Specifications
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
26
What is a 2-track return?
2-track return is a very important input, as
it is there mainly to accept the output from
your studio master recorder. Suppose
you’re mixing down a recording, and
running your final mix to DAT. You have the
Spirit’s Mix outputs connected to the DAT
inputs, and the DAT outputs to the 2-track
return on your Spirit. If your DAT recorder
allows off-tape monitoring, turn this on. By
switching from Mix to Tape monitoring on
the Folio’s master section, you will hear
the master recording a split-second after it
has been laid down to tape, and will
therefore know immediately whether there
is any problem in the all-important master.
What are the maximum and
minimum input levels to the mic
and line inputs?
The maximum levels are: +22dBu for
UltraMic™ preamp inputs (i.e. mic inputs on
all Spirits apart from the Notepad), +14dBu
for the Spirit Notepad mic inputs, and
+30dBu for all line inputs.
There is no minimum level – but remember
that the lower your input level, the more
noise will be noticeable. The noise floor of
UltraMic™ inputs is around -150dBu, so any
signal at this level will be effectively lost.
What are the nominal output
levels of the different outputs on
Spirit desks?
+4dBu for the mix, aux and group
outputs, and 0dBu for insert points and
direct outputs (where they are present).
What is the typical output noise
on a Spirit model?
-80dBu at the master outputs, with the
master fader at max.
What is an auxiliary send?
An auxiliary send, usually abbreviated to
aux send or aux, is an extra output from a
mixer that can carry a quite separate
balance of sources to that sent to the
master outputs. In the studio aux sends
are used mainly for patching effects
processors in, by sending an aux mix to a
effects unit and then returning the
processed signal to the desk. Auxes are
also useful for setting up on-stage monitor
mixes at gigs, for multi-speaker mixing in
installed sound, and for routing signals to
samplers in programming/MIDI suites.
What cables should I use to
connect my Spirit?
The best you can afford! Cheap cables will
have poor quality connectors that will be
more likely to give trouble (such as crackle
and buzz) than good connectors. Also,
good cables will offer higher audio quality
and better rejection of interference,
particularly over long runs.
Here are diagrams to show how some standard
leads should be made up.
BALANCED
Line, Mix L&R, Sub L&R,
Aux, Stereo Inputs
UNBALANCED
Direct Output, Control Room L&R, Stereo Inputs
INSERT LEADS
Mono Inserts, Mix L&R Inserts
What are the maximum output
levels of the different outputs on
Spirit desks?
+21dBu.
How should I wire up insert and other cables for my Spirit?
What is a ground-compensated
output?
Ground-compensation (or ground-cancelling) is
an electronic means of avoiding ground loops
even where the receiving equipment has
unbalanced inputs. Unwanted noise is rejected
by the addition of signals at the output end of
the connection rather than subtraction at the
input, in such a way that any differences in
ground voltage between input and output
are negated.