Specifications

Toft Audio Designs Series ATB Console ManualFor More Information, visit www.toftaudio.com
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This configuration does however mean that without connecting a DAW and using the ‘multi-
track’ emulation as described above, it will not be possible to read the channel signal. For this
reason a customer programmable switch has been provided which is accessible through a small
hole in the base panel of the mixer. As standard, the switch is factory set to read the monitor
return signal as described above. By pressing the switch with a small object such as a thin elec-
trical screwdriver, it is possible to change the metering point to post channel fader. The meter
will then always indicate the post fader channel output. This will give a very accurate indication
of the signal level leaving the channel. The switch access hole is located towards the rear of the
mixer base panel.
If a line level signal is connected to the channel ‘LINE’ input, then it will be possible to meter the
signal when the ‘INPUT REVERSE’ switch is depressed.
Reverb/echo effects can be added by using any of the six auxiliary send outputs connected to an
appropriate reverb device. The output of these devices can either be connected to any of the eight
dedicated Stereo Effects channels located in the Sub Group section of the console, or connected as
a line input to any input module or channel Monitor section.
As described previously, one of the main features of the console is the ability to use the channel
Monitor sections as additional line inputs during mixdown. This virtually doubles the amount of chan-
nels available to the mix with the possibility of adding equalisation, auxiliary sends, panning and level
controls.
To use this facility, let’s assume that the replay from the mult-track is connected to channels 1-24
line inputs, line has been selected and the signal routed through the ‘L-R’ buttons to the stereo mix.
Additional line level inputs can now be connected to the ‘MON’ jack on any input module and that
signal will also feed the stereo mix. Adjusting the ‘Mon Level’ control and pan will place the signal
across the stereo mix. Selecting ‘Eq’ on the channel monitor section will make it possible to add
equalisation to it. If reverberation/echo is required, this can be achieved by selecting the appropriate
5-6 auxiliary send to be from ‘MON’ and the signal will now be sent either pre or post the appropriate
monitor level control. The signal can be muted via the illuminated ‘MUTE’ button in this section.
Meterbridge Option
The additional meterbridge option greatly enhances the functionality of the ATB console when it is
used with a DAW recorder connected to the direct outputs from each channel.
This is often favoured when the console is connected to a recording device with more than eight
inputs and minimises the need for re-plugging the sub group outputs.
Because each channel is equipped with its own separate monitoring section, the console is able to
record and monitor as many tracks as there are channel inputs.
As it is only possible for the meterbridge to read one signal from each channel, as standard the feed
is sent from the monitor return buffer amplifier before the monitor level control.
This point was chosen so as to provide a more flexibile metering system.
By connecting the output of the DAW or recording device to the balanced ‘Monitor’ inputs of each
channel, the meter will read whatever signal is being replayed. In order to read the signal being sent
to the DAW, most software recording systems can be set to emulate a conventional multi-track
recorder. This means that when the DAW is not playing back or is set for the channel to record, the
input signal is passed straight through to the output making it possible to monitor (and therefore me-
ter) the signal that is feeding the input to the DAW.
This therefore makes it possible to meter the signal both going to and coming from the DAW or re-
cording device. If the meterbridge signal was taken from the channel direct putput, it would only be
possible to read the signal going to the DAW and it would therefore not be possible to compare the
replay signal to the input signal, or see the replay signal during playback or mixdown.
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