Manual m4
Manual m4
SERIES
USER GUIDE
SAFETY GUIDE
Page
Warranty 4
Cautions 5
Warnings 6
1
USER GUIDE
For your own safety and to avoid invalidation of the warranty all text marked with
these Symbols should be read carefully.
CAUTIONS
Must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
WARNINGS
Must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
NOTES
Contain important information and useful tips on the
operation of your equipment.
2
IMPORTANT
Please read this manual carefully before connecting your Mixer to
the mains for the first time.
WARRANTY
2 If within the period of twelve months from the date of delivery of the
Equipment to the End User it shall prove defective by reason only of faulty
materials and/or workmanship to such an extent that the effectiveness and/or
usability thereof is materially affected the Equipment or the defective
component should be returned to the Dealer or to Soundcraft and subject to
the following conditions the Dealer or Soundcraft will repair or replace the
defective components. Any components replaced will become the property of
Soundcraft.
3 Any Equipment or component returned will be at the risk of the End User
whilst in transit (both to and from the Dealer or Soundcraft) and postage
must be prepaid.
5 Defects arising as a result of the following are not covered by this Warranty:
faulty or negligent handling, chemical or electro-chemical or electrical
influences, accidental damage, Acts of God, neglect, deficiency in electrical
power, air-conditioning or humidity control.
6 The benefit of this Warranty may not be assigned by the End User.
7 End Users who are consumers should note their rights under this Warranty are
in addition to and do not affect any other rights to which they may be
entitled against the seller of the Equipment.
4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTIONS
• To avoid the risk of fire, replace the mains fuse only with the correct type
and value fuse, as marked on the rear panel.
• The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:
Replacement Part No: FJ8016 (UK) : FJ8017 (EU) : FJ8018 (US & CAN)
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead may not correspond with the coloured
markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured Green and Yellow must be connected to the terminal in
the plug which is marked with the letter E or by the earth / ground symbol: 9
The wire which is coloured Blue or White must be connected to the terminal in
the plug which is marked with the letter N.
The wire which is coloured Brown or Black must be connected to the terminal in
the plug which is marked with the letter L.
Ensure that these colour codings are followed carefully in the event of the plug being
changed.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat resistors, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
5
USER GUIDE
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding type plug.
A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding
type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or
the third prong are provided for your safety. When the provided plug does
not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete
outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time.
• If a trolley is used, use caution when moving the trolley / apparatus combina
tion to avoid injury from tip-over.
WARNINGS
• DO NOT block any of the ventilation openings. DO NOT install where air
cannot flow over the rear of the unit. DO Install in accordance with
the manufacturers instructions.
6
CONTENTS
Page
Overview 8
Introduction 10
Wiring Up 12
Master Section 21
Advanced Features 25
Application 1
Live Sound Reinforcement 27
Application 2
Multispeaker Applications 28
Application 3
Places of Worship 28
Application 4
Recording 29
Application 5
Linking Two Spirit M Series Consoles 29
Glossary 30
Typical Specifications 32
Dimensions 33
Appendix 1
Typical Connecting Leads 35
7
USER GUIDE
OVERVIEW
t g f d ; l
q h
1 y
2
3 r
e
4 v
b k
s
5 j
p
a
6 i
7 o
8
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9
0 u
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To get you working as fast as possible, this manual begins with a 10 second tutorial. Here you can find
quick information on any feature of the console, and a page reference P where you can find a more
detailed explanation.
6 AUX SENDS Adjust these controls to change the level of the signal to an FX unit or an artist’s monitors (head
phones/in-ear/stage monitors). Aux 1&2 are pre-fade, while Aux 3&4 are post-fade 17
7 PAN CONTROL Use this control to position the signal within the stereo field 17
8 MUTE SWITCH When this is pressed you will hear no signal from the channel 18
9 PFL (PRE-FADE LISTEN) When pressed the signal will appear on the monitor outputs - use this to monitor the post eq
signal from the channel 18
0 INPUT CHANNEL FADER This is used to control the level fed to the Mix Bus 18
q DIRECT OUTPUT This output can be used to send the channel signal to a recording device, such as a multi-track
(¼” Jack) recorder 16
w DIRECT PRE This switch controls the source for the direct output. When the switch is down the D/O is pre-fade,
and when the switch is up the D/O is post-fade 18
e MIX OUTPUTS (XLR) Connect these to your analogue recording device, or to your amplification system 22
r MIX INSERTS This is a pre-fade break in the signal path which can be used to feed a dynamics or mastering
(¼” Jack) device. The signal is sent from the tip of the jack plug and the return path comes back in on the
ring of the jack plug 22
t S/PDIF OUTPUT This is a digital version of the Mix Output and can be used to send any source or the entire mix to
a digital recorder or computer sequencer via the appropriate hardware 25
y MONITOR O/Ps These are used to feed your monitoring system. This can be directly to powered monitors, or
(¼” Jack) indirectly via an amplifier to standard monitors 22
u MASTER FADER This fader controls the overall level of the mix bus 22
i AUX MASTERS These controls can be used to adjust the overall level of a specific auxiliary send to an effects unit 21
o MAIN METERS These show the level of the mix outputs. When the PFL/AFL LED is lit, the meters show the level of
the signal sourced 21
p MONITOR CONTROL This controls the level of the signal sent to your monitoring system 21
a PHONES CONTROL This controls the level of the signal sent to the headphones jack socket 21
s MONO SUM CONTROL This controls the level of the signal sent to the mono sum output 22
d AUX OUTPUTS These four outputs can be used to send the channel signal to an FX unit or an artist’s monitors
(¼” Jack) (headphones/in-ear/stage monitors). Aux 1&2 are pre-fade, Aux 3&4 are post-fade 20
f STEREO RETURN INPUTS These four inputs can be used to connect the return signal from an FX unit, or a stereo feed from
(RCA Phono) consumer devices such as CD-Players, Minidisc etc. The level of these inputs are controlled by the
RET1,2,3 & 4 controls and are sub-mixed via the returns master control before being sent to the
Mix Outputs 19
g STEREO INPUTS These four inputs can be used to connect line level stereo inputs from keyboards, sound modules,
(¼” Jack) samplers, computer based audio cards etc. These inputs pass through a normal channel strip,
with EQ, Auxes and a Balance control 19
h PLAYBACK INPUT Here you can connect the playback from your recording device 22
(RCA Phono)
j PLAYBACK CONTROLS Use this to control the level of the playback signal. There is also a PFL/AFL switch and a PLAYBACK
REPLACES MIX switch 21
k RETURNS MASTER This controls the overall level of the stereo return inputs. There is also a MUTE switch so that you
can quickly compare your mix, with and without FX 22
l PHANTOM POWER Press this to switch the phantom power (48V) on for condenser microphones
WARNING: Do Not apply Phantom Power before connecting a microphone 21
; MIXER POWER LED This LED will light when the unit is switched on 21
x SIGNAL PRESENT LED This is used to indicate the presence of a signal on a specific channel 18
v MONO SUM OUTPUT This output provides a Mono sum of the main L & R mix outputs 22 9
17
b 100Hz FILTER When pressed, this switch significantly reduces the level of frequencies below 100Hz
USER GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Soundcraft mixer. We take great pride in our latest addition
to the Spirit range of mixing consoles - you have taken a step in the right direction and
should never look back.
The Packaging which your Spirit M Series arrived in, forms part of the product and
must be retained for future use.
Owning a Soundcraft console brings you the expertise and support of one of the
industry’s leading manufacturers, and the results of nearly 3 decades of supporting
some of the biggest names in the business. Our knowledge has been attained though
working in close contact with leading professionals and institutes to bring you prod-
ucts designed to get the best possible results from your mixing.
Built to the highest standards using quality components and surface mount technology,
the Spirit M Series is designed to be as easy to use as possible. We have spent years
researching the most efficient methods of control for two key reasons:
1) Engineers, musicians, writers and programmers all need to have very few interrup-
tions to the creative process; our products have been designed to be almost transpar-
ent, allowing this process to breathe.
2) Whether performing or recording, time is a very expensive and rare commodity. Our
products have a user interface which is recognised by millions to be the industry
standard because of its efficiency.
The sonic qualities of our products are exemplary - some of the same circuits which are
used on our most expensive consoles are employed in the Spirit M Series, bringing you
the great Soundcraft quality in a small format console without compromise.
You will also be glad to know you have a one year warranty with your product from
the date of purchase. The Spirit M Series has been designed using the latest high-end
software based engineering packages. Every console from Soundcraft has been proven
to stand up to all the stress and rigours of modern day mixing environments.
The entire Spirit M Series is manufactured using some of the most advanced techniques
in the world, from high density surface mount PCB technology, to computer aided test
equipment able to measure signals well outside the range of normal hearing. As each
console passes through to be quality checked before packing there is also a human
listening station. Something we have learnt over the years is that the human touch
counts - and only by using people can you ensure the product meets the high demands
of the user.
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INSTALLATION AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This manual describes the safety precautions, warnings, specifications, installation and
operating procedures specific to the following Soundcraft products only:
• Spirit M4 RW5631 UK / EU / US
• Spirit M8 RW5632 UK / EU / US
• Spirit M12 RW5633 UK / EU / US
The information in this manual should be read by end users of one of the above prod-
ucts only. In particular, this manual should not be read in conjunction with any other
product not listed above.
The above products do not contain any user-serviceable parts and the user guide does
not contain any technical servicing information. Qualified service personnel can obtain
a separate Technical Manual incorporating the user guide, Part No ZM0255 from
Soundcraft or one of its accredited distributors.
Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent
a commitment on the part of the vendor. Soundcraft shall not be liable for any loss or
damage whatsoever arising from the use of information or any error contained in this
manual.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
For your own safety and to avoid invalidation of the warranty please read this section
carefully.
In particular, you should also read the Cautions and Warnings on pages 5-6 of this
manual.
To avoid the risk of fire, replace the mains fuse only with the
correct value fuse, as indicated on the rear panel.
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USER GUIDE
WIRING UP
Please refer to pages 35/36 for additional wiring details.
MIC INPUT
The mic input accepts XLR-type connectors and is designed to suit a wide range of
BALANCED or UNBALANCED low-level signals, whether from delicate vocals requiring
the best low-noise performance or close-miked drum kits needing maximum headroom.
Professional dynamic, condenser or ribbon mics are best because these will be LOW
IMPEDANCE. While you can use low-cost HIGH IMPEDANCE mics, you do not get the
same degree of immunity to interference on the microphone cable and as a result the
level of background noise may be higher. If you turn the PHANTOM POWER on, the
socket provides a suitable powering voltage for professional condenser mics.
WARNING !
Start with the input GAIN knob turned fully anticlockwise when
plugging high level sources into the LINE input to avoid
overloading the input channel or giving you
a very loud surprise!
LINE INPUT
Accepts 3-pole `A’ gauge jacks, or 2-pole mono jacks which will automatically ground
the ‘cold’ input. Use this input for sources other than mics, such as keyboards, drum
machines, synths, tape machines or guitars. The input is BALANCED for low noise and
immunity from interference, but you can use UNBALANCED sources by wiring up the
jacks as shown, although you should then keep cable lengths as short as possible to
minimise interference pick-up on the cable. Note that the ring must be grounded if the
source is unbalanced. Set the input level using the GAIN knob, starting with the knob
turned fully anticlockwise. Unplug any MIC connection when using the LINE input.
INSERT POINT
The unbalanced, pre-EQ insert point is a break in the channel signal path, allowing
limiters, compressors, special EQ or other signal processing units to be added in the
signal path. The Insert is a 3-pole ‘A’ gauge jack socket which is normally bypassed.
When a jack is inserted, the signal path is broken, just before the EQ section.
The signal from the channel appears on the TIP of the plug and is returned on the
RING, with the sleeve as a common ground.
The Send may be tapped off as an alternative pre-fade, pre-EQ direct output if
required, using a lead with tip and ring shorted together so that the signal path is not
interrupted.
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STEREO RETURNS RET-1/2/3/4
These accept RCA phono jacks to allow easy connection to hi-fi equipment or DAT
players. The input is unbalanced, and ideal for pre-show music sources or signals that
do not require any EQ or effects. These can also be used as effect returns using cables
described later in this document.
MIX INSERTS
The unbalanced, pre-fade Mix insert point is a break in the output signal path to allow
the connection of, for example, a compressor/limiter or graphic equaliser. The Insert is
a 3-pole ‘A’ gauge jack socket which is normally bypassed. When a jack is inserted, the
signal path is broken, just before the mix fader.
The mix signal appears on the TIP of the plug and is returned on the RING. A ‘Y’ lead
may be required to connect to equipment with separate send and return jacks as
shown below:
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USER GUIDE
AUX OUTPUTS
The Aux outputs are on 3-pole ‘A’ gauge jack sockets, wired as shown on the left, and
are balanced, allowing long cable runs to balanced amplifiers and other equipment.
HEADPHONES
The PHONES output is a 3-pole ‘A’ gauge jack, wired as a stereo output as shown,
suitable for headphones of 2009 or greater. 89 headphones are not recommended.
POLARITY (PHASE)
You will probably be familiar with the concept of polarity in electrical signals and this is
of particular importance to balanced audio signals. Just as a balanced signal is highly
effective at cancelling out unwanted interference, so two microphones picking up the
same signal can cancel out, or cause serious degradation of the signal if one of the
cables has the +ve and -ve wires reversed. This phase reversal can be a real problem
when microphones are close together and you should therefore take care always to
connect pins correctly when wiring audio cables.
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PROBLEM SOLVING
Basic problem solving is within the scope of any user if a few basic rules are followed.
• Get to know the Block Diagram of your console (see page 36).
• Get to know what all parameters and/or connection in the system are
supposed to do.
• Learn where to look for common trouble spots.
The Block Diagram is a representative sketch of all the components of the console,
showing how they connect together and how the signal flows through the system.
Once you have become familiar with the various component blocks you will find the
Block Diagram is quite easy to follow and you will have gained a valuable understand-
ing of the internal structure of the console.
Each Component has a specific function and only by getting to know what each part is
supposed to do will you be able to tell if there is a genuine fault! Many `faults’ are the
result of incorrect connection or control settings which may have been overlooked.
Basic Troubleshooting is a process of applying logical thought to the signal path
through the console and tracking down the problem by elimination.
• Swap input connections to check that the source is really present. Check both
Mic and Line inputs.
• Eliminate sections of the channel by using the insert point to re-route the
signal to other inputs that are known to be working.
• Route channels to different outputs or to auxiliary sends to identify problems
on the Master section.
• Compare a suspect channel with an adjacent channel which has been set up
identically. Use PFL and AFL to monitor the signal in each section.
• Insert contact problems may be checked by using a dummy jack with tip and
ring shorted together as shown below. If the signal appears when the jack is
inserted it shows that there is a problem with the normalling contacts on the
jack socket, caused by wear or damage, or often just dirt or dust. Keep a few
in your gig tool box.
If in doubt please contact Soundcraft customer support.
OUT-OF-WARRANTY PRODUCTS
For out-of-warranty consoles purchased in the United Kingdom, please contact the
Customer Services Department (e-mail: [email protected]) at the factory in
Potters Bar, Hertfordshire: Telephone +44 (0)1707 665000.
For all other out-of-warranty consoles, please contact the appropriate territorial
distributor.
When mailing or faxing please remember to give as much information as possible. This
should include your name, address and a daytime telephone number.
Should you experience any difficulty please contact Customer Services Department
(e-mail: [email protected])
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