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AWS 900+. - Ryerson University

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1. cs Murhena Car B Baia Bl icd rit Eder Coop Bl aca Fan __ iaa Pil Key l a kavea dy Copy liy or Bl When Tias es ap Murs Becord Track 10 mesi reai weis Luce Akiba LI DEDE zar mami Lach Tarar h Saker AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL AWSOMATION When mixing with the AWS 900 it is advisable to enable the two options circled above This ensures that a Rollback operation will occur following a locate or rewind operation in Pro Tools If the first options are not enabled then Pro Tools does not send a locate command following a Stop command even though the desk counter will show the position that Play last occurred from and where Play 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 loading mixes and receiving
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4. the reference value There will be no glide times and value will be identical Status key pressed Fader released MOTORS Moff Motors Off this mode suspends the motorised playback of Mix data via the moving faders In this mode it will emulate a VCA automation system Moff automatically activates the fader SuspdAIl Links function see later E AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL AWSOMATION SNAP MODE Snap mode uses the fader touch sensor to control both the start and end of a fader update for fast hands on changes to mix levels When the fader is released it ramps back to the previous mix level at a user determined rate then returns to replay When fader is released it ramps back to previous mix level New Automation Glide time can be set in the Setup menu if desired Start Start position when fader first touched Original Automation AUTOTAKEDVER To avoid a level jump when dropping out of write AutoTakeover introduces nulling indicators in the scribble strip to display the direction to move the fader to match the underlying mix level When the fader crosses the current mix level it is automatically returned to replay and disconnected from the audio gain element The fader returns to following the mix data as soon as it is physically released End position when the fader is released New Automation Scribble strip indicates direction to move the fader back to its original positio
5. Ensure that any MIDI tracks containing SysEx data are muted while mixing as SysEx data will interfere with MTC transmission AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL AW SOMATION AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL APPENDIGES APPENDICES SPECIFICATION PERFORMANCE FIGURES Headroom lt 27dBu 1kHz lt 1 THD Mic TO INSERT SEND MAX GAIN Frequency Response 0dB at 20Hz 0 0 08dB at 20kHz 4dB at 200kHz Noise 127dBu EIN 20Hz 20kHz LINE IN TO DIRECT OUT Frequency Response 0dB at 20Hz 0 0 084 at 20kHz 3dB at 135kHz at 195kHz Noise lt 89dBu 20Hz 20kHz THD 0 00296 1kHz 24dBu 80kHz filter LINE TO TRACK AND Aux Bus OUT Frequency Response 0dB at 20Hz 0 0 084 at 20kHz 3dB at 135kHz at 185kHz Noise 89dBu no channels routed lt 80dBu all channels routed THD lt 0 00296 1kHz 24dBu 80kHz filter LINE TO MiX REC Bus OuT Frequency Response 0dB at 20Hz 0 0 084 at 20kHz 3dB at 135kHz at 185kHz Noise 89dBu no channels routed lt 84 5dBu all channels routed THD lt 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 10 0 8 0 4 inches Width 1 445mm 57 inches Depth maximum 873mm 34 4 inches Heat Dissipation Less than 600 Watts Supply Voltage 90 250 Volts Auto Ranging Supply Current 5 5 2 0 Amps P
6. RESETTING PLUG INS Hold the DEFAULT button and press COMPARE the Plug In Editor function The plug in default value is either the factory setting or user setting determined within the DAW AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL DAW CONTROL GUIDE CHANNEL FUNCTIONS In DAW focus mode the channel meters faders and part or all of the Solo and Cuts tile control the DAW and display its status DAW Meters OD When in DAW focus mode the 24 stereo channel meters indicate the level of the DAW signal path Mono tracks are displayed on the left meter only When a signal reaches OdBFs the corresponding OVER amp tally will light to indicate that the DAW signal level has clipped NLO These meters duplicate the function of meters within your DAW and show the same information The meters also follow DAW pre or post fader meter settings as set within the DAW TIP OVER tallies can be reset using the F1 function in the Fkys softkey menu 0 2 4 6 8 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 4 11 0 0 0 0 STATUS INDICATORS The meter shows the status of the corresponding DAW track eo A REC flashes when the track is in record ready and lights when the track is in record EDIT 9 indicates 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
7. jk E E DENTRE SECTION CENTRE SECTION INTRODUCTION The console s centre section see opposite although not strictly in the centre of the console comprises four main areas o Centre section meter panel o Analogue master control functions TFT screen and associated control panel dedicated to DAW control In the fader area a dual purpose panel provides further DAW associated functions and motion controls while on the right of this panel are located controls for the main bus outputs including an assignable master fader plus a set of talkback buttons The following pages cover all the analogue controls in the centre section See Section 5 for details of the console s DAW control facilities POWER SUPPLY INDICATORS Starting in the top left of the main area of the centre section you will find a row of four LEDs that display the current state of power rails within the console The 15 Volt and the 4 Volt supplies are for analogue audio and logic circuitry respectively The 12 Volt supply provides power for the faders and some relays All LEDs should normally be illuminated if not try not to panic The rest of the analogue facilities in the centre section will be discussed in a logical audio order starting 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
8. Solo In Front Pressing a channel solo button routes a mix of the AFL signal and the selected left and right monitor sources to the monitor outputs The SIF level control see page 4 20 adjusts the balance between AFL signal and desk output ALT Makes channel solo buttons intercancel with each other so that soloing one channel will clear any other solo selections MOM This option makes all the channel solo buttons momentary SEND 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 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 left all have 10848 of gain when turned fully clockwise The controls are indented at the 12 o clock position which corresponds to OdB gain An AFL button is provided for each output The AFL signal is intelligently assigned to left and right AFL busses Selecting AFL on a single FX output will route signal to both left and right AFL busses Selecting AFL on odd and even numbered FX outputs will route the odd numbered output to the left AFL bus and the even numbered output to the right AFL bus The two Cue Stereo and four mono FX outputs are available to external devices via a 25 way D type
9. RS and LFE sub monitor cut buttons Note that these can become monitor solo buttons by selecting the SOLO button in the MON MODE group All the monitor outputs are available for connection to amplifiers via the centre section connector panel The two 5 1 outputs Main and Alt and the two Mini outputs feed two 25 way D type connectors MON and MON the two Mini outputs Mini A and Mini B also feed individual for left and right EXTERNAL SOURCE SELECTORS Two external monitor source selectors are provided EXT A has four external 5 1 inputs These may be fed by any source of six channels or less Track busses 1 6 provide a fifth input 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 display and press the soft key under that source or first press the key under SUM to sum selected sources Finally route the external source s to the monitors by pressing EXT A or EXT B in the MON SRC group The LTR selection on EXT B provides monitoring for an encoder s LtRt output see below Inputs to the external source selectors are connected via 25 way D types f
10. of popular workstations when operating using Mackie Logic control emulation Main Stereo Outputs The Master Stereo Bus Selector Panel controls the status of the console s two main stereo outputs Full routing of the motorised master fader the main bus compressor and the channel dynamics processors together with the bus inserts is carried out through two path select switches and a vertical row of function keys Additional keys select a unique insert sum feature which allows sub mixing of the stereo bus insert return to the main busses and a 104 boost can also be added to either of the main stereo busses shifting the fader scale to match the channel fader Monitoring The AWS 900 offers a new level of sophistication when working with control room monitoring The centre section affords total control over two independent 5 1 main loudspeaker outputs plus two stereo mini LS outputs which can be derived from an advanced Stereo Downmix Summing Matrix Full Bass management is included which can be used with the Mini LS outputs as well as the main 5 1 monitor outputs A highly flexible External source selector section can sum assign and route up to four 5 1 sources and four stereo input sources to either control room studio loudspeaker and headphone feeds Available Monitoring sources include the Record bus Mix bus Track Busses 1 6 four external 5 1 sources and four external stereo sources A 6 channel wide monitor insert point and a separat
11. playback if stopped FOOTSWITGH CONTROL Two Is used to activate or deactivate Record mode Holding CTRL while pressing the foot switch will cycle through record modes AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL DAW GUIDE AUD PRE IN our post 0 0 ns 7 8 9 0 RTZ END Loor sonca 23 4 5 6 0 1 2 3 N s 0 0 ZOOM es SEL T cz e PRE R RED LISTEN LIGHT RECOR TB EXT STOP PLAY ORD ALL TB ZOOM NAVIGATION AND SELECTION MODES 6 The Motion Control panel has a section with four arrow keys and a ZOOM SEL button that toggles the selection of three available modes Navigation Edit Zoom and Select NAVIGATION MODE NEITHER ZOOM OR SELECT LIT In this mode the arrow keys can be used to select a region or regions on your DAW The left and right arrows will snap to region clip boundaries The up down arrow keys move the cursor to the track above or below respectively Holding down the SHIFT modifier button will allow a selection to be extended in any direction Holding the OPTION button allows the current selection point to be centred on the screen Holding CTRL Up Down Left Right arrow button allows you to change and extend the region clip selection Holding SHIFT also includes either the previous or next region ZOOM MODE BOTH ZOOM AND SELECT LIT The arrow keys now become horizontal and v
12. 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 241 C LFELS RS R C LFELS RS L R C LFELS RS 9 G9 63 3 9 G9 69 9 69 90909090909 69 69 9 G9 G9 9 65 69 9 9 9 65 09 DAW INPUTS EXTA6TR1 EXT A6TR2 EXT A 6 TR3 EXTA6TR4 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 R C LFE LS RS C LFELS RS L R LFE LS RS 9 05 8 3 02 05 09 09 9 9 69 0 G3 69 amp 6 9 69 09 5 69 69 63 9 69 9 9 6 TRACK REPLAY 2 OPTION MON INS SEND 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 wl i R C LFELS RS ie Rt 909 03 43 09 3 19 2 19 09 69 2 63 69 OPTION MON INS RTN ECODER R MAIN LS B C LFELS RS 6969 G3 69 F B B spp OSC ovr scour p 43 63 09 69 N LTN TB KEY IN 9 10 1 12 i 14 15 16 LFE LS RS NO RE R C LFELS RS X 9 3 9 65 69 6 G3 6 6 6909 G9 9 9 9 amp G3 69 6 69 Normalling Information 1 Patchrow AB is an isolated patchrow patchpoints are half normalled unless otherwise stated below 2 D31 is linked to C33 35 37 39 D32 is linked to C34 36 38 40 3 47 and 48 are linked 4 Parallel A41 44 A45 48 B41 44 B45 48 Solid State Logic Console A Woo EF I A1 24 are fully normalled to B1 24 25 48 are not normalled to B25 48 J1 16 are not normalled to K1 16 J23 24 are not normalled to K23 24 J46 48 are not normalled to K46 48 When constructing patchbays the following guidelines may
13. 9 AutoTakeover 7 9 Cut Automation 7 9 Copy and Swap 7 10 Setup Menu 7 11 Fader Links 7 12 Pro Tools Setup Notes 7 13 APPENDICES Console Specification A 1 Service amp 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 Meter Panel A 16 Centre Section Cards A 16 Trouble Shooting Chart Channel Bay A 18 Trouble Shooting Chart Centre Section A 19 Glossary Of Terms A 20 Link Options A 21 Environmental Specification A 22 Block Diagrams A 23 9 AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION SECTION 1 IMPORTANT INFORMATION This section contains important information please take a few minutes to study it before you attempt to install or use your AWS 900 THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR COMPLIANCE WITH UL60065 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1 Read these instructions 2 Keep these instructions 3 Heed all warnings 4 Follow all instructions 5 Do not use this apparatus near water 6 Clean only with dry cloth Do not block any ventilation openings Install in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions 8 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators heat registers stoves or other apparatus including amplifiers that pro
14. AWS 900 channel modules The 24 DAW outputs can then be fed to the console s 24 channel inputs and or to the 5 1 External A and stereo External B monitor inputs 32 CHANNEL 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 external inputs CUSTOM COMBINATIONS As you can see a wide variety of connections are possible between the AWS 900 and a DAW It is worth taking some time and thought as to the best way to connect up your system for a flexible workflow that suits your studio s requirements DAW I O LABELLING When using DAW routing with the AWS 900 console it is advisable to take some time to sensibly label the inputs outputs and busses within your DAW Details on how to do this will be found in the documentation supplied with your DAW Sensible labelling will make the task of performing routing via the AWS 900 front panel a simple task rather than relying on having to decipher long complex names often assigned by default to DAW channels For example in a 24 I O system simply naming inputs and outputs 1 through 24 and busses b1 through b24 will allow a simple
15. DAW system then you could connect AWS 900 Record Bus Output and Track Busses Outputs 1 6 to the eight inputs of the DAW I O unit The 8 DAW outputs can then be fed to any of the console s channel inputs and to 5 1 External A monitor input three which is labelled DAW to allow the DAW output to be monitored through the AWS 900 monitoring section AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL EN CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE 16 GHANNEL DAW SYSTEM With a 16 channel I O DAW system you could connect the AWS 900 Record Bus Output and Track Busses 1 8 to the first 10 inputs of the DAW I O unit Or you could connect the first 14 Direct Outputs from the console s channel modules 1 14 to the inputs of the DAW I O unit and connect the AWS 900 Record Bus Output to inputs 15 and 16 The 16 DAW outputs can then feed any of the channel inputs with outputs 1 6 also feeding the 5 1 External A console monitor inputs and 7 and 8 feeding the stereo External B monitor input These could be used as track outputs from the DAW so you can mix small projects entirely in the analogue domain or to mix stems created in the DAW 24 CHANNEL DAW SYSTEM If you have a 24 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 console Direct Outputs 1 16 can then feed DAW converters 9 24 Alternatively all 24 Direct Outputs could feed the 24 converters of your DAW I O unit for one to one tracking from the
16. In Front stereo echo returns Unrivalled comprehensive 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 desired The AWS 900 achieves this to an extent and quality that has previously been unavailable CONTROLLER FEATURES SUMMARY Direct access to all major DAW mixing editing and automation parameters Direct control of plug in settings Dedicated control processor to maximise console performance Integral colour TFT display with dedicated control keys User definable controls on every channel High quality motorised faders to write replay level moves in your DAW Simple switching between console layer and DAW control layer Full remote control implementation Operation independent of platform works with ProTools Nuendo Logic Audio and many more Enjoy EH AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL INSTALLATION AND SETUP SECTION 3 INSTALLATION AND SETUP PRE INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS CONSOLE CONTROL SURFACE The AWS 900 console is a self contained system there are no remote power supplies or I O racks The frame is not fitted with cooling fans See the fol
17. MONITORING The large knob below the MONITOR LEVEL display normally sets the level of the main control room monitors o The column of six buttons to the right enables this control to be used for the named functions You will be monitoring on whichever set of speakers is selected from the 15 SELECT group the Main 5 1 speakers Main A the default with no buttons selected ALT 5 1 Main MINI or MINI B The loudspeakers are fed from whatever source has been selected in the MON SRC group of buttons These include the Record bus REC the Mix bus MIX and two external source selectors EXT A and EXT B Sources will be intercancelling unless the SUM button is selected All sources to the monitoring are stereo except those brought in via the EXT A monitor source selector see below The console has three monitor modes 5 1 DOWNMIX and MONO selected via the group of buttons 5 1 mode is the default DOWNMIX and MONO not selected and connects all six monitor busses to their respective monitor outputs Selecting DOWNMIX folds down the 5 1 inputs to the monitor path via a 5 2 matrix and feeds the result to left and right monitor outputs The centre channel is reduced in level by 3dB and fed to both left and right in this mode MONO can be selected with or without DOWNMIX and sums the left and right monitor busses feeding the result equally to the left and right monitor outputs The OL button follows the MO
18. Mic line selection EQ 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 is selected the source channel settings are copied to the destination channel if not the source and destination channel settings are swapped EN AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL TOTAL RECALL CENTRE SECTION DISPLAYS COMPRESSOR AND FOLDBACK TR Sm ERN 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 DynB displays the mono dynamics sections and the track and bus masters StRt displays the four stereo echo returns AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL TOTAL RECALL SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD AND 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 via MIDI To download Total Recall enabled software please go to http www solid state logic com update This page will present you with the three
19. Panel and the in board screen give paged control of all plug in parameters In summary the AWS 900 is a Total Studio Solution for modern DAW based production environments ABOUT THIS SECTION This section comprises two main parts First there is an overview of how your DAW and the AWS 900 can be used together Following this is a description of the function of each part of the console The use of the DAW controller section is covered in Section 5 AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CONSOLE DPERATOR S GUIDE SY ans 341 ssng XIN HOLINOW goo 00 60 s 2 sessng sossng 8 suiejs s xz VLX3 SMV OL MYA 5114110 rs 30 1 HOLINOW FS S1ndlno sns E pel m sindino ssna NOWELL J38 MOV8d 104 OJYILS 3HL OL 50335 pues p su S1ndlnO ANT Jeueg J0joeuuo jouue uo AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL ROUTING AND SIGNAL FLOW ROUTING AND SIGNAL FLOW In order to understand signal flow through the AWS 900 various operational modes first we need to discuss how your DAW I O unit is connected to the AWS 900 console Unlik
20. Recall setups can be stored in this way LOADING SETUPS FROM Restoring setups from a Mac or PC is even simpler Locate the DAW to just before the SysEx data containing the setups you wish to load Press the Load soft key Play through the SysEx block of data As soon as the AWS 900 detects the start of valid data it will delete all the current setups and replace them with the stored ones from the MIDI track Because the Load process replaces your current setups with the ones stored on your Mac or PC you should check you have saved any setups you wish to keep before loading new ones AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL TOTAL RECALL TOTAL RECALL DISPLAY PAGES There are four Total Recall display pages These are selected using soft keys as described below In all cases controls that are in different positions from the stored values are highlighted in white faders and rotary controls or yellow switches To provide maximum clarity rotary controls are shown as horizontal sliders and switches as boxes THE GHANNEL DISPLAY Chan selects the channel display Pressing the fader status switch will select a channel to be displayed The console must be in Analogue Focus mode Focus key illuminated SETTING SOFT SWITCHES A double press on the fader status switch will reset all the non latching switches in the channel strip These are Track bus routing switches Dynamics assignment and routing switches
21. Right Surround 3 Right Right Surround 7 15 3 16 n c 4 Left Solo Left 8 1 14 2 n c 4 Right Solo Right Connector 25 way D Female cct Hot Cold Screen Monitor Insert Send Monitor Insert Return 1 24 12 25 Left Left Main Left 2 10 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 from Encoder Mini AR Connector 25 D Female cct Hot Cold Screen B 8 Track Out Cue FX Out 1 24 12 25 Alt Left Bus 1 Stereo Cue AL 2 10 23 11 Alt Right Bus 2 Stereo Cue AR 3 21 9 22 Alt Centre Bus 3 Stereo Cue BL 4 7 20 8 Alt LFE Bus 4 Stereo Cue BR 5 18 6 19 Alt Left Surround Bus 5 FX 1 6 4 17 5 Alt Right Surround Bus 6 FX2 7 15 3 16 Mini BL Bus 7 FX 8 1 14 2 Mini BR Bus 8 4 EH AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL APPENDICES RED LIGHT TALKBACK GPI O Location Rear panel Connector Type 25 way D type female Pin Ribbon Pin Description Notes 1 5 Red Light Relay contact A Normally open follows Red Light switch 14 6 Red Light Relay contact B 4 2 7 OV 15 8 GP Input 1 not used 3 9 GP Input 2 not used 16 10 Monitor Cut Forces Cut when active 4 11 Monitor Dim Forces Dim when active 17 12 Slate Swit
22. Scrub Shuttle Mode 5 15 Numeric Keypad 5 15 Working with Markers Memory Locations 5 15 Plug In Editor 5 16 Plug In Editor Display 5 16 Plug In Editor Controls 5 16 Paging Buttons 5 16 Selecting a DAW Channel for Plug in Control 5 16 Timecode Bars amp 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 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 Resolution Parameter Display Mode 5 18 Comparing Your Changes 5 18 Bypassing Plug ins 5 18 D Pot Sensitivity 5 18 Soft Key Display 5 19 Automation Enables Menu 5 19 Automation Modes Menu 5 19 Edit Tools Menu 5 20 Edit Modes Menu 5 20 Status Group Menu 5 20 Function Keys Menu 5 21 Edit Menu 5 21 SSL Menu 5 21 E AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 DAW CONTROL GUIDE CONTINUED Working with Automation 5 22 Automation Enables 5 22 Automation Modes 5 22 Trim Mode 5 22 Automation Status 5 22 Automation Override Mode 5 23 Suspending Automation 5 23 Writing Automation to Start End etc 5 23 Automating Switches 5 23 Automating Pans and Sends 5 23 Automating Plug Ins 5 23 Automation Indicators for Plug in Parameters 5 23 MCU CONTROL GUIDE Introduction 5A 1 MCU Emulati
23. an AWS 900 console is approximately 112Kg or 100Kg with the legs removed Please ensure that sufficient labour is available during removal of the console from its packaging and when moving the console into position It is recommended that at least four people are available when lifting The AWS 900 is supplied in a wooden crate with the legs in a smaller separate crate Using a large screwdriver or pry bar carefully open the crate containing the console The crate is not designed to be reusable so does not have to be removed intact With the crate sides removed there will be sufficient space for four people to lift the console clear from the base of the crate Note The console is shipped with its trim fitted avoid using the trim as a lifting point Do not lift the front of the console by using the buffer alone ATTACHING THE LEGS Again it is recommended that four people are available to perform this operation The bolts required to attach the legs are shipped in the same crate as the legs A 6mm hex key is provided as one of the tools included in 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 Ther
24. be useful MIC INPUTS If Mic inputs are being connected to a patchbay then the patch jacks should be insulated from the main body of the patchrow There are commercially available patchrows that meet this requirement The ground connection from each microphone must be taken through the patch jacks to the XLR on the back of the console without interruption INSTRUMENT INPUTS It is not recommended that the Instrument inputs are broken out to a patchbay These inputs are unbalanced and the cable lengths should be kept at short as possible AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL EN INSTALLATION AND SETUP LINE LEVEL INPUT OUTPUTS All other analogue inputs and outputs can be connected via a patchbay It is recommended that the cable shield is connected at the console end and disconnected at the patch row to avoid ground loops Wiring to the installation should normally have the shield connected to the patch row The shield connection of all jacks should 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 inputs and outputs other than the microphone inputs are connected directly to the chassis of the
25. can vary between DAW applications A standard configuration for Pro Tools is F1 Peak Hold 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 the appropriate section of this manual AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL EH DAW GUIDE WORKING WITH AUTOMATION The AWS 900 s touch sensitive moving faders can be used to write automation for the DAW fader Most automation functions can be enabled from the soft key matrix below the console s display screen Within this are menus for Automation Enables Automation Modes Grouping and Editing functions Note Automation data can usually only be written when the DAW is in Play Half Speed Play or Record 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 Holding down the OPTION button then pressing any of the sub menu buttons will toggle automation on or off for all controls The Pan automation enable includes both Channel and Send Pan AUTOMATION MODES There are several Automation Modes
26. connector on the centre section connector panel The mono FX sends are also available on 6 35mm jacks on the connector panel A dedicated set of LCD bargraphs just above the master controls provides metering of the Cue and FX busses AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL AND FOLDBACK MASTERS FOLDBACK AND HEADPHONE OUTPUTS The console provides three stereo outputs Foldback A and B intended for use in the studio for headphones or LS playback plus a stereo headphone feed for control room use sockets for this are provided on the knee panel beneath the centre section The foldback outputs feed jacks on the centre section connector panel from where they may be connected to amplifier inputs The master controls for Foldback A and B are provided by two identical sections see left one section only shown Each output has a dedicated LEVEL control CUT AFL and six source selector buttons with associated level controls The MIX 1 pot o controls the contribution of the Record bus REC and or the output of the EXT B EXT source selector to the foldback mix The MIX 2 pot e 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 selected as sources Foldback B uses Cue Stereo B as its cue source Dedicated F B A and F B B talkback buttons are used
27. 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 many channels as you require within your DAW project and assign all their inputs to input 1 or 2 Assign the DAW channel outputs to the stereo output connected to the AWS 900 External B monitor selector Select SUM EXT B and MIX monitor source buttons on the Monitor Control Panel Adjust the monitor level using the main monitor level pot Switch to DAW focus mode and adjust the DAW monitor mix using AWS 900 faders Switch to Analogue Focus mode and use the faders to set suitable levels on the AWS 900 inputs AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE RECORDING To record an input route it to the Record Bus and remove it from the MIX bus Select RDY on the Master Control Panel and press SEL to record arm the track on the DAW that you wish to record on Pan the input channel if necessary Provided you have Auto Input selected you should see the input signal on the DAW meters The channel equaliser can be used to process the input before recording it and the assignable dynamics can be routed to either the input channel or the Record bus if dynamics processing is needed CREATING A MONITOR MIX If you are in Stop you will hear the input to channels in ready via the DAW and via the Rec
28. hay 90 5 won ur uu 29 pueg oyog 29 29 uz uit jr E E uas oyog 0u93 2 woo ye woeg l jen pues 4 oyog _ 19 189 259 299 2 449 2 959 259 2 299 21 9 STANNVHO S s LNO NYHLINI IAIN X t s HOLIMSLIOOH Old O MOV8 lv L LHOL1Q03H STANNVHO 4 NOILO3S 3H1N3D INSTALLATION AND SETUP STUDIO INTEGRATION AUDIO CONNECTIONS All connections to the AWS 900 with the exception of the two headphone jacks are found on the lower rear panels of the 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 Ea INSTALLATION AND SETUP DAW CONNECTION The AWS 900 console communicates with a DAW directly via three high speed MIDI ports Using this method of communication allows the AWS 900 to be used with a wide variety of DAW applications on a wide variety of platforms The AWS 900 uses a HUI compatible protocol and so any DAW program that can be configured to use three HUI devices can access the full power of the AWS 900 Please refer to your DAW manual for details on how to configure the DAW app
29. 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 caused by a fault in third party equipment will be charged for at Solid State Logic s current service rate QuT OF WARRANTY REPAIRS Replacement assemblies will be charged at Solid State Logic s current service exchange price for the faulty part plus shipping costs Service visits will be charged at Solid State Logic s current service rate WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM Follow the instructions in the Troubleshooting section page A 6 to confirm that the fault lies within the AWS 900 system If this suggests there is a fault with the AWS 900 then contact your local distributor who will either supply a replacement assembly or arrange for a visit from an engineer to resolve the problem WEBSITE SUPPORT Solid State Logic s website http www solid state logic com includes fault finding tips downloads of the latest AWS 900 documentation and an extensive Q amp A knowledge base system OUT OF HOURS SUPPORT Solid State Logic s out of hours pager service does not support the AWS 900 EN AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL AUDIO CONNECTORS AND PINOUTS AUDIO GONNECTORS AND PINOUTS XLR 3 Pin Dimensions 19 x 60mm approx Plug Socket Cable Dia 4mm 8mm typical as used for ba
30. out areas indicate analogue only console elements D PoTs Each channel contains a continuous rotary controller or D Pot The Plug in editor has four D Pots for control of continuous plug in parameters CONSOLE Focus The console can be set to one of two important modes using the Console Focus button Q located on the Master Control Panel This switches the channel meters faders solo and cut buttons between control of the analogue signal path and the DAW When the Console Focus button is illuminated the AWS 900 is 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 The channel faders control the DAW fader levels The meters indicate DAW track levels The channel D Pots are available to control other DAW functions such as pan or send level DIGITAL IN LINE MODE When the console is in DAW Focus Mode analogue level control can be assigned to the D Pots by pressing the CHANNEL button Q in the Master Control Panel This allows the modern equivalent of a classic In Line console design but in this case the monitor mix is created using the DAW digital mixer E
31. select a different numeric field if required then enter a value on the numeric keypad or use the Up Down arrow keys to increase or decrease the selected field Press ENTER to confirm the time The CLR button on the numeric keypad 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 to the selection start point IN Plays from the selection start point for the post roll time OUT Plays from the end point less the pre roll time to the end point POST Plays from the selection end point for the post roll time ALT OPTION PRE or IN Plays from the selection start point less the pre roll time to the selection start time plus the post roll time ALT OPTION POST or OUT Plays from the selection end point to the selection end point plus post roll time AWS 900 CONTROL The AWS 900 has two 6 35mm jack footswitch connectors on the rear of the console see Section 3 These are intended for hands free access to essential transport functions FoOOTSWITCH CONTROL ONE Either plays or stops the DAW Holding down SHIFT will abort a recording if in record or initiate half speed
32. set of speakers and not on others LFO 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 unity gain on the LFE channel select LFO to restore the LFE bus level to unity gain NEXT selecting this produces a second layer of options EXTA EXTB E METERS A2B Retains use of the Main 5 1 subwoofer even when you switch to the ALT 5 1 loudspeaker selection BMA Uses the Alt 5 1 subwoofer instead of the main subwoofer for bass management when MINI A is selected and BMN is on BMB Uses the Alt 5 1 subwoofer instead of the main subwoofer for bass management when MINI B is selected and BMN is on RTRN Returns you to the top layer of the MONITOR OPTIONS selection AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MONITOR DPTIONS MONITOR LEVEL CALIBRATION The monitor calibration system enables the level of any loudspeaker connected to the AWS 900 to be trimmed by 10db Note that with the monitor gain at maximum a trim level of 10dB corresponds to unity gain through the monitor section Do not attempt to carry out loudspeaker calibration unless you have accurately calibrated test equipment Selecting CAL in the first layer of MONITOR OPTIONS produces the following options Turn on the console oscillator OSC ON and select the PINK ON button the default level for the console s pink noise output is
33. so you can easily mix the DAW outputs with other inputs f 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 two DAW inputs will allow you to quickly route any analogue channel to any track on the DAW f you only have a limited number of DAW inputs then connecting the Track bus outputs to DAW inputs will allow several analogue inputs to be routed simultaneously to different tracks without patching f you have a large number of DAW inputs then connecting them to the channel direct outputs will give a very short record path 2 CHANNEL DAW SYSTEM Even with only two DAW analogue inputs and outputs the AWS 900 s routing flexibility can greatly simplify your work flow Connect the Record Bus outputs to the DAW analogue inputs allowing any channel on the console to be routed directly to the DAW Connect the DAW outputs to stereo External B input three which is labelled DAW on the AWS 900 to allow the DAW output to be monitored and to used as a part of the foldback mix You may also want to connect the DAW outputs to two of the channel line inputs to give even more control of level and routing 8 DHANNEL DAW SYSTEM If you have an 8 channel I O
34. still consider analogue the benchmark to which all digital processing is compared Meters are required to view both input output signals and recorded signal levels 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 for up to 24 simultaneous input paths into the DAW where recorded signals can be edited processed and mixed via the AWS 900 control surface The signal paths can then be either summed internally within the DAW or returned to the analogue domain for processing through the 24 SSL EQ sections and associated assignable dynamics processors Combined with a comprehensive 5 1 monitoring section audio can be auditioned with complete assurance that the fully balanced signal path throughout the console is of the highest possible audio integrity A high resolution digitally controlled gain element in each channel allows the 24 motorised faders to be switched to control any DAW that supports the HUI protocol while retaining the analogue signal path The 24 faders and the 24 associated Channel Rotary Encoders provide direct control of DAW faders pans sends input and output routing The Master Control
35. the D Pot 6 Pressing ESC at any time will abort the assignment process ASSIGNING SIGNALS TO MULTIPLE GHANNELS 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 selected channels Select SEL mode on the Master Control Panel then press the SEL buttons on the channels you wish to route to Holding down OPTION and ALT then pressing a channel D Pot will incrementally route that channel s input to all channels For example selecting input 1 as the input to channel 9 then holding down OPTION and ALT before pressing the channel 9 D Pot will route input 1 to channel 9 input 2 to channel 10 input 3 to channel 11 and so on across the entire DAW Holding down SHIFT OPTION ALT will incrementally route that channel s input to all selected channels Select SEL mode on the Master Control Panel then press the SEL buttons on the channels you wish to route to ASSIGNING A CHANNEL TO MULTIPLE OUTPUTS Hold the CTRL button and select another output The currently assigned output will have a gt symbol before it for example gt Out3 4 and other added outputs will have a for example Out5 6 until you assign it In the scribble strip symbol indicates that an item is inactive ie routed but muted The symbol indicates that more than one output is assigned and at least one of those is ina
36. the direct output instead of to the track busses The PRE EFX LED lights red to show the direct output is fed by the pre fader signal or green if fed by an EFX send CUE STEREO SEND The Cue Stereo send is normally fed a pre fader signal but can be selected to POST fader An alternative Cue Stereo bus may be selected by pressing CUE B The level pot is fitted with a push push On Off switch Master controls for the two Cue Stereo outputs are provided in the centre section See below for details on the EFX button FX SENDS Four mono FX send busses are provided The FX3 and FX4 buttons enable sends 1 and 2 to access busses 3 and 4 Each level pot is fitted with a push push On Off switch Master controls for these sends are provided in the centre section The EFX buttons isolate the selected send including Cue Stereo from its mix bus and route the signals to either the Track busses or to the Direct Output if DIRECT PRE EFX is selected allowing additional independent effects send or headphone mixes to be easily generated Pressing EFX on the stereo send routes Cue Stereo left to odd Track busses and Cue Stereo right to even busses Mono FX sends are routed to all Track busses Note that only one of the channel aux send controls may feed the EFX system AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE GHANNEL OUTPUT The stereo pan pot feeds two independent stereo busses via the REC ord and MIX buttons Post pan signals may also be fed
37. the sound of which is much loved by many experienced SSL users and so the connector panel provides a post compressor output jack Listen Mic Out The COMMUNICATIONS buttons to the left of the master fader control the switching and routing of the talkback and listen mic signals discussed above as well as the switching of a red light RED LIGHT this provides an isolated contact closure for hooking o up to a studio red light via an external relay box This function can be fired from input see Section for details ALL feeds the talkback mic to the foldback sends and the Q s external talkback output Note The talkback switch functions are all duplicated on the Talkback GPIO connector on the rear of the console as are the monitor CUT and DIM switches See Section 3 for more information AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL 4 97 CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE OSCILLATOR The word oscillator is a slight misnomer in this case as the console actually provides a comprehensive tone and pink noise generator The Oscillator section see left located above the TFT screen contains controls for frequency level and routing of tone or pink noise to the Mix Record and Track bus outputs and to the monitor outputs for use in monitor calibration see page 4 22 OSC ON activates the oscillator output surprise surprise It s good practice to turn the oscillator off when recording to prevent any accidental rout
38. to add talkback to the foldback outputs A small area of the monitor control panel see left provides source selection control room monitor and foldbacks and a CUT function for the console s stereo headphone output Two headphone sockets are provided below the motion control panel The level of this output is set using the PHONES button in the MISC LEVELS section of the monitor panel in conjunction with the main monitor pot AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE STEREO FX RETURNS The console s four stereo FX Returns are designed to be driven by the outputs of devices which have been fed from the corresponding mono FX busses Inputs to the returns are interfaced to the console via 6 35mm jacks on the centre section connector panel Four identical sets of controls are provided The controls for FX Return 1 are shown on the left R CUT and L CUT cut the associated input useful for checking reverb returns and to defeat unwanted signals on the open input when using mono returns The STUDIO level control and its two associated routing buttons FB A and FB B allow FX Return signals post input cut pre return level control to be mixed with the two Foldback outputs MONO when this button is up the BALANCE control will provide a balance between the left and right return signals With MONO selected the return inputs are summed and the BALANCE control now acts as a pan control This is very use
39. to select fast attack time 100 5 40dB The attack time is the time taken for the Gate Expander to recover once the signal level is above the threshold When gating signals with a steep rising edge such as drums a slow attack may effectively mask the initial THWACK so you should be aware of this when selecting the appropriate attack time RELEASE This determines the time constant speed variable from 0 1 to 4 seconds at which the Gate Expander reduces the signal level once it has passed below the threshold Note that this control interacts with the Range control HOLD Determines the time after the signal has decayed below the threshold before the gate starts to close Variable from 0 to 4 seconds AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE METERING The yellow and red LEDs indicate the amount of gain reduction the compressor section is applying The green LEDs indicate the amount of gain reduction applied by the Gate Expander section The LINK button links the sidechain signal of that unit to the sidechain of the other dynamics section When the two sections are linked the control voltages of each section sum together so that whichever section has the most gain reduction will control the other section Don t try to link two gates using the LINK button when you want the signal on one to open the other as soon as one gate closes both will close which probably is not what you wanted If you n
40. 25 Systerm Delay Fader Gaia 6 dE Rare 24 ET SWC 4 Time Code Offsets SYSC Start Ofiati Clock Relea idea r MEE jki 21 Reference LTE x Lnc 9 Vidas Perron FAL L smd JEDE 5 Locked Gy Speed Col Time Lode Settings ene rine Freewheel Pull ting SYNC Rars Pull Up Mara nd a mam Vien Rane Pull Lp owe Asas EATE C fare Spee Mone E Tiree Code Reader Offres samples Select the MTC option and select the port on the MIDI interface that is connected to AWS Port 4 MIDI IN Also select the timecode rate for the session and the session start time t is 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 locates Setups Peripherals Machine MIT Controllers 7 Ethernet Controllers Mic Preamps MIDI Machine Control Send ba Enable 900 Exe TC 127 Preroll 90 frames Pin Serial Machine Enable i 1311 65 s Prernli frames Requires SYNC 1 C Us
41. 4dBu RMS Adjust using the Pink trim pot in the oscillator section if necessary Set the monitor level control to the position you wish to correspond to the calibrated level A level of 8 5 will provide 10dB of additional gain in hand Now select the required monitor system Main 5 1 Alt 5 1 Mini A or Mini B Select the CAL menu Pressing either AL or AR or AC will send pink noise to the Left or Right or Centre loudspeakers respectively Adjust the level for the required SPL eg 85dBa C weighting slow response on a suitably calibrated dB meter by turning the main monitor pot left or right from its initial position Now work through the rest of the speakers see below checking before you calibrate the LFE output whether the OdB 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 subwoofer output to be adjusted Like all the speaker calibration settings it must be set for each of speaker outputs assuming bass management is in use Having lined up the six main speakers select LFG In LFG mode all speakers are initially muted and the six monitor cut buttons will light un c
42. AWS900 AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE SECTION 4 CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE OVERVIEW The AWS 900 is a powerful new combination of analogue console and workstation controller from Solid State Logic It draws on many years of design experience and incorporates many features from 555 world famous music consoles The AWS 900 uses SuperAnalogue technology from 5515 flagship music console the XL 9000 K Series The AWS 900 retains all of its sonic benefits and maintains a control surface that will be familiar to any recording engineer who has previously used our 4000 or 9000 range of analogue audio consoles The rise of the DAW Digital Audio Workstation has brought many benefits to the audio production environment including electronic editing integrated digital effects processing and session storage and recall However the same problems of integration that have always existed still exist within the studio environment today A studio requires either 5 1 or stereo monitoring in order to accurately monitor audio signals The DAW will have no faders or tactile controls with which to operate its myriad of functions so a comprehensive control surface is required High quality microphone pre amplifiers will be needed to capture real sounds with the highest possible signal integrity for high bandwidth DAW recorders operating at 192kHz Equalisation and dynamics are required in the analogue domain by many users who
43. Alternatively select a channel by double clicking on one of the insert points in the Mix window Note that on some versions of Pro Tools this is the only way to change between blocks of channels 1 8 9 16 17 24 Note Bank switching channels leaves the Plug in Editor with the channel assigned to it The channel EDIT tally will show this AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL PLUG IN EDITOR TIMECODE BARS amp BEATS SAMPLES DISPLAY The on screen time readout can be assigned to display either SMPTE EBU Feet Frames Bars Beats or samples This display will follow the setting selection made within your DAW Please refer to your DAW manual for further details DAW STATUS DISPLAY To the left of the timecode display is the DAW status display This shows the following flags Solo DAW has a Solo active Loop DAW has Loop enabled QPunch DAW has QuickPunch selected Pre DAW transport has pre roll enabled Post DAW transport has post roll enabled Solo DAW has a Solo active Audition DAW is in Audition mode This is displayed in place of the Pre and Post flags PLUG IN DISPLAY MODES There are three display modes Insert Parameter and Assign which are selected with the ASSIGN and INSERT PARAM buttons below the D Pots VIEWING GURRENT INSERTS INSERT MODE Press the INSERT PARAM button till the INSERT PARAM box reads INSERT the plug in editor is in Insert mode In this mode the four D Pots represent four insert points on the select
44. AuMo available including Write Wrt Touch Tch Latch Ltch Trim Trim Read Read and Off Off Entries in parenthesis indicate the mode as shown in the channel scribble strip To change automation mode on a channel select an automation mode from the soft key menu and press the auto button on a channel fader Holding down OPTION then selecting an automation mode will change 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 soft key menu will set Trim mode on all channels You can confirm that a fader is in Trim by pressing and holding the fader s auto button its scribble strip will display a i in front of the normal automation mode indication Alternatively select the Auto softkey in the StGr Status Groups menu this will display automation modes in the scribble strips for all 24 DAW channels AUTOMATION STATUS DISPLAY Pressing and holding the auto button a channel fader will display the current automation mode for that channel in the channel scribble strip display To display the e ix automation mode for all 24 channels on the console select the Status Group S
45. C LINK POST 5010 CYCLE PUNCH SELECT On screen tallies are provided for the Marker Key together with a second tally for the MCU Rude Solo indicator MH AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL PLUG IN EDITOR THE AWS DIGITAL PERFORMER CONTROL SCREEN Two sets of menu keys are accessed via the 8x8 soft key matrix ops AUTO calls up the six Automation modes LI READ TOUCH TRIMT OWRT LATCH REC are the Record set up functions auto 1 CLICK COUNT THRU CLEAR AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL DM DAW GUIDE GONTROL SURFACE DIGITAL PERFORMER OVERLAY DISPLAY EIGHT CHANNEL MASTER CONTROL MACKIE MOTU P PAL UL TRACE GROUPS WINDCHWS ENTER ESL AH DeL P UMGROUP SUSPEND m iR RECORD TRANSPORT TE TF E M 4 LIPE MODIFIERS AUTOMATE TRIM Er ALIABLE OPTION COMMAND Tc TRIM LATCH Unico REDD Lama PU NL EH AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL TOTAL RECALL SECTION 6 TOTAL RECALL OVERVIEW The AWS 900 Total Recall package is a chargeable option for the AWS 900 console Consoles that have the option installed will display a TR logo in the top corner of the TFT screen Information on purchasing and installing Total Recall can be found later in thi
46. D RTZ Will write automation data from the start to the end of the track selection AUTOMATING SWITCHES EG GUTS As the console s CUT buttons have no touch sense automation will start being written when the button is first pressed In Touch mode it will return to the underlying mix pass as soon as the DAW timeline reaches the next switch change Thus pressing and holding a CUT button will write data for as long as the button is 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 control Your DAW may have a Touch Timeout period which provides a time limit that allows for a certain time to continue writing automation data after which the value of the parameter returns to the value of the underlying automation pass Alternatively to continue to write data until you stop select Write or Latch mode AUTOMATING PLUG INS Plug in parameters can be automated just like other D Pots and buttons The only difference is that some DAW applications require the controls to armed using the on screen menus within your DAW Choose the automation button in the plug in window and enable the plug in controls t
47. 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 AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CHANNEL FUNCTIONS The Keys above the Motion controls are assigned to related transport functions as on the HUI interface LEFT RIGHT PUNCH B The Cycle and Punch tallies are displayed in the status area of the TFT display THE AWS NUENDO CONTROL SCREEN LS EG Fkeys the eight functions keys These are also mapped to the numeric keypad which is not supported in Logic Control poof D D I 55 p ors p ro re Grps are the eight Fader Group keys LL d AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MCU CONTROL GUIDE MACKIE CONTROL SURFACE STEINBERG OVERLAY D EIGHT CHANNEL MASTER CONTROL 7 we NUENDO Cum oe F1 Fz Fa FS F FF Fa 1 2 3 d 4 UNDO RITE ins IAS TRU RAL NTS FEAT REVERT PROJECT MOTORS EXGHT PUNCH FREWICHIS AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MCU CONTROL GUIDE THE SONAR TEMPLATE The AWS emulates a Mackie Control MCU plus two Logic XT fader expanders The Control Surface set up menu is located in the Sonar Options Menu Control Surfaces Co
48. GUIDE THE AWS SONAR CONTROL SCREEN The 8x8 key matrix is used to access three Sonar MCU function groups DAN M Fkys the eight functions keys These defined in Sonar and also output Edit commands in conjunction with a Modifier key 1 Ie 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 8 AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MCU CONTROL GUIDE MACKIE CONTROL SURFACE SONAR OVERLAY DISPLAY EIGHT CHANNEL MASTER CONTROL 9 MACKIE S NAR NAME SMPTE VALUE BEATS 22 F3 PASTE FA DELETE FS SPACE F amp ALT F7 TAB DIALOG WINDOW NEWAUDIO FITTRACKS AT PROJECT OK ENTER CANCEL NEXT WIN CLOSE WIN MODIFIERS P dist 5 GROUP READ OFF SNAPSHOT MAIN OFFSET UNDO REDO w PUNCH JOG PARAM LOOP ON OFF HOME AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MOTION PANEL DIGITAL PERFORMER TEMPLATE The AWS emulates a Mackie Control Unit plus two Mackie Control Expanders The Control Surface set up menu is located in the Digital Performer Setup Menu Listen to control surfaces in background Driver Mackie Control Un
49. H AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MASTER GONTROL PANEL THE MASTER CONTROL PANEL The Master Control Panel includes a mixture of master functions and modifier keys for control of a DAW 9 T CHANNEL OUTPUT STATUS ASSIGN BYPASS OPTION SUSPEND CHANNEL AUTO o CHANNEL BANKING CONTROLS The AWS 900 console has 24 touch sensitive moving faders however if the DAW session has more faders than this the AWS 900 can bank its faders to control any number of virtual faders within the DAW To flip the 24 console faders to the next set of 24 DAW faders press the right bank button To flip back to the previous 24 faders press the left bank button Any number of virtual faders can be controlled from AWS 900 using the banking buttons To scroll the faders one at a time press the CHANNEL button located 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 window for the current
50. Mode 2 Omni On Mono 3 Yes Mode 3 Omni Off Poly Mode 4 Omni Off Mono 7 No AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART A blank page AWS 900 OWwNER S MANUAL APPENDICES TROUBLESHOOTING INTRODUCTION The following pages are not intended to teach you how to repair any fault on your AWS 900 console they are merely designed to guide you through the basic principles of locating and where possible working around faults until a replacement part can be obtained The AWS console has been designed with a very modular approach to hardware which ensures that maintenance is quick and simple The vast majority of components that make up the console are plug in cassettes that simply require the removal of three screws to enable their replacement LOCATING PROBLEMS You should always check external equipment first unless the fault is obviously within the console such as loss of signal when the EQ is switched in The AWS 900 spends the majority of its life in a stationary position whereas microphones their cables and effects devices etc are constantly on the move and hence are much more likely to incur damage Once you have established that the problem lies within the console you need to determine whether the problem is due to an operational error or hardware failure The most common and easiest to solve problems are operational errors and you should eliminate these first Refer to the relevant sectio
51. N AWS900 is too heavy for one person to lift If trim is removed during handling to prevent damage or to reduce the size sharp edges may be present on exposed metalwork AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS The following symbols may be used in this manual General hazard refer to user or service manual for details Electrical hazard INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS The AWS 900 is supplied with a 3 core AC power cord and must be connected to a 3 pin grounded supply If the available AC power supply includes a ground connection then AWS900 may simply be connected to the supply and is ready to operate The power cord should be protected by a fused plug fused spur or circuit breaker according to local practice 5A for 230V supplies 10A for 100 110V supplies If only a 2 pin supply is available AWS900 must be installed by a qualified electrician according to local regulations to ensure that the metal chassis is permanently earthed and must only be used with single phase supplies with the neutral conductor at earth potential category AWS900 must not be used with TT or IT category supplies CE CERTIFICATION Note that any cables supplied with SSL equipment may be fitted with ferrite rings at either end This is to comply with 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
52. NO 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 centre section AFL button is pressed Press this button to cancel any Solo AFL PFL function If either MINI A or MINI B are selected the left and right monitor busses are fed to the corresponding stereo mini loudspeaker output Control the level using the main monitor pot by selecting MINI in the MISC LEVEL group o When a Mini speaker output is selected the 5 2 DOWNMIX is automatically switched into the monitor circuit to deal with any 5 1 sources present The DIM button dims both main and mini loudspeaker outputs by a preset level Set this level by selecting DIM in the MISC LEVELS group and using the main monitor pot The DIM button is automatically activated when any of the following buttons are pressed LISTEN ALL F B A B EXT Oscillator to TRACK REC or MIX The CUT button cuts the monitor feeds to whichever set of monitors is selected CUT is activated automatically by the SLATE talkback button CUT and DIM can also be activated externally via the GPIO Talkback connector AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE MONITORING CONTINUED The six main monitor outputs can be muted individually with the L C R LS
53. PERATOR S GUIDE CONTINUED Channel Strip 4 8 Introduction 4 8 Channel Input Section 4 9 Filter 4 9 Equaliser 4 9 Insert Point 4 9 Direct Output 4 9 Cue Stereo Send 4 9 FX Sends 4 9 Channel Output 4 10 Upper Scribble Strip 4 10 D Pot Rotary Encoder 4 10 D Pot Cut and Solo 4 10 Select Button 4 10 Lower Scribble Strip 4 10 Channel Cut and Solo 4 10 Automation control 4 10 Moving Fader 4 10 DAW Status Indicators 4 11 Channel Meters 4 11 Overload Indicators 4 11 Track Bus Routing 4 11 Dynamics 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 Options 4 21 Bass Management 4 22 Monitor Level Calibration 4 23 Solo AFL PFL 4 24 Cue FX Send Master Controls 4 25 Foldback and Headphone Outputs 4 25 Stereo FX Returns 4 26 Misc Options 4 26 Communications 4 27 Oscillator 4 28 Centre Section Metering 4 29 AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL TABLE OF GONTENTS 5 DAW GONTROL GUIDE Introduction 5 1 DAW Controller Features Summary 5 1 Communication with your DAW 5 1 Console Focus Button 5 2 Overview 5 2 D Pots 5 2 Console Focus 5 2 Analogue Focus Mode 5 2 DAW Focus Mode 5 2 Digi
54. Pan Send __ parameters of any plug in The display is also used to show the position and status of the DAW and to provide access to a range of paged menus These are described on page 5 19 Rotary Encoders Push for SELECT M ME MEM M COMPARE BYPASS ASSIGN INSERTIPARAM The currently selected EDIT channel name is displayed Den iz aui E at the top of the screen Next are the plug in control om Soft Keys displays Just below this are the transport status displays and timecode display The bottom section is used for soft key menu selection PLUG IN EDITOR CONTROLS The controls for the display are located just below the screen 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 mode see below SELECTING A DAW GHANNEL FOR PLUG IN CONTROL Select EDIT mode on the Master Control Panel then use the channel SEL buttons to chose the channel you wish to edit The EDIT flag in the channel meter will light The DAW will highlight the selected channel and currently selected plug in Press ALT to display the plug in window
55. R S MANUAL DAW CONTROL GUIDE INPUT OUTPUT AND SEND ROUTING The channel D Pots can also be used to assign signals to inputs outputs and aux sends of your DAW mixer VIEWING INPUT OUTPUT AND SEND ROUTING The Input Output or Send routing for all DAW channels can be displayed on the channel scribble strip by holding down the INPUT OUTPUT or SEND button on the Master Control Panel The Master Send D Pot can be used to select which of the available sends you wish to display SETTING INPUT OUTPUT AND SEND ROUTING To make or change an Input Output or Send assignment 1 Select ASSIGN INPUT or OUTPUT or SEND on the Master Control Panel When using SEND select which send you wish to change from the available send slots using the Master Send D Pot 2 The D Pot scribble strip will now read ASGN and the fader scribble strip will indicate the current routing for the DAW channel 3 Turn a channel D Pot to scroll through a list of available DAW inputs or outputs names are derived from the DAW I O settings not the AWS 900 The list will appear in the channel scribble strip The green LED below the D Pot will flash 4 Push the D Pot knob to select the current assignment the green LED will become solid and a gt symbol will appear in front of the assigned signal for example gt Out3 4 5 Press the ASSIGN button once more to exit assign mode This will also commit any changes made that have not been confirmed by pressing
56. S top of the scale see below for alternative scale options 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 MONTOR 22dB Selects a 22dB scale for all meters The default scale is 24dBu for OdBFS 20dB Selects a 20dB scale 18dB Selects a 18dB scale PK Switches the meters to peak reading mode peak readings are held for seconds HLD Select this to hold the peak readings indefinitely CLR Press this to clear the currently held peak readings AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL DE CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE DAW CONTROL Most of the 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 AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL DAW CONTROL GUIDE SECTION 5 DAW CONTROL GUIDE INTRODUCTION When connected to a Digital Audio Workstation which supports the HUI control protocol the AWS 900 becomes a powerful digital work surface controller giving direct access to the most important controls within the DAW The console faders can be used to control the workstation faders and sends the 24 channel D Pots can be used to control pans sends and I O funct
57. T is now a dedicated function equivalent to the MCU EDIT GLOBAL function located in the FADER BANKS section The display above the encoder will show the two character plus decimal point Assignment window from the MCU CHANNEL 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 LOOP SELECT PUNCH KEYPAD JOG LOOP PARAM ON OFF Tallies are shown in the status area of the TFT display for Loop ON OFF Jog Parameter together with tallies for Marker Loop Select and Punch As the later functions intercancel they share the same on screen area Keypad is not a direct MCU function It will enable the Numerical keypad 0 9 keys plus and ENTER and CLR keys for data entry When operated it send the codes that correspond to M1 ON EDIT ON EDIT OFF M1 OFF and then enables the numeric key pad keys to send the MIDI codes that correspond to the 1 to 8 keys on the Sonar overlay and the 4 TRACKS keys ENTER mimics the main ENTER Key and CLR the CANCEL Key A second operation of the KEYPAD key inhibits the Numeric key pad outputting MIDI codes and should send an EDIT ON EDIT OFF command to cancel the mode AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MCU CONTROL
58. ack operations have taken place M ix Review M i Running Global Rollback Point 1 l ROLLBACK ROLLBACK l 1 l 1 Point2 Pointl Pass 1 AllChannels in Absolute e Pass 2 Channels 1 5 l Absolute 1 1 Pass 3 Channels 7 8 in l Absolute To return all faders 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 made since the start of the Rollback pass and forces all channels in Absolute back to Replay The Discard label is only shown when there is Mix data to discard AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL AWSOMATION UPDATING A MIx PASS To update a Mix Pass select the desired Mix Pass from the list on the List Mix menu by turning the left D Pot and press the D Pot switch Updating Mix Pass will be displayed and the selected mix will now be the reference mix SELECTING PROTECTION There are 3 different protection modes when automation data has been written Auto Safe and Manual Auto If moves need to be rewritten from scratch then the faders can be dropped into write by pressing the auto switch simil
59. ackie 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 menu as two extenders plus a main Mackie Control unit For the majority of DAWs the set up layout should follow the actual console surface layout with the extenders as channel 1 16 and a Mackie Control unit as channels 17 24 This ensures that any DAW master menus or messages that are shown on the channel displays are located as close to the console centre section as possible Plug Ins and Instruments will have their parameters assigned left justified on to the AWS channel D Pots The console Master section DAW control keys map to the workstation functions according to the active control template This is selected from the DAW menu in the SSL Option Menu TII ET Initially four dedicated DAW templates are supported Logic Nuendo also used for Cubase Sonar and Digital Performer The Logic template can also be used as a generic interface for Live Final Cut Pro and other software that supports the standard Mackie Control surface function key grouping The AWS 900 includes the additional key caps to support the four function templates Existing 900 users will need to order the key cap set from their local SSL distributor AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MCU CONTROL GUIDE The majority of DAW functions are controlled via ded
60. al 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 9 wide panel Finally each channel strip is fitted with a long throw 100mm moving fader shown later At your first introduction to the AWS 900 console you will immediately see that the channel strip controls are presented in a pleasingly familiar manner The following pages describe each control in detail with brief coverage of the routing possibilities See the start of this section for more on signal routing Note In the following descriptions the connectors referred to are on the rear of each channel module unless stated otherwise EE AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL GHANNEL STRIP CHANNEL INPUT SECTION This provides a balanced Line Input XLR connector with 20dB of gain the pot is indented at unity gain and a Super Analogue mic amp XLR connector with switchable 48V Phantom Power 20db PAD The INST button selects a 1 MQ high impedance input 6 35mm jack suitable for sources such as guitars for control via the MIC pot FLIP toggles the Mic Instrument red LED and Line inputs green LED Note that selecting INST will automatically force selection of the Mic Instrument Phase reverse 0 for the selected balanced input FILTER 18dB Octave high pass filter HPF The filter is out of circuit when the control is fully anticl
61. ality motorised faders provide conventional audio level control as well as controlling the recording and replay levels in your DAW CONSOLE FEATURE SUMMARY Integrated console signal acquisition signal processing studio monitoring bass management and DAW control Advanced DAW control through a high resolution integrated TFT screen Small elegant design with desk installation or freestanding options Innovative new large fader dual control of both DAW and console input path with follow fader metering AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL INTRODUCTION EXCEPTIONAL SIGNAL PROCESSING Legendary SSL sound quality SuperAnalogue technology derived from SSLs flagship XL 9000 Series console DC Coupled for excellent low frequency response Balanced signal paths throughout for optimal dynamic range Greater bandwidth than 192kHz recorders 24 Ultra low noise dual impedance mic amps 24 channels with twin curve SSL E and G Series 4 band parametric equalisation Assignable dynamics sections with gate expander and compressor limiter G Series stereo mix buss compressor Flexible processing order CREATIVE VERSATILITY Dual mix bus design for comprehensive control of Inputs and DAW mixing and monitoring 5 1 stereo or stereo down mix main outputs 8 Track busses Two main busses Record and Mix 8 aux busses plus EFX re assign system on all 24 channel modules Wide range of solo modes including Solo
62. alogue controls Bo AWS 900 This is SSL A flexible assignment routing system quickly enables inserting one of the console s assignable dynamics modules to the analogue signal path and allows the user to modify the signal process ordering of the dynamics processing Channel Input Section The Channel Input section features a balanced Line Input with 20dB of gain and a SuperAnalogue Mic amp with continuous mic gain control 15 to 75dB and switchable 48V Phantom power A 20dB PAD and a discrete Instrument input allow for high impedance sources such as guitars The Flip control overrides the Master Mic Line input selection assigned via the console centre section EQ Section Lifted from the legendary XL 9000 K Series console AWS 900 features a flexible EQ section switchable between default E Series operation to the G Series curves and control interaction The INS In switch routes the channel via the balanced Insert Send and Return PRE places the Insert before the EQ section In conjunction with the dynamics CHIP and CHOP routing keys the order of the EQ INSERT and dynamics blocks can be re ordered to a wide variety of configurations HPF 18dB Octave high pass filter with detented bypass position G EQ Toggles the shelving and parametric sections from the default E Series operation to the G Series curves and control interaction LMF Low frequency parametric mid band EQ HF High frequency shelv
63. also display other information such as Automation status Grouping information Monitor information see page 5 20 Input Output routing Send routing Send Pre Post information see page 5 11 fader level display see page 5 6 and Pan position see page 5 9 The D Pot scribble strip displays the DAW channel name or analogue fader number in CHANNEL mode or the selected function Pan ASGN etc in other modes AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL EM DAW GUIDE 3 CHANNEL OUTPUT PRE POST STATUS ASSIGN BYPASS OPTION 977 DEFAULT SUSPEND CHANNEL AUTO CHANNEL SEL BUTTON TRACK ARMING EDIT SELECT The function of the channel SEL button depends on the mode selected on the centre section RDY EDIT and SEL keys on 5010 CUT the Master Control Panel RECORD READY MODE 15 If RDY is selected all 24 channel SEL buttons become Record Ready buttons Pressing a channel SEL button puts the DAW track into Record Ready provided that the DAW track has an input routed The REC tally above the meter flashes to show that the track is in ready READY ALL Track arming can be set or cleared across all channels by using the master RDY ALL button This button flashes if any DAW tracks are in Record Pr
64. ar to setting up for a new mix Otherwise faders can be dropped into write once the mix is running either by switching the fader touch sensor or the fader auto switch Safe Existing fader and cut automation data can be protected via the Safe option In Safe mode the channel automation is replayed but no automation data can be written to these channels Manual Existing automation data is protected and the fader and cut switch act directly on the channel audio No automation is written or played back UPDATE MODE The FSM key will toggle all faders between Absolute and Replay To select the different protection modes press the ASM switch and then press the fader auto switch on the desired channel to switch between modes To globally select the mode press the ASM switch then the FSM switch to switch between modes The modes are displayed in the scribble strips Execute ME rsu above the faders De 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 change from the null point Trim is useful for example when you have a com
65. 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 keyboard Shift key ALT increases the resolution of rotary controls and inverts switch selections when held down It is a direct equivalent of the Macintosh keyboard Option key CTRL disengages grouping when held down It is a direct equivalent of the Macintosh keyboard Ctrl key EN AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MASTER GONTROL PANEL THE DEFAULT BUTTON Q Faders pans and sends can be reset to their default values using the DEFAULT button RESETTING PANS Select the PAN button on the Master Control Panel and all 24 D Pots become pan controls Hold the DEFAULT button while pressing the D Pot on the channel you wish to reset Hold down OPTION and press DEFAULT to perform a reset across all pans RESETTING FADERS Hold the DEFAULT 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 press DEFAULT to perform a reset across all sends
66. buttons are provided to switch each device into circuit EQ IN INS ert IN ana dynamics In Two further buttons Dynamics 1 and 2 o are used to select on one or other of the 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 DYNAMICS INSERT PROCESS ORDER ADDITIONAL NON INSERT APPLICATIONS gt gt INS Pre fader send to recorder external mic pre direct to channel fader gt gt 8 e INS gt EQ gt DYN Channel mic pre to recorder external mic pre to channel processing v D m OP PRE DYN gt EQ gt INS Pre fader send to recorder external mic pre direct to channel fader DYN gt INS gt EQ gt INS gt DYN Biss INS EQ DYN Channel mic pre to recorder external mic pre to channel processing Note that the dynamics processors may be keyed from an external signal See page 4 18 for further details DH AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL SIGNAL PROCESSOR ROUTING This page is intentionally blank AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL DH CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE AMS S00 Analogue Workstation System 1 SOLID STATE LOGI OWRD ENGLAND NM
67. ch 5 13 Listen Switch 18 14 Red 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 Notes All inputs are active low ie connect to OV to activate Inputs are pulled up to 4V via a 3K9 resistor Inputs are diode clamped to OV and 4 to protect the console circuitry All tallies are open collector with 47R series resistor Red Light contacts rated at 125V AC 9 0 5A 30V DC 1A 110V DC maximum AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL APPENDICES MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART Function Transmitted Recognised Remarks Basic Channel Default Changed Channel 1 only Default Not Applicable Messages 7 3 90 00 00 active sensing only Note OFF After touch Keys Channels Meters Pitch Bend Control Change 00 07 Faders 0C EG LEDs Fixed specification 20 27 Servo Faders Fader resolution 08 0B Ctrl Pots Relays 00 07 MSB OD Jog wheel Clicker 20 27 LSB OF 2F Switches Tone 40 4C Pots Touch Off System Exclusive 22 System System Common Song Pos Song Sel Tune System Real time Clock F8 Commands MTC Local On Off Aux Messages All Notes Off Active Sensing System Reset A WY Mode 1 Omni On Poly
68. cs units is assigned to a channel The dynamics sections are inserted after the insert point Dynamics 1 handles the left bus Dynamics 2 the right bus select the LINK function for stereo tracking STEREO GOMPRESSOR The AWS 900 features a new version of 5515 legendary Series aka Quad compressor The compressor can be assigned to either the Record or Mix bus not both using the COMP button in the main bus select matrix see previous page Selecting the IN button to switch the compressor into circuit introduces no additional audio circuitry to the main outputs This is a high quality stereo compressor with straightforward controls The gain MAKE UP simply acts as a level control to 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 ET matrix The fader can control the level of both Record and Mix busses simultaneously but can only the level for one bus at a time The fader uses LI 1 a 36 bit Hi Resolution MDAC iS If required a further 10db of gain may be introduced by selecting the 10dB m QR function on the main bus select matrix When selected use the right
69. ctive AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL mH DAW GUIDE MOTION GONTROL PANEL AUD PRE IN out M post es e poe gt RTZ END 23 4 5 6 b dn mm 0 amp coo 0 0 Zoom SEL c PRE R 0 0 COM Com C 1 o gt STOP PLAY RECORD a Ni FBB BT TRANSPORT CONTROLS 6 e Dedicated transport controls are provided for direct control over your DAW ONLINE Puts the DAW on line for synchronisation LOOP Toggles Loop mode on off hold down CTRL for Loop Record mode Q PUNCH Toggles Quickpunch recording status on off for your DAW PRE Toggles the pre roll function for your DAW See next page for setting Pre roll time POST Toggles the post roll function for your DAW See next page for setting Post roll time The status of these functions is shown in the transport section of the TFT screen IN Captures the current DAW position as the Start edit time OUT Captures the urrent DAW position as the End edit time RTZ Return To Zero X Returns the playback cursor to the Session start time END Go To End Moves the playback cursor to the end of the Session REWIND Holding 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 sett
70. dB octave Right 80Hz lo pass filter rolls off at 12dB octave Right 80Hz lo pass filter rolls off at 24dB octave Centre 80Hz lo pass filter rolls off at 12dB octave Centre 80Hz lo pass filter rolls off at 24dB octave Left Surround 80Hz lo pass filter rolls off at 12dB octave Left Surround 80Hz lo pass filter rolls off at 24dB octave Right Surround 80Hz lo pass filter rolls off at 12dB octave Right Surround 80Hz lo pass filter rolls off at 24dB octave Bass management switches Hi Pass filters in to surround Surround Hi Pass filters disabled Use in conjunction with LK10 on 629653X2 card AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL APPENDICES ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATION TEMPERATURE Operating 5 to 30 Deg C Non operating 20 to 50 Deg C Max Gradient 15 Deg C Hour RELATIVE HUMIDITY Operating 20 to 80 Non operating 5 to 90 Max wet bulb 29 Deg C non condensing VIBRATION Operating lt 0 26 3 100 2 Non operating power off lt 0 46 3 100 2 SHOCK Operating lt 2G 10mSec Max Non operating lt 10G 10mSec Max ALTITUDE ABOVE SEA LEVEL Operating 0 to 3000m Non operating 0 to 12000m mE AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL APPENDIGES BLOCK DIAGRAMS Following this page you should find four 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 rep
71. de Re assemble the console and check the condition of the fault For the sake of the example we will assume that this did not resolve the problem The next step would then be to inspect the other end of the Multidrop Bus connection The diagram shows that the data ribbon connects to the CPUA socket on the 629640X1 Channel Backplane Power down the console and remove Channels 15 and 16 as instructed in Replacing Modules page A 10 Locate the CPUA connector and re seat then reassemble the desk and check the fault Again we will assume that in this instance this did not resolve the problem This leaves three possible causes The first is that the channel backplane has developed a fault The second is that one of the channel strips in Bay 2 has failed in such a way as to corrupt the data on the Multidrop Bus The third is that the CPU card has developed a fault with the hardware that processes Multidrop Bus 2 The first cause is highly unlikely 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 reach the last module and the fault still occurs don t forget to swap the remaining module with one of the
72. differentiation between hardware I O and internal DAW busses when using the console control surface In some DAW systems I O paths can be grouped In this case label stereo paths in pairs such as 1 2 and sub paths as 1 and 2 EN AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL EXAMPLE METHODS OF OPERATION EXAMPLE METHODS OF OPERATION The following paragraphs will guide you through example configurations for the main production methods of Recording and Mixing In practice these methods will cross over to a large degree however we shall work through simple versions of each of them in order to understand the processes involved when using a DAW and analogue console together Section 5 includes detailed descriptions of the DAW interface and its operation RECORDING USING EXTERNAL MONITOR RETURNS OVERVIEW For the following example we will use the 2 channel I O DAW configuration described above where all the console Record Bus Outputs feed DAW inputs 1 2 and DAW outputs 1 2 feed the External B monitor selector Input 3 labelled DAW in the Monitor Control Panel Any of the 24 channel modules are available for recording signals to the DAW while a stereo output from the DAW is used to monitor the DAW tracks The block diagram below shows this in simplified form RECORD FX AND GUIDE SOURCES INPUTS CHANNELS REC BUS MIX BUS MONITOR BUS DETAIL Record sources can be fed to the channel modules via
73. duce heat 9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or grounding type plug A polarised 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 If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet 10 Protect the power cord from being walked on or 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 fallen into the apparatus the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture does not operate normally or has been dropped 13 Adjustments or alterations to the equipment may affect the performance such that safety and or international compliance standards may no longer be met Any such adjustments must therefore only be carried out by fully trained personnel 14 This equipment is designed for use solely by engineers and competent operators skilled in the use of professional audio equipment WARNING To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture CAUTIO
74. dump or to load mix passes from previous sessions Press the List Mix key to show all mixes If the desk is turned off these settings will be lost AWSomation Mix Passes must be saved to a stand alone SysEx Librarian or DAW MIDI track for permanent storage New Mix Passes are numbered starting at 1 If a Mix Pass is deleted see below then its number will not be re used The only exception to this is if all Mix Passes are deleted The numbering will then restart from 1 CHANGING THE SELECTED MIX PASSES The left D Pot can be used to scroll 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 EH AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL AWSOMATION DELETING MIX PASSES Mix Passes can be deleted from memory by highlighting the Mix Pass you wish to delete holding down the Delete soft key and pressing the Confirm soft key SAVING MIX PASSES TO A OR PG All the stored Mix Passes can be saved as a System Exclusive SysEx dump to any software package that supports MIDI SysEx dumps In practice this includes most packages and you would normally save the AWSomation mixes to an additional track in your current DAW project so that your mix data is stored with the rest of the project To save AWSomation Mix Passes to Mac or PC do the following C
75. e 6 channel external meter output allow full interfacing with additional third party monitoring systems and surround encoder decoder combos A console as versatile as the AWS 900 requires an equally versatile and sophisticated solo system Channel Solos can be selected between Normal Latching destructive solo Stereo AFL mono PFL inter cancelling ALT mode Fleet and non latching solo switches The Solo in front option provides a mix of LR with the selected AFL signal The Solo in front control adjusts the relative levels of AFL and mix signals Bn L EH m E LI a D www solid state logic com DAW Workstation Control Panel The AWS 900 offers a powerful large format console feature set contained within a compact console design however the AWS goes further than any other analogue console to integrate seamlessly into a DAW based facility by incorporating hands on control of important recording routing mixing and editing functions in all major DAW applications including Pro Tools Logic Audio Nuendo Sonar and many others A high quality TFT displays DAW status and Plug In parameters plus additional console set up information Underneath this is the DAW Plug In Process controller four rotary encoders with integral push push switches and four assign keys Two additional keys are for page up down control The Plug In Editor is assigned via the channel SEL switche
76. e a conventional in line console the AWS 900 does not have a separate monitor path Instead the DAW mixer is used to create a monitor mix or mixes with levels controlled from the AWS 900 faders or rotary encoders It is even possible to use the fader to control the analogue input level and the rotary encoder to control the DAW monitor mix levels mimicking the operation of an in line design Following are a few possible connection schemes many others are possible DAW SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS The largest variable when dealing with DAW studio configurations is the amount of analogue I O Inputs Outputs or AD DA converters that will be used to interface the AWS 900 to your DAW Standard studio configurations will vary between 2 and 32 or even more I O systems How many channels you require will depend on how you intend to use the system The following guidelines are intended to help when designing your system Feel free to ignore them if they don t work for your application The DAW mix bus should be connected to an external input to the monitor system This will allow you to monitor the DAW mix and easily feed it to the foldback outputs External A is 5 1 External B is stereo If your main mix is 5 1 also connect a stereo output to the External B monitor selector so you can feed a stereo mix from your DAW to the console for headphone mixes f you do not have many DAW outputs then also connect these outputs to line inputs on the console
77. e are four bolts per leg Using four people the console may now be tipped forward onto its feet When the console is in position the feet can be slightly adjusted to compensate for an uneven floor Do not unscrew the feet by more than 15mm AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL 2 3 INSTALLATION AND SETUP AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL INSTALLATION AND SETUP REMOVING THE TRIM If it is necessary to remove the trim panels to adjoin existing furniture then please refer to the following information and the illustration shown on the facing page Note that it is not necessary to remove any of the audio modules to gain access to the trim fixing screws FRONT BUFFER The front buffer is secured by nine pan head screws five in the front beam 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 beneath the buffer TOP TRIM The top trim is clipped over the front of the meter panels and secured onto the back panels by four M3 screws AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL em
78. e key groupings and layouts which follow the original Mackie Control surface groupings to simplify moving from one DAW platform to another Q Channel D Pot Functions and Display options The Encoder switch flips D Pot Parameters on to the channel faders The encoder itself is not used in any of the Mackie Control templates CHANNEL has the same functions as in the HUI Mode and assigns either the Console or DAW channel level 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 located next to the FLIP key on a Mackie Control Unit Channel and Control surface banking identical to the HUI Mode 0 Project Menu Keys Similar style functions to HUI mode but template specific 5 Modifier keys Layout and Name template specific Q Dedicated Function s Template specific AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MCU CONTROL GUIDE THE LOGIC TEMPLATE The AWS emulates a Mackie Control plus two Mackie XT fader expanders The Logic Control Surface set up should be configured as shown below in the Logic Preferences menu AAA Setup Y Mackie Control Port Port 1 1 Mackie C
79. e 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 is active the routing source to the Track busses is the selected Cue FX level pot output unless the DIRECT PRE EFX button is pressed DYNAMICS ASSIGNMENT The Dynamics 1 and 2 buttons insert one of the two centre section compressor gate processors into the channel path These are non latching buttons that will only function if that processor is not currently assigned to another channel or stereo bus The dynamics sections normally receives a post EQ pre insert signal The IP and OP buttons place the dynamics section as the first or last element in the channel processing chain See page 4 11 for more details AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL DM CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE SIGNAL PROCESSOR ROUTING In keeping with SSL s legendary range of large format consoles the AWS 900 provides comprehensive signal processor routing facilities Each channel strip has access to up to three separate signal processing devices 4 band parametric equaliser and high pass filter Assignable dynamics section comprising a compressor limiter and expander gate Any device connected the channel insert point Three buttons IP OP 1 and PRE used to determine where each processor will be placed in the signal chain Three additional
80. e two methods described above a mix can be generated where some DAW outputs are pre mixed to stereo or 5 1 stems and returned to the AWS 900 via channel modules or External A monitor inputs Other DAW channels can be routed individually to AWS 900 channel modules The External Source inputs and console Track busses can be summed together via the Monitor Control Panel s External A source selector and output via the monitor insert send to an external recording device AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE CHANNEL STRIP INTRODUCTION The AWS 900 analogue channel strip has a single signal path However users who are familiar with 5515 range of in line consoles will soon realise that the channel strip faders can control channel signals as well as virtual faders on the workstation parallelling the large small fader configuration of an in line channel strip The channel features a switchable Mic Line input the channel output can be fed to the Record bus the Mix bus or any combination of eight Track busses In addition to the Cue Stereo send and four FX Sends a dedicated Direct Output is provided The channel has comprehensive routing for EQ and filter dynamics and insert send return points The channel strip is divided into four sections 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 Individu
81. ed channel The currently assigned plug ins are displayed above each D Pot The name of the currently active plug in will flash Additional insert points can be displayed using the paging buttons The four D Pot push switches can be used to select 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 slot which you wish to route to a plug in use the paging buttons if necessary then use the D Pot to scroll through a list of plug ins and I O slots The names that are displayed are derived from the DAW 3 To confirm the assignment either a Press the ASSIGN button a second time This will exit INSERT mode and switch the Plug In Editor to PARAMETER mode for editing of the last selected insert b Press the D Pot used to make the assignment This will confirm the assignment and leave you in Assign mode so you can make further assignments ASSIGNING THE SAME PLUG IN ALL CHANNELS Follow steps 1 and 2 above to select a plug in then hold down the OPTION button before pressing the D Pot switch to assign a plug in to all channels ASSIGNING THE SAME PLLIG IN SELECTED CHANNELS To assig
82. ed to interchange or transfer mix data between channels The required function is selected by pressing the CS key to toggle through modes Copy is displayed as a highlighted Cpy Swap as an Swp Select the function required then hold down the source channel auto switch then press the destination channel using its auto switch Whilst the auto switches are active sre and dest will be displayed in the scribble strips 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 AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL AWSOMATION SETUP MENU The Setup menu contains various options for the mix system To display the Setup menu end your Mix Pass deselect the List Mix Key and press the Setup key Scroll to the option to be edited and select using the left D Pot push switch Once the option is active the left D Pot will increment decrement a numerical value as it is turned or page through the various option states Press the D Pot push switch a second time to complete the setup operation Rollback Threshold frames 5 Latched Match and Play No Glide Frames Sets the ramp time in frames for Snap mode The range is from 0 no glide to 255 10 second glide Rollback Threshold frames Sets the number of consecuti
83. eed to achieve this effect take a keying signal from one channel to trigger the other The easiest way to do this is by patching from the insert send of the source channel into the key input of the appropriate dynamics section see below The KEY button enables a dynamics section to be controlled 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 OdB gain Following level control the bus outputs can be injected with tone oscillator TRACK switch and talkback talkback SLATE switch before being fed to a 25 way D type on the centre section connector panel An AFL function post tone and talkback inject is provided for each bus The AFL signal is intelligently assigned to left and right AFL busses Selecting AFL on a single Track output will route signal to both left and right AFL busses Selecting AFL on odd and even numbered Track outputs will route the odd numbered output to the left AFL bus and the even numbered output to the right AFL bus A set of LCD bargraph meters in the centre section are dedicated to metering the bus outputs AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MONITORING
84. elp distinguish explanatory text from the text referring to items on the console They are as follows Switch cap engravings on the console are usually in UPPERCASE eg SOLO Silk screened text on the console s control surface can be either UPPERCASE eg DYNAMICS or lowercase bold eg auto or Titlecase eg Talkback Mix Any text on the console s TFT screen is referred to in a Bold typeface Items of note or cautions are shown in a red italic typeface Whenever this manual mentions the selection or pressing of a button it is assumed that the button was not active ie not lit and that this action has made it active ie it has become lit Similarly whenever the manual mentions the deselection of a button or pressing it again it is assumed that it was active before the action and has become inactive due to this action CONTACTING SOLID STATE LOGIC If you cannot find the information you need on the pages of this manual please see the AWS 900 support pages at http www solid state logic com AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL INTRODUCTION SECTION 2 INTRODUCTION THE AWS 900 ANALOGUE WORKSTATION SYSTEM The AWS 900 is a revolutionary combination of a compact world class analogue mixing console and a comprehensive DAW controller Based on SSLs flagship XL 9000 K Series console the AWS 900 provides everything you need to record edit and mix professional projects just add the workstation of your ch
85. ently assigned DAW track the LEDs indicate automation write and read statuses see Section 5 for more details MOVING FADER 666660 100mm moving fader controls the analogue channel or assigned DAW track or send level The required function is selected via the Master Control Panel see Section 5 for details DH AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CHANNEL MODULE DAW STATUS INDICATORS Q Q REC indicates the Record Ready status of the currently assigned DAW track EDIT shows if the DAW channel associated with that channel strip is currently assigned to the plug in editor see Section 5 for more details CHANNEL METER Dual 12 segment peak meters indicate either analogue channel input post input trim or the DAW meter level on the left hand bargraph The bottom segment lights permanently when metering analogue signals to provide a clear indication of which signals are being displayed The meter source follows the Console Focus selection so in DAW focus the meters display DAW signals and in Analogue Focus Mode the Qo meters display analogue inputs Stereo DAW tracks use both bargraphs 5 1 channel tracks can be displayed across three meters by pressing OPTION SOLO to select the track OVERLOAD indicators give a clear indication of an overload condition even if you can t hear it The overload threshold is 24dBu for analogue signals and OdBFs for digital signals TRACK Bus ROUTING For routing channel and EFX signals to on
86. ertical zoom controls for the edit arrange window on your DAW Fixed edit arrange zoom settings can be saved or recalled from the AWS 900 numeric keypad To save a zoom setting press SHIFT numeric keypad number To 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 selection to the next track Holding SHIFT and using the up down arrow keys will allow the selection to be extended across multiple tracks Holding the left and right arrow keys simultaneously while scrubbing retains the selection duration while moving the selection start point Pressing OPTION Up Down arrow button removes the upper or lowermost track from the selection SCROLLING WITHIN A WINDOW To page scroll within a currently selected window ie Mix Mixer or Edit Arrange press ALT Left Right Up Down arrow button to scroll one page in either direction Holding down OPTION and ALT scrolls to the window boundary AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MOTION CONTROL PANEL SHUTTLE SCRUB WHEEL e A dual concentric Shuttle Scrub wheel is provided It has a spring loaded outer ring and a continuously variable inner wheel fo
87. ervice or where you purchased the product AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL This manual is divided into six main sections and is designed to provide a comprehensive source of information for both installers and users of the AWS 900 console The table of contents will help you to familiarise yourself with the basic content of each section If you are reading this from an electronic version of the manual use the bookmark feature to locate to any topic almost immediately Please read the opening pages of Section 3 before attempting to install the console particularly the warnings about lifting and positioning the console If you have not previously used an SSL console you are advised to read an introduction to the AWS 900 in Section 2 Those of you who have experience of 5515 legendary range of analogue consoles will have little difficulty getting to grips with the operation of this console Features that are specific to the AWS 900 are fully described in Section 4 To set up and configure the software interface between the AWS 900 and your chosen DAW please study Section 5 This section also covers those DAW functions that you can now 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 h
88. essing this switch while it is flashing will clear all track arming SEL p RECORD SAFE To put a DAW track into Record Safe so it cannot be put in to Ready hold down SOLO CUT ALT and press the channel SEL button Hold down ALT OPTION then 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 press on the SEL button will select the first plug in in that channel for editing Successive double presses will select the next plug in in that channel Selecting the BYPASS button on the Master Control Panel changes the channel SEL buttons to BYPASS buttons Pressing a channel SEL switch will bypass plug ins on that channel The channel EDIT flag will light to show that all plug ins are bypassed EN AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL GHANNEL FUNCTIONS SELECT MODE All 24 channel SEL buttons become track select buttons They perform the same function as clicking with the mouse on a channel in the DAW A double click on a SEL button will open the channel naming pop up for that channel Multiple channels can be selected by holding down the SHIFT button while selecting fur
89. f available edit modes used by your DAW system Within Pro tools you can select Shuffle Slip Spot and Grid modes 5 STATUS GROUP MENU The Status Group StGr menu contains several useful functions including Auto Shows the Automation status of all channel faders on the channel fader scribble strips Monitor Shows the monitor status of all 24 focused channels on the fader scribble strip The labelling is as follows Auto input mode Input mode only Auxiliary input channel MIDI channel Master Fader 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 being displayed eg for groups b c and Create To create a fader group for your DAW select SEL mode on the Master Control Panel then hold down the SHIFT button and press the SEL buttons on any channels you wish to group Finally press the CREATE button and a new group will be created Suspend Fader Mix groups can be suspended at any time by selecting SUSPEND they are now disengaged from their respective grouping arrangements Pressing SUSPEND a second time re enables the groups 5 20 AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL SOFT KEY DISPLAY 6 FUNCTION KEYS The F Keys Fkys menu gives acess to the DAW function keys The use of the function F keys
90. for the AWS 900 at http www solid state logic com music products aws900 tutorials php AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL Ex AWSUOMATION OPERATION ACCESSING AWSOMATION AWSomation is accessed using the soft keys on the Master Control Panel in the centre section Refer to page 5 22 for an explanation of the use of soft keys if you are not familiar with this section of the console Use the soft keys to select SSL then Auto to access the main AWSomation menu The soft keys will now show a range of AWSomation options List MIX MENU The List Mix menu is the main file menu for the AWSomation system The main window shows a list of stored Mix Passes To reach this menu press the List Mix key on the top row of soft keys Mix Status MIDI Timecode Mix Pass 1 Yellow cursor indicates the chosen Mix Pass gt gt indicates that the Mix Pass on the left is based on the Mix Pass on the right Shows function of the top four soft keys List Mix Save Load Delete Confirm Left hand D Pot scrolls auto fins dhe list Gt mix ED 07 0 Shows function of the passes To create a new lower sixteen soft keys mix select New Mix and press the same rotary control To create a mix based on a previous mix pass select the desired mix and press the D Pot Hold down Delete then press Confirm to delete Press Save Load to save Mix Passes as a SysEx MIDI
91. ftware In this state the AWS will be unable to re boot If this should happen the AWS CPU will default to a MIDI download state and you will have to repeat the download process 9 Once the software has been saved a message will appear SAVE COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY 10 Turn the desk off and on and check that the console boots correctly SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS PC users should ensure that they have the latest version of Java installed This can be downloaded from http www java com There is a link to this address on the AWS download page Mac OSX users will need to download the plumstoneserv jar file from the AWS download page Drag this file into the Library Java Extensions folder then restart the Macintosh before running the upgrade utility AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL 5 TOTAL RECALL EN AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL AWSOMATION SECTION 7 AWSOMATION OVERVIEW AWSomation is a fully featured automation package developed from SSL s renowned G and K Series Ultimation systems but with a feature set designed specifically for the AWS 900 AWSomation utilises the classic SSL look and feel familiar to thousands of engineers worldwide to add dynamic fader and cut automation to the console MTC MIDI Time Code serves as the mix timeline reference together with support for MMC MIDI Machine Control locate commands to follow non play speed positional changes from the DAW Use of System Exclusive MIDI data transfer a
92. ful 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 balance and width controls to the stereo AFL bus The rotary LEVEL control set the return level pre balance and width controls to the main mix busses Misc OPTIONS A number of useful options can be accessed via the MISC menu Press the MISC button above the display to produce the following options AFL MONTOR EXTI E OdB Sets all faders to OdB IND When selected pressing any fader Auto switch will set that fader to OdB MIC Sets all channels to mic input LNE Sets all channels to line input REC Routes all channels to the Record bus A second press un routes all channels from the Record bus MIX Routes all channels to the Mix bus A second press un routes all channels from the Mix bus AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS A group of communications buttons talkback etc are fitted on the motion control panel see below A built in talkback microphone and controls to set the level of TB to Foldback Talkback Out an external talkback feed Slate level talkback to Mix Record and Trac
93. hand a scale on the master fader an The automation status button and LEDs fitted next to the fader are not used at this time Following the injection of talkback and tone the main output busses feed XLRs on the centre section connector panel METERING The Record and Mix bus are each provided with a dedicated pair of VU meters above the centre section AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CENTRE SECTION DYNAMICS SECTION DYNAMICS Two assignable dynamics sections are provided Each section comprises a compressor limiter and a gate expander both of which use the same gain element The dynamics may be assigned singly or as a pair to any channel using the Dynamics 1 and 2 buttons on the channel meter panel Alternatively they may be assigned to the Record or Mix busses by means of the DYN function on the main bus select panel In this case Dynamics 1 is used for the left bus Dynamics 2 for the right bus The IN button switches the entire section in and out of circuit COMPRESSOR LIMITER SECTION RATIO When turned to 1 1 the compressor limiter section is inactive Turning the control clockwise increases the compression ratio giving a true limiter at the fully clockwise position The compressor normally has an over easy characteristic Pressing the PK button switches this to peak sensing and replaces the over easy characteristic with a hard knee THRESHOLD Whenever a signa
94. he SELECT soft key or the rotary 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 EN AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL TOTAL RECALL SAVING SETUPS A DR PC All the stored setups can be saved as a System Exclusive dump to any software package that supports MIDI SysEx dumps In practice this includes most packages and you would normally save the TR setups to an additional track in your current DAW project so that your setups are stored with the rest of the project To save TR setups to Mac or PC do the following Create an additional MIDI track in your DAW program Select its input and output to be AWS MIDI port 4 If available select the track to store System Exclusive data Record enable the MIDI track Press Play and Record on the AWS 900 motion control panel to put the MIDI track into record Press the Save soft key to start transmission 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
95. he mix status display increments Faders in write at a rollback point will automatically switch to write when the system plays through the rollback point JOIN AND REVISE At any time during Mix Review the Join key can be used to switch all channels originally in write at the last rollback point back to write at the levels or state they were at the rollback point This is useful for example when balancing a chorus level When you have achieved this balance you can rollback hit Join and the levels will punch at the balance set before rollback and all channels immediately return to write The Revise key has a similar action except that all channels in write at the Rollback point are returned to write at their current mix position This is useful if you have been automating a section but made a small mistake Just rollback prior to the mistake hit Revise and the channels will immediately go into write at the current fader level allowing you to overwrite the mistake JOIN FUNCTION Will jump to rollback level when REVISE FUNCTION Will stay at current mix level when Join is pressed and write new Revise is pressed and write new data data Start Press the Join Key Rollback Point Start Press the Revise Key Rollback Point Original Automation New Automation Multiple Rollback memories are supported so that successive operations of Join or Revise return different sets of faders back to the write state if multiple Rollb
96. hows a list of stored setups The setup which is being displayed has the word selected next to it selected shows which setup T is currently being displayed 2 Yellow cursor indicates TR5 the chosen setup Shows function of the top four soft keys Shows function of the lower sixteen soft keys SELECT STORE DELETE CONFIRM Left hand rotary control scrolls through the list of setups Press the SELECT key or the rotary control push push switch to chose which Setup is displayed Hold down DELETE then press CONFIRM to delete the highlighted setup Press STORE key to store a Display Select COPY key SAVE and new Setup keys selects Channel LOAD keys Copy mode permanently store or load setups to PC STORING SETUPS Setups can be stored at any time using the STORE soft key This saves the current desk setup to local memory If the desk is turned off these settings will be lost TR setups must be saved to a sequencer or DAW MIDI track for permanent storage New setups are numbered starting at 1 If a setup is deleted see below then its number will not be re used The only exception to this is if all setups are deleted The numbering will then restart from 1 CHANGING THE SELECTED SETUP The left hand rotary control can be used to scroll through the list of TR setups A yellow cursor indicates which setup is currently chosen to be modified Either t
97. icated AWS front panel switches with less reliance on the 8x8 soft key matrix located beneath the TFT screen than with the HUI protocol All Plug In editing is via the channel D Pots The four encoders together with the six switches below the centre section monitor screen are not used with the Mackie Control protocol On the channel fader strips the Auto key and associated status LEDs are also not implemented by the protocol All other controls the D Pot and associated encoder switch DAW channel Solo and Cut plus the Select and Ready functions are fully 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 tallies for these keys will be displayed on the TFT display in the area next to the DAW timeline counter The Jog Wheel together with the Scrub function key and the Cursor keys and Cursor mode switch are active in all templates The outer Jog Wheel is not supported neither is the numeric keypad However the 1 8 keys replicate F1 F8 Function keys in certain templates AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MASTER GONTROL PANEL DAW GONTROL FUNCTION KEY OVERVIEW As far as possible all function key templates us
98. ics etc area Now remove the four screws from the panel Lift this panel onto its side taking care not to damage the ribbon connecting it to the Motion Control panel Beneath the panel is the metalwork containing the LCD Screen Unscrew the 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 Returns Note The two Dynamics cards 629918X1 and X2 are electronically identical Three links LK1 LK2 and LK3 are fitted to Dynamics 1 to differentiate between the two modules For fault finding purposes the two Dynamics cards 629918X1 and X2 may be swapped with each other When exchanging the two modules ensure that only the module fitted in the Dynamics 1 slot has links LK1 LK2 and fitted AWS 900 OWwNER S MANUAL APPENDICES TROUBLESHOOTING CHART CHANNEL BAYS Problem Channel Meter Panels do not function correctly Solo and Cuts Panel in one bay does not function Raising the Channel Fader gives no increase in channel gain All channel strips in one bay do not function Are the ribbon connectors in the rear of the Meter Panels seated correctly S
99. iner resolution scroll In Velocity sensitive mode the speed of scrolling is dependent upon how quickly you turn the D Pot To toggle between the two modes press the F5 button in the Fkys menu Note that the channel D Pots only operate in Fixed mode AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL SOFT KEY DISPLAY SOFT KEY DISPLAY insert m FN 1 i t sent uuu 4 5 8 7 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 The Plug In Editor includes an 8x8 matrix of soft buttons which map to the 16 boxes at the bottom of the plug in display The top row buttons 1 8 allow selection of the labelled function Once pressed a sub menu 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 22 for more details AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL DAW GUIDE 3 EDIT TOOLS MENU Edit Tools EdTs displays a list of available tools used by your DAW system For example in Pro Tools you can select the Zoom Trim Select Grabber Smart Tool Scrub and Pencil tools 4 EDIT MODES MENU Edit Modes EdMo displays a list o
100. ing Video Clock Bederence 8 hemo Machine Type Enable Chase LTC Cancel ok AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL EH AW SOMATION Enable MIDI Machine Control and select the Port on the MIDI Interface that is connected to AWS Port 4 MIDI In Leave the ID as 127 this sends to all connected devices Setups Preferences Ray hone rad Enable these options Sl urs pice Lid inn es Fons d iunior rait Por arri Spend rise Briar pecho Ta ewes o MT C bark Uode Purch is Erga Fors Curt 178 Me Cee Mira dava Lech Pde Enable the two options circled above This ensures that the MMC locate messages are transmitted correctly from Pro Tools Finally Setup Preferences perge Enable these options Tienes lire owe riar P aliras g Gi mais Treat ET abus Ale vo MEET __ _ Trapas ache Mors B _ Tmipini sanata Cm cand BP Drim dr Ting Cou icr Loc nbn dr ire Erbrrrrar EIE arr irp ie
101. ing equalizer switchable to fixed parametric response via the Bell switch High frequency parametric mid band EQ section LF Low frequency shelving EQ Switchable to fixed Q parametric response via the Bell switch FX Sends Dual Mono post fader FX Sends are each switchable between a primary secondary or EFX bus to expand the number of possible sends from a channel module A Push Push switch activates or de activates the send The PRE EFX switch sources the channel from either the isolated pre fader signal or the active EFX send The EFX switch isolates the selected send from its bus and routes the output to either the Track Busses or the channel module s Direct Output if PRE EFX is active Console Dynamics Module The assignable channel dynamics section features 55175 standard 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 Centre Section Control The AWS 900 Centre Section offers an uncompromising approach to global console function management monitoring and DAW control The compact yet extremely flexible control area gives direct access to all the most important DAW functions and monitoring for both control room studio headphone foldback mixes and talkback functions Alternate key sets allows optimisation for a variety
102. ing to desk outputs PINK ON 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 calibrated position o When OSC ON is selected the rotary FREQ switch provides six preset frequencies The oscillator may be routed to the TRACK busses the MIX bus and the RECord bus individually or simultaneously The oscillator output is also available on an XLR on the centre section connector panel DEM AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CENTRE SECTION METERING CENTRE SECTION METERING MEL AWS 900 Analogue Workstation System ES _ _ 1 gt Fitted above the centre section are four VU meters dedicated to reading left and right outputs of Record and Mix busses Beneath these are three sets of eight LCD bargraphs These are dedicated to the metering of from left to right the L C R LS RS LFE monitor busses plus stereo metering of the Solo AFL PFL bus MONITOR the eight Track bus outputs TRACK BUSSES Stereo Cue A and B plus the four FX bus outputs CUE FX BUSSES The standard scale is 24dB for OdBF
103. ing with sends it is useful to be able to flip a send between pre and post fader If necessary select the PRE POST button Oo on the Master Control Panel Pushing a channel D Pot will now switch the selected send on that channel between pre and post The green LED below the D pot lights to show PRE is selected To change mode on all channels press and hold the OPT button then press any channel D Pot All channels will Switch to Pre or Post MUTING A SEND OUTPUT To mute a send output select the MUTE button the Master Control Panel and push the channel D Pot green LED below the channel D Pot will light to show the channel is muted SOLO CUT 19 SEL SOLO CUT To mute or un mute all channels press and hold the OPT button then press any channel D Pot All channels will mute or un mute FLIPPING SEND LEVELS THE FADERS To flip Send levels from the D Pots to the channel faders press the Master Send D Pot o9 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 PRE POST mode is automatically selected for the D Pot switches so pushing a D Pot will toggle the Send pre post selection on that channel The green LED below the D Pot lights to show PRE is selected The fader SOLO button will solo the channel not the send AWS 900 OWNE
104. ings c ommences playback from the current cursor position or the last locate point depending on DAW settings RECORD Engages DAW recording for currently armed tracks OTHER USEFUL TRANSPORT MODES Half speed Playback SHIFT PLAY Abort Current Record Pass SHIFT STOP Cycle through Record Modes Normal Quickpunch TrackPunch Loop CTRL RECORD Cycle through Machine Control Masters accessible via the transport window CTRL ONLINE Link or Unlink the Edit and Timelines SHIFT Back slash 6 AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL DAW CONTROL GUIDE sertins PRE AND POST ROLL Hold down ALT and press the PRE or POST button to highlight the left hand numeric field of the pre roll or post roll time window The time is displayed on the AWS 900 TFT screen in place of the DAW position The selected numeric field will flash Use the navigation left right arrow keys to select a different numeric field if required then enter a value on the numeric keypad or use the Up Down arrow keys to increase or decrease the selected field Press ENTER to confirm the time The CLR button on the numeric keypad can be use to clear the selected time START IN AND END DuT TIMES Hold down ALT and press the IN or OUT button to highlight the left hand numeric field of the start or end time window The time is displayed on the AWS 900 TFT screen in place of the DAW position The selected numeric field will flash Use the navigation left right arrow keys to
105. ions and the Master Control Panel and plug in controller provide easy access to a range of other parameters For an up to date list of compatible DAW applications please go to http www solid state logic com This section is largely based on Digidesign s Pro Tools package The functionality of other packages will depend on their implementation of the HUI protocol DAW GONTROLLER FEATURES SUMMARY Direct access to all major DAW mixing editing and automation parameters Direct control of plug in settings Integral colour TFT display with dedicated control keys High resolution rotary encoder D Pot in every channel provides control of DAW pans sends and I O routing High quality motorised faders to write replay level moves in your DAW Simple switching between console layer and DAW control layer Full remote control implementation Operation 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 configured and connected communication with the DAW will be initialised and the level of the AWS 900 channel faders rotary controls and master functions will be set to match the DAW control
106. it MIDI Expander xT AWS 900 Port 1 1 Expander xT AWS 900 Port 2 1 8 E Mackie Control 4 AWS 900 Port 3 1 mj Note Top to Bottom Left to Right Assign the AWS MIDI ports so that the console faders map correctly to the DAW tracks with the Mackie Control Unit as channels 17 24 AWS DIGITAL PERFORMER GONTROL KEY LAYOUT METERS Eg TRACK SAVE AMODE UNGRP CHANNEL PLUG IN UNDO REDO EN PRESET SHIFT CTRL SUSPND Push to Flip OPTION CMND ENTER ESCAPE 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 MCU CONTROL GUIDE Main changes compared to the HUI front panel are New Function grouping to assign parameters the Channel D Pots CHANNEL 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 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 EDIT EXT MEM PRE GRID SYN
107. k Bus meters show the same signal level If they do then the problem is on the 629951 card if not then the problem lies with the channel strip or the 629919 module Again for the sake of the example we will assume that the level on the Track Bus meters was different Halving the signal path again de assign Channel 24 from the Track 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 instructions below and re seat the module in its slot to ensure that a valid connection is made Once re seated test the signal path again If there is no change a replacement will be required CONTROL FAULTS Control faults will typically result in either the corruption of display information or the failure of encoders and switches The majority of the console s display and control functions are performed by the 629645X1 CPU which is located behind Bay 3 s Meter Panel The CPU uses two methods of control These are Multidrop Bus and Live Bus Both busses are bidirectional and carry control data such as switch presses to the CPU as well as display data such as LED illumination commands to the displays Multidrop Bus data i
108. k bus outputs and an incoming Listen mic are provided in the utilities section above the TFT screen see left Note that a gain control for the talkback mic preamp is provided on the connector panel adjacent to the external talkback output jack If required an external talkback mic may be connected to the console s talkback distribution circuitry via an XLR on the connector panel When using this facility turn the console mic preamp gain fully anticlockwise off if you no longer wish the inboard mic to contribute to the talkback system Note also that apart from the Slate function which cuts the monitors all the following functions dim the monitors 1 Slate interrupts the Record Mix and Track bus outputs with talkback TB to Foldback is added to the foldback outputs after the level and cut controls Individual talkback buttons are provided for each foldback output F B A and F B B see below Talkback Out controls 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 onto the Mini A loudspeaker feeds and dims the main loudspeakers The circuitry features SSLs legendary listen mic compressor
109. k on the AWS Software Update File You should see the SSL AWS Software Update window appear 4 Go to the In MIDI Port menu Select the MIDI IN port which is connected to MIDI port 1 on your AWS 900 from the drop down list In the example shown below this was port 1 on an 8 port interface If nothing appears in the list check that you have installed the files listed in the System Requirements section on the opposite page Port 1 MidilN 0 Midi IN port 0 Port 2 MidilN 1 Midi IN port 1 Port 3 MidilN 2 Midi IN port 2 Port 4 MidiIN 3 Midi IN port 3 Port 5 MidilN 4 Midi IN port 4 Port 6 MidilN 5 Midi IN port 5 Port 7 MidilN 6 Midi IN port 6 Port 8 MidilN 7 Midi IN port 7 5 Go to the Out MIDI Port menu Select the MIDI IN port which is connected to MIDI port 1 on your AWS 900 from the drop down list Select the MIDI OUT port which is connected to MIDI port 1 on your AWS 900 Port 3 MidiIN 2 Midi IN port 2 Port 4 MidilN 3 Midi IN port 3 Port 5 MidilN 4 Midi IN port 4 Port 6 MidilN 5 Midi IN port 5 Port 7 MidilN 6 Midi IN port 6 Port 8 MidiIN 7 Midi IN port 7 v Port 1 MidiOUT 0 Midi OUT port 0 Port 2 MidiOUT 1 Midi OUT port 1 Note that the Macintosh will show all MIDI Inputs at the top of the list MIDI Outputs at the bottom You must scroll to the middle of the list to see the MIDI out ports EN AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL TOTAL RECALL 6 Click on the Test butto
110. l exceeds the level set by this control the compressor will start to act at the ratio set by the RATIO control The THRESHOLD and RATIO controls also provides automatic make up gain so as you lower the threshold and introduce more compression the output level is increased maintaining a steady output level regardless of the amount of compression FST Normally the attack time is program dependent 3mS 30mS Press this button to select a fixed fast attack time 3mS for 20dB gain reduction RELEASE Sets the 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 1 Gate or as 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 obtained THRESHOLD Determines the level at which the gate opens or below which gain reduction begins EXP selected Adjustable from 10dBu to 20dBu Variable hysteresis is incorporated in the threshold circuitry to prevent spurious triggering of the gate when the signal is close to the threshold level This means that the signal has to decay roughly 2dB below the threshold level before the gate will start to close FST ATK Normally a controlled linear attack time of 1 5ms per 40dB is provided Press this button
111. l scribble strip when you adjust the control CHANNEL MODE e Select CHANNEL mode and the channel D Pots control the analogue gain of the channel strip The D Pot scribble strip will display the analogue fader number eg Fader 12 Switching to Analogue Focus mode will swap the analogue gain and the DAW gain between D Pot and channel fader Individual channels can be swapped by pressing the channel D Pot SEND MODE Select SEND mode on the Master Control Panel and the D Pots become level controls for any sends or aux send levels within the DAW The Master Send D Pot selects which of the available sends or 1 5 is being controlled by the channel D Pots The selected send is shown in the display window above the Master Send D Pot and on the channel D Pot scribble strip The channel D Pot scribble strips show the name of the currently selected send Turning a channel D Pot will alter the level of the selected send from that channel Holding down the ALT button allows you to make fine adjustments to the gain See page 5 10 for information on using faders to set Send levels AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL DAW GUIDE CHANNEL 9 OUTPUT STATUS ASSIGN OPTION CHANNEL SUSPEND AUTO SETTING SENDS PRE POST FADER When work
112. lacement AWS 900 OWwNER S MANUAL APPENDICES m AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL 71mm Solid State Logic Solid State Logic AWS 900 AWS 900 OWNER S OWNER S MANUAL am MANUAL 82S6AWS030A 82S6AWS030A Fonts Heading Logo Title Part No Optima bold 10pt AWS 900 Spine Logo tiff shrunk to 2996 and centred BankGothic Md BT normal in 18pt Arial MT normal in 8pt
113. lanced audio ff m s 1 3 Pin 1 Screen Ground oy 297 2 Hot ve 2 Pin 3 Cold Connectors Viewed From Wiring Side DIN 5 Pin 180 Plug Socket Dimensions 15mm dia Connectors Cable Dia 4mm 7mm typical d Viewed From d 2 4 Wiring Side Typically used for MIDI interconnection 9 D Type Multipin Connectors Viewed From Wiring Side P 25 way 131211109 87 6 54 3 2 1 0 O0 O0 O og P A Plug Dimensions 55 X 15mm approx 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 Cable Dia 8mm typical lt B oS P D d Socket 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 1 4 Jack Dimensions 15 x 90mm approx Cable Dia 4mm 8mm typical Pinout as used for balanced audio Sleeve Screen Ground Tip Hot ve Ring Cold Pinout as used for unbalanced audio Instrument Inputs only Sleeve Screen Ground Tip Hot ve Pinout as used for Foot Switch Inputs Sleeve Screen Ground Tip Control Input pull to ground to activate AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL APPENDICES AWS Z5 WAY D PINOUTS Connector 25 way D Female cct Hot Cold Screen EXT A Inputs 1 4 Ext B Inputs Meter Out 1 24 12 25 Left 1 Left Left 2 10 23 11 Right 1 Right Right 3 21 9 22 Centre 2 Left Centre 4 7 20 8 LFE 2 Right LFE 5 18 6 19 Left Surround 3 Left Left Surround 6 4 17 5
114. le and DAW controller Direct control of DAW recording editing and mixing functions Classic SSL EQ amp Dynamics with unique sonic character AWSomation motorised fader mix automation 5 1 stereo or stereo down mix main outputs Full monitoring system up to 5 1 surround Channel Module Input and Output Module The channel meters section features dual 12 segment meters to indicate the post fader channel input level or Mono Stereo DAW levels The meter source normally follows the large fader assignment The Mode Indicators here indicate which DAW channel is currently assigned to the Centre Section The pre or post channel fader signal can be routed to any of 8 Track Busses The default post fader option can be selected pre or post the stereo bus panpot If EFX is active the routing source is the selected CUE FX NH I i ma mops Digital Control For Analogue Souls controller the SSL AWS 900 provides everything you need Establishing a new category in modern console design AWS goo has become the choice of leading international artists a clean SuperAnalogue mic pre s the precision and unique character of our dual curve 4 band parametric analogue EQ motorised fader mix AWSomation TotalRecall of analogue console controls integration of analogue audio sources and Legendary SSL SuperAnalogue mic pres and audio path Unique TotalRecall system for recall of an
115. lication for AWS 900 control CONNECTION AND SETUP Physical connection between the AWS 900 console and your DAW system is very simple The console communicates with the DAW via the MIDI ports located on the rear of the console MIDI 1 MIDI 2 MIDI 3 MIDI 4 MIDI 5 MIDI 6 IN our N our IN our IN our IN our IN our C CMT AWS 900 YOO Midi Interface IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT MIDI ports should be connected 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 Note that ports 5 and 6 are currently not implemented and are reserved for future expansion Please note that the recommended maximum length of MIDI cables is 15 metres OTHER MIDI CONNECTIONS If your system is fitted with Total Recall you should also connect AWS 900 MIDI port 4 to an unused port on the DAW MIDI interface EN AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL INSTALLATION AND SETUP CONNECTING A PATCHBAY The AWS 900 may of course be fully or partially integrated to an external patchbay 3rd party options are available and SSL can provide patchbay solutions as cost options contact your local SSL dis
116. list with the top most unit corresponding to AWS channels 17 24 and the other units mapped to the remaining channels in descending order Device Setup ar 1 22 MICH MIDI Posts Windows MIDI Remate Devices Control 2 E Transpot Fin Device 1 S Pin Device 2 AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MCU CONTROL GUIDE AWS NUENDO CONTROL KEY LAYOUT EFFECTS gg INST CHANNEL t PLUG IN SEND Push to Flip SMPTE EDIT SEL BEATS 4 gt The majority of Nuendo or Cubase functions are controlled via dedicated keys with virtually no reliance on the 8x8 key matrix located beneath the screen Full details are available in the Mackie Control and Nuendo document available from the Nuendo download page http www steinberg de 439 0 Major changes compared to the HUI front panel are the new control set for assigning processing parameters to the D Pots Up and down page keys for D Pot parameters are located with the Shift key 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
117. llows mixes to be saved to a workstation or SysEx librarian retaining the integrity of the project data KEY FEATURES Frame accurate fader and cut automation data Moving and non moving fader modes Trim updates Fader links Mix Pass history AutoTakeover Variable glide times Fader safe mode Match and Play Cut automation updates Mixes and Fader Links are saved as SysEx MIDI data together with Total Recall 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 screen INSTALLATION An AWSomation activated version of the current AWS 900 software must be downloaded from the SSL website to a Mac or PC that is connected to the AWS 900 MIDI port Please see the documentation on the CD Rom supplied in the AWSomation package Quick GUIDE Quick KEY Trim page 7 7 Moff Motors Off page 7 8 TLock Trim Lock page 7 8 Snap page 7 9 AT AutoTakeover page 7 9 Match amp Play page 7 9 CS 5 page 7 10 For quick simple guides of how to use your AWSomation please visit the SSL website tutorials
118. lowing page for a drawing of the console footprint AIR GONDITIONING REQUIREMENTS It is unlikely that additional air conditioning will be required after installing the AWS 900 with its typical 450W dissipation It is possible however that when all the studio equipment is taken into consideration particularly if additional lighting is being installed the combined heat output could be sufficient to cause the temperature to rise to uncomfortable levels The appendix section contains environmental specifications for SSL equipment CABLE DUCTING Cable ducting may be required between the console and any outboard racks and the recording areas If a full remote patchbay is being provided then the ducting will need to be of sufficient size to allow at least twelve 24 circuit multicore cables to be accommodated SERVICE ACCESS Access to all electronic assemblies within the frame is from the front of the console Note however that each of the console s modules is retained by a screw through its rear panel Is necessary therefore to have access to the rear of the console POWER CONNECTIONS The console is fitted 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 t
119. ly selected plug in STATUS Opens or closes the Session Setup window TRANS Opens or closes the Transport window MEM Opens or closes the Memory Locations window MIX and EDIT Brings the window to the foreground The button lights to show the currently active window AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL EN DAW GUIDE 3 me CHANNEL OUTPUT PRE POST STATUS ASSIGN BYPASS OPTION 977 DEFAULT m SUSPEND CHANNEL AUTO Qua DAW Buttons This group of four buttons provide shortcuts to useful functions in the DAW SAVE will light when unsaved data is present Pressing it once will cause the SAVE button to flash A second press will Save the Pro Tools session Press ESC to cancel a pending Save The UNDO button will light if undo is available and flash if redo is available Press the UNDO button to Undo the last function and press ALT SHIFT UNDO to Redo the last function ENTER duplicates the function of the ENTER key on the computer keyboard ESC ape duplicates the function of the ESC key on the computer keyboard MODIFIER BUTTONS These buttons modify the other buttons Their function is detailed in the relevant sections of the manual OPTION typically changes the function of a single
120. mes earlier than the required starting point to allow the mix system to lock to the incoming timecode Press the Execute switch to continue Press FSM to toggle all channels from Absolute to Manual Mode OT 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 pressed This is useful because it allows you to locate before the start of the mix and recover your original levels i e reference mix Also if you are writing automation in a section that had no previous mix data when you drop out of write the faders go back to their original levels EN AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL AWSOMATION MIX RUNNING Press Play on the DAW to move forward and as soon as the Mix system has locked to the MIDI timecode MTC the Mix Status display will indicate Mix Running Simply move the faders and press the cut switches to write your mix automation and the fader moves and cut data will be recorded The DAW may be toggled freely between Stop and Play and if Fast Forward is used or the DAW is located forward the automation data will be extended to the new position and returned to play 24 Channel Faders Stereo Bus Master Faders Press End to save the P
121. mix buss compressor Flexible processing order Solid State Logic Creative Flexibility Dual mix bus design for comprehensive control of Input and DAW mixing and monitoring 5 1 Stereo or stereo down mix main outputs 8 Track busses Two main busses Record and Mix EFX re assign system on all 24 channel modules Wide range of solo modes including Solo in Front 4 stereo echo returns Unrivalled comprehensive studio monitoring section Hi visibility channel meters 4 main VU meters and complete busses metering in the centre section International HQ Begbroke Oxford England 5 1RU Tel 44 0 1865 842300 Email sales solid state logic com France 7 bis de la Victoire 93150 Le Blanc Mesnil France Tel 33 0 1 48 67 84 85 Email frsales solid state logic com Italy Via Timavo 34 20124 Milano Italy Tel 39 0392 328094 Email itasales solid state logic com New York 320 West 46th Street New York NY 10036 Tel 1 212 315 1111 Email nysales solid state logic com Los Angeles 5757 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 401 LA CA 90036 Tel 1 323 549 9090 Email lasales solid state logic com Japan 3 55 14 Sendagaya Shibuya Ku Tokyo 151 0051 Tel 81 0 3 5474 1144 Email jpsales solid state logic com 2008 by Solid State Logic Rights reserved under International and Pan American Copyright Conventions Solid State Logic and SSL are trademarks of Solid State Logic All other trademarks are the propert
122. n Manual glide that will switch off automation once past original automation level Start Point Original Automation Start position when the fader is first touched AUTOMATION Pressing a cut switch will toggle it s state and automatically start writing data It can be returned to replay either by rolling back or by selecting the soft Play key then pressing the cut switch The state of the channel Cut switch is stored 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 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 selecting the alternate function cancels the first one Match and Play are automatically deselected after each operation unless the Latching option is enabled in the Setup Menu AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL EN AW SOMATION CUT UNCUT CUT UNCUT If you have made a cut error position the DAW before the error resume play select Match and then press Cut to automatically drop into write without changing its current state When the cut has been over written select Play and then press Cut to resume playing original automation PLAY amp CUT _ Lj COPY AND SWAP CS Copy and Swap are us
123. n This will transmit a packet of data to the AWS which then in turn should return an acknowledge packet back to the computer If the test was successful the message Comms test passed now use send will be displayed If the test fails you should check that the correct Midi port has been selected and repeat the test Solid State Logic AWS900 Software Update Utility Version 1 1 6 SN 12 Comms test passed now use Send In Midi Port Port 1 MidilN 0 Midi IN port 0 H Out Midi Port Port 1 MidiOUT 0 Midi OUT port 0 HA Progress Test Send t Exit 7 Once you have established a valid connection click on the Send button The new code will now be transferred to memory on the AWS CPU card This process will take approximately 50 minutes due to the slow data transfer rate of MIDI and the error checking of each packet transmitted A progress bar and transfer counter will be displayed on screen to enable you to observe the transfer progress 8 Once the code been successfully transferred click on the Save button to store the new software This takes approximately 60 seconds A progress bar allows 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 so
124. n a plug in to selected channels select SEL mode on the Master Control Panel then choose the channels you wish to assign to by holding down SHIFT and pressing the channel SEL keys Follow steps 1 and 2 above to select a plug in then hold down OPTION SHIFT before pressing the D Pot switch to assign the plug in to the selected channels AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL DAW CONTROL GUIDE Plug In Display 5 m g imaat Mn DU Ee NEM ui Pan CLcass aum Rotary Encoders Push for SELECT 0 O COMPARE BYPASS Kr INSERT PARANM IC l Soft in m a P EDITING PLUG IN PARAMETERS PARAMETER MODE SELECTING A PLUG IN TO EDIT In Insert or Assign mode press the plug in D Pot for the insert you wish to edit or in Insert mode select Parameter mode by pressing the INSERT PARAM soft button To exit from Parameter mode press the PARAM soft key if you want to edit a different plug in or the ASSIGN soft key if you want to change assignment CHANGING PLUG IN PARAMETERS Once you have selected a channel and a plug in for editing the four D Pots and their switches control the on screen parameters derived from the DAW plug in The names of the currently selected controls and their values are shown above the on screen D Pots The PAGE UP and PAGE DOWN buttons can be u
125. n in this manual and ensure that you have followed the correct procedure If you 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 maintenance In most cases a fault can be located in minutes with little technical knowledge The key to correctly diagnosing a hardware fault is understanding the console s signal flow Block diagrams detailing analogue signal flow digital control bus structure and power wiring can be found at the end of this section Hardware faults can be defined as one of three types Audio Control or Power Power faults with the exception of a poorly seated connector or blown fuse are probably best left to your distributor If you wish to know more about the AWS 900 power supply you can download information from our website Fault finding Audio and Control problems however is well within the capability of all users AUDIO FAULTS Audio faults will most likely manifest themselves as partial or total signal loss or distortion of the audio signal Referring to the Channel and Centre section block diagrams you can see that there are many possible signal paths through the console L
126. ned to the AWS 900 via either an External Input or fed to individual channels on the desk for processing Using channels to return the stereo master output to the desk is desirable if you have many other MIDI keyboard parts samplers etc which need to be monitored alongside the DAW return signal The channel modules can feed either the Mix or Record bus both of which can for complete monitoring flexibility be summed together along with other External Source signals The power of the AWS 900 s comprehensive DAW control functions can also be used to handle various aspects of mixing and editing 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 on a one to one basis This means that the AWS 900 can be used as a traditional analogue mixer allowing analogue EQ and compression to be applied to individual DAW channels Up to 24 fully featured inputs can be accommodated in this fashion The channel outputs can then be summed entirely within the analogue domain and either recorded back into the DAW or mastered to a high quality external recorder THE HYBRID MIXING APPROACH Using a combination of th
127. nnected Surfaces Dut Port Mackie Control AMTS In 01 AMTS Out 01 Mackie Control XT AMTS In 02 AMTS Out 02 Mackie Control XT 2 AMTS In 03 AMTS Out 03 To set up the correct mapping of AWS faders to DAW channels select Mackie Control from the Tools menu to access the Properties page and the Configure 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 GONTROL KEY LAYOUT CHANNEL 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 AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MCU CONTROL GUIDE Main changes compared to the HUI front panel are New Function grouping to assign parameters the Channel D Pots CHANNEL 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 Two Flip modes are available Duplicate or Exchange selected via a single or double operation of the encoder switch As in the original HUI three key group that controls the function of the channel SEL key for the Sonar Template SEL and RDY control whether the SEL key sends the SEL and REC RDY MIDI codes EDI
128. nnel faders The four rotary encoders below the TFT screen Eight console wide mono busses that can be used as feeds to your DAW inputs as FX sends or pretty much anything else you can think of AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL LINK OPTIONS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATION There are a number of internal link options that may require adjustment Refer to page A 14 15 for information on accessing the relevant PCB 629653X1 2 S A GAIN amp MDAC CONTROL TB amp LISTEN Link Position LK6 Fitted LK1 A B C LK2 1 2 Left 2 3 Right LK3 A B LK4 5 1 2 Right 2 3 Left 629653X2 only LK10 1 2 2 3 Default Function OV to OVA Ext TB Mic input has 48V phantom power Ext TB Mic input has no phantom power Ext TB Mic has 1 5V phantom for electret microphones Ext TB Input balanced Ext TB Input pin 3 grounded for use with electret mic Listen Mic input has 48V phantom power Listen Mic input has no phantom power LFE 80Hz hi pass filter rolls off at 12dB octave LFE 80Hz hi pass filter rolls off at 24dB octave Surround feeds LFE when Bass Management is On Surround does not feed LFE Use in conjunction with LK12 on 629654X2 card 629654X1 2 S A MON OUTPUTS Link Position LK7 Fitted LK1 2 A B LK3 4 A B LK5 6 A B LK8 10 A B LK9 11 A B 629654X2 only LK12 Fitted Not fitted Default Function to Left 80Hz lo pass filter rolls off at 12dB octave Left 80Hz lo pass filter rolls off at 24
129. o be automated When automating a plug in parameter there is no touch sense information for the D Pot or push push switch so in Touch mode data will be written for as long as the control is being moved or pressed Using Write or Latch mode for automating plug ins will continue writing automation data until the DAW stops AUTOMATION INDICATION FOR PLUG IN PARAMETERS If a plug in parameter is enabled for automation the red LED below the on screen D Pot will flash When writing automation data the LED will light continuously Refer to your DAW manual for more information on all aspects of its automation system AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL DAW CONTROL GUIDE FINALLY We are always interested to learn how many users actually read our operational manuals If you are reading this we would like to hear from you If you are looking at a paper version of the manual write your name facility name and address in the space below and fax this page to 44 0 1865 852212 If you have any comments to make about the manual please fax them along 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 E AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MCU CONTROL GUIDE SECTION CONTROL MCU EMULATION The AWS 900 expands available DAW control options by emulating the Mackie Control MIDI protocol as an alternative to the e
130. o the EC standard GROUNDING A standard system should not require any additional grounding over and above that provided by a correctly installed mains supply The console s chassis is permanently bonded to mains earth Safety Warning The mains input ground wire MUST be connected to the supply earth THERMAL CONSIDERATIONS The maximum dissipation of an AWS 900 is less than 600W typically 450W The console is cooled by convection from the front inlet in the knee panels to the exit at the top of the rear panels It is very important that these ventilation grills are not obstructed in any way Particular care must be taken when considering the installation of studio furniture such as shelving across the rear of the console Sufficient space must be left for the free flow of air from the rear grills and also above the heatsink fins Clearance behind the console must not be less than 50mm and clearance above the console not less than 200mm Note The heatsink fins on the console rear panels can reach temperatures of approximately 30 degrees Celsius above ambient room temperature AWS 900 OWwNER S MANUAL 5m INSTALLATION AND SETUP 1458 248 298 1358 863 016 lo e n 169 92 1154 AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL INSTALLATION AND SETUP UNPACKING THE CONSOLE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION The weight of
131. ockwise When the filter is in circuit the normally red EQ IN LED lights green EQUALISER The G EQ button toggles all bands between the default E Series parameters to the curves and control interaction of G Series EQ The bands basically function as follows HF high frequency shelving equaliser switchable to fixed Q parametric BELL HMF high frequency parametric mid band equaliser LMF low frequency parametric mid band equaliser LF low frequency shelving equaliser switchable to fixed Q parametric BELL The EQ IN button located next to the insert buttons routes the channel signal through the EQ and filter section When in circuit the EQ IN LED lights red If the filter is also in circuit this LED changes to green INSERT POINT The INS IN button routes the channel signal via the balanced insert SEND and RTN jacks on the rear of the channel module The insert point defaults to post the equaliser PRE places the insert before the equaliser In conjunction 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 If an EFX send is active and PRE EFX is selected this is routed to
132. of holes for custom panels etc this may the adversely affect the CE certification status of the product GERTIFICATION This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual may cause harmful interference to radio communications Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense This product is intended to form an integrated component part of a professional audio recording mixing dubbing film TV radio broadcast or similar studio wherein it will perform to specification providing that it is installed according to professional practice AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION These servicing instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only To reduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any servicing unless you are qualified to do so Disconnect the power cord before removing panels or modules The power switch alone does not provide adequate isolation for se
133. ogical routing and monitoring of signals at different points will enable you to easily locate the faulty module ES AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL TROUBLESHOOTING To give an example of an audio fault examine the following problem By working through this example you will see the basic principles of fault finding at work You have Channel 24 routed to Track Busses 1 and 2 pre fader When monitoring the Track Busses you notice that the audio can only be heard on the left monitor output Your first step is to refer to the AWS 900 Centre Section block schematic From this you will see that the channel s output passes through five different modules before reaching the monitors We can halve the problem by checking the signal path halfway through the chain The monitor meters are fed from the output of the 629951 module Do the meters show the same level on left and right If the meters show the same level then the problem is post the 629951 card on either the 629952 629953 or 629954 card If the meters show different levels then the problem is either on the channel s output the 629919X1 card or the 629951 card For the sake of this example we will assume that the level shown on the meters was different Using the same principle we will try to eliminate modules from the signal path Again referring to the AWS block schematics you can see that the Track Bus metering is taken post the 629919X1 card s output but pre the 629951 module s input Do the Trac
134. oice Solid State Logic mixing systems are the de facto standard in audio production valued for their unrivalled audio quality and control ergonomics SSL was the first company to integrate automation and machine control into the mixing console and it pioneered surround mixing The AWS 900 delivers the same powerful integration benefits to DAW users who face similar challenges with an array of equipment Mic Amps Effects Controllers etc to produce professional results from a modern DAW DESIGN CONCEPTS The AWS 900 is the only console that provides the dual benefits of a fully featured SuperAnalogue signal path coupled with a comprehensive DAW controller The product is a result of extensive customer and market feedback 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 M SUPERANALOGUE AUDIO QUALITY The AWS 900 is a complete compact SSL console with all of the audio quality robustness and advanced ergonomics that this implies AWS 900 offers no compromise audio performance equivalent to 5515 celebrated XL 9000 K Series mixing console which is a feature of major studios the world over Signal routing inputs outputs monitoring and signal processing are all permanently available on the console Qu
135. on Advantages 5A 1 Implementation 5A 1 DAW Control Function Key Overview 5A 3 The Logic Template 5A 4 Logic Control Key Layout 5A 4 Transsport Function Key Layout 5A 5 AWS Logic Control Screen 5A 5 The Nuendo Cubase Template 7 Nuendo Control Key Layout 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 Mackie Control Surface Digital Performer Overlay 5A 18 6 TOTAL RECALL Overview 6 1 Installation 6 1 Operation 6 1 Accessing Total Recall 6 1 The SEL Menu 6 2 Storing Setups 6 2 Changing the Selected Setup 6 2 Deleting Setups 6 2 Saving Setups to a Mac or PC 6 3 Total Recall Display Pages 6 4 The Channel Display 6 4 Centre Section Displays 6 5 Software Download and Installation 6 6 AWS 900 OWwNER S MANUAL CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE 7 AWSOMATION Overview 7 1 Key Features 7 1 Installation 7 1 Quick Guide 7 1 Operation 7 2 Accessing AWSomation 7 2 List Mix Menu 7 3 Saving Mix Passes to a Mac or PC 7 3 Loading Mix Passes from a Mac or PC 7 3 Creating a Mix Pass 7 4 New Mix Setup 7 4 Mix Running 7 5 Join and Revise 7 6 Discard 7 6 Updating A Mix Pass 7 7 Automation Options 7 7 Trim 7 7 TLock 7 8 Motors Off 7 8 Snap Mode 7
136. ontroMackie Control Extender 2 tackie Control Port 1 Logic Contr el Mackie Cont 2 12 on 7 Special Parameters This layout ensures that when the channel V Pots are used to select master functions they will be located next to the AWS physical master section not at the far end of the console AWS LOGIC CONTROL KEY LAYOUT Major changes compared to the HUI front panel are Automation modes 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 label Plug Ins are controlled from the channel D Pots so there is no longer an EDIT select mode for the channel SEL key ES AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MASTER GONTROL PANEL AWS TRANSPORT FUNCTION KEY LAYOUT CYCLE DROP CLICK SOLO Only five of the ten keys above the Motion controls are assigned These have on screen tallies in the status area of the TFT display Full operational documentation for using Logic with Mackie Control and Extender units can be found in Logic Pro 7 1 Dedicate Control Surface Support Manual which can downloaded http www apple com support manuals logicpro THE AWS LOGIC CONTROL SCREEN w
137. ord bus if you select REC on the Monitor Control Panel In Play you will hear the input signal via the Record Bus and playback from the DAW track In Record you will hear the input signal via the Record Bus and via the DAW track To remove this double monitoring either turn off REC on the monitor source selector or cut the DAW channel to remove it from the DAW mix CREATING FOLDBACK MIXES Foldback mixes can be quickly created using the Foldback Mixer section in the AWS 900 centre section Select MIX and EXT B on the Mix 2 section and REC on the Mix 1 section then use the Mix 1 and Mix 2 level controls to create a foldback mix More complex mixes can be created using the CUE ST A bus in place of the Record bus Another independent 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 MULTIPLE TRACKS In situations that require more than a pair of tracks to be recorded simultaneously the eight track busses can be used to generate mixes or the channel direct outputs can be used to record single sources RECORDING WITH A SPLIT DESK Selecting CHANNEL on the Master Control Panel while in DAW Focus will allo
138. others to ensure it is not the cause of the problem If the fault still persists then the cause must be the CPU Once again through a simple process of elimination the cause of the fault has been located Unlike the Multidrop Bus which allows modules to be added and removed from the bus without effecting its integrity the Live Bus passes through one module to the next Therefore the removal of a Live Bus module may potentially disrupt other modules depending on its position in the data chain When fault finding Live Bus problems the same principles can be applied as the following example shows During a mix you suddenly notice that the channel meters in Bay 1 are all showing random patterns of illumination As always the first step is to refer to the AWS Control Block Schematic From the diagram you can see that Live Bus data from the CPU passes through Bay 2 and 3 s Channel Meter Panels before reaching the Meter Panel in Bay 1 As the channel meters in Bay 2 are functioning correctly you can rule out the CPU and Bay 3 s Meter Panel as potential causes of the problem This leaves three potential causes The first is that the data ribbon connection between the two panels is not seated correctly The second is that the input stage to Bay 1 s Meter Panel is faulty The third is that Bay 2 s Meter Panel has a faulty output stage AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL TROUBLESHOOTING To eliminate the first possibility power down the console and re seat
139. our for External A one for External B on the connector panel AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MONITOR DPTIONS MONITOR INSERT The External A selector ie all 5 1 sources output is automatically routed via a 5 1 insert point to which an encoder decoder system may be interfaced this insert may be switched in out of circuit using the Monitor Options INS key see page 4 21 The insert send and return appear on two 25 way D type connectors on the connector panel The insert point also has connections for the two channel output from the encoder and the input to the decoder These allow monitoring of the encoder output signals and provide automatic routing of the External B selector outputs to the decoder inputs for playing back encoded recordings through the decoder The logic for this is as follows With no sources selected on External B the encoder outputs are linked to the decoder inputs Selecting any source on External B will route the External B outputs to the decoder inputs Selecting EXT A and INS will monitor the insert return if no source is selected on External B you will hear the External A signals through the encoder and decoder If a source is selected then you will hear the decoded output of External B Selecting EXT B and INS and selecting a source on External B will monitor External B Selecting EXT B and INS with no source selected on External B will monitor the LtRt encoder outputs The LTR soft key lights
140. ower Factor 0 95 AWS 900 OWwNER S MANUAL ew APPENDICES SERVICE amp WARRANTY INFORMATION INTRODUCTION Service will be primarily by on site board exchange The AWS 900 contains a mix of analogue and digital boards All use SMT Surface Mount Technology extensively and it is not possible to carry out field repair to component level although electro mechanical parts such as pots and switches can be replaced by a suitably trained technician Replacing the entire console is unlikely to be an option due to the size of the console and the availability of a replacement Many of the assemblies in the AWS 900 are designed to be replaced by a technically aware person The quickest way to resolve a problem is for your local distributor to supply you with a replacement part for you to fit Troubleshooting see page A 6 lists those assemblies that may be changed by untrained staff and gives instructions on how to change these items WARRANTY All systems include 13 months on site warranty from date of shipment or 12 months from date of delivery to the end user whichever is the longer The warranty covers all parts and labour but does not include travel and accommodation expenses if an engineer has to travel more than 75 miles 120 kilometres to your facility Consumable items such 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
141. pdate allows a seamless or smooth return to the stored mix data When Join is used with faders in Trim at the Rollback point any Trim offset will be retained and written from the point that the Join key is operated Revise returns any fader in Trim at the Rollback point back to write but with a new null point to avoid a level jump TLock Trim Lock defeats the auto nulling feature of the standard Trim function and locks the null point to the position that the fader was in when Trim was first enabled in the current Mix Pass This enables a defined trim offset to be repeatedly punched in and out throughout the subsequent Mix Pass Deselecting TLock clears any stored nulled points AutoTakeover can be used when TLock is active however Snap and TLock are mutually exclusive selecting one deselects the other and vice versa TRIM IN SNAP MODE 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 exact and let go repeatedly returning to the previous level However it is difficult to have an identical increase in level each time when using Fader moved manually If we use TLock the reference TRIM WITH TLOCK value will be set and the fader will be moved to the correct raised level Every time you Status key pressed again 5 doe press the fader status key it will jump to that level and when pressed again it will return to Level is exact
142. place the channel strip Re seat as required 8 AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL TROUBLESHOOTING TROUBLESHOOTING CHART CENTRE SECTION Problem Motion Control Panel does not function Workstation Panel does not function Monitor Panel does not function GPIO port does not function Video Display does not function Centre Section meter does not function AWS 900 OWwNER S MANUAL Is the connector labelled IN on the Motion Control Panel seated correctly Is the connector labelled WSINOUT on the Workstation Panel seated correctly Is the connector labelled WSINOUT on the Motion Control Panel seated correctly Is the connector labelled MONINOUT on the Motion Control Panel seated correctly Is the connector labelled MONINOUT on the Monitor panel seated correctly Is the connector labelled PL2 on the Motion Control Panel seated correctly Is the connector labelled MONINOUT on the Motion Control Panel seated correctly Is the connector labelled MONINOUT on the Monitor Panel seated correctly Remove Workstation Panel Remove display panel Is the 30 pin ribbon connector seated correctly Is the connector labelled DVIDEO2 on the CPU card seated correctly Is the connector labelled IN on the Meter Panel seated correctly Is the connector labelled PL11 on the CPU seated correctly Solution If no re seat as If no re seat as re seat as re seat as re seat as re
143. plex automated vocal line which needs raising by 2dB Rather than trying to re write the complex moves simply rollback hit Trim and move the fader by 2dB Locate to the end of the vocal line that needs this level increase and press the End soft key to commit the trim to a Mix Pass The Trim mode is enabled by pressing the Trim key Once active faders can write in Trim at anytime except during the first pass of a new mix during Mix Running or in Mix Review Trim is indicated by the green status LED next to the fader When Trim is available at the start of the Mix the FSM key will toggle all faders between Replay and Trim Trim can be used with the fader motors On or Off If the motors are On the null point will be the fader position prior to selecting the trim auto switch or touching the fader If the motors are Off the fader can be positioned at a AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL AWSUOMATION suitable reference point on the scale before entering the Trim update status by pressing the fader switch AWSomation features 5515 auto nulling feature so that each time Trim is re enabled a new null point is set When writing a Trim move the dB trim value is displayed in the scribble strip above the fader New Automation Move the fader up or down to the new value and all the existing moves will be copied exactly at the new level Original Automation Both Autotakeover and Snap functions see below used in conjunction with a Trim u
144. purchased a Total Recall activation code from your distributor You will also need the serial number of your console which can be found on the silver label on the rear of the console adjacent to the mains connector Page 6 6 details the download and installation process Once Total Recall has been activated for a particular console all future downloads will automatically include the Total Recall software Activated software will run on any AWS 900 consoles but Total Recall will only be available on the console the software was originally downloaded for Total Recall data can be transferred to and from a PC or Mac using MIDI port 4 on the AWS 900 This must be connected to a spare MIDI port on your MIDI interface and added to your MIDI setup before you can save or load Total Recall OPERATION ACCESSING TOTAL RECALL Total Recall is accessed using the soft keys on 3 selected the Master Control Panel in the centre section TR3 Refer to page 5 22 for an explanation of the use of soft keys if you are not familiar with this section of the console TR5 Use the soft keys to select SSL then TR to 7 access the main Total Recall menu SELECT SELECT STORE DELETE CONFIRM The bottom row of soft keys will now show a Misc NE NE Chan Save ff Load AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL TOTAL RECALL SEL MENU The SEL menu is the main file menu for the Total Recall system The main window s
145. r make sure that you switch off or overpatch all monitor sends If you power down the console with any of these connected the DC thump generated could potentially damage your monitors IMPORTANT The console s AC Line Power unit is mains powered and is not transformer isolated This unit generates DC voltages up to 360V This voltage is sufficient to be lethal Always ensure that the power cord is physically removed from the power inlet before attempting any maintenance Removal of modules while power is applied to the console will almost certainly result in component failure AWS 900 OWwNER S MANUAL nM APPENDICES THE CHANNEL STRIP 629921X1 1 wL 2 zt 5 First remove the scribble strip three screws Now remove the Solos and Cuts Panel 629922X1 that fits across the bottom of each bay of eight channels remove the two countersunk screws then carefully lift the panel clear onto a piece of foam or bubble wrap Disconnect the ribbon and put the panel to one side Each 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 and the finger hole next to the bottom sc
146. r prp pope 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 wp op Ion OOo Fkys the eight functions keys as on the HUI interface These are also permanently mapped to the numeric keypad which is not supported in the Mackie Control protocol A Rude Solo tally is displayed in the on screen Status area This corresponds to the front panel LED on a MCU AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL MCU CONTROL GUIDE STANDARD MACKIE CONTROL FRONT PANEL LAYOUT ASSICINMEHT DISPLAY ENGHT CHANNEL MASTER CONTROL TE LEN MACKIECONTROL em gic TAR Ern HAMT ex 5 Fa re rr H Ti 4 tn Tu lat l CARLA DM ALEI ci ILI 14 LT n MODIFIERS ALIPCHAR UTILITES LJ Li i LI AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CHANNEL FUNCTIONS NUENDO GUBASE TEMPLATE As with the other templates the AWS emulates a Mackie Control Main unit plus two Mackie Control Extenders MIDI 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
147. r scrub and shuttle functions for the DAW The wheel can also be used to make and adjust selections on the DAW USING THE SHUTTLE WHEEL When the DAW is stopped turn the wheel to activate shuttle mode The outer rim will step through seven fixed shuttle speeds while the inner controller is continuously variable USING SCRUB MODE Select a region to scrub within your DAW Press the SCRUB button next to the wheel The inner wheel now becomes an analogue tape machine style scrub wheel for the DAW USING THE NUMERIC KEYPAD TO SHUTTLE Depending upon the configuration of your DAW system the numeric keypad can be used to control shuttle speed and direction Hold down the CTRL button followed by a number on the numeric keypad that represents the shuttle speed The buttons control the direction of shuttle EXIT FROM ScCRUB SHUTTLE MODE To exit from shuttle mode press either the STOP or ESC button NOTES ON SCRUB AND SHUTTLE MODES The position at which the scrub shuttle starts is derived 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 available Fader control solo and cut buttons Scrub Shut
148. reate an additional MIDI track in your DAW program Select its input and output to be AWS MIDI port 4 f available select the track to store System Exclusive data Record enable the MIDI track Press Play and Record on the AWS 900 motion control panel to put the MIDI track into record Press the Save soft key to start transmission of all saved AWSomation Mix Passes 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 Mix Pass 1 Mix Pass 2 gt gt 1 Will highlight yellow until Save is complete the same applies to Load key pop o Note The AWS 900 uses the same MIDI port for saving and loading mixes and receiving 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 e Large mixes can generate SysEx dumps of more than one minute which some DAWS are incapable of recording Please ensure your DAW can cope with large SysEx dumps LOADING MIX PASSES FROM A OR PG Restoring Mix Passes from a Mac or PC is even simpler Locate the DAW to just before the SysEx data containing the Mix Passes you wish to load Press the Save Load sof
149. ress Discard to current Mix abort the current Pass and Mix Pass return to the List Mix menu Revise returns faders and cuts that were in write when you rolled back to write at the current mix level Join returns faders and cuts that were in write when you rolled back to write at their levels at the rollback point At any time you can rewind the system and as soon as the DAW is located to an earlier time and valid MTC or locate position command is received the mix system enters Mix Review All faders will switch to Replay status all LEDs are off This operation is known as a rollback Indicates how many times you have rolled back Every time the Mix Review number will increase by 1 Mix Running Status displayed while writing new automation data Mix Review Status displayed when rolled back and playing previous automation data pop When the DAW returns to Play previously written automation data is replayed If faders are returned to write all faders in write 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 AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL EZE AWSUOMATION times as required to allow the mix to be built up fader by fader Each time a rollback takes place the rollback counter in t
150. rew pull the channel strip clear from its edge connectors AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL TROUBLESHOOTING THE CHANNEL FADER 629924 1 First remove of the fader knobs from faders in that bay Do this by simply pulling firmly on each 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 OWwNER S MANUAL APPENDICES THE CHANNEL METER PANEL 629923X1 First remove the top trim by unscrewing the five screws that secure 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 nn AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL TROUBLESHOOTING Four centre section cards are located beneath the large panel that contains the Talkback and Oscillator controls LCD display and DAW soft keys These are 629651X1 6 Track Select 629652X1 2 Track Select amp Monitor Inserts 629653X1 Gain and MDAC control Talkback and Listen 629654X1 Monitor Outputs To access these cards first remove the knob caps from the six rotary controls in the oscillator listen m
151. rvice access Do not permit anyone other than qualified service personnel to operate the equipment unless all panels and modules are in place CAUTION When working on AWS900 with power applied when cover panels or audio modules are removed HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS MAY EXIST These hazards include High voltages High energy stored in capacitors High currents available from DC power busses Hot component surfaces CAUTION AWS900 may contain a lithium battery CPU assembly 629645 There is a danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly fitted Replace only with the same or equivalent type CAUTION To reduce the risk of fire only replace internal fuses with identical type and rating INSTRUCTIONS 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 collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help to conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling please contact your local city office your household waste disposal s
152. s associated with the signal path controlled by the channel D Pot and the lower set 18 with the signal path under fader control Thus in Analogue Focus mode and with CHANNEL mode selected the lower set of buttons control the analogue path and the upper the DAW channels Changing to DAW Focus reverses this SEL 47 SOLO CUT When a DAW solo is active the cut buttons on the other channels flash Holding down OPTION and pressing a channel SOLO CUT button will select deselect that function across all channels If channels are already solo d then this will turn off all solo buttons making this a quick way to clear solos 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 edit enable button depending on the mode selected on the Master Control panel See page 5 8 for more details SCRIBBLE STRIP DISPLAYS When an AWS 900 channel fader is controlling DAW level the channel scribble strip will indicate a four character version of the DAW channel name When controlling the analogue channel it displays the number of the fader eg Fader 23 The scribble strip can
153. s provided you are DAW Focus mode If the AWS 900 console is not found your DAW will inform you that a controller is not present The AWS 900 display shows the status of the three MIDI connections in the top right hand corner of the screen A graphic represents the three channel bays and the centre section of the console Bays without MIDI communications are shown with a red cross through them Note that AWS 900 MIDI port 1 connects channels 1 8 and the centre section plug in editor MIDI ports 2 and 3 connect channels 9 16 and 17 24 respectively If MIDI communication fails on any bay recheck the DAW configuration MIDI connections and MIDI interface for correct operation When using your DAW without the AWS 900 you should remove the AWS 900 from the MIDI controllers section of your DAW please see the information specific to your DAW AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL EN DAW CONTROL GUIDE OVERVIEW Channel Meters Master Control Panel Plug in Editor PPPS TP PST SE TE Ee MN E NM NN NM a Channel Faders Solo and Cuts Panels Motion Control Panel The AWS 900 faders and Solos and Cuts panels can be switched between controlling the analogue audio signal path and the DAW using the Focus switch see below The Motion Control Panel Master Control Panel and Plug in Editor always control the DAW The illustration above shows the DAW controller elements in DAW Focus Mode The greyed
154. s chapter The system uses the inboard TFT screen to give a graphical display of current and stored control settings of all rotary controls faders and switches on the AWS 900 channel and centre section modules Controls that are in different positions from the stored values are highlighted in white faders and rotary controls or yellow switches To provide maximum clarity rotary controls are shown as horizontal sliders and switches as boxes Electronically latched switches such as routing EQ Insert Dynamics and Cut switches can be reset to match the stored setup by pressing the fader status switch twice 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 switch is selected the source channel settings are copied to the destination channel if not the source and destination channel settings are swapped See page 6 4 Up to 32 different TR setups can be stored in local memory on the AWS 900 An unlimited number can be saved as a System Exclusive dump to a sequencer MIDI librarian or workstation and loaded back to the AWS 900 by 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
155. s in conjunction with the EDIT switch Plug Ins can now also be controlled via the faders Dedicated DAW Control Panel The DAW control panel includes a Master Rotary encoder together with six function keys and a 2 digit display Users can assign DAW channel levels send levels and routing functions to the channel rotary encoder Channel and Send levels can be flipped on to the main channel fader from this panel Seld State Logic Oxford England 9 989 9 gt Five vertical buttons the Window Select Keys allow for quick access to the most commonly used DAW windows such as the edit arrange window or the DAW mixer window The four uppermost buttons duplicate commonly used keyboard functions on a standard computer keyboard including ESCAPE UNDO SAVE and ENTER The lower four buttons shadow the keyboard modifier keys In combination these buttons can remove the need for a keyboard and mouse for almost all tasks Motion Control Panel Two rows of 5 buttons include the frequently used shortcuts to AUDITION PRE IN OUT POST buttons The second row includes RTZ END LOOP Q PUNCH and DAW ON LINE buttons Controls are included for simple zooming navigation and selection of DAW objects Transport buttons allow easy access to the most common transport functions play record rewind fast forward and stop buttons Solid State Logic SOUND VISION AWS 900 Analogue Workstation System www solid s
156. s used to control all of the console s audio processing modules these are the 629921X1 Channel Strips 629651X1 6 Track Select 629652X1 2 Track Select 626653X1 Gain and MDAC Control 620654X1 Monitor Outputs 629918X1 2 Dynamics 629918X1 2 8 Track and Aux Bus and the 629928X1 Compressor All other panels are controlled by the Live Bus Referring to the AWS 900 Control Block Schematic you will see that four Multidrop busses one per bay are used The Multidrop data from the CPU is connected to each of the channel backplanes and the centre buscard using a 20 pin IDC ribbon connector The audio processing card then sit on this bus sending or receiving data as required AWS 900 OWwNER S MANUAL APPENDICES The following problem highlights a Multidrop Bus fault and explains how the fault might be located After powering on the console you notice that all of Bay 2 s channel strip LEDs are extinguished and the switches do not respond all other bays are working correctly Once again refer to the AWS 900 Control Block Schematic From the diagram you can see that Multidrop Bus data for Bay 2 is connected to socket PL2 on the 629645X1 CPU Power down the console and remove the channel meter from Bay 3 refer to Replacing Modules on page A 10 for details Located behind the channel meter is the CPU Remove the metal screen which surrounds the CPU and locate connector PL2 Remove and then reinsert the connector to ensure that a sound connection is ma
157. seat as re seat as re seat as re seat as re seat as re seat as re seat as required required required required required required required required required required required required APPENDICES GLOSSARY OF TERMS Analogue Focus Mode Bass Management Channel D Pot Console Focus Button DAW Focus Mode Master Control Panel Master Send D Pot Plug in Editor D Pots Track Busses Channel faders control the channel audio channel meters show analogue input levels Channel Rotary Encoders control DAW parameters A system designed to ensure that all the bass recorded on your DAW tracks is reproduced correctly on the monitor speakers Put simply bass content below the cutoff frequency of the main monitors is combined and fed to a subwoofer thereby effectively extending the response of the main outputs The rotary controls on the channel Solos and Cuts panels The button on the Master Control Panel that looks like this 2 It selects Analogue 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 The panel below the screen and soft key area The only knob on the Master Control panel used to cycle through available sends Also incorporates a push to flip function used to flip send levels from the rotary encoders to the cha
158. sed to access all the plug in controls Co uu eme uum um um unn HI RESOLUTION PARAMETER DISPLAY MODE Holding down the OPTION button while editing a plug in parameter will show a 9 character version of the parameter value at the top of the Plug In Editor display The ALT button can be used to open or close the plug inlpop up window at any time COMPARING YOUR CHANGES Pressing the COMPARE button allows you to compare 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 plug In to be toggled in out of the signal path in PARAM mode In INSERT mode individual plug ins can be bypassed by holding down the BYPASS button and pushing the D Pot that corresponds to the insert you want to bypass The channel SEL switch can be used to bypass all the plug ins on a channel see page 5 8 D POT SENSITIVITY The D Pots for the Plug in Editor can be set to one of two modes Fixed or Velocity sensitive In Fixed mode turning a knob will range through the whole list of available parameters This makes it very quick to search through long lists Holding down the ALT button will enable a f
159. stages required for downloading your new software 1 Register You will need to be registered with us to access the software activation and download pages 2 Activate software that is to be downloaded must be activated first Activation will require the following information a Your email address b Your console serial number which can be found on the silver label on the rear of the console adjacent to the mains connector and c Your Total Recall activation code purchased from your distributer 3 Download The download page will carry a link to your activated Total Recall software The software is packaged as a 1 1MB approximately Java archive file the format of which is compatible with both PC and Macintosh OSX only platforms Note that once Total Recall has been activated for a particular console all future downloads will automatically include the Total Recall 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 following steps detail this process 1 Ensure that AWS is booted and connected to the MIDI port on your DAW 2 Close all current applications on your DAW 3 Double clic
160. t key Press the Load soft key Play through the SysEx block of data As soon as the AWS 900 detects the start of valid data it will delete all the current Mix Passes and replace them with the stored ones from the MIDI track Because the Load process replaces your current Mix Passes with the ones stored on your Mac or PC you should check you have saved any Mix Passes you wish to keep before loading new ones AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL 7 AWSOMATION CREATING A MIX PASS To create a new automation mix press List Mix to enter the screen below use the left D Pot to highlight the New Mix entry then press the D Pot s switch to select the New Mix Setup page New Mix Pass Modes Absolute mode All automated moves are written at the current fader position Manual Mode Manual mode has no LED display and makes the fader operate as a monitor fader only i e no information will be written to memory em Papo pop NEW MIX SETUP All the channel faders will enter Absolute mode indicated by the red LED next to the fader Faders can be toggled between Absolute and Manual using the fader status key located next to the fader or globally using the FSM Fader Status Master key see below Current automation status is displayed in the scribble strip above the fader replacing the standard Fader label The Status line will show Mix Enabled The DAW should be positioned a few fra
161. tGr soft 2 B menu and press Auto D The automation LED indications are as follows No LED Automation off Green LED Read automation mode 70 Red Flashing LED DAW is ready to write automation in write touch or latch modes Red solid LED Writing automation data Red and Green LEDs Trim automation mode EH AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL AUTOMATION TOUCH OVERRIDE MODE When writing automation data in Touch mode as soon as the fader is released the fader will drop out of write Uniquely the AWS 900 allows this to be overridden by pressing the fader auto button This locks fader touch sense on so the fader continues to write automation even though it is not being touched Press the auto button again to drop out of write SUSPENDING AUTOMATION To suspend automation writing and playback for the entire project session press the SUSPEND SUSPEND AUTO button The button will flash red to indicate that the suspend function is active AUTO WRITING AUTOMATION WRITE TO START END OR ALL In some DAW applications you can write automation data to the start end or whole part of a track selection in any automation mode To perform these functions from the AWS 900 use the following CTRL RTZ Will write automation data from the current position to the start of the track selection CTRL END Will write automation data from the current position to the end of the track selection CTRL SHIFT EN
162. tal In Line Mode 5 2 The Master Control Panel 5 3 Channel Banking Controls 5 3 DAW Window Buttons 5 3 DAW Utility Buttons 5 4 The Default Button 5 5 Channel Functions 5 6 DAW Meters 5 6 Status Indicatora 5 6 Channel Fader 5 6 Channel Solo and Cut Tile 5 7 Channel D Pot 5 7 Solo and Cut Buttons 5 7 Channel Select Button 5 7 Scribble 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 Routing 5 11 Assigning Signals To Multiple Channels 5 11 Assigning a Channel to Multiple Outputs 5 11 Motion Control Panel 5 10 Transport Controls 5 10 Other Useful Transport Modes 5 12 IN OUT and PRE POST 5 11 Setting Pre and Post Roll 5 13 Setting Start and End Times 5 13 Audition 5 13 Footswitch Control 5 15 AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE 5 DAW CONTROL GUIDE CONTINUED ZOOM Navigation and Selection Modes 5 14 Navigation Edit Mode 5 14 Zoom Mode 5 14 Selection Mode 5 14 Scrolling Within a Window 5 14 Shuttle Scrub Wheel 5 15 Using the Shuttle Wheel 5 15 Using Scrub Mode 5 15 Using the Numeric Keypad to Shuttle 5 15 Exit from Scrub Shuttle Mode 5 15 Notes on
163. tate logic com The AWS 900 is a complete compact SSL console with all of the audio quality robustness and advanced ergonomics that this implies AWS 900 offers no compromise audio performance equivalent to 5515 celebrated XL 9000 K Series mixing console which is a feature of major studios the world over Signal routing inputs outputs monitoring and signal processing are all permanently available on the console Quality motorised faders provide conventional audio level control as well as controlling the recording and replay levels in your DAW Feature Summary Integrated console signal acquisition signal processing studio monitoring bass management and DAW control Advanced DAW control through a High Resolution integrated TFT screen Small elegant design frame with 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 bandwidth than 192kHz recorders 24 Ultra low noise dual impedance mic amps 24 channels with Twin curve SSL E and G Series 4 band parametric equalisation Assignable dynamics sections with gate expander and compressor limiter G Series stereo
164. the 16 pin IDC connector between the two panels Re power the console and check the condition of the fault As in previous examples we will assume that this did not resolve the problem The next possibility to eliminate is that one of the Meter Panels is faulty Power down the console and swap Meter Panels between Bays 1 and 2 Re power the console If the panel originally in Bay 1 was faulty then neither Bay 1 or 2 s metering will now function In this cause you should revert to the original configuration and replace the faulty panel If however the problem was due to the failure of Bay 2 s Meter Panel output stage then you should find that all your meters are now functioning correctly As Bay 1 is not required to buffer data onto another panel this fault will not effect the operation of the console and can be left in this position allowing you continue working unhindered REPLACING MODULES Having 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 modules can easily be removed from the console for replacement but first you must disconnect the console from its AC power source Before turning off the powe
165. 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 Q Press and hold the required RECORD MIX bus button Select the required facility the associated flag will light to confirm your selection To all intents and purposes the bus signal flows through these facilities from top to bottom The Record and Mix busses have balanced pre fade insert points Switching on INS switches the insert point into circuit with the insert return replacing the bus signal If is selected then the insert return is summed with the bus signal This opens up a number of creative options for example you can sum the output of another submixer or of your DAW with the console mix busses without using channels or you can process some signals via the Record bus then sum the Record bus outputs with the Mix bus for further processing This insert point for each bus is pre main fader and compressor see below The insert send and returns are connected via 6 35mm jacks on the centre section connector panel Send Return Left Right AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE DYNAMICS DYN The centre section dynamics may be inserted into the Record or Mix bus not both using the DYN button in the main bus select matrix see previous page If the indicator does not light check that neither of the dynami
166. ther SEL buttons or by holding down the first SEL button you pressed while you select more channels Note that this last method only works within blocks of channels corresponding to a single HUI interface Hold down OPTION and press any SEL button to select all channels Hold down ALT and press any SEL button to invert the state of all select buttons WORKING WITH THE GHANNEL D POTS The channel D Pots can control DAW channel pan Send Aux levels and pan routing assignment and analogue audio levels Each D Pot also has a switch which is activated by pushing down on the D Pot The channel D Pot function is selected on the Master Control Panel by the Master Send D Pot o and six associated buttons 1 scribble strip above the channel D Pots shows which function is currently selected A further two buttons PRE POST and MUTE O change the function of the D Pot push switches PAN MODE Q Select PAN mode and the channel D Pots become pan controls for the DAW The D Pot scribble strip 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 ALT displays a pan s numeric value on the channe
167. tle wheel functions Transport controls Enter button to create marker cue events Scrub Shuttle will also control serial machines if the DAW is 9 pin enabled NUMERIC KEYPAD The console s numeric keypad replicates the numeric keypad on your DAW keyboard The primary use for this keypad is for saving and recalling Memory Locates and entering data values please refer to your DAW manual for more details on keypad uses WORKING WITH MARKERS MEMORY LOCATIONS To Enter a Marker Cue point press ENTER To Recall a Marker Cue point press a number followed by the decimal point button Numeric Keypad in Classic mode or a decimal point followed by a number followed by the decimal point button Numeric Keypad in Transport mode Note The ENTER button on the keypad also works as a enter button for pop up windows duplicating the ENTER button on the Master Control Panel AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL DAW GUIDE 4 Display _____ PLUG IN EDITOR T 88 The AWS 900 comes with a powerful Plug in Editor as iioi a A E located in the console centre section From here plug ins and hardware inserts can be assigned and plug in e re parameters can be edited assion PLUG IN EDITOR DISPLAY 00 00 00 00 The Plug In Editor uses a high resolution TFT display Eats rer En four D pots and four soft buttons to control the Fade
168. to show this Note that LTR is selected by turning off all other 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 via the EXT B monitor selector PFM This routes the PFL signal to the Mini A loudspeakers In this mode the PFL level is controlled by the PFL level control only the Monitor and Mini level controls have no effect SRA Both sets of Main speaker outputs are capable of handling six channels If you are mixing in 5 1 and and the client turns up with an alternative set of front LCR speakers only the surround feeds may be locked to the Main A outputs by selecting the SRA Surround on A function This allows you to switch to the alternative LCR speakers connected to the Main B output and still maintain full surround monitoring A further option ALFE see page 4 21 enables the subwoofer output to be included in this arrangement LRA Similar to the SRA function except that the LCR monitor feeds are locked to the Main A outputs but an alternative set of surround speakers may be selected by switching to the Main B output This can be useful in rooms that work on both m
169. to the eight Track busses UPPER SCRIBBLE STRIP Displays the channel name the name of a DAW track selected send or I O data according to the function currently assigned on the Master Control Panel see Section 5 D PoT ROTARY ENCODER This control is used to adjust the currently assigned DAW parameter or the analogue channel level functions are assigned from the centre section see Section 5 D PoT AND SOLO CUT and SOLO buttons for the gain function assigned to the rotary encoder SOLO is only active when a channel fader DAW or console is the assigned function SELECTED CHANNEL FUNCTION The SEL button operates the DAW Selected Channel function This function can be assigned from the centre section to track arm a selected channel 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 AND SOLO CUT and SOLO buttons for the gain function assigned to the channel fader SOLO is not active if a function other than the channel level DAW or console is being controlled SCRIBBLE STRIP Traditional scribble strip use it for scribbling on AUTOMATION CONTROL Automation mode switch for the curr
170. 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 any virtual DAW fader including Channel Master Auxiliary MIDI tracks or Instrument tracks The calibration of the fader will depend upon the DAW please refer to your DAW manual for more details Pressing ALT will display the gain of the DAW fader on the fader scribble strip when you move the fader FADER GROUPING us 0 36 Channel faders will follow grouping enabled within your DAW Faders be 35 disengaged from a fader group simply by holding down the CTRL button or touching one fader in a group while adjusting another fader s level Relative fader levels are maintained upon release of the fader 40 50 EN AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CHANNEL FUNCTIONS CHANNEL SOLO AND GUT TILE CHANNEL Each channel has a continuous controller or D Pot This can be used to control 5010 CUT Send levels and Panning and to assign Input Output and Send routing See page 5 9 for more details The D Pot includes a push switch that is used depending on the centre section 15 mode to select sends to be pre or post fade to mute sends and to confirm I O selections See page 5 10 for more details SOLO AND CUT BUTTONS Two sets of Solo and cut buttons are provided on each channel The upper set i
171. tributor for further information An example patch layout for the centre section and channels is provided below MIC LINES USER OPTION 1 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24125 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 98 999090 9 99 MIC INPUTS USER OPTION 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24125 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 0009000000000 0000000099000 0900000000000 DAW OUTPUTS REC REC MIX MIX 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 INSERT OUT OUT 63 3 69 9 69 09 69 9 60 6 G3 G3 69 6909 09 C9 60 6 G3 69 69 69 6 9 09 08 9 9 9 9 09 69 CHANNEL LINE INPUTS RTN DIST STEREO RECORD IN FXIN FXIN FX IN 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20 22 23 2411 R L R L RIL R IL IR 2L R 3L 3R 41 4R 1 23 4 9 09 69 G9 69 69 MIX DISTRIBUTION OUT CUEA CUEB SENDS L RIL R 1 2 5099090000059858960699990999999000 CHANNEL INSERT SENDS TRACK BUS OUT STEREO REPLAY 10 11 12 13 14 9 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2411 2 3 4 IL IR 2L 2R 3L 3R 4L 4R IL 2L 2R 3L 3R 4L 4R 000009000099009099900000909999999999909 9099 CHANNEL INSERT RETURNS RECORDER IN EXT B IN ECHO RETURN IN 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 IR 2L 2R 3L 3R 4L 4R IL IR 2L 2R 3L 3R 4L 4R 99 0300006000 0999999669 09 6 9 69 6 6 6 6 6 amp DIRECT OUTPUTS 6 TRACK REPLAY 1 6 TRA CK REPLAY 3 6 TRACK REPLAY 4 9 10 11 12
172. usic using full bandwidth separate surround speakers and film using multiple lower powered surround speakers AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE BASS MANAGEMENT AFL E METERS MBC PA Selecting BASS produces further layer of bass management options see next page for options held under CAL AFL EXTA METERS 80H Inserts a 7th order 80Hz low pass filter into the LFE monitor bus to deal with listening to 5 1 material that has a full range unfiltered LFE channel BMN Turns on the Bass Management system This is designed to extend the low frequency response of the monitoring system and to simulate the 5 1 monitoring systems in TV and domestic environments It inserts 12dB per octave 80Hz high pass filters in L C LS RS monitor outputs and feeds a mono sum of these five outputs to an 80Hz 24dB per octave low pass filter which is summed with the LFE monitor bus Post this summing point the combined signals feed via a 10Hz subsonic high pass filter before reaching the subwoofer monitor output These are the default filter slopes Internal links see Appendix page A 17 for details allow them to be set to 12dB or 24dB per octave and to select whether or not the surround channels 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
173. ut the written permission of Solid State Logic Oxford England Initial release OA March 2006 Section 5A added June 2006 As research and development is a continual process Solid State Logic reserves the right to change the features and specifications described herein without notice or obligation E amp OE TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 IMPORTANT INFORMATION Important Safety Information 1 1 Graphical Symbols 1 2 Installation Instructions 1 2 CE Certification 1 2 FCC Certification 1 2 Servicing Instructions 1 3 WEEE Directive Information 1 3 About This Manual 1 4 Conventions Used 1 4 Contacting Solid State Logic 1 4 2 INTRODUCTION TO THE AWS 900 3 INSTALLATION AND SETUP Pre Installation Requirements 3 1 Console Control Surface 3 1 Air Conditioning Requirements 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 1 About this Section 4 1 Routing and Signal Flow 4 3 DAW System Configurations 4 3 DAW I O Labelling 4 4 Example Methods of Operation 4 5 Recording 4 5 Mixing 4 7 AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL EI CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE 4 CONSOLE O
174. ut the left output and with the bass management turned on note that the BMN selection in the BASS menu is duplicated in the CAL menu adjust the LFG gain for a flat low end response Cut the left output un cut the right output and check this has a flat low end response Repeat for all channels Depending on how well matched the monitors are you may have to adjust the LFG gain slightly Note that when LFG is on the LFE monitor output is always cut This does not mute the actual subwoofer output only the LFE signals feeding it This ensures that you are only measuring the contribution from the bass management system AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL CONSOLE OPERATOR S GUIDE SOLO AFL PFL The console s default Solo mode is a destructive solo in place soloing a channel cuts all other channels The alternative solo modes AFL PFL and Solo in front are selected via the soft key display in the Monitor Control Section Press the AFL PFL button above the display to produce the following options MONITOR EXTA EXTB OPTDNS METERS AFL Pressing a channel solo button routes the post pan signal via the stereo AFL bus and the AFL level control to the currently selected monitor speakers PFL Pressing a channel solo button routes a mono pre fade signal via the PFL bus and the PFL level control to the left and right Main monitor speakers Optionally PFL signals may be fed to the Mini loudspeakers see PFM on page 4 21 SIF
175. ve 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 amp Play Normally Match and Play are automatically deselected after a Cut switch is operated This option latches the Match or Play function until deselected manually AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL EM AWSUOMATION FADER LINKS Fader Links are a useful method of ganging channels without the complexity of a Master Slave style grouping system In a Fader Link operating any Fader Cut Solo or Status switch will apply the same action to all the channels in the Link Fader retain any level offsets provided no fader in the Link reaches the upper or lower extremes of the fader scale If any member of a link reaches the end of its physical travel all members of the link will not move beyond this point To access Fader Links press the Lnks soft key next to the Auto key gt NEW LINK FADER LINK 1 FADER LINK 2 E E z To set up new Link scroll to New Link and press the D Pot push switch This will create new entry in the list suffixed with a number This entry will be automatically highlighted and faders can be added or removed from the Link by pressing the fader auto switch Link numbers are shown in the scribble strip abo
176. ve the fader and the read fader status LEDS will indicate the faders in the currently selected 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 out correctly To edit the existing Links scroll to the Link Channels can be added or removed by pressing their auto switches SUSPDSEL SUSPDALL Links can be globally or individually suspended at anytime A link which is suspended will allow the user to move all faders independently If a Link is highlighted then the SuspdSel key will deactivate the selected Link and suspended will be shown next to the link number will suspend all links in the list Moff automatically activates the SuspdAIl function DELETE To delete a Link highlight the Link then use the Delete and Confirm keys AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL AWSUOMATION PRO TOOLS SETUP NOTES To set up timecode generation Windows Show Session Setup dE Foran 500 Sannin xi kc Er 24 hi Vic Ironing Time DO Clock Source SHC UO gt Rare
177. w you to control the input levels from the channel rotary encoders and the DAW mix from the channel faders Pushing the Channel Rotary Encoder will swap the encoder and fader which allows some faders to control input level and others to control the DAW monitor mix mimicking the operation of a split console RECORDING WITH A 5 1 MONITOR MIX If you wish to use a 5 1 monitor mix then the process of recording is much as described above the only differences being that you should simultaneously produce a stereo mix from the DAW for foldback purposes and connect this to External source selector B The MON source on the Foldback mixer section is fed by a 5 2 folddown of the main monitor busses so this could also be used instead but means you have less control over the mix going to the foldback outputs EN AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL EXAMPLE METHODS OF OPERATION MIXING There are three main methods of mix down available when using an AWS 900 and DAW combination mix down within the DAW mix down via the AWS 900 channel modules and a hybrid of the two previous methods The decision on which method to use will probably vary from session to session with factors including time sonic quality session size and many others The AWS 900 is by no means fixed to a specific way of working either MIX DOWN WITHIN THE DAW The first method effectively uses the DAW internal mix bus to sum the DAW channels together producing an output mix which can be retur
178. wap Meter Panels 1 and 3 Do the meters in Bays 2 and 3 now work Note Channel Meter information from the CPU is buffered through Bay 3 s Meter to Bay 2 and then on to Bay 1 Remove the Meter Panel in Bay 3 Remove the screening can fitted around the processor Check the ribbon connection in socket PL6 Is the ribbon connector on the rear of the panel seated correctly Check fuse FS1 4 on the 626630X1 Fader Buscard Swap the problem panel with a working panel from another bay Does the problem stay in the same bay Are the ribbon connections to the fader bus card in the bay displaying the fault seated correctly Swap the fader bus card in the faulty bay with a known working bus card from an alternate bay Does the problem stay in the same bay Swap the fader with one from an adjacent channel Does the problem follow the fader Swap the channel strip with an adjacent channel Does the problem follow the channel strip Refering to Control Overview diagram ensure that the Multidrop Bus connector between the Channel Backplane and the CPU is seated correctly Solution If no re seat as required If yes replace the Meter Panel in Bay 1 If no re seat as required If no re seat as required Replace as required replacement fuses are supplied with the console If not replace the Solo and Cuts Panel Re seat as required If no replace the fader bus card If yes replace the fader If yes re
179. www solid state logic com AWS 900 Analogue Workstation System a lt 2 Se 5 5 En Ra he LTE ARAL UL UE UO US UI FASS x ALI IS RII Digital control for analogue souls Solid State Logic AWS 900 This is SSL SOUND VISION Offering a unique combination of a compact world class analogue mixing console and a comprehensive DAW to record edit and mix professional audio producers and engineers It delivers all of the legendary benefits of a Solid State Logic analogue audio console ultr SSL Dynamics processing full 5 1 mixing and monitoring the facility to inject some depth into your digital audio by summing your mix on the finest quality analogue mix bus AWS 900 takes control of the modern Digital Audio Workstation driven studio The highly evolved hardware control surface enables the operator to manipulate both analogue audio paths within the console and the digital audio paths within the DAW from the heart of the console With dedicated DAW transport amp track navigation multi function encoders VCA fader mode routing control and built in TFT display for advanced plug in editing AWS 900 delivers streamlined hardware control over your entire studio environment Key Features Summary Combined SSL conso
180. xisting HUI protocol emulation The new AWS software includes dedicated front panel function key mappings for Logic Nuendo Sonar and Digital Performer The Mackie Control Protocol originates from the Mackie Control Universal MIDI controller and the companion eight fader extender unit The main control unit is functionally very similar to a HUI unit supporting 8 channel faders and associated controls a master fader transport controls and jog wheel cursor keys together with dedicated function key groups for workstation control Fader resolution is 10bit 1024 steps identical to the HUI implementation The Mackie Control Unit is supplied with overlay templates for different DAW packages which label the various function key groups specifically for each supported DAW In addition the default Logic grouping is supported by a number of workstations which do not have dedicated overlays These include Live Sequoia Final Cut Studio and Soundtrack Pro MACKIE CONTROL EMULATION ADVANTAGES Supported by a large number of Workstation manufacturers including Apple Sony and Steinberg Plug Ins and Virtual Instruments are controlled from the Channel D Pots and can be flipped onto the Faders a feature previously reserved for Pro Tools and Digidesign 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 M
181. y 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 permission of Solid State Logic Oxford England Solid State Logic has a policy of continual product enhancement and reserves the right to alter specifications without notice E amp OE 01 04 08 AWS 900 This is SSL Solid State Logic UND 50 VISION Solid State Logic AWS 900 OWNER S MANUAL 8256 5030 Solid State Logic SOUND VISION Begbroke Oxford England OX5 1RU 44 0 1865 842300 320 West 46th Street 2nd Floor New York NY 10036 USA e 1 1 212 315 1111 Suite 401 5757 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles CA 90036 USA 1 1 323 549 9090 3 55 14 Sendagaya Shibuya Ku Tokyo 151 0051 Japan 81 0 3 5474 1144 7 bis rue de la Victoire le Blanc Mesnil Paris 93150 France 33 0 1 48 67 84 85 Via Timavo 34 20124 Milano Italy 39 0 39 2328 094 Visit SSL at URL http www solid state logic com Solid State 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 witho

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