XL-Desk User Manual
Contents
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5. INSERT RETURN 1 8 AO O o OCS oO 500 RETURN 9 16 CHANNEL OUT 9 16 CHANNEL OUT 1 8 jo oa d Eee git i m Sg 16 2 3 4 5 19 0 e eE AOS 69 69 65 100 1 65 69 69 65 a 6 00 a G 6 is PI oe hy 2 3 4 11 12 13 14 15 16 65 08 18 20 6 65 65 6 SO OOOO C 9 9 0 9 69 69 89 29 60 NTIS Pia le es bn 16 2 3 4 11 12 13 14 15 16 65 65 18 65 65 65 65 6 65 65 9 e 9 89 65 Page 14 XL Desk Owner s Manual Bus Compressor Included with every XL Desk is the legendary SSL Bus Compressor for 500 series It is a simple unit with a simple purpose it makes complete mixes sound bigger with more power punch and drive It brings cohesion and strength to your mix without compromising clarity The updated design now includes a notched high pass filter in the sidechain The compressor sidechain controls are straight forward and hopefully require little explanation The ATTACK RATIO and RELEASE and HPF High Pass Filter controls are multi position switches the THRESHOLD and MAKE UP controls are continuously variable dy potentiometers The illuminated compression meter above the unit displays gain reduction 20 20 for the compressor S UL MICE RE AUTO ATTACK mS RELEASE S 60 105 30 4125 e10 OFF 185 RAT
6. AJ CJ STEREO OUT 1 4 500 RETURN 9 16 g X Mia l FL foooo 36 0 loo ooooooocooo 00 z loo o f 7 0000000000000 0000000000000 AN A 90000 000000000 oo 000000000 O O Lo pasoo 00000 9 O es 000 soo O O oo 900099 0000 Vu Bon o0000000 lo 2 J J AN DB25 Connector Summary LINE INPUT 9 16 A eoooococco 000 O 000000000000 Z DAW INPUT 9 16 000000000 o o ooo 00000000 SF E a INSERT SEND 9 16 b O 00000000 900000 Lo 00 00000000 J INSERT RETURN 9 16 6 220000000000 Ze 0060 o000000 e CHANNEL OUT 9 16 0000 00 522225 O zx to o nntodso ooo As NS gt 2 MIC INPUT 1 8 gt 0000000000000 000000000000 500 SEND 1 8 DAW INPUT 1 8 OER 0000000 O 000000000 80 ETA O O mA ooo JO M 500 SLOT IN 1 8 INSERT SEND 1 8 20 2 p e 0000000000000 E 6 j 0800000000000 999990000000 ko 0900000000000 3 y 500 SLOT OUT 1 8 INSERT RETURN 1 8 Ga O OR 0000000000000 00000000000 jA Y 0000o00000000 e 500 RETURN 1 8 CHANNEL OUT 1 8 mo o 0000000000 0000 i 9000000000090 0000000000000 AN 999o990000000
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8. Built into the penthouse of XL Desk is a 500 series rack This rack is a 16 2 slot design The image shows the rack filled with SSL modules but of course this could be a selection of 500 series modules from other manufacturers The first 16 slots are lined up with the 16 mono channels and pressing the button labelled 500 will activate the insert return bringing the 500 series processing into that channel Slots 9 16 However the 4 stereo mix busses A B C D are able to steal rack slots 9 16 to use as extra processing Mix A can steal 500 slots 9 10 Mix B can steal 500 slots 11 12 Mix C can steal 500 slots 13 14 Mix D can steal 500 slots 15 16 The slots are stolen by pressing the 500 button in the master controls section for each mix bus See the following section for more information 500 Slots 8 500 Slots 9 16
9. www solidstatelogic com XL Desk The smart dumb analogue console Owner s Manual Solid State Logic This is SSL SOUND ll VISION Document History 82BMLMo1A Initial Release September 2014 Page B XL Desk Owner s Manual Table of Contents 1 Introduction About This User Guide Manual Conventions Overview Key Features Workflow Subjects covered in the Tutorials section Website and Registration Information 2 Installation What s in The Wooden Crate Installation Notes Power Connection Thermal Considerations Rear Panel Connections Connector Summary D sub to XLR Breakout Leads 3 Studio Integration Connectivity Example Using XL Desk Without a Patchbay Using XL Desk With a Patchbay Patchbay Guidelines Line Level Input Outputs Mic Inputs 4 Tutorials The VHD preamplifier Using the preamplifier Mono Channels NO NO NO o MO o o o OO N NN oO uu uu UY UY un Y uuu M M a m h Input Trim 10 Stereo Cue and Mono Auxes 11 Using the ALT input button when mixing 11 Pan Pot Mix Bus Assignments CUT SOLO and Faders 11 Stereo Channels 12 500 series Rack 13 Slots 1 16 13 Slots 9 16 13 Stereo Sidechain Link for odd even pairs 14 Slots 17 18 14 Using the 500 series Rack With or Without a Patchbay 14 Bus Compressor 15 XL Desk Owner s Manual Page C Centre Section 16 Stereo Returns 16 Master Trims 16 Mix B Mix C Mix D Master Controls 16 Mix A Master Controls 17 Solo Master Section 17
10. 11 12 10 16 10 ie 00 0 0 O O O 69 69 9 9 69 9 9 5 9 9 69 6 9 69 69 9 9 69 9 9 69 60 69 9 69 9 69 6 69 69 0 9 9 9 9 ydo b ic de iu OUTBOARD IN add nu 2 hg 2 3 4 5 6 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 1 2 3 4 5 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 0000000400004 6090966 62 69 69 9 9 60 6 0 60 60 69 66069 69 60 69 69 9 69 9 8 9 9 9 9 jesa bard y de 16 10 11 12 13 14 06660000000000000095006000090000000000000000000098 MN MM ue M 16 E OL EE Era e 2 3 4 5 11 12 13 14 15 16 1 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 AL AR BL CR DL DR 1L 4R 2L DO OC CO COO OO ClO OCG ClO DS SS 85 G5 Ow Ea ui po pour rd pw Ed pow m E gt d Ps d 7 12 13 000 006 0 0 6 006009 6 00 09 09 05 09 9 69 6 69 69 69 9 9 65 69 9 65 60 69 09 60 09 69 65 69 69 9 9 8 9 9 6 9 Notes 1 Row AB 1 8 should be fully normalled or could be left un normalled requiring the use of patchcords 2 All other rows should be half normalled apart form the parallels at B 41 48 3 The parallels at B 41 48 can be created by using a DB25 Mult plug Patchbay Guidelines Line Level Input Outputs All 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 patchrow to avoid ground loops Wiring to the installation should normally have the shield connected to the patch row The
11. When SUB is lit the bass management sums left and right signals through a 3rd order low pass high cut filter at 80Hz and sends the sum out of the Sub monitor output Also 2nd order high pass low cut filters are inserted into the selected left and right monitor outputs Did you know The bass management on XL Desk is intelligent It will remember if the SUB button is on or off for each speaker set Mon Source MIX A selects Mix A as the source for the monitoring EXT selects the rear panel External Input as the source for monitoring ijack selects the front panel mini jack 58 inch socket as the source for monitoring SUM allows any selection of monitor sources to be selected at once and sums them into the monitoring path H P The black level pot controls volume for headphones connected to the front panel 1 inch jack socket With neither F B A or F B B selected the headphones source whatever is currently selected in the MON SOURCE section MIX A EXT iJACK Pressing F B A or F B B allows the front panel headphones to audition FoldbackA or B useful for checking the performer s headphone mixes Please be aware that when sourcing F B A or F B B in the front panel headphones the talkback signal will not be heard Page 18 XL Desk Owner s Manual Foldback XL Desk has 2 in built Foldback circuits In a recording situation foldback circuits are used to provide performers with individual headphone mixes with
12. 86dBu 20Hz 20kHz Relative Operating 20 to 8096 Line Alt in to Mix bus single fader lt 83dBu 20Hz 20kHz Humidity Non operating 5 to 9096 THD N gt 24dBu into 10kQ Max wet bulb 29 deg C non condensing Vibration Operating lt 0 2 G 3 100Hz Electro Magnetic Compatibility Non operating lt 0 4 G 3 100Hz EN55103 1 2009 EN55103 2 2009 Shock Operating lt 2 G 10ms max Environment E4 Non operating 10 6 10105 max Initial in rush current 3 2A Altitude Operating 0 to 3000m 5 sec in rush current 3 2A above sea level Non operating 0 to 12000m Braid screened cables should be used where applicable Star Quad cables should be used where applicable EMC Performance Criteria Line level inputs and outputs Measure at mid gain noise lt 56dBu Limited Warranty Warranty claims will only be accepted if the purchased product has been used for its intended purpose Any purchased product used for an unintended purpose will not be eligible for warranty protection For all warranty inquiries or claims please address your claim to the dealer that you purchased the product from orto Solid State Logic if the purchase was directly from Solid State Logic within a period of two months from the date on which you detected its lack of conformity with the terms of the warranty Please include your original proof of purchase when initiating the claim e Within the EU Pursuant to the Solid State Logic Terms and Conditions under Eur
13. Monitoring Section 18 Mon Select 18 Mon Source 18 Foldback 19 Bargraph Metering 19 How to track with XL Desk 20 Example 1 Recording a small ensemble in a split console style 20 Example 2 Recording a Full Band and Monitoring Back Via Stems 22 Creating Headphone Mixes for Tracking 24 Using 500 series Rack Slots 9 16 with Microphone Preamplifiers 25 5 Configuration 27 Adjusting the Level of MINI 1 and MINI 2 Monitor Outputs 27 Option DIP Switches 28 6 Appendices 29 Appendix A Signal Flow Block Diagram 29 Appendix B Console dimensions 30 Appendix C Connector Pinouts 31 Appendix D 500 series Rack Specifications 32 Appendix E Technical amp Environmental Specifications 33 Appendix F Hardware 34 Notes 35 Page D XL Desk Owner s Manual 1 Introduction About This User Guide Congratulations on purchasing your Solid State Logic XL Desk This User Guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information to operate the console The Guide is arranged into the following sections Introduction An overview of XL Desk s features Installation Useful information for installing XL Desk in your studio What s in the box connector summary plus other information Studio Integration How XL Desk connects to your existing studio equipment How to use XL Desk with or without a patchbay Tutorials How to operate XL Desk A rundown of all front panel operations and suggested best practices Configuration Information
14. S Y DB25 Connector Signals MIC INPUT 1 8 VHD microphone preamplifier inputs DAW INPUT 1 8 Line level inputs connect outputs 1 8 from your audio interface here INSERT SEND 1 8 Main Insert Sends for mono channels 1 8 INSERT RETURN 1 8 CHANNEL OUT 1 8 Main Insert Returns for mono channels 1 8 associated with INS front panel button Direct Channel Outputs for mono channels 1 8 500 SEND 1 8 Secondary Insert Sends for mono channels 1 8 500 SLOT IN 1 8 500 series rack inputs 1 8 500 SLOT OUT 1 8 500 series rack outputs 1 8 500 RETURN 1 8 Secondary Insert Returns for mono channels 1 8 associated with 500 front panel button LINE INPUT 9 16 Line level inputs DAW INPUT 9 16 Line level inputs connect outputs 9 16 from your audio interface here INSERT SEND 9 16 Main Insert Sends for mono channels 9 16 INSERT RETURN 9 16 CHANNEL OUT 9 16 Main Insert Returns for mono channels 9 16 associated with INS front panel button Direct Channel Outputs for mono channels 9 16 MONITOR OUTS Loudspeaker outputs for monitoring Main L R Mini 1L 1R Mini 2L 2R Sub DB25 to XLR M loom STEREO INPUT1 4 Line level inputs for the stereo channels DB25 to XLR F loom STEREO OUT 1 4 Direct channel outputs for the stereo channels DB25 to XLR M loom MISC INPUTS Stereo Return In 1L 1R
15. Stereo Return In 2L 2R External Input L R DB25 to XLR F loom MISC OUTS 1 Stereo Return Out 1L 1R Stereo Return Out 2L 2R Meter L R Listen Mic Out DB25 to XLR M loom MISC OUTS 2 Foldback Out AL AR Foldback Out BL BR Cue Stereo L R Aux Out 4 2 DB25 to XLR M loom MIX A B C D SEND MIX A B C D RETURN Mix Insert send for the 4 stereo mix busses Mix Insert return for the 4 stereo mix busses MIX A B C D OUT Stereo mix bus outputs AJ and CJ Top secret XL Desk Owner s Manual 2 Installation WHAT S iN THE WOODEN CRATE Not to scale e The console e Mains lead e D Sub D Sub cables x4 e Installation Guide INSTALLATION NOTES Power Connection The console is fitted with auto sensing power supplies which will function at any voltage from 100 to 230 volts 10 without adjustment Three IEC mains power leads may be supplied one with a UK 3 pin fused plug fitted one with US style 3 pin mains plug fitted and one with a european 3 pin plug Please select the appropriate lead for the local power outlets Thermal Considerations The console is cooled by fan assisted convection from the front inlet below the front buffer to the exit in the rear panel It is VERY important that these ventilation grills are not
16. XL Desk Using the DB25 to 8 l A AAA XLR female interface lead where necessary 2 Set channels 1 to 8 of XL Desk to source from the microphone inputs DAW button is not pressed 3 Increase the gain red control on the microphone preamplifiers until the tri colour LED starts to show some signal If the microphone needs phantom power use the 48V button 0 4 It s probably a good idea to listen to how the microphones are sounding To do this route the first 8 channels to Mix Bus B by pressing the B routing button above the CUT buttons Raise the faders 5 Make sure the MIX B master level control is at odB in the centre section centre indented position Press the MIX B AFL button and raise the MONITOR LEVEL control to hear your inputs through the speakers CHP POT tri colour uc BED MONITOR LEVEL XL Desk Owner s Manual 6 Atthis point as the engineer you have some decisions to make as to how you CHANNEL OUT 1 8 want to record The direct channel output CHOP can be set post fader or pre TITTI 1 1 1 gu Oo fader using the CHOP POST button You can process the input recording channels using external rack gear connected to the insert points INS button orthe 500 series rack slots 500 button Channel outputs to gt Andlogue DAW interface inputs 7 Setup
17. mix bus A B C D buttons will route the channel to the relevant stereo mix bus Mix A Mix B Mix C Mix D CUT mutes the channel s output SOLO The exact action of the solo is dependant on the desk s current solo mode Solo in place SIP or AFL After Fader Listen See page 7 for additional information The space below the SOLO button provides enough room to stick the traditional strip of electrical tape to write track names on The 100mm analogue fader provides a gain control for feeding the selected stereo busses and or direct channel output if CHOP POST is selected XL Desk Owner s Manual Page 11 STEREO CHANNELS XL Desk provides 4 stereo input channels located immediately to the left of the Mix A master bus fader The stereo channels on XL Desk differ from the mono in the following ways e Stereo channels have one stereo input per strip e Two signal present LEDs are provided for monitoring incoming left and right signals e No insert points e The pan pot becomes a balance pot when operating in stereo TRI IM ETT DEM B E LIN P A 3 s200 20 dB CHOP POST Each stereo channel can operate in mono by pressing the MONO button e next to the pan pot This is useful for heavv tracking sessions where vou 88 5 a need extra mono inputs to feed these channels the outputs from extra MN E preamplifiers for example Page 12 XL Desk Owner s Manual 500 SERIES RACK Slots 1 16
18. obstructed in any way particularly if the console is going to be mounted into additional furniture CAUTION The heatsink fins on the console rear panels can reach temperatures of approximately 30 degrees Celsius above the ambient room temperature Rear Panel Connections All connections to the console apart from the headphone and iJack sockets are located on the rear panel e D Sub connectors are all high quality 25 way female e The screw pillars utilise the standard UNC 440 thread e All connections are balanced and are wired to the AES59 Analogue Standard also known as the Tascam standard e XLR connectors are wired with pin 2 hot Connector Summary Analogue I O 25 way D Type sockets Refer to table on page 4 LAR Monitor L 3 pin XLR Male Main LS Left Coo Monitor R 3 pin XLR Male Main LS Right l 64 Listen In 3 pin XLR Female Listen Mic Input DR usn USB Type B chassis socket Diagnostics SSL Service use Power Supply IEC320 3 pin connector S E ENS Boa These signals also appear on the MONITOR OUTS DB25 connector PON Refer to Appendix C page 31 for connector pinout information D sub to XLR Breakout Leads When connecting directly to external equipment amplifiers effects units meters etc adapter leads that convert the console s DB25 female connectors into 8 x XLRs are likely to be useful Refer to the table on page 4 fo
19. on settable options like meter scaling and latching momentary switches Appendices Additional technical information for reference Manual Conventions e abelling relating to the control surface appears in Bold e abelling from the rear panel appears in Bold Italic Notes tips and other useful information is indicated like this XL Desk Owner s Manual Page 1 Overview XL Desk is a modern twist on the classic analogue studio console It s designed for tracking or mixing engineers who require an analogue console within a DAW centric studio but don t want or need the integrated DAW control and analogue level automation other SSL console products have XL Desk is in many ways a traditional 24 into 8 analogue console but it packs in an incredible collection of features It has 20 channel strips 16 dual input mono switchable between main input or DAW return and 4 stereo channels The first eight channels have VHD mic pre s There is an 18 slot 500 series rack built in that can be used for processing or mic pre s XL Desk ships with a legendary SSL Stereo Bus Compressor module in slots 17 amp 18 hard wired to Mix A The rack has its own dedicated high spec power supply There are four main Mix Buses A B C D with buses B C and D able to be summed into Mix A The Buses and channels can access the 500 rack and each have a separate insert point for processing There are two mono aux sends and two stereo return inputs Direct outputs o
20. talkback Typically the foldback outputs on the rear ox XL Desk are plugged into headphone amplifiers in the studio live room FOLDBACK A ST CUE The black level pot controls the overall level of foldback This A foldback circuit picks up the Stereo Cue bus TALK A activates the front panel talkback MU mic and sends it to Foldback A a ka L LJ L le el LJ LJ LJ a ex FOLDBACK SS FOLDBACK B AUX 1 The black level pot controls the overall level of foldback This ERA LEVEL foldback circuit picks up the Aux1 bus TALK B activates the front panel talkback mic al 8 and sends it to Foldback B MON MON The MON buttons below each foldback s black level control override the default foldback source Stereo Cue or Aux 1 and replace it with whatever is selected in the MON SOURCE selection This is really useful for quickly playing back the studio control room mixto the performer s in the live room IMPORTANT Please be aware that pressing the MON buttons may cause a significant increase in the level sent to the foldback headphone amps This is because control room sources are likely to be significantly louder than CUE AUX 1 levels You may need to reduce the overall foldback level before pressing MON Alternatively increase the CUE AUX 1 master trim level beforehand to match levels with and without the MON buttons pressed The OPTION DIP SWITCHES on the rear panel allow the TALK buttons to be configured
21. the blue pot The Stereo Cue is switchable between pre or post fader on a per channel basis using the POST button During tracking the Stereo Cue could be used for an artist s headphone mix For mixing the Stereo Cue could be used to send to an FX unit for reverb delay Aux 1 and Aux 2 are mono sends which would normally be connected to outboard FX processing like reverbs and delays Aux 1 is also suitable for the creation of a second headphone mix Aux 1 and Aux 2 are globally switchable between pre or post fader in the MASTER TRIMS section Using the ALT input button when mixing When mixing the STEREO CUE can source the input that is currently not selected as the main input to the channel This is done by pressing the ALT alternate input button For example if DAW is selected as the main input to channel 9 then pressing ALT would bring LINE INPUT 9 into the Stereo Cue for that channel The green pot is used to control level whilst the blue pot positions the source within the Stereo Cue field Finally the TO A button underneath the STEREO CUE MASTER TRIM can be used to inject the all signals on the Stereo Cue bus into Mix Bus A Using this method will provide an extra 16 inputs to the mix Pan Pot Mix Bus Assignments CUT SOLO and Faders At the base of XL Desk you will find traditional analogue desk functions The blue PAN pot controls the channel s left right positioning in the stereo field when assigned to one or more stereo
22. 500 SEND 1 8 to _ 500 SLOT IN 1 8 Send from channel goes to 500 rack slot input 2 500 SLOT OUT 1 8 to 500 RETURN 1 8 500 rack slot output goes to channel return 3 500 SEND 9 16 to 500 SLOT IN 9 16 Send from channel goes to 500 rack slot input 4 500 SLOT OUT9 16 to 500 RETURN 9 16 500 rack slot output goes to channel return 500 SEND 9 16 DAW INPUT 9 16 500 SEND 1 8 DAW INPUT 1 8 TAT o RT MONITOR OUTS INSERT SEND 9 16 INSERT SEND 1 8 O EE ao e DA STEREO INPUT 1 4 500 SLOT OUT 9 16 INSERT RETURN 9 16 500 SLOT OUT 1 8 INSERT RETURN 1 8 STEREO OUT 1 4 CHANNEL OUT 9 16 CHANNEL OUT 1 8 Adding these connectors will link the insert points associated with the 500 button to and from the 500 series rack XL Desk Owner s Manual Page 7 UsinG XL DESK WITH A PATCHBAY For ultimate flexibility XL Desk can connect to a standard 25 way D Sub patchbay One of the advantages of using a patchbay is that it will allow patching between 500 rack modules The image below is a suggested layout for console connection using 4 patchrows INPUT LINES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 COGO C Cle COO OO VICIOS DIS SIS OS SS OOO OOO OOOO ODO OOO OSO bb ids Han P prd TNS ms ki ici ade ki STEREO TA aL pita 10 11 15 16 11 12 13 14 15 16 1R 2L 4L 4R 000000000000 0000649066 6 010 004046266 16 6 016 616 66 60 600909 9 6 6 us eli M 1 16 ie
23. 6 OLO G G B an a o MIC INPUT 1 8 1 Plug the first 8 microphones into MIC INPUT 1 8 of XL Desk all the drums Using the DB25 to 8 XLR female interface lead poo LINE INPUT 9 16 2 Useexternal preamplifiers for inputs 9 16 Plug the outputs E of the preamplifiers into LINE INPUT 9 16 If using your own gt Vic Preamps WS 500 series amps see notes on page 25 ES 9 3 Make sure channels 1 16 are NOT sourcing from the DAW input The DAW button should be released 4 Increase the gain red control on the microphone preamplifiers until MIX B the tri colour LED starts to show some signal If the microphone needs phantom power use the 48V button Repeat this process for your outboard preamplifiers Tip Engage the VHD button on the drum preamplifiers to add crunchy harmonics and liven up the drum sound Use the gain red control to drive the signal and the TRIM to back off the overall output level 5 It s probably a good idea to listen to how the microphones are sounding To do this route the first 16 channels to Mix Bus B by pressing the B routing button above the CUT button Raise the faders 6 Make sure the MIX B master level control is at odB in the centre section j E gt E 2 MONITOR LEVEL centre indented position Press the MIX B AFL button and raise the MONITOR LEVEL control to hear your inputs through the speaker
24. 8 tracks in your DAW session to record the 8 l l microphone signals This tutorial assumes that the MADI o first 8 direct channel outputs have been connected 3 io a to the first 8 inputs of your DAW s audio interface 8 In your DAW record arm the 8 channels for recording Route the outputs of these tracks into DAW INPUT 9 16 on XL Desk 9 Pressthe DAW button for channels 9 16 and Bow you will see signal coming into the desk M E Route these channels to Mix Bus A using E the A routing button above the CUT button gE 500 MIX A Ensure that the MIX A master fader is raised and that MON SOURCE is set to MIX A be P bo P be KICK SNARE E OH EN Bass GIR VOCAL EN ROOML ROOMR DAW INPUT 9 16 o 00o0ooooooooooQ RE 0000ooooooQOoQ o Don t forget to un select the Mix Bus B AFL button when you want to hear the DAW returns At any point you can choose whether you re listening to the input signals on Mix B or the DAW returns on Mix A by simply toggling the Mix B AFL button on or off XL Desk Owner s Manual Page 21 Example 2 Recording a Full Band and Monitoring Back Via Stems Let s assume that a band are coming into the studio to record and the input list looks as follows Input List 1 Kick Drum Inside Microphone 9 Room Left Microphone 2 Kick Drum Outside Microphone 10 Room Right Microphone 3 Snare Drum Top Microphone 11 Bass DI 4 Snare Drum Bottom Microph
25. 85 8 Qe Qs ll Stereo Cue 0 6 0 0 G 0 0 G 0 6 6 eo 6 6 6 c a 2 Hi 606 oG oao 0 08 06 0 0 0 0 5 8 2 Mono Auxes 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 G 6 6 O 6 6 Master Section 6 66 66666666 66 6 666666666 6 6 6 6 a007 Ha Em a607 9295 agan a207 9295 PEDF pan 9295 a607 9295 a200 i i EX O EJ Do OD COS EO 03 ea oo eS l Monitoring Section o o G o o 9 G o e s with Bass 6 Mono channels Management 2 Inputs per strip Communications 9 9 B Foldback Listen 4 Stereo Mono Channels Mix A Master Fader Workflow There are good reasons whv so manv leading engineers and producers still choose to mix on a console some of them because of sonic aspects and others because of workflow choices Mixing out of the box gives a wider sound stage and a distinct colouration that no plug in can equal We re also told that it is easier to get a mix together quickly with a console and that it feels more intuitive than a mouse XL Desk gives a full featured console workflow but with a project studio friendly footprint under 1m With 2 insert points on each mono channel you can mix and match rackmount and 500 series processors to make the XL Desk the hub of your hybrid studio world Connect your XL Desk to a patchbay for ultimate flexibility and use the direct outs from every channel and Bus to print files back into your DAW for easy mix revisions Tutorials This manual includes a series of
26. ENDS A E SENDS A E SENDS A E SENDS A E SENDS A E SENDS A E SENDS A E SENDS A E SENDS A E SENDS A E SENDS A E SENDS A E SENDS A E SENDS A E SENDS A E 10 Route the sub groups out of the DAW into the stereo channels of XL Desk Route the click track into the final stereo input on XL Desk and press the MONO button Route these channels to Mix Bus A using the A routing button above the CUT button MON SOURCE Ensure that the MIX A master fader is raised and that MON SOURCE is set to MIX A Don t forget to un select the Mix Bus B AFL button when you want to hear the DAW returns At any point you can choose whether you re listening to the input signals on Mix B or the DAW returns on Mix A by simply toggling the Mix B AFL button on or off With a session such as this you are likely to want to create some headphone mixes for the performers Please read the next tutorial for more information XL Desk Owner s Manual Creating Headphone Mixes for Tracking Here is a useful example of how to create headphone mixes during tracking XL Desk provides two foldback circuits Foldback A is fed by the STEREO CUE bus and talkback can be injected using the TALK A button Foldback B is fed by the AUX 1 bus and talkback can be injected using the TALK B button Headphone Amps Foldback A EE This example presumes that you have the Foldback A d and Foldback B outputs from XL Desk feeding E independent headph
27. Fully featured monitoring section with bass management e Foldback A and B with individual talkbacks for headphone mixes e Built in Listen Mic input classic compressor circuit with its own direct output e AFLand Solo In Place solo modes with Solo Clear and Solo Safe Protect modes e Balanced D Sub rear panel inputs outputs amp Front panel headphones 4 Jack sockets e High quality internal PSU Page 2 XL Desk Owner s Manual G Series Bus Compressor with HPF selection EDS IEEE BETOQETQ H QSHIQFIQHIOEIQH IQEFIOQH IQ IQOQ IQ E iD p B d a a Ecos cda 6818 More de camp aa a mcs A IDevice Ledge 8 8 E 73 88 LY 33 3 83 2 A 82 x 2 O 8 27 58 zi 23 FE 8 X VH D H ES H EH II 5s L D SE E u NS l6 2 slot 500 series Rack hi P zi a zi a iJ zi d P Lie m alle a A a a D edicated Ste reo R e am D 3 2 A 5 A Bete Oe ea E ee o 6 6 lt Returns i QE QE Ge AE Qe AE QE QS Q8 QE al al al 83 85
28. INPUTS MISC OUTS 1 MISC OUTS 2 Connector Type 25 way D type Female Cct D25 Pin Hot Cold D XLR Loom if used MONITOR OUTS MISC INPUTS MISC OUTS 1 MISC OUTS 2 24 10 24 7 18 4 15 1 12 23 9 20 6 17 3 14 XLR 1 XLR 2 XLR 3 XLR 4 XLR 5 XLR 6 XLR 7 XLR 8 Main LS Left Main LS Right Mini 1 Left Mini 1 Right Mini 2 Left Mini 2 Right Sub Output Sub Output copy Stereo Return 1 Left Stereo Return 1 Right Stereo Return 2 Left Stereo Return 2 Right External Input Left External Input Right Unused Unused Stereo Return 1L Out Stereo Return 1R Out Stereo Return 2L Out Stereo Return 2R Out Meter Send Left Meter Send Right Listen Mic Out Unused These signal are duplicated on the XLR connectors MONITOR L and MONITOR R MIX A B C D SEND MIX A B C D RETURN MIX A B C D OUT STEREO IN OUT 1 4 Connector Type 25 way D type Female F B A Left Out F B A Right Out F B B Left Out F B B Right Out Stereo Cue Out Left Stereo Cue Out Right Aux 1 Output Aux 2 Output Cct Hot D25 Pin Cold D XLR Loom if used MIX A B C D SEND MIX A B C D RETURN MIX A B C D OUT STEREO IN OUT 1 4 24 10 21 7 18 4 15 1 12 23 9 20 6 17 3 14 XLR 4 XLR 2 XLR 3 XLR 4 XLR 5 XLR 6 XLR 7 XLR 8 Mix Bus A Left Send Mix Bus A Right Send Mix Bus B Left Send Mix Bus B Right Send Mix Bus C Left Send Mix Bu
29. IO HPF Hz a Solid State Logic O XL Desk Owner s Manual Page 15 CENTRE SECTION Stereo Returns Traditionally Stereo Returns are usually fed from the outputs of FX units such as Reverbs and Delays MEA They could however be used as extra inputs for any line level signal ST RET 1 XL Desk has 2 Stereo Return inputs each with its own blue balance pot and black level control STCUE Routes the stereo return to the Stereo Cue bus MONO Creates a mono sum of any signals present The balance pot becomes a left right pan ABCD Routes the Stereo Return signal to any selection of stereo busses AFL Allows the stereo return to be auditioned in the studio monitors Remember to turn the AFL master pot up in the monitoring section first Master Trims This section provides useful level trim controls The green ST CUE level pot provides up to 10dBs of gain for the Stereo Cue bus This pot is centre indented at odB AFL allows the Stereo Cue bus to be auditioned in the studio monitors The green AUX 1 level pot provides up to 10dBs of gain for the Aux 1 bus This pot is centre indented at odB PRE globally sets Aux 1 sends be pre fader AFL allows the Aux 1 bus to be auditioned in the studio monitors The green AUX 2 level pot provides up to 10dBs of gain for the Aux 2 bus This pot is centre indented at odB PRE globally sets Aux 2 sends be pre fader AFL allows the Aux 2 bus to be auditioned in the studio monitors
30. Microphone Guitar Microphone Vocal Microphone Room Left Microphone Room Right Microphone CON AANA A U N RP Split Recording We re going to treat XL Desk like a split console This means that the first 8 channels will be our inputs and channels 9 16 will be our DAW returns We will be treating Mix B as a record bus a bus which the input recording channels are G 8G 56 56 56 56 56 56 ia GAG l L 656 56 56 G6 G6 G6 50 Tx routed to and Mix A as the mixing bus Q8 Q8 QE G8 G5 G5 G5 a G8 G8 a al G6 a al GE al aR ag to nnn C 3 E a bus to which the DAW returns are Ecos monas d c c de oe l l 9 Oo On On On On On On On On On On On On Oo On o o o a8 OOO monitored and mixed 6 6 G G G G G G G G G 66 6 G 6 6 6 6 G am aa a MIC INPUT 1 8 1 Plug 8 microphones into MIC INPUT 1 8 of
31. Mix B Mix C Mix D Master Controls 3 ofthe XL Desk s 4 stereo mix busses are controlled in this section The controls that apply to Mix B C and D are identical Mix Busses B C and D do not have dedicated 500 series rack slots associated with them However by pressing the 500 button XL Desk allows each Mix Bus to steal a pair of slots from the rack Mix B Pressing 500 allows Mix B to steal 500 series rack slots 11 12 Mix C Pressing 500 allows Mix C to steal 500 series rack slots 13 14 Mix D Pressing 500 allows Mix D to steal 500 series rack slots 15 16 This way processing modules inserted into the 500 series rack can be swapped between use on mono channels or stereo mix busses For additional information see diagram on page 13 When a pair of 500 series rack slots are stolen they are unavailable for use on the mono channels they are normally associated with They can be released back to these by simply pressing the 500 button again INS engages the insert point normally associated with an external piece of stereo outboard equipment The rear panel connectors are labelled MIX A B C D SEND and MIX A B C D RETURN The SUM button below the INS button sums the Insert Return and the original Mix Bus feed together providing a direct stereo input to the Mix bus This also provides a clever way of instant parallel compression if using an outboard compressor Use the output gain of the compressor to control the level of compressed
32. O e 29000 d c d deo o m 800 e 9 PAO 05080887 e Y 0000000 0 a oo K mo 20 0 Oo tO g e 989000 VY l C E 200 B Pao o ofo ojal UO O 00 0 o0 g gt CO H oo Go o 0 lp 2 0720 O LO 94 El O O Qo ol b 289 99 4 me f OQ 300 o o D i goo ojo 1 O O OO 0000 Gang O Y Ta Oo lo 5 OJO O LO S ol O 00000 E 96000500050 On o 0 oro ojo ojo a00 P cooo 89 T om n O 4 L LY p OJO O O y 5 gt OO roro oily poro seed O PERE ere ae ee tm La olol sea apa 39 l L Jo ololo ol Ol gr dod A a e 0 0 8x 3 Studio Integration CONNECTIVITY EXAMPLE See diagram on page 6 for an example of how other studio equipment can be connected to XL Desk USING XL DESK WITHOUT A PATCHBAY If using XL Desk without an external patchbay it is necessary to use the 4 included short D Sub cables shipped with XL Desk to linkthe following connections on the rear 1
33. as latching or momentary Also talkback can be setto either SUM with or REPLACE the existing signal See page 28 for DIP switch settings LISTEN allows the engineerto monitor the incoming Listen microphone signal The listen microphone is typically set up somewhere near the middle of the live room The LISTEN INPUT to XL Desk is found on the rear panel as a female XLR connection The black TALK control sets the gain of the in built front panel talkback Kf l j TALK microphone Jic The black LISTEN control sets the gain of the Listen microphone input preamplifier LISTEN Bargraph Metering The top right of the penthouse hosts 20 segment peak metering for XL Desks 4 stereo mix busses The metering of XL Desk can be globally switched between 24dBu and 18dBu scales via the rear panel OPTION DIP SWITCHES XL Desk Owner s Manual Page 19 How TO TRACK WITH XL DESK There are many different ways in which XL Desk can be used to record music If you re looking for some tried and tested industry techniques from the pro s on how best to operate this desk then please read on Example 1 Recording a small ensemble in a split console style Let s assume we are recording a small group that requires no more than 8 microphones to be setup in the live room For example a Jazz Trio may involve the following setup Input List Kick Drum Microphone Live Room Snare Drum Microphone Overhead Left Microphone Double Bass
34. detailed tutorials covering different workflow which can be achieved with XL Desk including the connectivity required to achieve them Subjects covered in the Tutorials section e Recording a small ensemble in a split console style e Recording a full Band and Monitoring Back via Stems e Creating Headphone Mixes for Tracking e Using 500 series Rack Slots 9 16 with Microphone Preamplifiers Website and Registration Information You can register your XL Desk on the SSL website at http store solidstatelogic com user XL Desk Owner s Manual Rear Panel Audio Connectors MIX A B C D SEND MISC INPUTS 500 SEND 9 16 UI CTTTTPPPTTTITTS ES etc 5000000000 10 O 0000 000 cT w O 990000000000 wW 000000000000 jk S A aa os A da Ee MIX A B C D RETURN MISC OUTS 1 MONITOR OUTS 500 SLOT IN 9 16 A a Ta 5 IR e ai JOO OOOO0O0O0OGVOj ud RR A AN 3209000090090 IEN TF 0000000000000 y te 000 oocooceo O O e oo00000000 o O fs 000000000c JO O os 00600000000 se MIX A B C D OUT MISC OUTS 2 STEREO INPUT 1 4 500 SLOT OUT 9 16 0000000000000 ON AO O essessoo 0000 B y ka NA WY 999000000 000 00000000000 iN M lt UE J 7 O on 000000000 000000000 900 w
35. e Trim to drive into inserted outboard compressors Trim will function on the currently selected input to the channel Below the trim pot is a tri colour signal present LED The LED 24dB Scale 18dB Scale three audio levels are indicated are Green 24 dBu 24dBu Yellow 4 dBu odBu Red 21 dBu 16 dBu Remember it is possible to rescale the X Desk s metering to a 18dBu as opposed to the standard 24 dBu with the option DIP switches on the rear panel See DIP Switch Selection on page 28 DAW When pressed the input labelled DAW INPUT 1 8 or DAW INPUT 9 16 on the rear panel is sourced The following buttons function on the currently selected input to the channel 0 Polarity inversion for the channel 500 Engages the insert point normally associated with the in line 500 series rack slot INS Engages the insert point normally associated with an external piece of outboard equipment The rear panel connectors are labelled INSERT SEND RETURN B Makes the direct channel output post fader instead of pre fader Please refer to the 500 series Rack section of this chapter for more information regarding signal flow to and from the rack Page 10 XL Desk Owner s Manual Stereo Cue and Mono Auxes CUEST f CUEST 2 CUEST 3 CUEST i CUEST l CUEST CUEST a CUEST AJ L L AJ L e AJ POST ell el LI el el XL Desk has a STEREO CUE bus which can be sent to using the green level pot and panned with
36. guarantee to return them to you XL Desk Owner s Manual Page 33 NOTES Page 34 XL Desk Owner s Manual NOTES XL Desk Owner s Manual Page 35 www solid state logic com Solid State Logic SOUND ll VISION Visit SSL at www solidstatelogic com 1st Release August 2014 O Solid State Logic All Rights reserved under International and Pan American Copyright Conventions Duality SE AWS 924 AWS 948 Matrix Nucleus XLogic X Rack X Desk Alpha Link Delta Link Duende SuperAnalogue Solid State Logic and SSL are trademarks of Solid State Logic All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged 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 OX5 1RU England 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 Solid State Logic cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from any error or omission in this manual E amp OE Solid State Logic SOUND ll VISION
37. hannel output Remember it s the input to the preamplifier that likes being driven From this point adjust the harmonics to fine tune the desired sound If sending pre recorded audio back through the preamplifiers you will find it useful to engage the input PAD This will lower the level at which the signal hits the preamplifier Mono CHANNELS Input Each channel of XL Desk has two inputs switchable by pressing the DAW button The primary input on channels 1 8 is the VHD microphone preamplifier This is labelled as MIC INPUT 1 8 on the rear panel Pressing the DAW button will instead source the line level input labelled DAW INPUT 1 8 on the rear panel The primary input on channels 9 16 is the line level input labelled LINE INPUT 9 16 on the rear panel Pressing the DAW button will instead source the line level input labelled DAW INPUT 9 16 on the rear panel Typically the outputs from your DAW s audio interface converter would be connected to DAW INPUT 1 8 and DAW INPUT 9 16 Some people may like to think of these as monitor returns LINE INPUT 9 16 may be connected to outboard microphone preamplifiers to extend the number of preamplifiers already available or perhaps a line level instrument Mono Mono Channels Channels I 8 9 16 XL Desk Owner s Manual Page 9 The black pot provides 20dBs of trim Use this to control the output when driving the VHD preamplifier circuit Alternatively us
38. ing the following 1 Plug the microphone s into the microphone preamplifier module s If it does not have a front panel XLR then connect via XL Desk s rear panel connector labelled 5oo SLOT IN 9 16 2 Press the channel s 500 button This will bring the signal into the channel presuming that the rear connector labelled 500 SLOT OUT 9 16 is connected to 5oo RETURN 9 16 3 Use the channel direct outputs to record signal into the DAW XL Desk Owner s Manual 500 Preamplifiers oo 500 SLOT IN 9 16 0000000000000 O 0000000000 VDO gt This page is intentionally bank It s a tradition Page 26 XL Desk Owner s Manual 5 Configuration Adjusting the Level of MINI 1 and MINI 2 Monitor Outputs Speaker sets often require level trimming to allow a consistent listening level when switching between different sets XL Desk allows the MINI 1 and MINI 2 monitor outputs to be adjusted in o 5dB steps To adjust a MINI speaker set a 1 Press and hold the MINI 1 button for three seconds Upon entering this mode the MIX A bargraph meter will change to make clear you have entered the setup mode correctly 2 Press DIM to attenuate in 0 5 dB steps press CUT to increase gain in 0 5 dB steps Adjust until the desired resul
39. iz m 2nd e e 3rd de 3rd gt LJ 9 E LJ Y ka gt LJ t 9 ka gt a LJ e e 81 m f i e 48V l e 48 io N l e 81 n I e 48V BS i e 48 e 8 E A A el el 1 LJ ki ki E ki ki H PAD ii 150 475 PAD u 4150 0475 PAD ai 150 475 PAD E 150 475 PAD 150 475 PAD a 150 em PAD E 150 A dB dB dB dB LJ Ok 3 3 2nde 3rd The red pot provides up to 75 dBs of gain whilst the black pot provides a variable mix of 2nd to 3rd harmonics once the VHD button is engaged The outputs of these 8 preamplifiers feed the main inputs of mono channels 1 8 VHD Engages the Variable Harmonic Drive circuit within the preamplifier HI Z Switches the preamplifier impedance from 1 2K O to 10K O 48V Applies phantom power PAD Applies 20 dBs attenuation before the signal enters the preamplifier Using the preamplifier When the VHD button is not engaged the preamplifier has been designed to give a transparent sound great for sources such as acoustic guitars vocals and strings When the VHD button is pressed the preamplifier can be driven to give a wide range of overdriven sounds ranging from subtle to well not so subtle Drums and electronic instruments can often benefit from VHD colouration The best way to drive the VHD preamplifier is to increase the input gain red pot whilst using the Line Trim pot to reduce the overall level and not clip the c
40. n every channel stereo return and mix bus enable convenient stem printing Each channel has a Cue Stereo Bus section with Pan and Level used to provide one of the headphone mixes while tracking At mixdown the mono channel DAW return signals can be routed to the CUE ST bus and then summed into Mix A so there are 16 main faders 16 Cue ST inputs 4 Stereo channels providing 40 summing inputs using the stereo returns and insert Sum functions you can squeeze in over 5o summing inputs There is also a fully featured monitoring section with bass management 3 sets of speakers subwoofer Foldback A and B with individual talkbacks for headphone mixes and a built in Listen Mic input classic compressor circuit with its own direct output Key Features e 20 1fader over 40 input SuperAnalogue M SSL console e 8 built in Variable Harmonic Drive VHD preamps e 16 dual input mono channels switchable between main input or DAW return e 4 stereo channels switchable to mono for tracking e The legendary Stereo Bus Compressor with new high pass filter sidechain e 18 slot 500 series rack built in accessible from channels or mix busses e In addition to a 500 series rack insert each mono channel also has a standard insert point e 4 stereo Mix Buses with their own insert points and access to the 500 rack e One stereo and 2 mono aux sends Two dedicated stereo return inputs e Direct outputs on every channel stereo return and mix bus for stem printing e
41. nt Use In Market 1 Chassis Ground Chassis Ground 2 Output 4dB Hot Output 4dB Hot 3 Output 2 Hot 4 Output Cold Output Cold 5 A Ground A Ground 6 Stereo Link Stereo Link 7 Input 2 Cold 8 Input 4dB Cold Input 4dB Cold 9 Input 2 Hot 10 Input 4dB Hot Input 4dB Hot 11 Gain Adjustment 12 16VDC Supply 16VDC Supply 13 Power Ground oV ref Power Ground oV ref 14 16VDC Supply 16VDC Supply 15 48VDC Phantom 48VDC Phantom Page 32 XL Desk Owner s Manual APPENDIX E TECHNICAL amp ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS Physical Connections Depth 812mm 32 Power Supply IEC320 3 pin connector 100 240 Vac 50 60 Hz Height 251mm 9 9 Analogue I O 25 pin D type socket balanced Zin gt 10kO Zo 100 Width 1015mm 40 3 pin XLR M balanced Zo 100 Headphones Stereo 1 4 jack socket Zo 75Q Weight 40 6 kg 89 5 pounds ijack Stereo 3 5mm jack socket Zi 10k Power 300 Watts USB 1xtype B chassis socket SSL diagnostic use only Boxed size 1220mm x 1090mm x 560mm 48 x 42 9 x 22 Boxed weight 82 5 kg 182 pounds Performance All values are approximate Maximum I O Level 18dBu or 24dBu Frequency Response Line Alt in to Channel Out post 20Hz 40kHz 0 2dB Environmental Line Alt in to Mix bus single fader 20Hz 40kHz 0 5dB Temperature Operating 5 to 30 deg C THD N lt 0 05 20Hz 20kHz Non operating 20 to 50 deg C Noise Max gradient 15 deg C hour Line Alt in to Channel Out post
42. on needle will be moving regardless of whether it is in circuit or not Solo Master Section SOLO MASTER CLEAR Cancels any solos es GAD Ge SAFE Enters exits Solo Safe setup mode This is useful when you want ata to protect channels from being cut when a solo is made A prime example would be a vocal reverb return 76 Solo Safe channels do the following This presumes you are in Solo In Place mode Imagine a dry vocalis routed into channel 8 ofthe desk From this Aux 1 is being used to send signalinto an outboard reverb unit The output of this reverb unit is being sent into channel 23 Now these channels are not cut when a solo is made 24 stereo fader The desired effect is that when To remove channels from Solo Safe mode do the following channel 8 is solo d channel 23 24 is not cut and the listener automatically hears the reverb return without needing to pressing the solo button on channels 23 24 1 Press the SAFE button to enter the setup mode 2 Press the SOLO button on desired channels they flash 3 Press the SAFE button to exit this setup mode 1 Press the SAFE button to enter setup mode 2 Any channels that are Solo Safe d will flash their SOLO buttons 3 Press any flashing SOLO buttons to remove them from AFL When this button is lit the desk operates in Solo Safe mode After Fader Listen AFL solo mode 4 Press the SAFE button to exit The difference between Solo In Place SIP and Af
43. one 12 Bass Amp Microphone 5 Rack Tom Microphone 13 Rhythm Electric Guitar Microphone 6 Floor Tom Microphone 14 Lead Electric Guitar Microphone 7 Overhead Left Microphone 15 Backing Vocal 8 Overhead Right Microphone 16 Lead Vocal Stemmed DAW Returns Click Mono Channels l 16 For this recording you have decided that ch l 3 TITS opleogleglenqjenjenlenlenlenjlenjenjlenjenjenjonjen qelq qelqe qelqe oglog log log los los 8 E Qis or 88 Q88 QS Gee oe 3128 88 a click track will be necessary 050 10 508 508 20 56 50 I m 686808080 86 86 10 56 699 Q8 Q8 QE QE QB QE Q9 QB Q8 Q8 QB QE QE QE QE 45 85 QE G9 QB cue CO COD C2 O 0 0 0 0 O O O 0 O 0 0 O O 0 O 50 ES 050505050500 Oa 05 On Ono Og OG On On Ox Ox O 0 O OF 6 6 6 6 G 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 G 6 G
44. ones amps in the live room Foldback B A PR Io 1 Setthe Stereo Cue on each channel to be pre fader Use the Stereo Cue level and pan pots across the channels to create a mix for the first performer 2 Turn up the Foldback A level master in the centre section until the performer can hear the mix at a desirable level insert drummer joke here TIP The front panel headphones socket can be sourced from Foldback A FB A or Foldback B FOLDBACK FB B by pressing the appropriate front panel button This is a useful way of auditioning the A mix that has been created for the performer in the live room ST wu AUX 1 0 3 Turn the TALK pot up to an appropriate level Pressing TALK A activates the built in talkback Meme puc microphone so you can communicate with the first performer To set up the second headphone mix repeat the process but this time using Aux 1 globally set to pre fader to create a mono mix for the second performer Turn up Peete FoldbackB level master to the desired level and use TALK B to activate talkback Aux 2 can be used to create a headphone mix without talkback or perhaps as a mono Send to a reverb unit Page 24 XL Desk Owner s Manual Using 500 series Rack Slots 9 16 with Microphone Preamplifiers You may already own 500 series microphone preamplifier modules and wish to use these with XL Desk You can fill 500 series rack slots 9 16 with microphone preamplifier modules and use them by do
45. opean consumer law the purchaser has full statutory warranty rights for two years from the date of delivery of the product The warranty is valid only in those Member States of the European Union EU who have adopted the applicable EU law into their national legislation The applicable national legislation governing the sale of consumer goods is not affected by this warranty e Outside of the EU Outside of the European Union a 12 month warranty from date of purchase is applicable Out of Warranty Repairs In the event of a fault arising after the warranty period has expired the unit should be returned to Solid State Logic either directly or via your local dealer You will be charged for the time spent on the repair at Solid State Logic s current repair rate plus the cost of parts and shipping Note that no units can be accepted for repair without prior arrangement see below All Returns e No unit will be accepted for repair by Solid State Logic unless accompanied by a valid RMA Return Material Authorisation number obtainable from Solid State Logic prior to shipping e All units should be shipped to Solid State Logic in suitable rigid packaging Solid State Logic cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by shipping units in other packaging In such cases Solid State Logic will return the unit in a suitable box which you will be charged for e Do not include the power cable manual or any other items Solid State Logic can not
46. r notes on where these adapter leads might be required XL Desk Owner s Manual Page 5 3 sets of Speakers plus Subwoofer Studio Integration Diagram U N 5 Q c G U c w RT ooo O c LA z 3 x Do S A Oe tito x IV ON V E un ae w d eee E T wajo no noo en I i gt x lt 5 22 sel gel SI 9 x2
47. red rack slot has a jumper on the rack s backplane that can be moved from position A Not Linked to position B Linked Sidechain ao lo ES NOTE To gain access to these links you will need to remove the DE Pl Position l module and any adjacent ones that make changing this awkward B i A l Please ensure that the POWER TO THE CONSOLE IS OFF jU LLI ally U O O O O 4 E Slots 17 18 The final two slots are reserved for the legendary SSL Bus Compressor These slots can only be inserted over the Mix A stereo bus by pressing the COMP button in the Mix A master controls section Don t forget that this is just a standard two slot 500 rack space so you can remove the Bus Compressor and use it an
48. s Page 22 XL Desk Owner s Manual 7 Atthis point as the engineer you have some decisions to make CRANE OUTA CHANNEL OUT 9 16 as to how you want to record The direct channel output CHOP 0000000000000 A 0000000000000 A o0o00000000000 000000000000 can be set post fader or pre fader using the CHOP POST button A 9 You can process the input recording channels using external rack gear connected to the insert points INS button or the 500 lt Channel outputs to Analogue series rack slots 500 button DAW interface inputs 8 Set up 16 tracks in your DAW session to record the 16 microphone signals This tutorial assumes that the first 16 MADI qe ERE s direct channel outputs have been connected to the first 16 inputs of your DAW s audio interface 9 In your DAW record arm 16 tracks for recording Next create 3 sub groups Drums Guitars and Vocals Finally insert a click track ee Gee 1 ee mn ee eee ee ees ee Ge ee INSERTS A E INSERTSA E INSERTSA E INSERTSA E INSERTSA E INSERTSA E INSERTSA E INSERTSA E INSERTSA E INSERTSA E INSERTSA E INSERTSA E INSERTSA E INSERTSA E INSERTSA E INSERTSA E INSERTSA E INSERTSA E INSERTSA E INSERTS A E SENDS A E SENDS A E SENDS A E SENDS A E SENDS A E S
49. s C Right Send Mix Bus D Left Send Mix Bus D Right Send LISTEN IN Mix Bus A Left Rtn Mix Bus A Right Rtn Mix Bus B Left Rtn Mix Bus B Right Rtn Mix Bus C Left Rtn Mix Bus C Right Rtn Mix Bus D Left Rtn Mix Bus D Right Rtn Mix Bus A Left Out Mix Bus A Right Out Mix Bus B Left Out Mix Bus B Right Out Mix Bus C Left Out Mix Bus C Right Out Mix Bus D Left Out Mix Bus D Right Out Stereo Ch 1 Left Stereo Ch 1 Right Stereo Ch 2 Left Stereo Ch 2 Right Stereo Ch 3 Left Stereo Ch 3 Right Stereo Ch 4 Left Stereo Ch 4 Right MONITOR L R Connector Type 8 circuit representation for 25 pin XLR 3 pin Male D type connectors Description oV Chassis Signal ve Signal ve Connector Type XLR 3 pin Female Pin Description oV Chassis 1283452678 Signal ve f f f RNA DIA Signal ve ijack Input Headphones 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 11 1 1 QI 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 Image shows a male connector viewed from the wiring side 0 25 Jack Socket 3 5mm Stereo Skt Description Signal Left Signal Right oV Chassis Connector Type Pin Connector Type Pin O Description Signal Left Signal Right oV Chassis Tip Tip Ring Ring Sleeve Sleeve XL Desk Owner s Manual Page 31 APPENDIX D 500 SERIES RACK SPECIFICATIONS Pins Old API Specification Curre
50. 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 console This will reduce the risk of earth loops within the installation The screen pins of all analogue inputs and outputs with the exception of the microphone inputs are connected directly to the chassis of the XL Desk Mic Inputs If Microphone inputs are to be connected via a patchbay the type of patchrow used should be of the insulated variety where the jack screens are not connected to the main body of the patchrow there are commercially available patch rows that meet this requirement The ground connection from each microphone must be linked through the patch jacks to the MIC INPUT 1 8 connector on the back of the console without interruption Page 8 XL Desk Owner s Manual 4 Tutorials THE VHD PREAMPLIFIER XL Desk has 8 Variable Harmonic Drive preamplifiers built in MIC PRE MIC PRE MIC PRE MIC PRE MIC PRE MIC PRE MIC PRE ae VHD m Q VHD wane VHD M o VHD am a VHD my Q VHD E VHD E ome e LJ l LJ LJ e el 9 Li jie el lo je el Ld LJ LJ LJ LJ LJ LJ LJ LJ a LJ raj HHZ a 2nd e ara HZ E 2nd e raj HE iu 2nd e ra HZ B 2nd e rd im HIZ m 2n H
51. signal TO A routes the output of the mix bus into Mix A The black pot controls the overall level ofthe mix bus This potis centre indented at unity gain At full clockwise rotation 10dBs of gain is provided AFL allows the Mix Bus to be auditioned in the studio monitors Page 16 XL Desk Owner s Manual Mix A Master Controls Typically the output of Mix A would be used as the final stereo output from which the final mix would be printed back into the DAW Mix A has its own dedicated 100mm heavy duty fader with odB gain at the very top of the fader travel In addition the following buttons can be found above the MIX A fader The 500 button allows Mix A to steal processing slots 9 10 of the 500 series rack INS engages the insert point normally associated with an external piece of stereo outboard equipment The rear panel connectors are labelled MIX A B C D SEND and MIXA B C D RETURN The SUM button below the INS button sums the Insert Return and the original Mix Bus feed together providing a direct stereo input to the Mix bus This also provides a clever way of instant parallel compression if using an outboard compressor Use the output gain of the compressor to control the level of compressed signal The button labelled COMP engages the in built SSL Bus Compressor In true SSL tradition the send is always active so be sure that both the COMP button and the IN button on the compressor itself are active as the compressi
52. t is achieved 3 Press the MINI 1 button again to exit the setup mode and return to normal operation To adjust MINI 2 repeat the process but replace MINI button presses with MINI 2 button presses XL Desk Owner s Manual Page 27 Option DIP Switches The rear panel of XL Desk has 12 DIP switches that can be used to set various functions of the desk As you face the rear panel of XL Desk the left hand block of 6 DIP switches are options 1 6 the second block of 1 6 are options 7 12 DIP SWITCH 1 12 Lilo GA EEL Sw Sw 1 2 Switches are shown in the UP position Switch No Function Meter Scaling 24dBu 18dBu Talkback A Sum Replace Talkback A Momentary Latching Talkback B Sum Replace Talkback B Momentary Latching Unused MINI 2 Speaker Set Stereo Unused Unused Unused Bargraph Test Mode Normal Enabled Programming Mode Normal Enabled NOTE Do not switch to Programming Mode unless under instruction from an SSL engineer THE DESK WILL NOT FUNCTION AS EXPECTED IN THIS MODE Page 28 XL Desk Owner s Manual marnan enbojeuy 919070708 9 S38N8 XIN 25 L SMNITNOISNVAX3 6 9 ai ow 0097 IOA 3
53. ter Fader Listen AFL solo modes SIP XL Desk s default soloing mode When a solo is made all other channels are CUT AFL Press the AFL button to switch XL Desk into AFL solo mode When a solo is made the signal s is sent to the AFL bus The monitoring section will automatically source the AFL bus if a solo is made in this mode Ensure the AFL bus master level control is turned up AFL may be useful when recording printing stems because soloing a channel does not cause other channels to CUT XL Desk Owner s Manual Page 17 Monitoring Section XL Desk features a comprehensive professional monitoring section MONITOR LEVEL Controls the monitoring volume DIM button Attenuates the monitoring volume uh MONITOR LEVEL CUT button Mutes the monitoring path DIM control Sets the level of attenuation applied by the DIM button AFL control Sets the level of the AFL bus Mon Select XL Desk allows up to three pairs of stereo monitor speakers to be connected as well as a dedicated sub speaker MONO sends the summed Left and Right Stereo signal to both monitor speakers MINI 2 selects the speaker set connected to the MINI 2 monitor outputs This speaker set can be setup to work in mono for use with a single grotbox for instance See OPTION DIP SWITCHES section on page 28 MINI 1 selects the speaker set connected to the MINI 1 monitor outputs SUB engages bass managementforthe selected monitor speaker set
54. unie i 9 udi Q Q 9 ud i gud l o 0 9ud i i A pe un FEN 4 LLG pues une poro a4 gt gt i pe H aas x o b I 0435 X4 i i H 1 i ES 1078 ovt 006 B B ond NI i NI NI EMEN UV XIW Jeuueyo wold 7Y XIN ISULIEUD 4044 AN Py NI 1 NM 91 6 YO suogoeuuo JOS ADE Y m 81 21 8 1 UD suonoeuuo ols JIH E A O INI T c G U Pia aD C O X U 00 Q i gt lt A 8 1 sieuueyo ouo ONO 91d GHA APPENDIX SIGNAL FLow BLOCK DIAGRAM N U O c D a a c O APPENDIX B CONSOLE DIMENSIONS ce 251
55. ywhere else in the rack if desired or use a different 500 module in place of the Bus Compressor Using the 500 series Rack With or Without a Patchbay The rear panel of XL Desk allows access to the inputs and outputs of the 500 series rack These D Subs are labelled 500 SLOT IN 1 8 500 SLOT IN 9 16 500 SLOT OUT 1 8 and 500 SLOT OUT 9 16 If using XL Desk without an external patchbay it is necessary to use the 4 included short D Sub cables shipped with XL Desk to link connections on the rear Refer to the additional information on page 7 The thing to remember is thatthe 500 button is in reality a second insert point which can route the signal out of and back into the channel By connecting the short D Sub patch cables as described on page 7 the signal is routed into the associated 500 series rack slot and back again e g Channel 1 s 500 button inserts Slot 1 from the 500 rack For ultimate flexibility remove the short D Sub patch cables and link those connectors discretely to a patchbay This will allow routing to be made between modules so that more than one 500 processor slot can be used on a single channel 500 SEND 9 16 DAW INPUT 9 16 500 SEND 1 8 DAW INPUT 1 8 500 SLOT OUT 9 16 INSERT RETURN 9 16 500 SLOT OUT 1 8
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