SoundCraft Five Monitor Series manual Mains Installation, General Wiring Procedures, Audio Wiring

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Mains Installation

General Wiring Procedures

To take full advantage of the excellent signal to noise ratio and low distortion of Soundcraft consoles care must be taken to ensure that incorrect installation and wiring does not degrade the performance of the desk. Hum, buzz, instability and Radio Frequency interference can usually be traced to earth loops and inferior earth- ing systems. In some areas, especially heavily industrial areas, the incoming mains earth will not be adequate and a separate technical earth for all the audio equipment must be supplied. However, check with your local electricity supply company to ensure that safety regulations are not infringed or negated.

The successful, hum free, installation of a system requires forethought, and the estab- lishment of a set of ground rules, which must be consistently adhered to at all stages of installation.

Initial Wiring Considerations

For optimum performance, it is essential for the earthing system to be clean and noise free, as all signals are referenced to this earth. A central point should be decided on for the main earth point system, and all earths should be `star fed’ from this point. It is common electrical practice to ‘daisy chain’ the earths to all electrical outlets but this method is unsuitable for audio installations. The preferred method is to run an indi- vidual earth wire from each outlet, back to the system star point to provide a safety earth screen reference for each piece of equipment.

A separate earth wire should also be run from each equipment rack and area, to the star point. This may or may not be used depending on circumstances, but it is easier to install in the first place, than later when problems arise.

The location of the star point should be a convenient, easily accessible place, prefer- ably at the rear of the console or in the main equipment rack.

Install separate ‘clean’ and ’dirty’ mains outlets, wired individually back to the incom- ing mains distribution box. Use the ‘clean’ supply for all audio equipment and the ‘dirty’ supply for all lighting, etc. Never mix the two systems.

If necessary, to provide sufficient isolation from mains borne interference, install an isolating transformer. This should be provided with a Faraday Shield which must be connected with earth.

Never locate the incoming mains distribution box near audio equipment, especially tape recorders, which are very sensitive to electro-magnetic fields.

Ensure that all equipment racks are connected to earth, via a separate wire back to the star point.

Equipment which has unbalanced inputs and outputs may need to be isolated from the rack to prevent earth loops.

Audio Wiring

Having provided all equipment with power and earthing connections, consideration must be given to the method of providing audio interconnection and adequate screen- ing of those interconnections. This must be done in a logical sequence to avoid prob- lems and assist in the localisation of problem equipment.

lConnect the Monitor system to the console and check for any hum, buzz, or RFI. Only when you are satisfied with the quietness of the console and the monitor system should you proceed with the next step.

lConnect stereo tape recorders, echo and foldback sends one at a time, check- ing and isolating any connection which degrades performance.

lConnect all other peripheral devices.

2.4

FIVE Monitor Installation

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Contents Five Monitor Contents Five Monitor Contents Contents Five Monitor Contents Introduction Five Monitor IntroductionPower Supply IntroductionSystem Overview Warranty Five Monitor Introduction Installation Five Monitor InstallationAll dimensions are in millimeters inches in brackets DimenionsPrecautions and Safety Instructions General PrecautionsPower Supplies & cables Signal LevelsMains Installation General Wiring ProceduresInitial Wiring Considerations Audio WiringShielding Points to RememberAudio Connectors ConnectionsJumper Options Five Monitor Installation Block Diagrams Five Monitor Block DiagramsBus Mono Input Module Flash IP Solo CLR IP Solo DET Mute Group Bus Stereo Input Module Input Meters Phantom Sens On Input Fader PCB Insert LHS Multipin Upper Output Master Connector Bus Output ModuleMaster Module Insert Mode BUS Send Return Part Comms LINK/MIDI Rearcon EQ Output Functional Description Five Monitor Functional DescriptionInput Module Input A/B BHMF LMFRr Mute Mute SafeYI Mute ASN Mute Group Assignment UI VCA ASN VCA Group AssignmentRearcon Panel Input a and B XLRDirect OUT Balanced Insert Send BalancedOptional Stereo Input Module RNG Range L/R48V L and R MNO Mono L and RHMF Solo Input L and R XLR Output Module Matrix Master MuteSolo ALT SoloMetering Rearcon Panels All Output XLRs balancedInsert Send & Return balanced Master Module PFL / AFL Section Output Section MuteExternal PFL/AFL Wedge Output Main Wedge onVCA Master Faders Five Monitor Console Logic in / Logic OUT Five Monitor Functional Description Specifications Five Monitor SpecificationsTypical Specifications

Five Monitor Series specifications

The SoundCraft Five Monitor Series represents a significant advancement in professional audio mixing technology, tailored specifically for live sound environments. Renowned for their high-quality performance and user-friendly interface, these mixing consoles are designed for sound engineers and musicians who demand reliability and flexibility.

One of the standout features of the SoundCraft Five is its ergonomic design, which prioritizes ease of use. The console layout is intuitive, allowing for quick adjustments during live performances. With strategically placed faders, knobs, and buttons, engineers can make real-time changes without losing focus on the performance, an essential characteristic for any live set.

Equipped with advanced digital signal processing (DSP), the SoundCraft Five provides unparalleled sound clarity and precision. The built-in EQ features, including parametric equalizers, allow sound engineers to tailor the audio output to the specific acoustics of the venue. This adaptability ensures that performers are always heard at their best, regardless of the environment.

Another key technology in the Five Monitor Series is the compatibility with various audio formats and protocols. Utilizing both analog and digital inputs, these consoles can seamlessly integrate into complex audio setups. This flexibility is crucial for modern performances where multiple audio sources need to be managed efficiently.

The SoundCraft Five also incorporates high-quality preamps that deliver exceptional sound quality. These preamps ensure that every detail of the audio is captured without distortion, providing a warm and professional sound that enhances the overall listening experience.

Durability is a hallmark of the SoundCraft design philosophy. The Five Monitor Series is built to withstand the rigors of touring and live events, featuring rugged construction and reliable components. This resilience ensures that the mixer will perform consistently through various demanding situations.

Furthermore, the intuitive layout includes comprehensive metering options, allowing sound engineers to monitor levels effectively. This visual feedback is vital for maintaining optimal sound quality throughout the performance, helping to avoid potential issues before they arise.

In summary, the SoundCraft Five Monitor Series stands out in the competitive landscape of live sound mixing consoles. With its combination of user-friendly design, advanced DSP technology, high-quality preamps, and robust construction, it meets the diverse needs of modern audio professionals, making it an essential tool for any live performance setup.
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