Ark_500_manual_rev2
Contents
1. 29 Mole ol nee nt c te 30 More ormgroundilig tune 31 Technical SpecifiCatlOris ne dt 32 Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 2 Introduction Thank you for your purchase of the Ark This manual is for all models of the Ark 500 range Ark 504 Ark 516 Ark 508 Expander and Ark 516 Expander We hope you ll have as much pleasure using it as we had designing and building it The Ark is designed by Malcolm Toft who was the founder of console manufacturer Trident Audio Developments in 1972 Prior to that he was a recording engineer whose credits include the David Bowie Space Oddity album three albums with T Rex and James Taylor s first album He was also involved with the mixing of the Beatles Hey Jude single at Trident Recording Studios in 1968 Malcolm has been designing recording consoles for over forty years and some of the artists who have recorded hits on his consoles include Stevie Wonder Herbie Hancock Rod Stewart Queen David Bowie and Elton John More recently Radiohead Muse Dire Straits Coldplay and Oasis have added their name to the list And now you Malcolm was made a visiting professor by Leeds College of music in 2008 in recognition of his unique combination of experience as a recording engineer and console designer It is this wealth of experience and pedigree that is brought to the2. These consist of four mono auxiliaries 1 4 and one stereo auxiliaries 5 6 auxiliaries can be selected pre or post Additionally auxiliary sends 1 and 5 6 can be routed to the channel monitor section thus providing auxiliary send facilities from the monitor section Below the auxiliary sends is the channel monitor section This is in effect another independent input channel that operates separately from the main one The purpose of the channel monitor section is to provide a means of monitoring the replay signal from a DAW or other recording device such as a good old analogue multi track tape recorder Using the direct outputs as sends to the multitrack and the channel monitor section as returns it is possible to monitor the send input and replay output to the multi track recorder Used in conjunction with the meter switching as described above this feature provides a very flexible and convenient way to record multi track The input to the channel monitor section is balanced and the signal level can be controlled via the Mon Level control A Mon Pan control allows the signal to be panned between the master left and right outputs This has a centre detent click so that it is easy to find the central position Also provided are a solo after fade listen switch so that the signal can be heard in isolation and is non destructive and mute switch that kills the channel monitor signal Ark 500 range Owne
3. No Connection No Connection No Connection No Connection No Connection 2 Track 2 Return Right 2 Track 2 Return Left 2 Track 2 Return Left Ground 2 Track 1 Return Right 2 Track 1 Return Left 2 Track 1 Return Left Ground Channel 1 Channel 2 Channel 3 Channel 4 Channel 5 Channel 6 Channel 7 Channel 8 Following Standard Tascam Audio Connections 2 Track 1 Return Left 2 Track 1 Return Right 2 Track 2 Return Left 2 Track 2 Return Right No Connection No Connection No Connection No Connection Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 14 4 5 Auxiliary Sends D Sub pin connections Ark 504 and 516 Pin Description Number 1 No Connection 2 No Connection 3 Aux Send 7 4 Aux Send 6 5 Aux Send 6 Earth 6 Aux Send 5 7 Aux Send 4 8 Aux Send 4 Earth 9 Aux Send 3 10 Aux Send 2 11 Aux Send 2 Earth 12 Aux Send 1 13 No Connection 14 No Connection 15 Connection 16 Connection 17 Aux Send 6 18 Aux Send 5 19 Aux Send 5 Earth 20 Aux Send 4 21 Aux Send 3 22 Aux Send 3 Earth 23 Aux Send 2 24 Aux Send 1 25 Aux Send 1 Earth Following Standard Tascam Audio Connections Channel 1 Aux Send 1 Channel 2 Aux Send 2 Channel 3 Aux Send 3 Channel 4 Aux Send 4 Channel 5 Aux Send 5 Channel 6 Aux
4. you ll have a standard set up but you still have the possibility to patch any module to any channel or group That is the strength of the Ark It not only allows you to fill it up with your preferred 500 series modules and have the colour you want but by using a patch bay you can actually use any module or chain of modules on any channel or group now try that with a traditional analogue console Please see the section on Audio Connections Wiring for correct wiring instructions of all D Sub connectors MONITOR RACK INPUTS 1 8 MONITOR LINE INPUTS 1 8 TOP RACK INPUTS 1 8 TOP RACK INPUTS 9 16 LOWER RACK INPUTS 1 8 LOWER RACK INPUTS 9 16 CHANNEL LINE I P 1 8 eL Je 4 jo ol je Je ef Je ef Je ee CONTROL ROOM MONITORS ALT SPEAKERS TUDIO PLAY GROUP INSERT SENDS 1 8 MONITOR LINE INPUTS 9 16 TOP RACK OUTPUTS 1 8 TOP RACK OUTPUTS 9 16 CHANNEL INS SENDS 1 8 CHANNEL INS SENDS 9 16 CHANNEL MON I P 1 8 o jo e ef J of Je o 2 TRACK RETURNS MONITOR RACK OUTPUTS 1 8 AUX SENDS 1 6 CHANNEL EXT I P 1 8 CHANNEL EXT I P 9 16 LOWER RACK OUTPUTS 1 8 LOWER RACK OUTPUTS 9 16 CHANNEL LINE I P 9 16 ef et Jo et e oe o MAS INS SEND RET EXPANDER GROUP OUTPUTS GROUP INSERT RETURNS 1 8 MAS O P CHANNEL DIRECT O P 1 8 CHANNEL DIRECT O P 9 16 CHANNEL INS RETURNS 1 8 CHANNEL INS RETURNS 9 16 CHANNEL MON I P 9 16 o o je 4 e et of ef Je e Je Je Importan
5. 504 and 516 Continuously variable auxiliary master level control Level control for auxiliary 1 3 Selects auxiliary 1 to be pre post the monitor level control Level control for auxiliary 3 Selects auxiliary 4 to be pre or post the monitor level control Level control for auxiliaries 5 6 gt Illuminated monitor solo gt Stereo post monitor level Monitor level control Level control for auxiliary 1 Selects auxiliary 1 to be pre or post the monitor level control 4 Level control for auxiliary 3 Selects auxiliary 4 to be pre or post the monitor level control Level control for auxiliaries 56 Illuminated switch selects between monitor of group output or line input replay to module gt Illuminated monitor solo Stereo post monitor level Monitor level control Illuminated auxiliary master solo switch lt Level control for auxiliary 2 Selects auxiliary 3 to be pre or post the monitor level control lt Level control for auxiliary 4 Selects auxiliaries 5 6 to be pre or post the monitor level control Pan control for auxiliaries 5 6 with centre detent Monitor pan control with centre detent lt Illuminated monitor mute UPPER SECTION lt Level control for auxiliary 2 Selects auxiliary 3 to be pre or post the monitor level control Lev
6. OLMIVI 9xnv Sxnv AHORI L ALZ Lxnw 13311542 ZNOW LV LHS MOVBAVId 01015 0 1331 MOVBAVId OIONLS o9 1H9IN Z HOLINOW 17 90 13312 HOLINOW 9o LHOIY NOLINOW LV 09 14311 HOLINOW L1 apo 9o 1H9lN 1OHINOO o 133100 10H1NOO J3A31831S VW WOO 1OH1NOO Z HOVELZ 13317 MOVULZ 1 HOWL 2 1431 HOVULZ QN3S LUISNI XIWNOW 138 LH3SNI XIWNOW LNALNO XIN NOW 1331 XIW NOW 1337 138 LY3SNI XIN NOW 13310N3S 183SNI XIWNOW Sdnouo LMULZ Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 27 More on Metering The metering on the Ark is very versatile But since there are 3 different locations on the console which determine what gets shown on the VU meters LED meters on the Ark 504 it s important that this is well understood Most important is the Master Meter Switch on top of the Master Module This selection determines if the meters read from the input channels or from the submaster section Master Meter Switch undepressed out Meters 1 16 will read signal from the channels meters 1 4 on the Ark 504 INPUTS TL Each channel s associated meter will read either the channel direct output or the channel monitor input Selection per channel is made with the Channel Meter SROUES R Switch situated just below the subgroup buttons METERS AUX 1 Master Meter Switch depres
7. Play Left 2 Studio Play left Ground 3 Studio Play Right 4 Alt Speaker 2 Left 5 Alt Speaker 2 Left Ground 6 7 8 9 Alt Speaker 2 Right Alt Speaker 1 Left Alt Speaker 1 Left Ground Alt Speaker 1 Right 10 Control Room Left 11 Control Room Left Ground 12 Control Room Right 12 Empty 14 Studio Play Left 15 Studio Play Right 16 Studio Play Right Earth 17 Alt Speaker 2 Left 18 Alt Speaker 2 Right 19 Alt Speaker 2 Right Ground 20 Alt Speaker 1 Left 21 Alt Speaker 1 Right 22 Alt Speaker 1 Right Ground 23 Control Room Left 24 Control Room Right 25 Control Room Right Ground Following Standard Tascam Audio Connections Channel 1 Control Room Right Channel 2 Control Room Left Channel 3 Alt 1 Right Channel 4 Alt 1 Left Channel 5 Alt 2 Left Channel 6 Alt 2 Right Channel 7 Studio Play Right Channel 8 Studio Play Left Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 13 4 4 2 Track Returns D Sub pin connections Ark 504 and 516 Description No Connection No Connection No Connection No Connection No Connection No Connection 2 Track 2 Return Right 2 Track 2 Return Ground 2 Track 2 Return Left 2 Track 1 Return Right 2 Track 1 Return Right Ground 2 Track 1 Return Left No Connection No Connection
8. mic gt moe Ark 500 range Owner s Manual u I Top To 72471 24 Illuminated switch selects meters to read either from the inputs or submaster sections Illuminated switch allows aux 1 to be routed to studio playback system Illuminated switch allows aux 5 6 to be routed to studio playback system Illuminated switch allows aux 2 track 1 to be routed to studio playback system Illuminated studio playback system on switch Illuminated alternate control room monitor 2 on switch Illuminated alternate control room monitor 1 on switch Illuminated switch selects 2 track 1 to the control room monitors Illuminated switch selects 2 track 2 to the control room monitors Illuminated switch selects control room monitors to be in mono Illuminated switch selects dims control room monitors by 20db Illuminated switch selects mutes control room monitors Control room master level control Illuminated switch selects talk to aux 1 when talkback Auxes button is depressed Illuminated switch selects talk to aux 2 when talkback Auxes button is depressed Illuminated switch selects talk to auxes 3 4 when talkback Auxes button is depressed Illuminated switch selects talk to auxes 5 6 when talkback Auxes button is depressed Selects talkback to 8 subgroups and master left right outputs Selects talkback to studio playback system Selects talkback to pre se
9. to explore all possibilities and use this console to really suit your workflow The Ark has been designed to fully support the 500 series module system The Ark 504 provides slots and power for up to 16 of these modules The Ark 516 provides slots and power for up to 40 of these modules The Ark 508 expander adds another 16 slots The Ark 516 expander adds another 32 slots Each input of each console accommodates two 500 series modules physically placed above them The sub master section of the Ark 504 and 516 provides for up to eight 500 series Modules The Ark provides all the infrastructure needed to make an extremely versatile recording console using any combination of 500 series mic pre amplifiers equalisers compressors effects etc available from a long list of manufacturers This means that the console can in fact inherit the particular sound of any third party 500 series module you want to use The Ark consoles and expanders can be combined in any way you want Two expanders either 508 or 516 can be connected to each of the 504 and 516 master consoles This gives you a huge number of 500 series slots and possibilities Ark 504 Ark 516 Ark 508 Ex Ark 516 Ex Slots for 500 Series modules 16 40 16 32 Combined with Ark 504 32 48 Combined with Ark 516 56 72 Combined with Ark 508 Ex 32 56 Combined with Ark 516 Ex 48 72 Combined with two Ark 508 Ex 48 72 Combined with one Ark 508 Ex and one Ark 516 Ex
10. to the Channel External Inputs You ll of course need to select Ext Input on every channel to get signal from your Mic Pres The input and output of the EQs are on the insert point of each channel This allows you to also use the EQs if you switch to the Line input In our example we also inserted compressors in the Monitor Racks and connected these to the group inserts By routing the input channels to the group s we can use a compressor on any input channel or combination of channels This way we can also use parallel compression if we want Remember that the group output after the insert return is send to the master L R bus if the Replay switch on the lower section of the submaster module is depressed out Please check the section on The Ark subgroup module for details MONITOR RACK INPUTS 1 8 MONITOR UNE SUS TY TOP RACK INPUTS 1 8 TOP RACK INPUTS 9 16 LOWER RACK INPUTS 1 8 LOWER RACK INPUTS 9 16 CHANNEL LINE UP 1 8 CONTROL ROOM MONITORS ALT SPEAKERS STUDIO PLAY GROURINSERT SENDS 1 8 MONITOR LINE INPUTS 9 16 TOP RACK OUTPUTS 1 8 TOP RACK OUTPUTS 9 16 CHANNEL INS SENDS 1 8 CHANNAL INS SENDS 9 16 CHANNEL MON 1 8 je ol e 2 TRACK RETURNS MONITOR RACK OUTPUTS 1 8 AUX SENDS 1 6 ak EXT UP 1 8 CHANNEL EXT UP 9 16 LOWER RACK OUTPUTS 1 8 LOWER RACK OUTPUTS 9 16 CHANNEL LINE IP 9 16 Jo o o o MAS INS SEND RET EXPA
11. used as the earth point for all equipment Connecting some equipment to mains earth and some to technical earth could result in a shock hazard as it is sometimes possible for a quite high AC voltage difference to be generated across the two earth points Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 51 Dimensions All versions of the Ark have the same Depth and Height 94 x 37 37 01 x 14 57 inch Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 32 Technical Specifications Input Impedance Output Impedance Frequency Response Input to Group Output Maximum Output level Headroom Distortion Line Input Gain Control Direct Output Gain Group Output Gain Group Noise all channels routed Crosstalk group to group Dynamic Range Total Current available for 500 Series modules 16V D C Ark 516 Average Current available per 500 Series module Note 20K ohms balanced lt 150 ohms balanced 1db 20Hz to 30kHz 27dbm balanced lt 0 05 at 26dbm 10db 15 6db balanced 6db balanced lt 75dbm 20Hz to 20kHz lt 70db 20Hz to 20kHz gt 102db gt 5 5 Amps gt 135mA All inputs and outputs are electronically balanced with ground sensing on the negative phase outputs Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 33
12. 0dBm equivalent Check the manual of your interface for instructions on how to do this The way to check that you have the levels set to their optimum for working with the 516 is to the following procedure Set the interface output to between 20dBFS and 24dBFS and connect it to the console channel line input Make sure the channel input level control is set to it s midway centre detent position and that the channel fader is set to maximum With the channel VU meter set to read the channel direct output play a signal through the channel Use a test oscillator or a synth set to generate a constant sine wave tone of about 1kHz two octaves above middle C The VU meter should read around 0 on average and maybe peak into the red area on occasional peaks If the signal level is not high enough or is too high adjust the interface output so that the signal gives a similar reading on the VU meter When connecting to the input of an interface send a signal from the console that again reads around 0 on the VU meter with occasional peaks into the red and adjust the interface input level so that it reads between 24dBFS and 20dBFS This can be reduced anywhere between 18dBFS and 12dBFS in conjunction with the manufacturers instructions for the best operating level Make sure to repeat this for every input and output of your interface Once the interface is set up to match the console using the above method connecting to
13. 1 and 2 In conjunction with the standard control room monitor system these controls make it possible to have up to three different control room monitor speaker systems selectable from the console Each of the alternate control room speaker systems consist of a stereo level control and an illuminated on switch The signal being heard depends on the signal selected via the main control room monitor source switches Below the alternate control room monitor controls are the source selector switches for the main control room monitor speakers Four illuminated switches select either one of two 2 track sources or for the control room monitors to be in mono or dimmed by 20db A large illuminated mute switch kills the control room monitor signal A large stereo control room monitor level control allows for precise setting of the control room speaker level As detailed in the More on Speakers section it is very important that the control room master level control is correctly matched to the control room speaker system and these should be referred to when setting up the console to the control room monitor system A comprehensive talkback system is provided which incorporates a high quality electret microphone and amplifier with a continuously variable level control The signal can be routed via momentary action switches to either the 8 subgroups and master left right outputs selected auxiliary sends or the studio playback speakers When
14. 64 88 Combined with two Ark 516 Ex 80 104 The easiest way to implement use of 500 series modules in the Ark signal chain is to insert mic pre amplifiers into the top row of slots and connect the outputs of these to the Channel External Inputs 500 series equalisers can be inserted into the lower row of slots and the inputs and outputs to these could be made via the Channel Insert Sends and Returns This will turn the Ark in a traditional analogue console Alternatively and by using a patch bay any chain of 500 series modules can be used on any of the inputs outputs or inserts of the Ark This gives you complete flexibility to create the sound you re after The console electronics have deliberately been designed to be as transparent and with as much headroom as possible The Ark can be used without the addition of any 500 series modules as a stand alone line level console In a multi track studio environment the console will perform both tracking and remix functions equally well inputs and outputs are electronically balanced and ground sensing outputs are used to make sure that interfacing to external equipment is never compromised Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 4 Because of the channel monitor and direct output facilities recording instruments to a DAW or tape is simple and of very high quality When mixing down there is a large number of inputs to the stereo buss available Here s an overview w
15. Ark 516 and 516 expander Group Insert Sends 1 8 to Group Insert Returns 1 8 on the Ark 504 and 516 Mas Ins Send Ret on the Ark 504 and 516 5 5 Connections without patchbay and without any modules installed To use the Ark without any modules installed you need to make a couple of connections to enable continuity of signal through the console Connect Channel Insert Sends 1 8 to Channel Insert Returns 1 8 Connect Channel Insert Sends 9 16 to Channel Insert Returns 9 16 the Ark 516 and 516 expander Connect Group Insert Sends 1 8 to Group Insert Returns 1 8 the Ark 504 and 516 only These are in the same vertical rows so only short male to male 25 way D Sub cables are needed Connect the supplied factory assembled plug to the Mas Ins Send Ret connector the Ark 504 and 516 only As the Mas Ins Send Ret linking is slightly more complicated due to the fact that the D Sub connector on which these functions are located also provides the Master left right outputs a factory assembled plug is provided as a get you started facility This plug is located within the power supply packaging MONITOR RACK INPUTS 1 8 MONITOR LINE INPUTS 1 8 TOP RACK INPUTS 1 8 TOP RACK INPUTS 9 16 LOWER RACK INPUTS 1 8 LOWER RACK INPUTS 9 16 e Je ei Je of Je o o Jp Je GROUP INSERT SENDS 1 8 MONITOR LINE INPUTS 9 16 TOP RACK OUTPUTS 1 8 TOP RACK OUTPUTS 9 16 CHANNEL INS SENDS 1 8 CHANN
16. De OCGanaeucio Owner s Manual The Ark ku ks 2 0 La Res RES ds Ga Ga Ark 508 Expander N Ark 516 Expander www oceanaudio co uk Contents 1 2 3 4 SF Eo TOI 11 12 Introduction ORA 3 acu cM PE 4 den retia to nt en tus 5 3 1 Power Connections aoctor aede a 6 d AAUCIO GOMMECHONG eie eite ta tne de m eb Ri cesta sess 7 3 3 Connecting without patchbay and without modules installed 7 3 4 Connecting without patchbay but with modules installed 8 3 5 Using the console with a patchbay 9 Audio Connections Wiring D Sub connectors i 10 4 1 Standard DsSub pincconnectiOri s oe aires ele 11 4 2 Master Insert Sends Returns amp Master Outputs D Sub pin connections 12 4 3 Control Room Alt Mon amp Studio Playback D Sub pin connections 13 4 4 2 Track Returns D Sub pin connections 14 4 5 X Auxiliary Sends D Sub pin connections 15 THe Arkinpunmodule i E E D S LLL DLL 16 The Ark submaster module Ark 504 and 516 20 The Ark master module Ark 504 and 516 24 More o Metering mesran a EE de 28 More on levels when using Digital Audio Interfaces
17. EL INS SENDS 9 16 J Je AUX SENDS 1 6 CHANNEL EXT I P 1 8 CHANNEL EXT I P 9 16 MAS INS SEND RET MAS CHANNEL DIRECT O P 1 8 CHANNEL DIRECT O P 9 16 Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 7 3 4 Connections without patchbay but with modules installed For this example we ll install 16x Mic Pres in the Top Rack slots of the Ark 516 16x EQs in the Lower Rack slots and 8x compressors in the Monitor Rack slots We need to make sure that we once again enable continuity of signal through the console The connections are a bit different now Connect Top Rack Outputs 1 8 to Channel Ext 1 8 Connect Channel Insert Sends 1 8 to Lower Rack Inputs 1 8 Connect Lower Rack Outputs 1 8 to Channel Insert Returns 1 8 Do the same for channels 9 16 Connect Group Insert Sends to Monitor Rack Inputs Connect Monitor Rack Outputs to Group Insert Returns Connect the supplied factory assembled plug to the Mas Ins Send Ret connector As the Mas Ins Send Ret linking is slightly more complicated due to the fact that the D Sub connector on which these functions are located also provides the Master left right outputs a factory assembled plug is provided as a get you started facility This plug is located within the power supply packaging In this example connect your microphones to the Top Rack Inputs The outputs of the Mic Pres will go
18. Inputs 1 8 on the rear panel of The Ark This means that the subgroup output is automatically routed to the master L R bus when this switch is undepressed In combination with the group inserts this can be used for parallel compression etc When depressed illuminated these switches will route the Monitor Line Inputs 1 8 to the master L R bus through the monitor level controls As with the upper section when the master meter switch situated at the top of the master module is depressed the VU meter appropriate to submaster s 1 8 will indicate the signal level according to the position of the replay switch This signal is unaffected by the monitor level control or pan The solo switch provides a stereo signal in isolation to the control room speakers from the submaster selected A monitor pan control with centre detent click makes it possible to place the signal anywhere in the stereo perspective This control is also operative when the solo button is depressed A monitor level control provides precise adjustment of the signal being monitored from the particular submaster module A Fader Reverse switch makes it possible to reverse the function of the monitor level control and the subgroup fader associated with that particular module located directly beneath it This facility is provided because in mixdown mode the 16 subgroups when the lower section is selected to replay provide an additional 16 balanced line inputs to the st
19. NDER GROUP OUTPUTS GROUP NSERT RETURNS 1 8 MAS CHANNEL DIRECT O P 1 8 CHANNEL DIRECT O P 9 16 CHANNEL INS RETURNS 1 8 CHANNEL INS RETURNS 9 16 CHANNEL MON 9 16 ot e ef et Je et e o o Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 8 3 5 Using the console with patchbay The previous examples showed basic ways to use the Ark But the Ark offers much more And as with so many things in audio there are not much rules We would like to invite you to customise the connections so the Ark really suits your workflow But when using the Ark with a patchbay you need to make sure that similar connections as described above are made Ideally you would use normalled patchbay to make it easy on yourself A possible way to do this could be as follows Use a patch bay which normals insert sends to lower rack inputs and another patch bay which normals lower rack outputs to insert returns So the lower rack 500 series modules most likely EQ or compressor are connected to the insert points If you want to bypass the lower rack modules you simply connect insert send and return on the patch bay Combined with this you can have a patch bay which normals the group insert sends to the monitor rack inputs and another patch bay which normals the monitor rack outputs to the group insert returns the monitor racks can for example hold compressor modules This way
20. Send 6 Channel 7 No Connection Channel 8 No Connection Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 15 5 Input Module Ark 504 516 508 Ex and 516 Ex Illuminated switch selects meter to read channel direct output or input gt METER signal to channel monitor section var RET Continuously variable input level trim centre detent 45 LINE 10 Selects auxiliary 1 to be gt 23 pre or post fader Illuminated switch selects auxilia 1 to be on the channel monitor section instead of input Continuously variable level control for auxiliary 2 Selects auxiliary 3 to be pre or post fader Continuously variable level control for auxiliary 4 Selects auxiliary 5 6 to be pre or post fader Continuously variable pan control for 58 with centre detent 5 AUX 5 6 PAN Channel monitor section continuousi gt variable pan control with centre detent Channel monitor section continuously variable level control Pan control with centre detent gt R CHANNEL PAN Illuminated switches route to sub groups 1 8 Illuminated switch routes to master outputs Illuminated switch selects either of two balanced line level inputs Continuously variable level control for auxiliary 1 Selects auxiliary 3 to be pre or post fader Continuously variable level control for auxiliary 3 Selects auxiliary 4 to be pre or post fader Continuously variable l
21. any of the other console inputs such as channel monitor inputs or sub group returns will ensure that the levels are matched correctly Sound on Sound magazine did a very good background article on this subject which can be freely consulted at the following link http www soundonsound com sos may00 articles digital htm While this article dates from May 2000 the information is still valid Important Note If your Digital Audio Interface features digital D Sub connectors DO NOT connect them to the Ark s D Sub connectors Only connect analogue D Sub connectors from your Digital Audio Interface to the analogue connectors of The Ark Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 29 More on speakers Make sure to take care when interfacing the console to control room monitor speakers Many control room monitors nowadays are self powered systems and contain their own amplifiers These systems often have as much as 20db gain internally and therefore if connected directly to the console without any attenuation will mean that the console control room monitor level control or the alternate monitor control room level controls will operate at the low end of their travel below mid way 5 N6 10 RM L This means that level matching between the left and right speakers will not be optimum since at below mid way travel the matching of stereo level controls is never as good as from mid way to maximum There is also the risk of damagi
22. d VU meter to read either the channel direct output signal when non illuminated or the signal feeding the channel monitor section when the button is depressed illuminated These individual channel metering select switches work in conjunction with the master meter switch located at the top of the master module Please check the More on Metering section of this manual for details Below the meter switch is the channel input level control It is continuously variable with a convenient centre detent click position which denotes that the control is set for 0 meaning that the input is set for unity gain Attenuation of up to 15db is provided so that the input signal can be matched for high levels often encountered from some DAW systems Gain of up to 10db is provided so that low level signals can be brought up to provide suitable recording levels Next to the input level control is the input selection between two balanced input sources referred to as External Input or Line Input This actually emulates the mic line input switching of a conventional analogue recording console A typical example of this might be where the External Input is connected to a 500 series slot containing a microphone pre amplifier while the Line Input is connected to the output of a DAW multi track system possibly going through another 500 series slot hosting an EQ for example Situated below the input level controls are the six auxiliary sends
23. design of the Ark consoles Enjoy working with the Ark All the best Malcolm Toft and the Ocean Audio team Here are just a few artists studios and bands whose names may sound familiar to you and who have used or are still using consoles designed by Malcolm Toft Elton John David Bowie Queen Lou Reed Harry Nilsson James Taylor Carly Simon The Eagles The Beatles T Rex Dire Straits Bachman Turner Overdrive Linda Rondstat Supertramp Thin Lizzy George Harrison Jeff Beck Radiohead Tony Visconti Ringo Star Paul McCartney Brian Eno Supertramp Chris De Burgh lan Anderson Amy Winehouse The Manic Street Preachers Ricky Nelson Paul Weller Oasis Muse The Chemical Brothers Hard Fi The Nice Rick Wakeman Joe Cocker The Move Aphrodite s Child Blood Sweat and Tears The Nice Phil Manzanera The Record Plant LA The Record Plant San Francisco Chipping Norton Studios Sarm Recording Studios Trident Studios Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts Leeds College of Music Sound 80 Minneapolis Armin van Buuren Lenny Kravitz Dennis Ferrer Vienna University of Performing Arts Frank Sinatra Genesis Cherokee Studios Hollywood Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 5 Features The Ark is designed to be as flexible as possible While it can be used as a traditional analogue console just insert a Mic Pre and an EQ per channel we would like to encourage you
24. e fader listen gives you the signal in isolation before the channel fader and pan as a quick and easy method of checking if there is signal present As it is pre fader and pan the signal appears on the monitor speakers in mono An AFL after fader listen switch provides a stereo after fader and pan signal which is useful for checking the stereo position or channel signal in isolation Both the PFL and AFL switches are non destructive which means that they can be used during a mix without affecting the main signal Below every channel is a high quality fader for precise control of signal level Reference to the signal flow diagram will give a better understanding of the input module s features and facilities Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 18 0705 WNOIS T3d 14 V Ca Cid seiis n 0334 E EN LE H 4 0105 SLAW i 65 ma 2 ro gt 31nw O10S 22 y E D sl T 7T3NNVHO oSv b v QN3S NON OL 133SNI 9 5 xnv EN ava gt E 9 3 6 133408 Cat 30V4 1S0d 2 8 aud 9 aud E 1 o 5 apo 9 1 3NI1 x 431309 9 01 02 amp 30v1 34d Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 19 6 Submaster Module Ark
25. e next page details the wiring convention There are only four exceptions to this 1 the master left right inserts and master outputs connector on Ark 504 and 516 2 the control room alternate monitors and studio playback connector on Ark 504 and 516 3 the 2 track returns connector on Ark 504 and 516 4 the auxiliary sends connector on Ark 504 and 516 They still follow the standard wiring convention but either do not have all 8 signal pairs wired or require detail for left right signals Consequently these have their own wiring sheets which are shown individually Ch2 Rear View of male 1 Male Connector 13 14 25 Rear View of Female 13 Female Connector 1 Ch3 Ch5 Ch7 Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 10 4 1 Standard D Sub pin connections Ark 504 516 508 Ex and 516 Ex Pin Description Number 1 Channel 8 2 Channel 8 Earth 3 Channel 7 4 Channel 6 5 Channel 6 Earth 6 Channel 5 7 Channel 4 8 Channel 4 Earth 9 Channel 3 10 Channel 2 11 2 12 Channel 1 13 No Connection 14 Channel 8 15 7 16 Channel 7 Earth 17 Channel 6 18 Channel 5 19 Channel 5 Earth 20 Channel 4 21 Channel 3 22 Channel 3 Earth 23 Channel 2 24 Channel 1 25 Channel 1 Earth Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 11 4 2 Master Insert Sends Return
26. el control for auxiliary 4 Selects auxiliaries 5 6 to be pre 4 or post the monitor level control lt Pan control for auxiliaries 5 6 with centre detent Illuminated switch reverses function of monitor level control and subgroup master fader Monitor pan control with centre detent Illuminated monitor mute LOWER SECTION Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 20 Submaster module operational description Ark 504 and 516 only The submaster modules provide all of the facilities necessary when using the 8 sub group outputs They provide monitoring of not only the 8 subgroups but an additional 8 line level returns so that 16 track recordings can be monitored Each submaster module consists of an upper and lower section The facilities are very similar except that the lower section provides extra controls for the 8 subgroup outputs At the top of submaster modules 1 to 6 are the master level controls for the 6 auxiliary sends together with an illuminated switch that makes it possible to solo the mixed auxiliary send signal on the control room monitor Upper subgroup section The upper subgroup section only provides monitoring of a single line level input labelled Monitor Line Inputs 9 16 on the rear panel of the console The 8 subgroup outputs and 16 returns are balanced to provide the best possible quality when monitoring through the submaster section Below master aux send level control
27. ereo master mix When the fader reverse buttons are depressed control of the input signal is then via the fader rather than the rotary monitor level control This gives precise fader control over 24 inputs when mixing down A large Mute switch kills the monitor signal for that particular submaster module Reference to the signal flow diagram will give a better understanding of the submaster module s features and facilities Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 22 NVHOVIO FINCON YALSVWENS 919 My NOILOAS 43M07 INdINO dnouosns Nvd HOLINOW 13 31 YOLINOW YOLINOW NUNLIY 1H3SNI dnouosns dnouosns SSn8 dnouosns 91 6 SH3l3W OL scita NOLLO3S MUN 90 YILSWN 91 6 qu SINANI 0334 N313W gi SINANI NOMI 0334 N313W YOLINOW AVIdIY anas xnv gt 9 BES LET 1 x 3ud o3Hd t fm S ssna XIN oom xnv Z gt Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 23 7 Master Module Ark 504 and 516 INPUTS TL METERS GROUPS m AUX 1 Studio playback level control gt AFL PFL master level control Alternate control room 2 speaker level control Alternate control room 1 speaker level control Talkback mic level control gt Talkback
28. evel control for auxiliary Illuminated switch selects auxiliary 1 to be on the channel monitor section instead of input Illuminated channel monitor solo Stereo non destructive Illuminated channel monitor mute Illuminated pre fade listen P F L switch mono signal non destructive Illuminated after fade listen A F L switch stereo signal non destructive Illuminated solo switch Mutes all other channels Provides in place solo Illuminated mute switch Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 16 Input module operational description Ark 504 516 508 Ex 516 Ex The Ark input module is an extremely versatile channel strip that provides all the facilities necessary for multi track recording and mixing All of the switches pushbuttons are illuminated when activated Exception to this are the pre post switches for the Aux sends DIR OP UNE JL 45 LINE 0 PRE At the top of the module eight pushbuttons route the signal to the 8 sub groups in and even pairs If required the channel pan control can be used to direct the signal to an individual sub group by turning it fully left for an odd numbered sub group or fully right for an even numbered sub group A further pushbutton routes the signal to the master left right outputs and again by using the channel pan control the signal can be routed to either the left or right master output The meter switch allows it s associate
29. ge DC is supplied to the console via a circular locking connector Push the connector firmly into the mating socket on the rear of the console Use the locking ring to make sure that the cable cannot be accidentally pulled from the console Make sure you make all connections before switching on the power supply The DC power connections are as follows Pin 1 Ground Pin 2 16V Pin 3 16V Pin 4 8V Pin 5 48V The power supply is fitted with four red LED s which indicate that the 16 16 8V and 48 voltages are functioning If for any reason any of the LED s fail to illuminate do not operate the console Turn the power supply off immediately and check that the appropriate front panel fuse s are not blown If any fuse has blown replace with one of the same rating and try again If the fuse has not blown or a replacement fails subsequently seek qualified help Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 6 3 2 Audio Connections So as to provide complete flexibility and provide greater access to the many inputs and outputs available the Ark uses the Tascam standard 25 way D Sub connector system Because of this when used without a patchbay certain functions in the console will not work unless they are normalled through These functions are as marked on the rear panel Channel Insert Sends 1 8 to Channel Insert Returns 1 8 Channel Insert Sends 9 16 to Channel Insert Returns 9 16 on the
30. he average level of the programme so can therefore be considered more useful when recording instruments such as an electric guitar The combination of electronic bargraph and analogue metering provides the user with the best of both worlds At the top of the master module is the master meter switch This selects the 16 VU meters situated above the input modules to read either the channel direct outputs or channel monitor line inputs as selected individually on the input modules In the INPUTS Jl depressed illuminated mode the 16 VU meters read the signal from the submaster section of the console and will read either the 8 subgroup outputs on meters 1 8 or the replay of 8 line level sources on any of the meters associated with submasters1 8 according to whether replay is selected On submasters 9 16 the meters will read the line level signal associated with that particular submaster METERS GROUPS AUX 1 Below the master meter switch are the controls associated with the audio playback system Studio playback is an essential function when the artists are recording in a separate room from the recording engineer and it is either necessary to communicate to them without the need for headphones or to play back what is being heard in the control room or alternately a signal such as a 2 track source i e a backing track that is not being heard in the control room It is also a useful feature if a vocalist prefers to hear the signal they are
31. he following pages your Ark console will give you years of professional audio quality and reliable service Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 5 Quick Start 3 1 Power Connections The Ark 504 Ark 516 and Ark 516 Expander are supplied with a high quality power supply The power supply of the Ark 504 has enough power for one additional Ark 508 expander The Ark 508 Expander needs it s own power supply when used with the Ark 516 Make sure to use an earthed cable when connecting the AC power source to the 3 pin euro socket at the back of the power supply The supply uses the latest switch mode power techniques which negate the need for heavy and inefficient power transformers They are also extremely efficient which means that despite their high current load capacity they do not run hot As a consequence cooling fans are not required and therefore the power supply is completely silent in operation As they still generate a small amount of heat it is however always good practice to make sure that they operate in a well ventilated area preferably with at least 1U rack space between the supply and other equipment Another advantage of switch mode power supplies is that they will operate on a wide AC input voltage range 100v to 260v AC Consequently they can be operated virtually anywhere in the world without the need for adjustment The supplies are provided with short circuit and over voltage protection Low volta
32. hich shows you the number of inputs for any combination of Ark models Ark 504 Ark 516 Ark508Ex Ark 516 Ex Total inputs to mix bus 24 48 16 32 Combined with Ark 504 40 56 Combined with Ark 516 64 80 Combined with Ark 508 Ex 40 64 Combined with Ark 516 Ex 56 80 Combined with two Ark 508 Ex 56 80 Combined with one Ark 508 Ex and one Ark 516 Ex 72 96 Combined with two Ark 516 Ex 88 112 The console has also been designed with ease of servicing in mind Its fully modular construction makes it a simple matter to remove any module should a component need replacing All active circuitry IC s etc are socketed again to aid servicing All passive components resistors capacitors etc are of conventional types and are not surface mount because surface mount components are difficult to remove and replace The modules connect to each other via motherboards which ensure maximum reliability and freedom from wiring errors Construction of the frame itself is a combination of aluminium and steel to ensure that the console is rigid yet as light as possible Connections to the console are via Tascam standard 25 way D Sub connectors This allows for easy connection to a patchbay which greatly increases the flexibility of the system The metering system accommodates either recording directly from the channel direct outputs or via the separate sub group section By carefully following the installation procedures detailed in t
33. lected auxiliary sends Revision 2 2 page 24 Master module operational description Ark 504 and 516 only The master module of the Ark 504 and 516 contains all of the controls that affect the overall functionality of the console Associated with the master module are an accurately matched 100mm stereo fader which controls the level of the master stereo balanced outputs together with a pair of very accurate 16 segment bargraph and two moving coil VU meters which indicate the signal being sent from the master left right stereo outputs The VU meters read in parallel with the bargraph meters making it possible to compare the signal measured on the two different types of meters By their nature bargraph meters such as the ones fitted to the Ark console respond very quickly to signal peaks and are useful when used on instruments with complex dynamic waveforms such as pianos etc This type of meter greatly assists the engineer when it comes to avoiding distortion during recording However when used on less complex waveforms generated by for example an electric guitar it is possible to under record the instrument using a bargraph display as they will sometimes react too much to the peak amplitudes of the signal and not the average amplitude They will however generally result in a better use of the available dynamic range of the recording medium An analogue meter such as the conventional VU meter fitted to the Ark 516 console responds mostly to t
34. ng the control room monitor system or your ears if the control room master level control is accidentally turned to maximum If the control room speaker system has it s own level controls the optimum set up is to turn the speaker level controls to minimum and the console master level control to maximum Then using playback of source material that modulates the master level meters to a satisfactory level the speaker level controls should be advanced until the control room speaker level is at the maximum volume that is ever likely to be required The console master level control can then be used in it s optimum position and will provide much more flexible control of the control room speaker systems This procedure will also apply to use of the alternate control room monitor systems and studio playback Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 30 More on grounding By connecting equipment together using the star grounding principle it is possible to virtually eliminate hum loops from studio wiring Since the system is quite easy to implement it only requires following a certain procedure that will soon become second nature A few moments spent studying this chapter and following the steps listed below could pay dividends in the future Step 1 Choose a particular piece of equipment that will be made technical earth in most cases the mixing console is the ideal choice as it is usually the item that everything else is co
35. nnected to Step 2 On all equipment that is connected to the console inputs connect the earth sleeve of the cable carrying the signal at the console end but not the end that connects to the equipment For example if it is a jack lead connect the sleeve at the mixer end but not at the equipment end The only exception to this should be a microphone as it cannot get an electrical earth by any other means The earth should therefore be connected at both ends of a microphone cable Step 3 On all equipment that is connected to the console outputs connect the earth sleeve at the console end but not at the equipment end input Step 4 Connect the chassis or mains earth of all equipment to the same point that the console chassis and power supply earth are connected to This point is then known as the technical earth and should be as good as it possibly can be In many cases this will be the earth of the mains socket feeding the console but sometimes better results and freedom from refrigerator clicks and pops etc can be achieved by making an independent technical earth In many professional recording studios this is done by burying a large copper plate at least three feet one meter underground and connecting the technical earth point to it A less drastic measure is to use the copper pipe of a radiator as the earth reference as this often runs underground It is essential that if a separate technical earth is generated this is always
36. r s Manual Revision 2 2 page 17 previously mentioned auxiliaries 1 and 5 6 can be moved to the channel monitor section so that they are no longer a part of the input section So you can actually split the AUX sends 3 on the channel input and 3 on the monitor section This allows you to provide a headphone or effect send mix from the channel monitor section The advantage of providing a headphone mix from the channel monitor section is that when building up a multi track recording and overdubbing signals the artist will always be able to hear both what has been recorded and what they are about to record This greatly adds to the continuity of the recording process A complete multi track mix can therefore be built up on the channel monitor section very easily during multi track recording DIR LINE JL 45 LINE 10 Below the channel monitor section is the input channel pan control which has a centre MEME detent click so that it is easy to find the central position and a large illuminated mute E switch MON A Solo switch mutes all other channels but the one selected This performs like a Solo in Place SIP All other channels will be muted and those mute switches will illuminate Since all other channel signals are muted this is also referred to as destructive Be careful when using this during mixdown since it will alter the mix feeding the left right master outputs A PFL switch pr
37. recording to on speakers rather than headphones A stereo master level control is provided together with an on off switch Three switches select the source to the studio playback system When no switch is depressed the default signal is the same as that in the control room When Aux 1 is depressed whatever signal is being fed to auxiliary 1 will be heard through the studio playback speakers When Aux 5 6 is depressed whatever signal is being fed to auxiliaries 5 6 will be heard through the studio playback speakers If the 2 Track 1 switch is depressed whatever signal is connected to the 2 track 1 left and right D Sub connector on the back of the console will be heard on the studio playback speakers Below the studio playback controls is the master level control for the AFL PFL system This stereo level control adjusts the signal level in the control room speakers of whatever signal is selected to be monitored As the AFL PFL system is a separate mixing buss it is possible to solo any number of signals according to requirements Associated with the AFL PFL system is a large flashing LED situated between the two master VU meters so no Solo button will stay engaged unnoticed Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 25 2 TRACK 1 2 TRACK 2 ic R 2 U S gt Next in the master module are the controls for alternate control room monitor speakers
38. s amp Master Outputs D Sub connections Ark 504 and 516 Pin Description 1 No Connection 2 No Connection 3 No Connection A Stereo Master Output Left 5 Stereo Master Output Left Ground 6 7 8 9 Stereo Master Output Right Stereo Master Insert Return Left Stereo Master Insert Return Ground Stereo Master Insert Return Right 10 Stereo Master Insert Send Left 11 Stereo Master Insert Send Right Ground 12 Stereo Master Insert Send Right 13 No Connection 14 No Connection 15 No Connection 16 Earth 17 Stereo Master Output Left 18 Stereo Master Output Right 19 Stereo Master Output Right Ground 20 Stereo Master Insert Return Left 21 Stereo Master Insert Return Right 22 Stereo Master Insert Return Left Ground 23 Stereo Master Insert Send Left 24 Stereo Master Insert Send Right 25 Stereo Master Insert Send Left Ground Following Standard Tascam Audio Connections Channel 1 Master Insert Send Right Channel 2 Master Insert Send Left Channel 3 Master Insert Return Right Channel 4 Master Insert Return Left Channel 5 Master Output Right Channel 6 Master Output Left Channel 7 No Connection Channel 8 No Connection Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 12 4 5 Control Room Alt Mon amp Studio Playback D Sub pin connections Ark 504 and 516 Pin Description 1 Studio
39. s are the auxiliary sends for the upper submaster section Like the input module they provide individual level controls and pre post switching for auxiliaries 1 to 4 whilst 5 and 6 being stereo have a single pre post select switch An illuminated solo switch provides a stereo signal in isolation to the control room speakers from the submaster selected A monitor pan control with centre detent click makes it possible to place the signal anywhere in the stereo perspective This control is also operative when the solo button is depressed A monitor level control provides precise adjustment of the signal being monitored from the particular submaster module A large Mute switch kills the monitor signal for that particular submaster module When the master meter switch situated at the top of the master module is depressed the VU meter appropriate to submasters 9 16 will indicate the signal level at the input to the module This is unaffected by the monitor level control or pan This completes the upper subgroup section Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 21 Lower subgroup section At the top of the lower section are an identical set of auxiliary send controls to those found on the upper section and they perform the same function A Replay switch selects monitoring through the lower section to be the output of the respective subgroup below or a balanced line level signal connected to the Monitor Line
40. sed in Meters 1 16 will read signal from the submaster section of the console Meters 1 8 will read either the subgroup outputs or the monitor line inputs 1 8 lower section of the submaster modules depending on each Replay switch Meters 9 16 will read monitor line inputs 9 16 upper section of the submaster modules Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 28 More on levels when using Digital Audio Interfaces The Ark has been designed to operate at standard professional operating levels 0 on the VU meters corresponds to 4dBm 1 225V 0 on the master bargraph meters corresponds to OdBm 0 775V When connecting a Digital Audio Interface it is important to set the levels of your interface so it matches correctly with the console Digital interface levels are generally calibrated in dBFS dB Full Scale and they do not directly correlate to dBm For example OdBFS can be equivalent to 24dBm Since OdBFS is the maximum level which can be handled by the Digital Audio Interface you should not set OdBFS to be the same as OdBm Setting your interface output to OdBFS is obviously going to cause severe headroom problems through the console Similarly setting the interface input to OdBFS means that you are going to require a large output from the console to drive the interface A more sensible approach is to set the interface input and output levels to between 20dBFS 4dBm equivalent and 24dBFS
41. t Notes The D Sub connectors on the Ark are analogue audio connectors DO NOT connect them to digital D Sub connectors such as can be found on some DAW interfaces or bad things can happen D Sub connectors are by design per 8 channels If you have only a couple of 500 modules installed less than 8 you need to make sure that you pass signal through the empty slots of the console If you don t use a patchbay you can use D Sub to XLR cables to make all connections You can also use the Ocean Audio 500 1 0 connect The 500 I O connect is a 500 series module without any components It just links the input to the output and is inserted in the unused slot Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 9 Audio connections The console uses 25 way D Sub connectors which follow the Tascam standard for audio wiring This universal standard makes it compatible with any other piece of professional analogue audio equipment such as patchbays etc that follow this standard It is also possible to construct cables using the IDC insulation displacement connector technique using 05 ribbon cable This makes it very quick and simple to manufacture interface cabling for the console All connections to the console require male D Sub connectors As the connections follow the Tascam wiring convention and the majority of connectors provide 8 balanced audio signals wiring for these connectors is identical A table on th
42. the Groups switch is depressed the talkback signal is routed to the 8 subgroups and the master left right outputs This is useful for slate announcements so that the title of a song can be recorded at the beginning When the Studio switch is depressed the talkback signal is routed to the studio playback speakers for communication to musicians in a separate recording room who may not be wearing headphones The Auxes switch operates in conjunction with four illuminated switches which select which auxiliary buss the engineer wishes to communicate with These comprise aux 1 aux 2 auxes 3 4 and auxes 5 6 This selection is provided because it might not always be desirable to talk to all headphone mixes simultaneously When any talkback button is depressed the monitor signal is dimmed by 20db to avoid feedback in the control monitor speakers Reference to the master module signal flow diagram will help to give a better understanding of the way in which the signal is routed Ark 500 range Owner s Manual Revision 2 2 page 26 2790108 IVNSIS 0705 XIW3Y HYO LINON of H 1 FN o o1 X w gt 4 e NO HOVBAV Id se 95xnv dianas Lxnw HOVSAV Id 01075 w gt INVHOVIO MOTH IIMCDON YSLSVW OLS DIV MOVEMIVI zxnv v OLMI o MVL 8 06 gt 9 5 xnv OLXVL
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