Summit Audio ECS-410 Everest Operation Manual ECS-410 EVEREST 1
2 Summit Audio, Inc.
ECS-410 EVEREST Flagship Channel Strip Operation Manual © 2008 Summit Audio, Inc. All Rights Reserved Version 1.2 Summit Audio, Inc. P.O. Box 326 Gardnerville, NV 89410 Tel: 775-782-8838 Email: everest@summitaudio.
4 Summit Audio, Inc.
Contents Contents Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Front Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Suggested Connection Scheme. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 +4 Balanced Outputs (4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 -10dB Balanced Outputs (2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 XLR Microphone Input. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents TouchPatch Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Polarity Switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 +48V Phantom Power Switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Tube/Solid-State Output Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Dc1- Dual Mode Dynamics Control. . . . . . . . 20 Gain Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Threshold Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents Bus Overload LED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Drive LED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Vocals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Voice Over . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Acoustic Guitar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Bass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents 8 Summit Audio, Inc.
Introduction Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the Summit Audio ECS-410 Everest Channel Strip, a distinctly different, four section analog processor and microphone preamp, ideal for tracking and processing your most important signals. Each section is completely independent with its own fully balanced I/O and the ability to route each section together internally using TouchPatch™ a unique and amazingly intuitive routing system.
Introduction Unpacking Carefully unpack the ECS-410 Everest and its power cord. Save the carton and packing material for possible future use. Before powering up the unit, read this manual and make sure the power selector switch is set to the correct voltage for your part of the world. Important Warranty Information For your 3 year warranty, register your ECS-410 Everest online today at www.summitaudio.com. 10 Summit Audio, Inc.
Front Panel Overview Front Panel Overview Fe1 Db2 Passive 3-Band EQ Mz2 Mic/Instrument Preamp DriveBus Output Dc1 TouchPatch Dual Mode Dynamics Signal Routing Rear Panel Overview DriveBus -10 dB +4 dB Out Out +4 dB Input EQ Dynamic Preamp +4 dB Stereo +4 dB -10 dB +4 dB Out Link Out Out Out +4 dB Input Side +4 dB Chain Input Insert Mic Input ECS-410 EVEREST 11
Connections Connections Suggested Connection Scheme The ECS-410 will normally be connected with every input and output point wired into your balanced analog Patchbay. This hookup allows convenient access to the plentitude of inputs and outputs and provides the greatest flexibility. Because you have the power of TouchPatch, you may be tempted to connect just a single channel of input and output.
Connections XLR Microphone Input This is a balanced, low level input designed for microphones. The gain can be adjusted from -20dB to +60dB using the front panel Gain control and the -20 dB Pad switch. Note: The Hi-Z input overrides the Microphone input whenever a plug is inserted into the Hi-Z jack. 48-volt phantom power can be applied to this jack using the front panel switch.
Connections The TRS jack wiring on the Dynamics insert is as follows: the Tip is the output of the Gain Cell, and the Ring connects to the input of the Sidechain Processor. Stereo Link Link mode allows the Dynamics section of two ECS-410 Everest units to be linked to process stereo signals. When two units are linked in this way, the leveling action will be the same on both units. When stereo linked, the channel providing the most compression will always control the other unit.
TouchPatch™ Routing System TouchPatch™ Routing System Mz2 Preamp No Mx2 Preamp TouchPatch Bypass Pre-DriveBus Dyn-DriveBus Pre-Dyn-DriveBus EQ-DriveBus Pre-EQ-DriveBus No Route Dyn-EQ-DriveBus Pre-Dyn-EQ-DriveBus EQ-Dyn-DriveBus Pre-EQ-Dyn-DriveBus Unique to the ECS-410, the TouchPatch™ routing allows you to route any section to and from any other section with a touch of a single button.
TouchPatch™ Routing System Preamp Input Pre-DriveBus Preamp Output/ Drive Pre-Dyn-DriveBus Preamp Dynamics Output/ Drive Pre-EQ-DriveBus Preamp EQ Output/ Drive Pre-Dyn-EQ-DriveBus Preamp Dynamics EQ Output/ Drive Pre-EQ-Dyn-DriveBus Preamp EQ Dynamics Output/ Drive Dyn-DriveBus Dynamics Output/ Drive EQ-DriveBus EQ Output/ Drive Dyn-EQ-DriveBus Dynamics EQ Output/ Drive EQ-Dyn-DriveBus EQ Dynamics Output/ Drive EQ Dynamics No Preamp Independent Processors No Route 16
Mz2 - Microphone & Instrument Preamplifier Mz2 Microphone & Instrument Preamplifier -20dB Pad Preamp Gain Input Meter High Impedance Input TouchPatch Indicator Polarity Phantom Power 60Hz High Pass Filter Tube or Solid State Output Select The Mz2 is a exotic blend of discrete, solid-state and tube circuitry designed to offer the full range of features in a microphone and instrument preamplifier. An interstage Jensen line transformer adds warmth and character.
Mz2 - Microphone & Instrument Preamplifier Pad Switch This switch engages or disengages a –20dB pad to set the input sensitivity of the microphone input. Input Meter The 10-segment input meter indicates the signal level at the input of the preamp. The top red LED indicates hard clipping. Hi-Z Input This input can be used to mix in a musical instrument or other high impedance signal. The Hi-Z input is always routed to the tube section.
Mz2 - Microphone & Instrument Preamplifier High Pass Filter To reduce rumble or sub-audio frequencies, you have the option to enable this virtually transparent high pass filter. The frequency is fixed at 60Hz with a gentle 6dB/octave rolloff. Tube/Solid-State Output Switch This switch selects between a solid-state or vacuum tube preamplifier. Choose SS for ultra-clean-pristine or Tube for more warmth and color.
Dc1- Dual Mode Dynamics Control Dc1- Dual Mode Dynamics Control Gain Gain Reduction Meter Threshold Compression Mode Attack Release Bypass/Link TouchPatch Indicator The Dc1 utilizes Summit’s proprietary compression technology, with ultra-low noise coupled with smooth, musical operation. There are 2 modes of operation. Classic mode is a smooth, signal-dependent compression, perfect for sweetening vocal and instrument tracks.
Dc1- Dual Mode Dynamics Control threshold so the gain reduction meter only shows compression during these peaks. Attack Control Attack controls how quickly the gain is turned down after the signal exceeds the threshold. The attack time is variable from 4mS to 100mS. An attack setting of about 3 on the scale will delay the onset of compression long enough to preserve the attack transients in guitar, bass or drums while allowing the sustain portion of the sound to be compressed.
Dc1- Dual Mode Dynamics Control Bypass/Link Switch In Bypass mode the Dc1 is switched completely out of the signal path whether patched via TouchPatch or the direct I/O. Link mode allows the Dynamics section of two ECS-410 Everest units to be linked to process stereo signals. When two units are linked in this way, the leveling action will be the same on both units. When linked, the channel providing the most compression will always control the other unit. To “Stereo Link” two units: 4.
Fe1- Passive Three Band Equalizer Fe1- Passive Three Band Equalizer Low Band Boost/Cut Low Band Frequency Low Band Peak/Shelf Mid Band Boost/Cut High Band Boost/Cut Mid Band Frequency Bypass Switch High Band Frequency High Band Peak/Shelf TouchPatch Indicator The Fe1is the perfect tool to sculpt and shape your sound without sounding over processed. The inductor-based design of the Fe1 gives you phase-coherent control with up to 12dB of boost or cut.
Fe1- Passive Three Band Equalizer High Band The High EQ band can be set for either a peak or shelving response and can boost or cut by up to ±12dB. The center point of the filter band can be set to any of six frequencies: 5 kHz, 7.2 kHz, 8.2 kHz, 10 kHz, 12 kHz, and 18 kHz. Peak or Shelving Response The Low and High EQ bands can be set for either peak or shelving response. In shelf mode, for example, the High band continues to boost or cut frequencies above the center frequency.
Db2 - Drive Bus Master Output and Drive Section Db2 - Drive Bus Master Output and Drive Section Bus Overload LED Tube, Solid-State, or Bypass Select Drive Amount Drive LED Output VU Meter Master Output Level The Db2 output section contains multiple gain stages for overdriving the vacuum tube or discrete transistor amplifiers. The Drive and Output controls make it easy to dial-in the desired sound at any output level.
Db2 - Drive Bus Master Output and Drive Section Master Output Level This large knob controls the Everest ECS-410 output level as displayed on the VU meter. The Master Output Level is strictly a volume control and has no effect on saturation and tone. Output VU Meter The Output VU meter makes it easy to set an accurate output level. 0 VU on the meter corresponds to +4dBu.
Applications Applications Vocals Turn master output level and drive level all the way down to get initial levels. TouchPatch Pre-Dyn-DriveBus Preamp Gain: Around 12:00, so orange LEDs just start lighting at loudest voice Pad: 0 Polarity: + 48V: On for condenser; Off for dynamic or ribbon mics HPF: On Output: Tube Note: If the Bus Overload LED is lit, reduce the gain in each section until the LED turns off.
Applications DriveBus: Mode: Tube Output: 5, turn up drive to get record level Variations For rap, hip-hop, hard rock and metal, set the compressor to Tight mode, turn DriveBus output down and Drive up until you get the amount of drive you like, all the way to distortion. Voice Over Turn the Master Output level and Drive level all the way down to get initial levels.
Applications Attack: 4 Release: 4 Low: +3dB @ 100Hz, peaking Mid: -2dB @ 1.6KHz High: +3dB @ 12KHz shelving EQ DriveBus Mode: SS Output: 10, turn up drive to get record level Variations Put Dynamics in Tight mode for limiting such as in radio work. Bypass DriveBus for ultimate clean and quiet, use extra gain from Dynamics section if needed Acoustic Guitar Turn the Master Output level and Drive level all the way down to get initial levels.
Applications 48V: On for condenser; Off for dynamic or ribbon mics HPF: Off Output: Solid State DriveBus Mode: Tube Output: 10 Drive: Set drive level to get recording level Variations Insert the compressor [TouchPatch = Pre-Dyn-DriveBus] into the patch. Mode: Tight Gain: +5 Threshold: 4, so 1-3 lights on meter light Attack: 2 Release: 4.4 Bass Turn Master Output level and Drive level all the way down to get initial levels. TouchPatch Pre-Dyn-EQ-DriveBus Preamp 30 Summit Audio, Inc.
Applications Polarity: + 48V: Off HPF: Off Output: Tube Dynamics Mode: Tight Gain: +5 Threshold: 4, so 1-3 lights on meter light Attack: 2 Release: 4.4 EQ Try these settings: Low: 0 Mid: +4dB @ 630Hz, peaking High: -6dB @ 18KHz DriveBus Mode: Tube Drive: 8 Output: Set to recording or playing level Variations Send -10dB output from preamp to live bass amp for monitoring. Set Dynamics to Classic mode for less compression, and lower the threshold a bit.
Applications Electric Guitar Direct Turn Master Output level and Drive level all the way down to get initial levels. TouchPatch Pre-Dyn-EQ-DriveBus Preamp Gain: Around 12:00, so orange LEDs just start lighting at loudest notes Pad: 0 Polarity: + 48V: Off HPF: Off Output: Tube Send: Send another output from the preamp to record another track dry, without distortion. Dynamics Mode: Tight Gain: +13.
Applications DriveBus: Mode: Tube Drive: 10 Output: Set to recording or playing level Variations Send the -10dB output from preamp to live guitar amp for monitoring. Set Dynamics to Classic Mode for less compression, and slightly lower the Threshold control. Adjust the Drive and Output level on the DriveBus to get different levels of drive. Try both Tube and Solid-state modes to hear the different distortion types.
Applications Threshold: 5, so 2-4 lights on meter light Attack: 8 Release: 2 Low: +3dB @ 60 Hz, peaking Mid: -2dB @ 560 Hz High: +3dB @ 7.2 KHz peaking EQ DriveBus Mode: Tube Output: 6 Drive: Turn drive up to get recording level Variations • Try SS mode on DriveBus • Adjust Drive and Output levels • Try higher Threshold and faster Attack on Dynamics to compress the peaks more. Mic’ed Guitar Amp Turn master output level and drive level all the way down to get initial levels.
Applications Pad: 0 Polarity: + 48V: On for condenser; Off for dynamic or ribbon mics HPF: On Output: SS if tube amp; or Tube if solid state amp Dynamics: Mode: Tight Gain: +2 Threshold: 5, so 1-2 LEDs on meter at the loudest notes Attack: 1 Release: 1 (watch LEDs so just peaks are caught) DriveBus Mode: Tube if solid state amp; SS mode if tube amp Output: 6 Drive: Turn drive up to get recording level Variations • Adjust Drive and Output until you get the perfect sound • Try higher
Applications Keyboard Turn Master Output and Drive all the way down to get initial levels.
Tips and Tricks Tips and Tricks Using the Preamp to Duck the Compressor For example, use a vocal to make the lead guitar decrease in volume when the singer is singing. TouchPatch Pre-DriveBus Dynamics Insert the Dynamics section on the lead guitar track. Threshold: 5 Attack: 2 Release: 7 Mode: Classic Patch Connections 1. Connect the vocal mic into the Preamp. 2. Run from the DriveBus out into your system. 3.
Tips and Tricks Record 6 Tracks from one Mic at the same time Record safety tracks and tracks at different stages of processing so processing choices can be changed later. TouchPatch Pre-Comp-EQ-DriveBus Connections 1. Plug a microphone into the preamp and set up accordingly 2. Set up EQ, compression, and the DriveBus for the sound you want from the master output. 3. Use both the +4 and -10dB outputs from the preamp section into the recording device. This gives you a totally unprocessed preamp signal.
Tips and Tricks Add Tube or Discrete Transistor Distortion to a Track during Tracking or Mixing TouchPatch No Route (no internal routing to the DriveBus) Connections 1. Run the signal into the DriveBus input. 2. DriveBus output back into the recording or live sound system. DriveBus Mode: Tube or Solid State Drive: 10 Output: Set to proper level. Adjust Drive and Output controls for the right amount of distortion. Need More Distortion? Use the Dynamics section to add more gain.
Tips and Tricks Add Compression and EQ to a Recorded or Live Track TouchPatch Dyn-EQ-DriveBus Connections Insert the Dynamics and EQ into the track: 1. Plug the output of the track into the Dynamics input. 2. Plug the main output from the DriveBus back into the track. Use the ECS-410 Everest as 4 totally Independent Processors TouchPatch No Route Connections 1. Plug a microphone into the preamp in. 2. Connect the Preamp output to your recorder. 3. Plug a line into the EQ input. 4.
Tips and Tricks Use the ECS-410 Everest as the Front End to your Bass or Guitar Rig TouchPatch Experiment! Connections 1. Plug your bass or guitar into the Hi-Z input on the preamp section. 2. Use the -10dB output from the DriveBus section into your amplifier.
Block Diagrams Block Diagrams Input/Output & TouchPatch Switching +4 dB -10dB Output Output +4 dB Stereo Output Link Insert Preamp Internal Bus Internal Bus PUSH Internal Bus PUSH Mic Input Hi-Z Input +4 dB Sidechain Input Insert +4 dB -10dB Output Output +4 dB Output Internal Bus Dynamics EQ Internal Bus Internal Bus Output/ Drive PUSH PUSH +4 dB Input +4 dB Input Internal Bus These diagrams show the input and output connections, as well as the input switching when using TouchPatch
Block Diagrams Mz2 - Microphone and Instrument Preamplifier Pad In/Out Mic Input Solid State Preamp HP Filter In/Out -20 Transformer Tube Preamp Hi-Z Input Polarity Switch Gain ø Insert In/Out Auto Select Solid-State Amp Balanced Output Buffer XLR Output Meter Buffer LED Meter 1/4" Output Tube Amp To Internal Bus The Mz2 preamplifier is the first stage of Everest. Microphone signals are first preamplified with a discrete transistor stage.
Block Diagrams Dc1 - Dual Mode Dynamics Control External Balanced Input Bypass Balanced Output Driver Dyn Output Gain Compression Cell Internal Bus Classic Routing Controller Signal Side Chain Insert Tight Sidechain Processor Internal Bus Threshold Stereo Interconnect Attack Release The input to the Dc1 is electronically balanced and directly feeds our unique compression cell.
Block Diagrams Fe1 - Passive Three Band Equalizer Bypass Balanced Output Driver EQ Output External Balanced Input Boost/Cut Boost/Cut Boost/Cut Low Filter Mid Filter High Filter Internal Bus Shelf Peak Shelf Internal Bus Peak Routing Controller Signal The electronically balanced input stage input goes directly into the passive EQ sections. The low and high bands can switch between peaking and shelving filters. The mid band is a peaking filter.
Block Diagrams Db2 - Drive Bus Master Output & Drive Section Bus Overload External Balanced Input Drive Threshold Level Detector Buffer Buffer VU High Voltage Solid-State Amp Meter Driver Drive Internal Bus SS Tube Routing Controller Signal 2 Tube Amp Final Gain Meter Balanced Output Buffer XLR Output 1/4" Output Byp Signals enter the Db2 either through the electrically balanced input jack or via the internal TouchPatch bus. The bus overload LED monitors the TouchPatch bus for clipping.
Electrical Connections Electrical Connections Input and Output Balanced 3-pin XLR Pin 1 Ground Pin 2 Signal (+) Pin 3 Signal (-) Balanced 1/4” (TRS) jack Sleeve Ground Tip Signal (+) Ring Signal (-) Preamp Insert 1/4” (TRS) jack Sleeve Ground Tip Preamp Return Ring Preamp Output ECS-410 EVEREST 47
Specifications Specifications Mz2 Microphone Preamplifier Max. Gain: +60dB (plus 20dB when routed through the Db2 DriveBus Output) THD+N: (@+30dB) 0.008% (A-weighted), 0.01% (unweighted) Max. Output: +25dB Freq. Response: Solid-state: 10Hz-300kHz +/- 2dB; 15Hz-200kHz +/- 0.5dB Tube: 10Hz-150kHz +/- 2dB; 15Hz-70kHz +/- 0.5dB 48 Summit Audio, Inc.
Specifications Fe-1 Passive 3 Band Equalizer THD+N: (@+4dB) (no cut or boost) 0.009% (A-weighted), 0.025% (unweighted) Freq. Response: 5Hz-100kHz +/- 0.5dB; 5Hz-200kHz +/- 2dB Frequencies: Low: 33, 60, 100, 150, 270, 390 Hz (peak or shelf) Mid: 560, 630, 1K, 1.6K, 2.5K, 3.3K Hz High: 5K, 7.2K, 8.2K, 10K, 12.
Specifications Db2 - Drive Bus Master Output and Overdrive THD+N: (@+4dB) Bypass: 0.002% (A-weighted), 0.008% (unweighted) Tube: 0.3% to overdrive (unweighted) Solid-state: 0.013% to overdrive (unweighted) Freq. Response: Tube: 5Hz-50kHz +/- 2dB; 5Hz-25kHz +/- 0.5dB Solid-state: 5Hz-200kHz +/- 2dB; 5Hz-130kHz +/- 0.5dB Gain: +20dB Type: Tube (12AX7A) or discrete transistor Metering: Analog VU output level I/O: Balanced XLR, +4dBu in and out; -10dBV 1/4” TRS out Physical Size: 2RU, 19” x 3.
Specifications ECS-410 EVEREST 51
Specifications Summit Audio, Inc. P.O. Box 326 Gardnerville, NV 89410 web page: www.summitaudio.com email: everest@summitaudio.com 52 Summit Audio, Inc.
