console rear panel carries a label which identifies all the connections on the connector panel and provides the pinout for each one see facing page This information is also provided in the Appendices section of this manual AWS 900 Owner s Manual 3 7 Installation and Setup ...

Page 25: ...ected to your DAW MIDI interface unit three available ports are required one port includes an IN and OUT socket To connect a port the output of the MIDI interface unit port 1 should connect to the MIDI 1 input port of the AWS 900 Also the MIDI output of the AWS 900 port 1 should connect to the input of your MIDI interface unit port 1 Repeat for the other ports using the diagram above as a guide No...

Page 26: ...23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 24 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2...

Page 27: ...ld be linked together note that patch rows with solid metal front panels will automatically do this and then linked to a common star point on the patchbay This starpoint can then be returned via a thick grounding cable 6mm sq or greater to the chassis stud on the rear of the AWS 900 console This will reduce the risk of earth loops within the installation Note that the shields of all analogue input...

Page 28: ...s for all audio paths The AWS 900 console has been carefully designed with all of these essential studio requirements in mind It addresses all the needs of the current DAW environment in an integrated high quality and robust design with all of the sonic benefits expected from a Solid State Logic SuperAnalogue console Years of design experience have been utilised to create the ultimate capture path...

Page 29: ...erna l Rack a u t o 1 0 5 0 5 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 FADER 10dB COMP DYN INS COMP 10dB FADER DYN INS FADER 10dB COMP DYN INS COMP 10dB FADER DYN INS REC MIX Channel Module Console Centre Section CUE FX FB R Out FB L Out FOLDBACK A B O P Foldback Mixers EFX BUS 2x 5 1 Monitoring Systems L C R LS RS CUT DIM MAIN MONITOR A B OUTPUTS MINI A MINI B Monitor Inserts 5 2 Folddown Bass Managment PFL AFL Sp Ca...

Page 30: ... so you can easily mix the DAW outputs with other inputs If you would like to mix in the analogue domain then you should connect as many DAW outputs as practical to the AWS 900 line inputs By using these as track outputs you can mix smaller projects entirely in the AWS 900 Larger projects can use the AWS 900 as an analogue submixer or to combine DAW sub mixes Connecting the Record bus outputs to t...

Page 31: ... DAW System For a 32 channel I O DAW system you could connect the AWS 900 Record Bus Output and Track Busses 1 6 to the first 8 inputs of the DAW I O unit All 24 channel module Direct Outputs can then feed DAW inputs 9 32 The first 24 DAW outputs could feed all of the console s channel line inputs and outputs 25 30 can be used as a 5 1 output and 31 and 32 as a stereo output to the AWS 900 externa...

Page 32: ...t from the DAW is used to monitor the DAW tracks The block diagram below shows this in simplified form Detail Record sources can be fed to the channel modules via either the channel microphone inputs line level inputs or high impedance instrument inputs Spare channels can be used to return guide tracks keyboard outputs and outboard effects devices Route all inputs to the console Mix Bus Create as ...

Page 33: ...mix can be generated using Foldback Mixer B and the CUE ST B bus Using the FX Returns Using the four FX send busses external FX processing such as reverbs and delays can be used FX unit outputs can be returned back into the AWS 900 via the four Stereo Return inputs in the console centre section These can be routed to either of the foldback mixers and to the record and mix busses Recording To Multi...

Page 34: ...ting for the DAW system All 24 faders can act as DAW control faders whilst the 24 channel rotary encoders act as assignable controls for other DAW functions Details of all the DAW control functions can be found in Section 5 of this manual Mixing via AWS 900 SuperAnalogue Channel Modules The second approach is to feed individual DAW outputs directly to the AWS 900 channel modules line level inputs ...

Page 35: ...ns Starting with the meter bridge an 8 channel wide panel aka tile holds the Track bus and Dynamics routing buttons as well as the channel meter Individual channel modules house the input section EQ Cue and FX Sends Record and Mix bus routing and the Pan pot The DAW control functions at the foot of the channel are mounted on an 8 channel wide panel Finally each channel strip is fitted with a long ...

Page 36: ...ion with the Dynamics IP and OP routing buttons the order of the EQ Insert and Dynamics sections can be configured for a wide variety of processing and routing architectures see page 4 11 for more on signal processor routing Direct Output DIRECT PRE EFX button sources the channel direct output from a pre fader signal instead of the default post fader signal unless an EFX send see below is active I...

Page 37: ... or assign the plug in editor Tallies in the channel meter display Record Ready and Edit status when the console is in DAW Focus Mode see Section 5 for more details Lower Scribble Strip Displays the name of the track being controlled by the channel fader or other DAW information according to selections made on the Master Control Panel see Section 5 Channel Cut and Solo CUT and SOLO buttons for the...

Page 38: ...ndition even if you can t hear it The overload threshold is 24dBu for analogue signals and 0dBFs for digital signals Track Bus Routing For routing channel and EFX signals to one or more of the eight Track busses The default channel to Track bus source is post fader PRE selects the pre fader channel signal PAN selects the post channel pan output PRE defeats the PAN signal if selected If an EFX send...

Page 39: ...e assignable dynamics sections The table below shows the routing possibilities along with some applications for the insert send return where it is not needed for use with an external processor note that selected buttons are shown with white text on a black background Note that the dynamics processors may be keyed from an external signal See page 4 18 for further details INSERT DYNAMICS EQ DYN INS ...

Page 40: ...This page is intentionally blank Signal Processor Routing AWS 900 Owner s Manual 4 13 ...

Page 41: ...Console Operator s Guide 4 14 AWS 1 2 3 4 ...

Page 42: ...rting with the console s main outputs Main Output Functions Both the console s stereo Record and Mix busses are provided with identical controls To see these in diagrammatic form refer to the foldout diagram at the end of this manual A mini matrix of main bus select functions see left on the motion control panel is used to assign facilities to either of the busses Press and hold the required RECOR...

Page 43: ... compensate for the lowered level that is a consequence of compressing the signal This control may be set so as not to change the overall output level when the compressor is switched in The meter indicates dBs of gain reduction Master Fader The master fader can be selected to control the stereo Record bus or the Mix bus by selection of the appropriate FADER function on the main bus select matrix T...

Page 44: ...e time constant speed with which the compressor returns to normal gain settings once the signal has passed its maximum Gate Expander Section This section can act as a 1 Gate or as a 2 1 Expander when the EXP button is pressed RANGE Determines the depth of gating or expansion When turned fully anticlockwise Range 0 this section is inactive When turned fully clockwise a gate depth of 40dB can be obt...

Page 45: ...olled by an external source signal Connect the source via the appropriate key input jack on the centre section connector panel Track Bus Master Controls The master output level controls for the eight track busses busses in the top right of the centre section see left all have 10dB of gain when turned fully clockwise The controls are indented at the 12 o clock position which corresponds to 0dB gain...

Page 46: ...t and right monitor busses feeding the result equally to the left and right monitor outputs The ØL button follows the MONO switch and reverses the phase of the left monitor feed providing a quick way of checking for any phase anomalies in a stereo mix The SOLO button turns the monitor cut buttons see next page into monitor solo buttons The SOLO CLEAR button lights when a channel SOLO button or any...

Page 47: ...nput to EXT A EXT B is a 2 channel selector with four stereo inputs In either case sources may be summed together this is particularly useful for generating complex foldback mixes or when stem mixing as it allows the recorded stems to be monitored together with the current mix To select an external monitor source first press either the EXT A or EXT B button choose a source from those shown in the ...

Page 48: ...External B sources Monitor Options A wide range of monitor options are available via the soft keys and associated display in the Monitor Control Section Pressing the MONITOR OPTIONS button above the display produces the following choices press the button below an entry to select that option INS This switches the encoder decoder insert into the monitor path for use with 5 1 monitor sources selected...

Page 49: ...s are included Note that this option is stored separately for each set of speaker outputs like the level calibration so it is possible to have Bass Management enabled on one set of speakers and not on others LF0 Normally the LFE bus level is increased by 10dB post the main monitor level control as this is a requirement for DVD playback If you are mixing for SACD or any other format that requires u...

Page 50: ...e 0dB option see page 4 22 is off or on NEXT selecting this in the first layer produces a second layer of calibration options Selecting ALS or ARS or ALF allows you to trim the Left Surround Right Surround or LFE channels respectively by 10db using the method described above LFG This stands for Low Frequency Gain This trim allows the gain of the contribution from the full bandwidth channels to the...

Page 51: ... Master Controls Each channel is fitted with one Cue Stereo and four mono FX sends for use as foldback feeds to effects devices etc The Cue Stereo outputs from each channel may be routed to one of two busses Cue Stereo A or Cue Stereo B and the FX1 and FX2 outputs to the FX3 and FX4 busses respectively The master output level controls for these busses in the top right of the centre section see lef...

Page 52: ...output of the EXT B EXT source selector to the foldback mix The MIX 2 pot controls the contribution of the Mix bus MIX and or the output of the EXT B EXT source selector to the foldback mix In addition Cue Stereo A ST A and the stereo downmix control room monitor signal ST MON may be selected as sources Foldback B uses Cue Stereo B as its cue source Dedicated F B A and F B B talkback buttons are u...

Page 53: ...s a pan control This is very useful when you are using a mono FX device as it saves having to parallel return inputs WIDTH adjusts the stereo width of a return from full stereo to mono REC and MIX enable the output of the return to be routed to the main mix busses Return signals will be distributed across the busses according to the balance pan and width settings AFL Feeds return signals pre balan...

Page 54: ...ontrols the level of talkback to an external feed available via a 6 35mm jack on the connector panel This signal may be activated by the EXT T B button see below Listen controls the level of an external mic signal connected via an XLR on the centre section connector panel The mic is usually placed in the recording area and selection of the LISTEN talkback button see below injects the mic signal on...

Page 55: ... switches the output from tone to pink noise Note that the pink noise level can only be adjusted using the Pink Cal preset The LEVEL control adjusts the level of the tone generator from 25dBu to 20dBu When fully anticlockwise a preset Cal level is selected which can be calibrated using the multiturn presets located below the level control a red LED lights to show when the level control is in the c...

Page 56: ... The monitor and solo meter feeds are also available via a 25 way D type connector on the centre section connector panel for use with external metering monitoring Meter options are provided by soft key selections on the monitor panel select the METERS button to produce the following selections 22dB Selects a 22dB scale for all meters The default scale is 24dBu for 0dBFS 20dB Selects a 20dB scale 1...

Page 57: ... left hand side of the centre section is taken up with the TFT screen and control panel dedicated to use with your workstation See Section 5 of this manual for full details Console Operator s Guide 4 30 AWS 900 Owner s Manual ...

Page 58: ...on independent of platform or application Communication with your DAW The AWS 900 connects to your DAW via three MIDI ports at the rear of the console The AWS 900 emulates three HUI controllers The HUI protocol is widely supported by DAW manufacturers Section 3 details the MIDI connections between console and computer Refer to your DAW manual for information on how to configure your software Once ...

Page 59: ...s in Analogue Focus Mode When the focus mode button is not illuminated the AWS 900 is in DAW Focus Mode This section describes the operation of the console in DAW Focus Mode Analogue Focus Mode The channel faders control the channel audio output level for that fader The channel meters indicate analogue input level to that channel The channel D Pots are available to control DAW parameters DAW Focus...

Page 60: ...ted between the two banking arrow buttons followed by the left or right banking buttons the CHANNEL button will light to indicate it is in Channel mode Press the CHANNEL button once more to switch back to Bank mode DAW Window Buttons This group of keys provide instant access to the various windows within the DAW Press them once to display or hide the relevant menu ALT Opens or closes the floating ...

Page 61: ...uttons Their function is detailed in the relevant sections of the manual OPTION typically changes the function of a single button to affect all similar buttons Thus holding down OPTION and pressing a channel CUT button will cut all DAW channels It is a direct equivalent of the Macintosh Command key SHIFT allows selection of multiple objects or controls It is a direct equivalent of the computer key...

Page 62: ...ULT button while pressing the SELECT SEL button on the channel you wish to reset Hold down OPTION and press DEFAULT to perform a reset across all faders Resetting Sends Select the SEND button on the Master Control Panel Turn the Master D Pot to scroll through the list of available sends Hold the DEFAULT button while pressing the channel D Pot on the channel you want to reset Hold down OPTION and p...

Page 63: ...icates that the track is selected for editing with the plug in controller Multi channel Metering TDM Systems Only Multi channel metering can be displayed by pressing OPTION SOLO on a selected multichannel track The next two stereo meters are used to show the additional information Normal metering functionality resumes after deselecting the SOLO function Channel Fader The channel fader can control ...

Page 64: ... making this a quick way to clear solos Solo Isolate Holding down ALT and pressing a channel SOLO will put a channel into Solo Isolate mode This mode prevents that channel from being cut when a SOLO is activated on another channel This is particularly useful for FX return tracks Channel Select Button The channel SEL button can function as a channel select button a track record enable or a plug in ...

Page 65: ...hen press any SEL button to set all tracks to Record Safe Edit Mode With EDIT mode selected the channel SEL button can have a number of functions Provided BYPASS is off pressing one of the channel SEL buttons assigns the plug in editor to that channel The EDIT tally on that channel will light to confirm that this is the EDIT channel See page 5 18 for more details on the plug in editor A double pre...

Page 66: ...ip displays Pan Pressing the PAN button on the Master Control Panel a second time it flashes in this mode allows you to access a second pan control for stereo channels according to your DAW configuration The D Pot scribble strip displays Pan R in this mode Press the PAN button again to return to normal pan mode When panned centrally a green LED appears just beneath the channel D Pot Holding down A...

Page 67: ...l channels press and hold the OPT button then press any channel D Pot All channels will mute or un mute Flipping Send Levels to the Faders To flip Send levels from the D Pots to the channel faders press the Master Send D Pot marked Push to Flip The channel faders now control the send levels and the fader CUT button will mute the send The channel D Pot controls panning on stereo sends In this mode ...

Page 68: ...utton once more to exit assign mode This will also commit any changes made that have not been confirmed by pressing the D Pot 6 Pressing ESC at any time will abort the assignment process Assigning Signals to Multiple Channels Holding down OPTION then pressing any channel D Pot will assign that channel s input to all channels Holding down SHIFT OPTION will assign that channel s input to all selecte...

Page 69: ...ng down this button will rewind the DAW increment depends upon Display mode FAST FORWARD Holding down this button will fast forward the DAW increment depends upon Display mode STOP Stops playback or recording PLAY Depending on the Pro Tools settings c ommences playback from the current cursor position or the last locate point depending on DAW settings RECORD Engages DAW recording for currently arm...

Page 70: ...pad can be use to clear the selected time Audition This function allows the IN OUT PRE and POST points to be checked Select the AUD button then press either the PRE IN OUT or POST button Press the AUD button again to cancel the function When Audition mode is selected the transport section of the TFT screen displays audition in place of the Pre and Post indicatiors PRE Plays from the pre roll point...

Page 71: ...recall a zoom setting press OPTION numeric keypad number Selection Mode Both Zoom and Select flashing In this mode the arrow keys provide a way to create and edit selections within your DAW program To create a selection press and hold either the left or right arrow button and move the inner shuttle wheel to adjust the start or end point for the selection The up and down arrow keys will move the se...

Page 72: ...d from the current DAW selection or timeline position Scrub Shuttle mode can commence from the selection end point by holding down the OPTION button before you you grab the shuttle wheel Holding down the ALT button will increase the resolution of the scrub shuttle wheel When scrub or shuttle is active many functions are suspended until you exit from scrub shuttle mode The following functions are a...

Page 73: ...creen area The four D Pots and associated soft keys map to the corresponding controls on the display The D Pots also have push push select switches which perform various functions The display also shows information from the DAW at the top of the editor display Paging Buttons The left right paging buttons page through either available insert slots in INSERT mode or plug in parameters in PARAMETER m...

Page 74: ...ct an insert slot for editing or for plug in assignment see below Assigning a Plug In or Hardware I O Insert Assign Mode Note Some DAW applications will not allow assignments to be made during playback or recording To Assign a Plug in to a Channel Insert Point 1 Press the ASSIGN soft button to enter assign mode the on screen box flashes to confirm this 2 Press the D Pot corresponding to the insert...

Page 75: ...mpare any changes made to plug in parameters with the values stored before editing As soon as you change any parameter the COMPARE box will turn yellow Pressing the COMPARE button toggles between the settings when you starting editing parameters and the current settings Note that the plug in window must be opened before this function becomes available Bypassing Plug ins The BYPASS button allows a ...

Page 76: ...will appear for the second row of soft key buttons 9 16 The menus are ordered as follows 1 Automation Enables Automation Enable modes AuEn globally engage or disengage automation for the following items Faders Pans Plug Ins Mutes cuts Sends and Send Muting See page 5 22 for more details 2 Automation Modes Automation Modes AuMo sets the update mode for each channel or group of channels See page 5 2...

Page 77: ... The labelling is as follows Auto Auto input mode Inpt Input mode only Aux Auxiliary input channel MIDI MIDI channel Mstr Master Fader Phase Not implemented Group Shows the grouping status of all 24 focused channels on the console A lowercase letter indicates that the fader belongs to that group An uppercase letter indicates that the fader belongs to multiple groups with the foremost group ID bein...

Page 78: ... Clear for the AWS 900 channel meters F5 Cycles Fixed or Velocity sensitive modes for the D Pots F8 Escape 7 EDIT Menu The Edit Edit menu provides quick access to frequently used editing functions including Capture Separate Cut Copy Paste and Delete 8 SSL Menu This menu is used to access additional optional AWS 900 features such as Total Recall Information regarding these features will be found in...

Page 79: ... automation modes on all channels Refer to your DAW manual for more information on its specific automation features TRIM Mode If your DAW supports Trim automation mode then this can be selected by selecting the Trim softkey in the AuMo Auto Modes menu then pressing a channel auto button This changes the current automation mode into a Trim equivalent Holding down OPTION then pressing Trim in the so...

Page 80: ...held overwriting any underlying automation To continue to write data until you stop select Write or Latch mode This also applies to plug in buttons Automating Pans and Sends As the channel D Pots have no touch sense automation data starts being written as soon as the control is moved In Touch mode the system will stop writing automation and return to the previous level when you stop moving the con...

Page 81: ...ong with this sheet If you are reading this from an electronic version of the manual please email userdocs solid state logic com and include the information requested above Multiple applications will be disqualified Respondents will receive a small but useful gift from SSL To receive a special gift point out at least five typographical errors anywhere in this manual The judges decision will be fin...

Page 82: ...n proprietary control surface solutions Channel meters use far less MIDI bandwidth 6 Character Labels for Track Channel Names and parameter information Master Fader control Implementation In Mackie Control mode the AWS 900 emulates a Mackie Control Master Console plus two Mackie Extender sections For all supported workstations the AWS should be configured in the relevant Control Surface set up men...

Page 83: ...ly supported Only mono metering information is returned from the workstation On stereo channels the maximum value of the left or right channel is displayed The master fader is also included in the DAW layer when a Mackie Control template is active The ten keys located above master transport keys provide different related motion control functions according to the active template When required talli...

Page 84: ...evel control to the D POT according to the state of the Master Console Focus control As with the HUI protocol the RDY and SEL keys determine the function of the Channel strip SEL key Default is the SEL ECT function RDY accesses DAW track arming from the channel strip via the SEL key The centre key is used as a discrete function key in some of the templates and corresponds to the EDIT GLOBAL key lo...

Page 85: ...des replacing the Screen display select keys and the inclusion of the MARKER and NUDGE functions GLOBAL uses the 8x8 matrix keys to select the different view options CHANNEL is unchanged and assigns the AWS channel gain element to the D Pot The Encoder switch is used to flip parameters on to the fader but the encoder itself has no function The Display indicates D Pot mode with a two character labe...

Page 86: ...he AWS Logic Control screen VIEW is selected automatically by the GLOBAL key to access the eight Global View select keys It can also be selected manually if required There are no tallies for the selected VIEW VIEW is an AWS function and not part of the MCU protocol Fkys are the eight functions keys as on the HUI interface These are also permanently mapped to the numeric keypad which is not support...

Page 87: ...MCU Control GuidE 5a 6 AWS 900 Owner s Manual Standard Mackie Control Front Panel Layout ...

Page 88: ...I Control surface assignment is set up in the Remote Device list Nuendo does not have separate profiles for the Mackie Extender so three Mackie Control units are entered in to the device list with the top most unit corresponding to AWS channels 17 24 and the other units mapped to the remaining channels in descending order AWS 900 Owner s Manual 5a 7 ...

Page 89: ...ey block The rotary encoder will also output the page up down commands when turned left or right RDY and SEL control the function of the Channel SEL key as in the HUI interface The EDIT key is used to open editing windows in Nuendo or Cubase for the current selection EDIT together with SHIFT will close an active window CHANNEL is unchanged and assigns the AWS channel gain element or DAW channel to...

Page 90: ...es are displayed in the status area of the TFT display The AWS Nuendo Control screen Fkeys are the eight functions keys These are also mapped to the numeric keypad which is not supported in Logic Control Grps are the eight Fader Group keys LEFT CYCLE PUNCH RIGHT PREV NEXT ADD Grps SSL Fkys 00 00 00 00 Grp F2 Fkys F3 F1 F4 F5 SSL F6 F7 F8 Grp G2 Fkys G3 G1 G4 G5 SSL G6 G7 G8 ...

Page 91: ...MCU Control GuidE 5a 10 AWS 900 Owner s Manual Mackie Control Surface Steinberg Overlay ...

Page 92: ... Layout option Full on line operational documentation for the Mackie Control and Expander XT functions can be accessed via the PC keyboard F1 key when the Control Surface Properties dialogue is open AWS Sonar Control Key Layout The majority of functions are controlled via dedicated keys with less reliance on the 8x8 key matrix located beneath the screen than with the HUI version Push to Flip TRACK...

Page 93: ...L is unchanged and assigns the AWS channel gain element or DAW channel to the D Pot according to the state of the Console Focus key The Encoder switch is used to flip parameters on to the faders as before but now includes all processing parameters not just send levels The Keys above the transport controls are designated as shown below Tallies are shown in the status area of the TFT display for Loo...

Page 94: ...put Edit commands in conjunction with a Modifier key Auto calls up three Automation functions Snapshot Disarm and Offset The main automation Read Off key is mapped to a dedicated front panel switch Trks bring the four TRACKS function keys on to the bottom row of soft keys AUTO SSL Fkys 00 00 00 00 Trks AUTO F2 Fkys Trks F1 F4 F5 SSL F6 F7 F8 F3 AUTO Darm Fkys Trks Snap SSL Ofst AUTO NMid Fkys Trks...

Page 95: ...MCU Control GuidE 5a 14 AWS 900 Owner s Manual Mackie Control Surface Sonar Overlay ...

Page 96: ...he DAW tracks with the Mackie Control Unit as channels 17 24 AWS Digital Performer Control Key Layout The majority of functions are controlled via dedicated keys with less reliance on the 8x8 key matrix located beneath the screen than the HUI interface AWS 900 Owner s Manual 5a 15 Push to Flip TRACK GROUP UNDO SAVE SEND PAN UNGRP AMODE REDO PLUG IN CHANNEL EQ SUSPND SHIFT CTRL PRESET RDY SEL EDIT ...

Page 97: ...not just send levels The EDIT key is the standard MCU Edit or Global View command key it does not affect the operation of the channel SEL keys which can be flipped between the Ready RDY and Select SEL functions as per the HUI mapping The Keys above the Motion controls are assigned to related transport functions as on the HUI interface On screen tallies are provided for the Marker Key together with...

Page 98: ...er Control screen Two sets of menu keys are accessed via the 8x8 soft key matrix AUTO calls up the six Automation modes REC are the Record set up functions REC SSL AUTO 00 00 00 00 AUTO TOUCH REC READ OWRT SSL TRIMT LATCH TRIML AUTO COUNT REC CLICK THRU SSL ODUB CLEAR ...

Page 99: ...Mackie Control Surface Digital Performer Overlay DAW Control Guide 5a 18 AWS 900 Owner s Manual ...

Page 100: ...y playing through the SysEx track See page 6 3 for more details Installation A Total Recall activated version of the current software must be downloaded from the SSL website to a Mac or PC that is connected to the AWS 900 MIDI port To activate Total Recall you will need to have purchased a Total Recall activation code from your distributor You will also need the serial number of your console which...

Page 101: ...ry encoder s push push switch can be used to select the highlighted setup for display The selected message will appear next to the setup to indicate that it is being displayed Deleting Setups Setups can be deleted from memory by highlighting the setup up you wish to delete holding down the DELETE soft key and pressing the CONFIRM soft key Total Recall 6 2 AWS 900 Owner s Manual Total Recall TR Mis...

Page 102: ...n of all saved Total Recall setups The on screen Save box will remain yellow until all data has been transmitted Once the Save box has turned grey press Stop to end recording Note that it takes approximately 3 seconds to transmit each Total Recall setup An unlimited number of Total Recall setups can be stored in this way Loading Setups from a Mac or PC Restoring setups from a Mac or PC is even sim...

Page 103: ...Q and Insert IN switches Aux on off and EFX reassign switches REC and MIX bus assignment Fader position All latching switches must be reset manually Copying and Swapping setting between channels Stored setups can be copied or swapped between channels by holding down the fader status switch on the source channel then pressing the fader status switch on the destination channel If the COPY soft key i...

Page 104: ...s masters DYnamics Bus Masters Misc Sel TR Chan CmFb DynB StRt Copy Save SSL Load TR Pressing CmFb or pressing the master fader status switch will display the centre section compressor the master fader and foldback sections A double press on the fader status switch will reset the REC and MIX fader positions and the REC and MIX processing switches ComPressor Foldback Misc Sel TR Chan CmFb DynB StRt...

Page 105: ...all software Activated software will run on any AWS 900 console but Total Recall will only be available on the console for which the software was purchased Some users may need to install additional files on their DAW computer before continuing see System Requirements opposite Once the software update file has been downloaded to your DAW computer you are ready to install the new software The follow...

Page 106: ...s you to observe the saving process During this time it is important that power to the AWS 900 is not interrupted To enable new software to be written into flash memory the AWS must first erase the current software If this process is interrupted by a power failure then the AWS will be left with no valid software In this state the AWS will be unable to re boot If this should happen the AWS CPU will...

Page 107: ...Total Recall 6 8 AWS 900 Owner s Manual ...

Page 108: ...data if applicable The AWS 900 AWSomation package is a chargeable option for the AWS 900 console Consoles that have the option installed will display an A logo in the top corner of the TFT screen The system uses the inboard TFT screen to give a graphical display of all 24 channel faders and the stereo bus faders MIX and REC busses When automated the movements of the faders will be visible on scree...

Page 109: ...roll through the list of AWSomation Mix Passes A yellow cursor indicates which Mix Pass is currently chosen to be modified The D Pot s push push switch can be used to either start a New Mix or select a previous Mix Pass to modify Total Recall TR Misc Sel TR Chan CmFb DynB StRt Copy Save SSL Load SELECT STORE DELETE CONFIRM TR 1 selected TR 2 TR 3 TR 4 TR 5 00 02 12 23 Mi x Enabl ed Misc Moff TR TL...

Page 110: ...saving and loading mixes and receiving MTC SysEx data will interfere with MTC transmission so ensure these tracks are muted while mixing The time taken to transmit each AWSomation Mix Pass varies depending on how much automation data each Mix Pass contains An unlimited number of AWSomation Mix Passes can be stored in this way Large mixes can generate SysEx dumps of more than one minute which some ...

Page 111: ...he required starting point to allow the mix system to lock to the incoming timecode Cancel will return to the List Mix page To start a mix press Execute The screen switches to show level bargraphs for the 24 channel faders and the two main faders for the MIX and REC busses The system saves a Global Static reference mix of the fader levels and cut status at their positions when the Execute key is p...

Page 112: ...ite at the start of the mix will drop back into write at the point where the DAW was rewound the rollback point and the Mix status will return to Mix Running Whilst in Mix Review you may rollback as many 00 02 12 23 Mi x Revi ew 23 Misc Moff TR TLock Trim Snap AT Match SSL Play A End Revise Join Discard Auto CS Lnks 00 02 12 23 Mi x Runni ng Misc Moff TR TLock Trim Snap AT Match SSL Play A End Rev...

Page 113: ...ers to Absolute operate the Join or Revise keys until the Global Rollback memory is reached at which point all faders return to write either at the current position via the Revise function or at the balance at the Global Rollback point via the Join function Discard If the system is in play or stopped following a Rollback operation with any faders or cuts in Absolute mode Discard clears any data ma...

Page 114: ...strips above the faders Automation Options Trim A method of updating fader data is to Trim the previous Mix Pass data Trim mode originates from VCA non moving fader automation systems and uses the fader to add or subtract level from the existing moves It achieved this by setting up a null fader position and then any subsequent moves trim the existing data by the amount of positive or negative chan...

Page 115: ...d points AutoTakeover can be used when TLock is active however Snap and TLock are mutually exclusive selecting one deselects the other and vice versa An example of TLock would be bringing up the levels of guitar licks in a track If Trim is used in Snap mode the fader can be raised and let go repeatedly returning to the previous level However it is difficult to have an identical increase in level e...

Page 116: ...red separately from the fader data Cut data is stored regardless of the current fader status unless channel Safe mode is selected Whenever the Cut switch is in write a symbol is displayed in the scribble strip above the fader Match followed by the Cut switch drops the channel into Write without changing the current state of the Channel Cut Match and Play are mutually exclusive If one is active sel...

Page 117: ...rips above the fader To Copy or Swap automation data the system must be in Mix Running or Mix Review Copy is to a single channel only To copy to multiple channels repeat the Copy operation as many times as required The new Mix data is not saved until the subsequent Mix Pass is Ended CUT UNCUT CUT UNCUT ERROR MATCH CUT PLAY CUT AWSomation 7 10 AWS 900 Owner s Manual If you have made a cut error pos...

Page 118: ...nap mode The range is from 0 no glide to 255 10 second glide Rollback Threshold frames Sets the number of consecutive descending frames that the systems needs to see to determine if a rollback has taken place The range is 2 10 and the default is 2 frames Increase as required if a rollback occurs on stopping the timecode master Latched Match Play Normally Match and Play are automatically deselected...

Page 119: ...Link To adjust the Link balance hold one fader whilst moving another This automatically isolates the second fader from the Link whilst the remaining faders continue to track the first fader touched or use Suspend As far as the automation system is concerned operating one fader places all the faders in the Link in write Links can be dissolved at any time and all the automation data will still play ...

Page 120: ...expedient to make a note of the timecode standard that was used for a particular AWS mixing project AWSomation automatically detects the timecode standard from the incoming MTC messages It will quite happily attempt to play out stored mix data to incoming timecode with a different frame rate but this will result in small but potentially annoying timing errors in automation playback To set up MMC l...

Page 121: ...I In Leave the ID as 127 this sends to all connected devices Setups Preferences Enable the two options circled above This ensures that the MMC locate messages are transmitted correctly from Pro Tools Finally Setup Preferences Enable these options AWSomation 7 14 AWS 900 Owner s Manual Enable these options ...

Page 122: ...y will resume from The AWSomation Rollback will then occur when the system is returned to play which can be disconcerting Enabling the option ensures that Rollbacks occur prior to entering play but at the expense of defeating the Pro Tools feature of automatically returning to the last Play position following the Stop command Please note that the AWS 900 uses the same MIDI port for saving and load...

Page 123: ...AWSomation 7 16 AWS 900 Owner s Manual ...

Page 124: ...z Noise 89dBu no channels routed 80dBu all channels routed THD 0 002 1kHz 24dBu 80kHz filter Line To Mix Rec Bus Out Frequency Response 0dB at 20Hz 0 0 08dB at 20kHz 3dB at 135kHz 6dB at 185kHz Noise 89dBu no channels routed 84 5dBu all channels routed THD 0 002 1kHz 24dBu 80kHz filter Size and Power Height maximum 925mm 36 4 inches Height of Faders 723 4mm 28 5 inches Height Adjustment 20 10mm 0 ...

Page 125: ...ch as lamps accidental damage and damage caused by operation of the equipment outside of Solid State Logic s recommended operating conditions see Sections 1 and 3 of this manual are not covered by this warranty Further details may be found in Solid State Logic s Conditions of Trading printed on the reverse of all Solid State Logic invoices Note that service visits to remedy problems found to be ca...

Page 126: ... 60mm approx Cable Dia 4mm 8mm typical Pinout as used for balanced audio Pin 1 Screen Ground Pin 2 Hot ve Pin 3 Cold ve Connectors Viewed From Wiring Side Plug Socket 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 DIN 5 Pin 180 Dimensions 15mm dia Cable Dia 4mm 7mm typical Typically used for MIDI interconnection 1 4 Jack Pinout as used for unbalanced audio Instrument Inputs only Sleeve Screen Ground Tip Hot ve Dimensions 15...

Page 127: ...23 11 Right Right Main Right 3 21 9 22 Centre Centre Main Centre 4 7 20 8 LFE LFE Main LFE 5 18 6 19 Left Surround Left Surround Main Left Surround 6 4 17 5 Right Surround Right Surround Main Right Surround 7 15 3 16 Lt to Decoder Lt From Encoder Mini AL 8 1 14 2 Rt to Decoder Rt from Encoder Mini AR Connector 25 way D Female cct Hot Cold Screen Mon B 8 Track Out Cue FX Out 1 24 12 25 Alt Left Bus...

Page 128: ...tch 6 15 TB All Switch 19 16 FB A Switch 7 17 FB B Switch 20 18 Ext TB Switch 8 19 4V Max current 200mA fused 21 20 Slate Tally 9 21 Listen Tally 22 22 Red Light Tally 10 23 TB All Tally 23 24 FB A Tally 11 25 FB B Tally 24 26 Ext TB Tally 12 27 n c 25 28 n c 13 29 n c Notes All inputs are active low ie connect to 0V to activate Inputs are pulled up to 4V via a 3K9 resistor Inputs are diode clampe...

Page 129: ... OFF After touch Keys 7 3 Meters Channels 7 7 Pitch Bend 7 7 Control Change 00 07 Faders 0C 2C LEDs Fixed specification 20 27 Servo Faders Fader resolution 08 0B Ctrl Pots Relays 00 07 MSB 0D Jog wheel Clicker 20 27 LSB 0F 2F Switches Tone 40 4C V Pots Touch Off Program Change True number 7 7 System Exclusive 7 3 Character displays System Parameters System Common Song Pos 7 7 Song Sel 7 7 Tune 7 7...

Page 130: ...A blank page AWS 900 Owner s Manual A 7 MIDI Implementation Chart ...

Page 131: ... have confirmed that the problem is neither due to external equipment or operational error then you may have a hardware fault Check the troubleshooting table on page A 14 for guidance If your particular problem is not highlighted then you will have to diagnose the fault yourself using the guidelines given below Ensure that you read the paragraphs on Replacing Modules before attempting any maintena...

Page 132: ... Busses route the same signal to Channel 23 and assign it to Track Busses 1 and 2 Can signal be heard on the right monitor If it can then you have identified in a matter of minutes that Channel 24 has a faulty Track Bus output stage If audio cannot be heard then you have identified that the 629919X1 Track Bus card is faulty The next step in either case would be to follow the module removal instruc...

Page 133: ...likely The channel backplane contains no active components only copper tracks and as such can be discounted The second cause is possible to determine this remove the channel strips from Bay 2 one by one ensuring you power down the console each time and check the condition of the fault If after removing a module the remaining channel strips start to function then you have located the problem If you...

Page 134: ...ing identified the source of the problem you are now in a position to replace the faulty part If you purchased an AWS 900 spares kit then locate the relevant assembly and follow the replacement instructions below If however you do not have a replacement card to hand you should contact your local SSL distributor who will be able to supply you with a replacement The channel and centre section module...

Page 135: ... channel strip is connected to the frame of the console by three screws one at the top next to the meters one at the bottom revealed when the Solo and Cuts Panel has been removed and one at the rear of the console just above the channel s XLR connectors you will have to look carefully to find this one When the screws have been removed screw the module puller into the top hole Using both the puller...

Page 136: ...one until it separates from the fader tang Then unscrew the six countersunk screws and remove the top plate Each fader can then be lifted clear from its connector on the bus card When reassembling the top plate has locating pins that locate into each fader to ensure its correct positioning AWS 900 Owner s Manual A 13 Troubleshooting ...

Page 137: ...ure it to the console frame and lift it clear Now refer to the illustration on page A 10 Each meter panel is secured by four screws across the top Remove these and lift the meter panel clear taking care to disconnect the ribbon connectors Centre Section Cards Appendices A 14 AWS 900 Owner s Manual ...

Page 138: ...he two screws at the bottom of this and lift it to one side The cards are in numerical order from left to right 651 652 653 654 The remaining five audio cards can be removed in a similar way to the channel strips In order from left to right they are 629928X2 Centre Section Compressor Mix Rec Foldback 629918X1 Dynamics 1 629918X2 Dynamics 2 629919X1 8 Track Echo Returns 629919X2 Aux Bus Echo Return...

Page 139: ...t fuses are supplied with the console Swap the problem panel with a working panel from another bay Does the problem stay in the same bay If not replace the Solo and Cuts Panel Are the ribbon connections to the fader bus card in the bay displaying the fault seated correctly Re seat as required Swap the fader bus card in the faulty bay with a known working bus card from an alternate bay Does the pro...

Page 140: ...o re seat as required GPIO port does not function Is the connector labelled PL2 on the Motion Control Panel seated correctly If no re seat as required Is the connector labelled MONINOUT on the Motion Control Panel seated correctly If no re seat as required Is the connector labelled MONINOUT on the Monitor Panel seated correctly If no re seat as required Video Display does not function Remove Works...

Page 141: ...ter Control Panel that looks like this It selects Analogue or DAW Focus Mode DAW Focus Mode Channel faders control DAW fader levels Channel meters show DAW meter levels Channel Rotary Encoders are available for other DAW functions such as pan or send controls Master Control Panel The panel below the screen and soft key area Master Send D Pot The only knob on the Master Control panel used to cycle ...

Page 142: ...round does not feed LFE Use in conjunction with LK12 on 629654X2 card 629654X1 2 S A MON OUTPUTS Link Position Default Function LK7 Fitted 0V to 0VA LK1 2 A Left 80Hz lo pass filter rolls off at 12dB octave B Left 80Hz lo pass filter rolls off at 24dB octave LK3 4 A Right 80Hz lo pass filter rolls off at 12dB octave B Right 80Hz lo pass filter rolls off at 24dB octave LK5 6 A Centre 80Hz lo pass f...

Page 143: ...e Humidity Operating 20 to 80 Non operating 5 to 90 Max wet bulb 29 Deg C non condensing Vibration Operating 0 2G 3 100Hz Non operating power off 0 4G 3 100Hz Shock Operating 2G 10mSec Max Non operating 10G 10mSec Max Altitude above sea level Operating 0 to 3000m Non operating 0 to 12000m Appendices A 20 AWS 900 Owner s Manual ...

Page 144: ...our block diagrams Two show signal flow in the AWS 900 channel strip and centre section two cover the power and control circuits If any drawing is missing please contact your local SSL distributor for a replacement AWS 900 Owner s Manual A 21 Appendices ...

Page 145: ...Appendices A 22 AWS 900 Owner s Manual ...

Page 146: ... 82S6AWS030A Fonts Heading Optima bold in 10pt Logo AWS 900 Spine Logo tiff shrunk to 29 and centred Title BankGothic Md BT normal in 18pt Part No Arial MT normal in 8pt 71mm 30mm Solid State Logic Owner s Manual 82S6AWS030A 71mm 30mm ...

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