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INTRODUCTION
C
ongratulations on your purchase of a SPIRIT 8 mixer. Owning a Soundcraft console
brings you the expertise and support of one of the industrys leading manufacturers
and the results of over 22 years experience supporting some of the biggest names in the
business.
Designed by engineers who understand the individual needs of musicians, SPIRIT 8
has been built to the highest standards using quality components and employing automat-
ed assembly techniques beyond the reach of most manufacturers of compact mixers.
A rugged steel chassis is combined with moulded side trims to give protection and
distinctive appearance. Custom moulded controls, designed for the best `feel and visual
clarity complement the styling, resulting in a truly professional product which is ideal for
both touring and fixed PA installations.
SPIRIT 8 is available in 16, 24, 32 & 40 channel frame sizes. All frame sizes incorpo-
rate removeable side cheeks to enable the console to be fitted compactly in a flight case.
SPIRIT 8 incorporates circuit technology identical to that used on some of the most
sophisticated Soundcraft consoles, including new surface mount component techniques.
The input channels are able to accept a wide range of Microphone and Line level signals
from separate input sockets. Every channel features the new U input with
wide range gain control, Phase switch, 4-band Equalisation with swept Hi and Lo Mid
ranges, plus a Hi-Pass Filter, 6 Auxiliary Sends (2 pre-fade, 2 pre or post and 2 post-
fade), PFL(Pre Fade Listen), Peak LED, Panning to a Stereo Bus and routing in pairs to
eight Output Groups. Each channel has a separate Direct Output and is controlled by a
high-quality long throw fader. All input channels may be assigned to a choice of four
Mute Groups.
All frame sizes are provided as standard with 2 dedicated stereo inputs. Each stereo
input comprises two separate input sections, one provided with comparable facilities to
the mono inputs, and one more basic input for a cassette or CD player which routes to
the stereo mix and two of the Aux outputs only.
The eight Output Groups provide submixing to the Mix L/R, either as stereo pairs or
as mono sends to L & R. The Group outputs are available on separate connectors to feed
external equipment directly. Each Group section incorporates matrix sends, PFL moni-
toring & bargraph metering. Eight external Stereo Return inputs are provided for effects
or submixing from external sources and these route to Mix or to a pair of Groups.
Two Matrix outputs receive sends from each Group or Mix L & R as required.
The Master section provides master level control for the Left, Right, Matrix and
Auxiliary Send buses, with separate AFL monitoring on each Matrix and Auxiliary output.
The Mix L/R and Group outputs all have insert points for the connection of external
signal processing or graphic equalisation.
Comprehensive Talkback facilities are provided, which allow a talkback microphone
to be routed to Mix L/R, Groups and Auxes 1-2 or 3-4. Ten 12-segment, 3-colour peak
reading LED bargraph meters provide clear display of Mix L/R, Group and PFL signals.
Pressing any PFL or AFL switch puts the selected signal onto both sides of the head-
phones output and the L & R bargraph meters in place of the Mix signal. Two LEDs mon-
itor the status of the console power supply.
SPIRIT 8 is designed to be as user-friendly as possible, but a few minutes spent read-
ing through this manual will help you become familiar with the product away from the
pressure of a live session, and allow you to gain full benefit from the superb performance
offered by your new mixer.
Above all, remember that your SPIRIT mixer is designed to extend your creativity.
The more you explore the controls and the effect they have on the sound output, the
more you will appreciate how you can influence and enhance the final sound.
