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Zen User Manual 1.01

1. go Lm F z z a mp ww UT T7 B srt Audient Ltd Page 94 uu Emm audient E T Automation Setting Up Automation in Cubase4 Nuendo 3 Zen automation performs well with Cubase Nuendo but will likely improve over time as new firmware updates are released Please see www audient com for details and updates Please connect the console as previously described boot Cubase or Nuendo create a new session and follow these set up Instructions Step 1 Goto Devices Device Setup i Mai i paci Ago MX crus ds raser tres dh E Las Lit el Ages WI ae E Conus teon Carry iem tu EI Raina uer dunes Mem E iaj ich 1d ia t Tere Ohare WET Coscia r4 YRI emi reris n VET Pete eect Fir fui b IE feste J e Step 2 From here select the MIDI Port Setup tab and check that your MIDI interface is registered and active Show As Visible San ie All ingen MIDISPORT 2x2 Port x Active E ai DEPORT 2x2 Pot B W Aawe E Time Display MSPORT fx Por A ET inactive WIDISPORT 2x2 Port B Re inactive me Video Planer VET Audio Systems Built in Audio WST System Link H Reset Apply Came uo Audient Ltd Page 95 audent Automation ZEN Cubase Nuendo cont Step 3 Select the remote devi
2. es CR p E Ce LI Ro n e Step 2 Click on the MIDI Controllers tab a Synchronization Machine Control MIDI Controllers Ethernet Controllers Receive From Send To Ch s ne nom fC ne none YP s nom Nb none M none i none nf 14 2 3 Audient Ltd Page 86 audient Automation ZEN Pro Tools cont Step 3 Add two HUI control surfaces into the first two MIDI controller slots in the peripherals window Type Receive From Send To Ch s 1 M n 6 none none 0 2 DU Hu H none none Gi none b none none Ci none 8 frome mone c Step 4 Assign receive from and send to to your MIDI interface ports MIDISPORT 2x2 Port MIDISPORT 2x2 Port B SAV 1 SAN 2 SAV 3 SAV 4 Audient Ltd Page 87 audient Automation ZEN Pro Tools cont Step 5 Ensure that the first HUI device is set to Port A or Port 1 and the second set to Port B or Port 2 Of course you can absolutely as sign to any MIDI port you want but this keeps things organised When finished click OK dx soa 9 eo 3 6 Se Se 5 MIRI sone WB none 3 none E Step 6 Return to the edit window and create 16 new mono dummy audio tracks for Zen automation data Pro Tools short cut Command Shift N on Mac or CTRL Shift N on PC mi y 5 o Audient Ltd Page 88 audi
3. Making simple record and playback monitoring very quick and efficient Audient Ltd Page 22 Channel Strip ZEN Direct Output Routing cont If you are using a tape machine with a delay between record and repro heads or a workstation with noticable latency from input to output the benefit here is huge It is possible to feed your microphone preamplifier signal direct to tape or disk from the channel input Meanwhile using the alternative cue input to feed a balance of the undelayed signal to your artist s headphone cue mix whilst at the same time monitoring the main fader path fed from tape or disk so you can hear the colouration provided by your recording medium Direct Output Routing To Cue Alt Input Manual 100mm ALPS Fader JFET Mute To Mix Bus Assign etc Audient Ltd Page 23 Channel Strip ZEN Channel DAW Flip 9 This function flips the sources to both the main channel path and the cue section alternative input When the switch is in the UP position the mic line input feeds the main channel path while the DAW line input feeds the cue section alternative input vvhich can optionally be selected in the cue section to turn the cue into an extra Input with level pan and bus routing When the switch is engaged into the DOWN position the sources to each section FLIP therefore the mic line input will feed the cue section alternative input and the DAW input will feed the mai
4. Monitor Section audient Solo Functionality Zen has four modes of solo which can be globally set from the master section of the console AFL After Fade Listen This mode is the default setting vvhen the PFL switch in the master section is in the UP position Solo feeds are taken after the channel fader and pan The signal is sent to the stereo AFL solo bus and the monitor section switches to listen to this bus PFL Pre Fader Listen This mode is selected by depressing the PFL switch in the master section Solo feeds are taken before the channel fader The signal is sent to the mono PFL solo bus and the monitor section switches to listen to this bus SIP Solo In Place This mode does not use the solo bus to listen to channels in solo instead the centre section returns a d c control voltage command back to channel mutes this vvay engaging solo still uses the main mix bus as the listen path enabling solo of channels through mix bus processing etc Also this mode can be combined with the solo SIP irte tib safe layer controls found in the transport section right hand side of the console for those without the optional automation package Solo SIP safe enables channels to not be muted during SIP activity great for preserving vocal reverbs etc 10 ap 10 Audient Ltd Page 48 Monitor Section z ri SIF Solo In Front This mode is very useful as it allows you to listen in isolation or with a sm
5. 14 dBFS Therefore a nominal operating level of OVU will result in 14 dB of headroom in your digital recording platform providing your AD DA converters are aligned to O dBFS 18 dBu 14 dB of headroom is very useful as most music sources except for the huge dynamic range of an orchestra have crest factors the difference between average RMS and peak level of around 12 20 dB Therefore Zen provides some headroom for your beautifully crisp transient sources 2 dBFS 16 dBu 4 dBFS 14 dBu 12 dBu 18 dBFS 20 dBFS 22 dBFS 24 dBFS 26 dBFS 28 dBFS 30 dBFS 32 dBFS 34 dBFS 36 dBFS 38 dBFS Audient Ltd Page 15 Channel Strip ZEN High Pass Filter Microphone Preamplifier option onl 2 A 75 Hz HPF with a 12 dB per octave roll off rate can be engaged on the mic line source useful for removing low frequency content that clutters up your mix and robs the console of headroom 0 Considering that many listeners use systems that can barely reproduce 60 70 Hz accurately a well placed HPF on certain sources can clean up mix elements that contain sub sonic energy such as microphone stand rumble traffic noise or some plosive material etc 48v Phantom Power s Engaging this switch provides 48 volt d c phantom power to the microphone input Phantom power is applied via a pair of current limiting resistors to XLR pin 2 hot ve and XLR pin 3 cold ve Zen phantom power is within
6. Engaging this function polarity inverts the left channel of the mix allowing you to check for stereo difference content when summed to mono essentially creating a L R sum The switch is momentary to ensure it is not left on by accident Mono Sum 9 I Engaging this function sums the left and right signals in the monitor section to produce a mono output his is a useful feature for checking any issues that may arise with out of phase stereo content especially at lovv frequency and mono compatibility It is also very useful to engage during the microphone placement phase When tracking Where a strong and consistent tonal balance can be achieved by adjusting stereo pair microphones in mono until they provide the best tonal balance hence hopefully minimising any phase cancellation when switched back into stereo Cut L and Cut R 19 11 Individual left and right output mutes can be engaged here perfect for checking mono sum on a single speaker which is often the most accurate method minimising acoustic interaction from two likely non perfectly matched sources Audient Ltd Page 43 Monitor Section audiem Mix SRC Select 12 Engaging this switch toggles the feed to the monitor path between the output of the main mix bus and the external sources that can be selected at the top of monitor section MIX SRC Alt Monitor Output Level Trim 13 is Zen features three sets of monitor out
7. Threshold 4 The threshold control is specified in dB and sets the point at vvhich compression begins There is a range of 20 to 20 dB on this control This compressor has a relatively smooth knee but the threshold point is similar for each ratio making it predictable to set THRESHOLD Audient Ltd Page 54 Bus Compressor ZEN Ratio 5 Specified as a ratio of input vs output in out the ratio control sets how much compression takes place once a signal has crossed the threshold point set in the sidechain circuitry Example A ratio of 2 1 indicates that when an input signal crosses the threshold by 2 dB an Increase of only 1 dB would be present at the output thus 1 dB of gain reduction would be produced Generally low ratios such as 1 5 1 and 2 1 are used over the main mix bus however feel free to experiment As the ratio increases the compressor acts more like a limiter 10 1 and 20 1 and can be very useful or powerful on dynamics sources such as drums or vocals Ratios can be set to 1 very gentle 7 2 ne 7 7 O O e NAN 1 1 Gain Make Up 6 With a range of 20 dB the gain make up control can be used to restore program material level after compression thus reducing the dynamic range but preserving the overall output level Audient Ltd Page 55 Bus Compressor ZEN Wet Dry Parallel Compression Parallel compression has been a popular mix technique
8. ar dg dg az di eg z Fa ri ri ES j uhr www WV hr hu x SAAN AW AU XU Lx OPERATING MANUAL Version 1 01 Contents Welcome to Zen Page installation ins Page Unpacking Safety amp Mains Fuse Information Service amp Repair Ventilation Dimensions Specification SVE OCG CrO eorr nerne ER rt Page Layout of Controls Ge LE La Li PEU ARE Rene ER M Page Mono amp Stereo Groups Page Aux amp Cue Masters ssmnonnnenmonnoonsonmonnennnnennannannes Page Monitor Section Page Bus GO MOSS OR ini ie Page Main Mix Bus amp Digital Output Option Page Connections ria Page Automation Overview Page Setting up Automation in Logic Setting up Automation in Pro Tools Setting up Automation in Cubase Nuendo Updating System Firmware Varani Visit Page Cond Page Audient Ltd audient EN FD YNNOCGIRR 10 11 33 37 40 50 07 62 67 75 95 103 106 107 Page 2 Welcome to Zen ZEN Thank you for selecting this Audient product We hope that your new Zen console will provide an intuitive ergonomic and tactile path to analogue enlightenment We are sure that Zen will deliver a vvealth of routing recording and mixing flexibility coupled vvith outstanding audio qual
9. solo your lead vocal and the reverb will still be heard without needing to solo it When the safe layer switch ts pressed and illuminated the safe channel switches now operate as automation safe switches Automation safe should be used when you want to isolate a particular channel from automation for example to audition rides without fighting existing automation data or without printing the rides if channels are still In write enabled Note that both layers are stored and function simultaneously By toggling the safe layer switch it is possible to obtain a rapid overview of both solo and automation safe channel settings Safe layers are stored even after a power down so remember to clear them manually tf the next session requires a different set up Audient Ltd Page 0 audient Automation ZEN Automation On a The automation on switch enables illuminated or disables the console global automation status We imagine that most people Will work with automation disabled until the final stages of the mix process however this function coupled with the automation safe switches allows you to add automation to a session project at any stage but not be tied down to using it when perhaps all you want to dois set a rough balance or audition a new ride or balance The automation on switch can be useful for punching in automation but is determined by two modes of operation as set by the Zenudu update applicat
10. Mackie HUI Human User Interface is a registered trademark of LOUD Technologies Inc Audient Ltd Page 68 Automation ZEN Overview of Functions The diagram below provides an overview of the automation system and the parameters that can be controlled Zen not only provides fader and mute automation but also features an integrated DAW transport section enabling quick and easy navigation of sessions with all key transport functionality There are illuminated switches located in the transport section on the right hand side of the console for e Global Automation On Off e SIP Safe Automation Safe Layer Select Fast Forward e Rewind e Stop often in many applications a double tap here offers RTZ return to zero e Play e Record Gsm ower re 9 5 955 Rewind Fast Forward 2 stop 10 Play 13 Record Automated Channel Mute Automated Channel Fader 3rd Party MIDI Interface I ee Li 888 8 8 o a 3 I i 3 Audient Ltd Page 69 Transport Panel Safe Laver 3 The safe layer switches has two functions When unlit the safe switches on each channel operate as SIP solo in place safe switches fantastically useful on mix elements you never want to lose when other tracks are in solo Particularly handy when using channels as reverb or FX returns
11. SO See the warranty section provided at the end of this manual for details of your cover However If you do need to access the inside of the console the mechanical design allows for easy entry If you do need to access the inside of the console for any reason please power down the device and disconnect the IEC power cord before proceeding All audio path PCBs are panel mounted to the control surface with the I O PCBs mounted to the rear of the chassis base The switch mode power supply power distribution PCB external talkback microphone input and headphone amplifier PCB are mounted to the chassis base PCBs are linked via ribbon cables or small cable runs As such the console can be opened with out stress or strain on internal wiring or components 3 x M6 bolts located underneath the armrest must be removed do not remove the actual armrest to allovv the hinged control surface to lift Just like a car bonnet Do not lift the hinged part control surface too far or it will lift out of the hinges A 45cm piece of vvood is recommended to support the top half of the console freeing both hands for vvhatever issue you may be attempting to solvel Audient Ltd Page 5 Installation Ventilation Care should be taken not to obstruct the series of ventilation holes in metalwork of the console The desk is designed to release heat and take adequate air flow via these holes to ensure longevity of performance These can be
12. found underneath the armrest in the sides of the console and meterbridge If mounting the console into some form of studio furniture or desk please ensure a sufficient air gap at these locations Lexan Overlay The front panel of the Zen features a rugged under surface printed polycarbonate overlay Exposure to direct sunlight for extended periods of time should be avoided as this can have a detrimental effect on the overlay panel and the control knobs However at least the panel legending will not wear off like some of the silk screened or engraved products of yesteryear Power Up On power up please check that the power rail indicators for 48v d c and 18v d c light on the right hand side of the console Audient Ltd Page 6 Installation ZEN Zen Dimensions Width 738mm Depth 655mm Height 284mm 284 mm 655 mm 1356 mm Zen Specifications Some general performance figures from the console taken with Prism D Scope test equipment Frequency Response 0 3 dB 20 Hz to 20 KHZ THD Noise lt 0 005 1 kHz Noise Mic EIN 20 Hz to 20 kHz 150 ohm source lt 127 5 dBu Bus Nolse All inputs routed lt 80 dBu Mic CMRR 70 db min gain Audient Ltd Page Introduction ZEN Zen s many features include 16 channels of Class A hybrid discrete microphone preamplifier as used in our time honoured ASP8024 console and ASPOOS 8 channel microphone preamplifier guaranteeing outstand
13. input channels including the alt cue input for mixdovvn you may decide to send the artist your control room balance which can be achieved by engaging the C RM switch In this case you may use an aux send on a channel to send the artist more of themself without affecting your control room balance To do this just engage both the C RM and whichever aux bus you are using AUX1 or AUX2 We are sure you will find other uses for this function Audient Ltd Page 39 Monitor Section Overview Monitor Section PEN Monitor Source Selection Sources Sum Ps Ext Stereo Input 2 CESSO Mix Stereo 1 Foldback DAW Input Left Channel Polarity Invert Monitor Path Mono Sum MONITOR SOURCE DAW EXT Left Channel gz 1 Mute Right Channel Mute MON Monitor Source Select Mix or Monitor Sources 00000 Monitor Volume 17 Solo Indicator 19 Monitor Dim Level 20 O GGG 8 E DIM LEVEL e Stereo i Jack i Jack i Jack Level Input Alt 2 Monitor Select Alt 1 Monitor Select Main Monitor Select s LEFT RIGHT Monitor Reference Dim Level Monitor Reference Mute Level Left amp Right Trims 3 TIPS amp SUGGESTIONS Use the DAW Mix input to quickly audition an in the box rough mix or monitor the output of your DAW easily Use the DAW Foldback input to return in the box artist headphone mixes to the console Audition the b
14. inputs Channel Line In and DAW Line In both with an input impedance of gt 10k ohms and a maximum operating level of 27 dBu Audient Ltd Page 63 Connections ZA EI Master Section Inputs and Outputs The remaining analogue I O on the console follows the same specification Group amp Mix Bus Inserts Group and mix bus insert sends are impedance balanced with a 150 ohm output impedance and a maximum drive level of 21 dBu The insert returns are fully balanced with a 10k ohm input impedance and a maximum input level of 21 dBu External Compressor Inputs and Outputs The compressor inputs are fully balanced TRS connectors with a gt 10 kohm input impedance and a maximum input level of 27 dBu The compressor outputs are also fully balanced with a 75 ohm output impedance and a maximum output level of 27 dBu Group Main Mix Aux Cue amp Loudspeaker Outputs All of these outputs are fully balanced XLR male with a 75 ohm output impedance and a maximum drive capability of 27 dBu External Monitor Inputs The four stereo pairs of monitor inputs are fully balanced XLR female with an input impedance of 10k ohms and a maximum input level of 27 dBu Digital Output Option An optional stereo digital output can be fitted to the Zen providing simultaneous AES3 XLR S PDIF RCA and TOSLINK optical outputs Audient Ltd Page 64 Connections ASP510 Link The solo and dim control signals of t
15. mix path output MASTER FADER Manual 100mm ALPS Fader STEREO Mix Insert The mix bus features a switchable insert point The insert send is always active regardless of switch state and therefore can be used a pre master fader pick off point if desired Main mix compression or processing can be set up in parallel as it can on the groups due to the parallel insert sum mode Input Expansion The parallel insert sum at all of these stages can also operate as handy balanced line level expansion inputs External summing devices can be used to add extra inputs by returning their output to the insert return point and engaging the insert sum switch Audient Ltd Page 60 Main Mix Bus gt The master section utilises a high quality 100mm ALPS stereo linear fader as does the rest of the console in either mono or stereo forms Optional Digital Output Zen can be fitted with an optional digital output card This card takes the main mix bus feed and allows you to take a high quality digital copy of your mix straight from the source to a digital destination The optional output card provides high quality analogue to digital convertors Supporting sample rates up to 192kHz external WC only AES EBU connectivity is provided on 3 pin XLR whilst S PDIF is available on both Phono and TOSLINK connections The card supports sample internal rates of 44 1 48 and 96kHz with sample rate selection available on front pane
16. muting Audient Ltd Page 8 Introduction ZEN there IS even a recessed space underneath the armrest for your DAW mouse and keyboard to remain in an ergonomic location We have also taken a great deal of pride and care with Zen s mechanical construction Rugged powder coated metal work a sturdy black ash armrest and flip top approach ensure this tool vvill look great feel great last a long time and be easily serviceable Note Microphone preamplifiers and automation package available as optional extras TET a T WAT sa a i i 5 da SE Em E DAW Keyboard Space Audient Ltd Page 9 audent Introduction ZEN Control Surface Overview Bus Compressor Channel Meters Group Meters Main Mix Meters Channel Strips Cue Masters Optional Digital e lio sn ch gt Output Aux Masters Headphones Level Talkback A Transport Section PIS Master Insert Channel Faders Master Fader Monitor Section Group Faders Group Controls Ext Talkback 48v amp Headphone Output EE Optional Channel Inputs Compressor Group ipi Stereo Digit al see OM ue External I O Output Automation MIDI 1 0 Group Outputs Speaker Outputs EE Power Switch r A Pc inlet E Fuse Monitor Inputs Aux Cue Outputs Audient Ltd Page 10 Channel Strip Overview Channel Strip ZEN Zen features 16 high quality flexible channel strips with a multitude of rout
17. patch external outboard betvveen your DAW outputs and the DAW input to also process signals entering this 2nd channel input Please also bear in mind that with no TRS connectors plugged into the insert points rear of the console the send and return jacks are normalled to prevent loss of signal during accidental engagement of the insert switch Audient Ltd Page 25 Channel Strip ZEN Insert Parallel Compression Technique Please bear in mind that the insert send is always active the switch only engages the return path Thus it is possible to mult signals from the insert send to set up parallel compression or feed other external destinations in parallel a back up recording system perhaps by taking a feed from the insert send jack and returning the compressor output into another channel or for simplicity the spare input on each channel depending upon DAVV CH flip status this could either be the line input or DAW input The diagram below illustrates how to connect such a path in this example the main channel path input is taken from the DAW input typical mixing scenario by depressing the DAW CH svvitch This leaves the line input free for the return path from your outboard device which can be returned to the mix bus via the cue section alt input and bus assign Channel Input Trim Outboard Such as Audient Black Series To Cue Alt Input Audient Ltd Page 26 Channel Strip ZEN Channel Bus Assi
18. view mode must be set to tracks in control surface setup Audient Ltd Page 84 D A al NM de fel nt Automation Zen Hiding Tracks in Logic Accessed by pressing H on the DAW keyboard or clicking on the little H hide icon at the top of the arrange page Set the Zen channels to hide by clicking the little H on each channel and then toggle H to show hide Useful as the automation data still works as normal but you can keep your DAW session tidy L er E Fun Tes P Let r Pura LE mi LEM E amp z Ajlantic Groove Arrange 0 E X is x m ER rep rente Li piera ren sect tm mte dolby Loca So by Pasini op een BRET ESE FRESPSER ES I Bd Nili I aM I il E Hpi 5 TTE d a Laa ums i DEEE CREER LLLI Audient Ltd Page 85 audient Automation ZEN Setting Up Automation in Pro Tools LE or HD Zen automation performs excellently with Pro Tools and can be set up to seamlessly integrate into your existing sessions Please connect the console as previously described boot Pro Tools create a new session and follow these set up Instructions Step 1 Setup Peripherals z i EE 3 1 i Lir Fool LL TAJ HN nt 15 F ir Miihe LM hd ee ma sel si IARE m m L m TTC ENEG VU So d IM EN T F 1 oom a m mmm mmaa C Li was
19. Open Library FEEFEE Laa CAL Fus Eu AR Pel ED x hai ino Ces nm Ga Ce m aM alu B A wa LG cc tti mm Audient Ltd Page 81 mm Pt n 2 8 ci P NT f i CNIL KOT N B daucarierit E DAI i Automation ZEN c S Emu sem Logic 8 cont Cr fa frais Step 13 Label the 16 audio tracks something easy to read and locate in your session Zen 1 through 16 perhaps Step 14 This one is entirely up to you but we recommend you de assign any input and output track routing so that you do not inadvertantly record audio on to automation only tracks as these tracks should contain no audio Bales i Tracks can then be freely assigned into the various automation modes to record fader movements or cut status In complete synchronisation with your DAW Use the Zen transport panel to navigate your session and ride faders and cuts to your heart s content Audient Ltd Page 82 audient Automation ZEN Automation Modes in Logic We recommend the use of Touch Latch and Read mode for the majority of your work Touch mode provides the most essential workflow writing automation data when a fader is touched and moved the Zen faders are touch sensitive returning to previously recorded automation data when a fader is released Latch mode is useful but be careful as it
20. Power Microphone Preamplifier Gain 6 to 66 dB Direct Output Routing POST post fader PRE INS pre insert post trim CH channel input pre trim input select PRE FDR pre fader post insert Channel Input Trim Post Input Select TIPS amp SUGGESTIONS Try routing channels to multiple mono and stereo buses in parallel ala Michael Brauer to introduce colour and punch into your mixes via multi stage parallel compression on group inserts Expand your Zen with the Alt Cue input Use this on a source such as a lead vocals to bring a parallel compressed mult into the console which in turn can feed its own group for further processing Solo SIP Safe Cue Level Auto Safe Channel Solo Aux 1 3 Pre Fader Silent Mute Aux 1 to 3 Switch Aux 2 to 4 Switch Aux 2 4 Pre Fader 100mm ALPS Channel Fader Fader and mute automation optional Page 14 Channel Strip ZEN Peak Readina Bargraph Meter 1 A 20 segment LED bargraph meter with peak detection suitable for use in today s modern digital recording environment 2dB per step With a 38 dB range OVU is calibrated to a nominal operating level of 4dBu Which in turn is relative to a typical EBU calibration of 18dBu 0 dBFS O dBFS is your absolute maximum digital level full scale and should be avoided at all costs digital clipping is not a pleasant sound As such the bargraph meter scale on Zen is calibrated in dBFS such that 4 dBu OVU
21. This section is probably the most flexible element in the channel strip providing 4 different signal path configurations for the entire channel strip switched on a per channel basis There are 4 modes to remember here and they will seriously aid your workflow POST PRE INS CH e PRE FDR The first mode POST requires both switches in the direct output routing section to be in the UP position POST LL The direct output is taken POST FADER and POST MUTE This configures the direct output as follows Manual 100mm ALPS Fader Channel Input Trim This is a great mode to use for the following tasks e Riding levels to tape or disk when tracking especially vvhen microphone levels are hot Processing line level signals via the insert and printing back the effected sound to tape or disk with final level control Audient Ltd Page 19 Channel Strip ZEN Direct Output Routing cont The second mode PRE INSERT requires the first switch in the direct output routing section to be in the DOWN position The direct output is now taken PRE INSERT and PRE FADER This mode configures the direct output as follows This mode is useful when you want to take a clean feed during tracking yet still monitor your signal with processing via the insert and set balances in real time perhaps for headphone Mix purposes with the processed signal on aux sends or the channel fader This mod
22. a aua pud Date St d s Cee Binari Lia r Bia mmm en Lean Assiri for Pee I Corniche Ares HL Kk Drum a Bros Aj Creed Gare Step 11 a Please set the resolution of relative controls to 1024 or any value greater than 512 b Please set the maximum MIDI bandwidth to 100 c De select control surface follows track selection You can also de select touching fader selects track if that improves your workflow within Logic nm Preferences T m e m cm a Global Audio MIDI Display Score Video Automation AK Resolution of Relative Controls A T iu pein To ee SS a ie EI Maximum MIDI Bandwidth ___ f ouching fader selects track ntrol surface follows track selection Jog resolution depends on horizontal zoom Pickup Mode Audient Ltd Page 80 Automation ZEN Logic 8 cont Step 12 Return to the arrange page and create 16 new mono dummy audio tracks for Zen automation to follow and write to Li Del M m 3 CRETE i 2 3 mer FRA nad aes arua mum ema DIT eee M silo Rd ou C al d Lou n ums o eum o unam un 7 na 5e Pinna Eod i n De ne E 2 1 i New Tracks Number 16 Type Audio O Software Instrument T m m am pat i 2a i ENTER an B im Ou din n ums o ogum ie es ON Ou Output input Monitoring 1 CZ Mee C Record Enable z
23. a SOLO control useful for listening to whatever blend you are sending to the output stage Aux 1 Master Aux 2 Master Aux 3 Master Aux 4 Master Cue Masters There are two cue sections in the console CUE A and CUE B The cue buses A amp B feed pr a D these sections but so do a number of other sources please be aware that these sources sum when more than one is selected Audient Ltd Page 38 Aux amp Cue Masters ZEN Cue Masters cont There are two external stereo inputs DAW MIX and DAW FB foldback These two stereo inputs found as rear panel line level XLR inputs are intended to be used to monitor either the mix output of your DAW or a separate stereo foldback mix from your DAW This is useful as headphone mixes are entirely possible at low latency with newer computers and low latency DSP devices As such your headphone mixes can be saved within your session and even include effects for monitoring purposes Along with the two external DAW MIX and FB inputs both of which are also suitable to use as tvvo track returns the cue master section offers the ability to send the output of the AUX 1 and AUX 2 master summing stages to the cue outputs This is useful if you are using the last option C RM control room as your main cue mix A scenario that may often be encountered when you require that last absolutely essential vocal overdub during the final stages of mixing If you are using all
24. alances by activating the DAW FB switch and selecting SRC via the Monitor Source switch 12 This can provide you with full recall of cue mixes saved inside your DAW sessions Beware of latency though The Ext 1 and Ext 2 stereo inputs provide a way to return 2 track devices such as a mastering tape machine CD player DAT or digital recording system Use the conveniently located front panel mini jack socket to audition portable MP3 and personal A V players Very useful for checking rough mixes MP3 mix translation or reference material Audient Ltd However we recommend the use of high resolution lossless audio as reference material Use polarity invert and mono sum to check for mono compatibility and phase issues Polarity invert combined with mono sum facilitates difference sum amp difference monitoring great for checking stereo content Cut L and Cut R ensure you can monitor mono correctly on one speaker mono is more accurate coming from a single source as it minimises phase cancellation in the listening environment Alternate monitor outputs provide you with the option of checking mixes on various playback systems A reference monitor level can be user defined to enable calibrated listening for more information see the manual monitor section Page 41 Monitor Section ZA EI The monitor section of Zen provides comprehensive control room monitoring options The circuitry is mostly passive wit
25. all amount of the main mix blended in keeping a reference point in ear shot at all times This is a continuously variable potentiometer Please note that SIF does not work in SIP mode Headphone Output There is a high quality stereo headphone output available on the Zen The output connector is located underneath the armrest next to the external talkback microphone input The headphone output is fed from the monitor section of the console and thus its source is determined by the source select switch found in the monitor section of the console The headphone output can be engaged with the switch on the right most side of the console which is also where the headphones level control is found PHONES Audient Ltd Page 49 Bus Compressor Overview Bus Compressor 3 Que Zen features an integrated high class VCA bus compressor It is located in the master section of the console on the right hand side An adaptation of the compressor featured in the ASP8024 and Sumo this is a design optimised for mix bus use However with the addition of a wet dry blend control for parallel compression and external patch capability this compressor really vvorks vvell on the drum bus among other uses which we are sure you will find Please note that by default it is located after the mix insert points However as It can be externally patched and therefore removed from the mix bus path it Is freely assignable to any destinatio
26. ces tab and click the sign to add a new control surface here add the Yamaha DM2000 template Steinberg Houston Tascam DM 24 HUI Tascam US 428 Yamaha Oly Yarnaha 01v96v2 Yamaha 01x Yamaha O2r9bv7 amar E ERE LI LB O OD pm Cn Step 4 Assign the MIDI input and output ports to your MIDI interface Port or Port 1 E v Not Connected MIDI Output All MIDI Inputs MIDISPORT 2x2 Port A MIDISPORT 2x2 Port B Built in Audio VST System Link Audient Ltd Page 96 audent Automation ZEN Cubase Nuendo cont Step 5 Apply the settings for the first control surface device Video Player VST Audio System Built in Audio VST System Link CD a Step 6 Add a 2 DM2000 control surface and assign MIDI ports 2 or B as its Input and output destination C E Audient Ltd Page 97 Cubase Nuendo cont Step 7 Click OK and return to the project arrange page Here create 16 new mono dummy audio tracks for automation to write to and read from Project gt Add Track gt Audio Audio Track Configuration zs count configuration speakers Browse Presets Step 8 Place the 16 audio tracks at the start of your project a
27. compression New York style Try this on your drum bus it is fantastic at preserving your transient information while adding punch and body Audient Ltd When using the wet and dry blend you may find that you do not need to use as much make up gain as there is a slight amount of gain in the sweep of the pot This makes for a great way to increase output level post compression and achieve a nice sense of punch We have found a great starting place for a wet dry blend is around 1 to 4 o clock towards wet Adjust make up gain to season Please see the example settings page in the manual for guidance Please also bear in mind that these are only examples and due to the dynamic nature of program material will require adjustment to achieve their best performance on your material Page 52 Bus Compressor ZEN Gain Reduction Meter 1 A 10 segment LED bargraph meter indicating the amount of gain reduction Due to the scale of the meter sometimes you will only want the first few LEDs flickering to keep compression musical levels on the mix bus The scale on the gain reduction meter ranges from 2dB to 20dB Gain Reduction 20 16 12 8642 of compression Attack Time 2 Specified in milliseconds mS this is the time taken for the compressor sidechain to react to the input signal above the threshold and trigger gain reduction compression Attack time can be set to e 0 1 mS e 0 3 mS e 1 mS e 3
28. crophone preamplifier fitted this mode provides the cleanest path to feed your favourite outboard microphone preamplifiers to your recording platform but with the added benefit on monitoring direct from the latency free environment of an analogue console Using CHANNEL mode it is possible to combine it with the CH DAW flip switch 9 to create a pseudo in line architecture When operating the channel in psuedo in line mode you can effectively take the microphone preamplifier and polarity inverter output straight to the direct output if microphone preamplifier option not installed then line input which could be fed from your external microphone preamplifiers Whilst the line or microphone preamplifier input feed the direct output the DAW channel input can be reconfigured to feed the rest of the channel path In two ways One is via the alternative cue input 18 which allows monitoring of the signal to be recorded prior to reaching its destination by sending the channel input line or mic signal to the mix bus via its own level and pan control 15 amp 17 and assigning the cue to the main mix bus 13 This would be the equivalent or similar of monitoring your short fader record path on an in line architecture By pressing the CH DAW switch 9 DOWN the main channel path equivalent of the long fader is fed by the DAW line input This would allow you to monitor the recorded signal from your workstation or tape machine
29. d Track Pool SEP Fold Tracks Markers aM Unfold Track Tempo Track AT Flip Fold States Browser Beat Calculator Get Timecode at Cursor Notepad Show All Used Automation Hide All Automation Project Setup oS Auto Fades Settings Zen 7 Zen 8 7 Y Y Y Y Ti Y Y OF Zen 9 E Cubase File Edit Project Audio MIDI Scores Media Transport Devices Window 1 Help Erja di Proiect Tal iR Pus E n Ot uar E RON wmm VIDI telles 5 te ue No Objecr Selected amp Zen i Audient Ltd Page 101 Automation audient Cubase Transport Control Tweaks Something you may find useful and similar to Pro Tools are the two options for Cubase transport location Go to Cubase gt Preferences Transport tab File Edit Project Audio MIDI Scores Media Transport About Cubase 4 Preferences Services b Hide Cubase 36H Hide Others HH We n E Prererences _ n MIDI Project amp Mixer mi Tool Modifiers Bots Tools C Locate when Clicked in Empty Space Video Event Display Playback Toggle triggers Local Preview i zoom while Locating in Time Scale Markers EB B Rulers Video General D MIDI ay MIDI File Stop after Automatic Punch Qut MIDI Filter vete 7 Stop playback while winding d Wind Speed Options Broadcast Wave Adjust to Zoom MIDI Fixed EE Speed Factor Stores _ Colors for Additional Meanings EJH Fast wind Factor E
30. diti CT Show Timecode Subframes TR ser Definable Framerate WaT Plug ins Control Room PU Site Preference Presets EMMI CS Rename Delete C store marked preferences only Help jJ Defaults Apply Cancel Co Here you can set the playhead to return to start position on stop This is useful for running passes of automation for example riding a lead vocal during the all important final chorus Perhaps you are not happy with the first ride pass With this option se lected selecting stop on the Zen or Cubase transport will return the playhead to your starting point ready for another run De select if you want to remain at your stop location Audient Ltd Page 102 Automation ZEN Updating System Firmware Over time a number of updates are likely to happen to the Zen automation system Also with the possibility of new emerging control surface protocols Zen utilises on board flash memory to facilite firmware update refinement and future proof operation Added functionality is likely to be added to the two function keys in the transport section expanding the control possibilities Please check www audient com for future updates and firmware revisions If you do need to update your Zen firmware at any point we have handily produced a software update interface that resides on your host machine and uses MIDI to transmit updates to the console Zenudu The aptly named Zenudu Zen Update Uti
31. e also provides extra gain during tracking via the channel trim control a convenient place to ride levels and arguably a cleaner way of gain staging as opposed to varying the microphone preamplifier gain during a take The third mode PRE FADER requires the second switch in the direct output routing section to be in the DOWN position La PRE FDR This mode is useful when you want to take a pre fader record output with the addition of extra gain from the trim section and perhaps some processing dynamics perhaps on the insert Audient Ltd Page 20 Channel Strip ZEN Direct Output Routing cont Pre fader routing may be the most useful if you are using the console faders to set a monitor balance and therefore do not want to have the faders change your recording levels In this mode signal at the direct output is taken POST INSERT but PRE FADER The fourth mode CHANNEL requires both switches in the direct output routing section to be in the DOWN position This is quite possibly the most useful mode for tracking if you are used to working on an in line architecture In normal use CHANNEL mode allows the direct output to be taken direct from the microphone preamplifier HPF and polarity inverter stage with no added gain stages such as channel trim This provides the cleanest signal path for recording Audient Ltd Page 21 Channel Strip ZEN Direct Output Routing cont If you do not have the mi
32. e console if facing it from the rear Compressor External I O COMPRESSOR Compressor In 9 This illuminated push switch engages the compressor and also the gain reduction meter so G R can only be viewed when compression is active Please see page xx for some example settings and starting points for this compressor Happy mixing Audient Ltd Page 57 Adjust threshold for 2 3 dB G R Adjust make up gain accordingly Drum Squash ATTACK ms RELEASE sec Adjust threshold for 8 10 dB G R Adjust make up gain accordingly Percussion Bus ATTACK ms RELEASE sec Adjust threshold for 4 5 dB G R Adjust make up gain accordingly Audient Ltd audient PEN Adjust threshold for 6 8 dB G R Adjust make up gain accordingly Vocal Bus ATTACK ms RELEASE sec THRESHOLD o e A o e he e f e 20 ap 20 Adjust threshold for 4 5 dB G R Adjust make up gain accordingly Parallel Lift ATTACK ms RELEASE sec THRESHOLD e ESSO A e je e LJ 20 gp 20 GAIN e LJ ag 20 PARALLEL COMP Adjust threshold for 6 8 dB G R Adjust make up gain accordingly Page 58 Main Mix Overview Main Mix Bus EN The main mix bus on Zen is optimised for clean summing with high headroom Mix Bus Metering To gauge this headroom large 30 segment LED peak meters calibrated to OVU 4dBu 14 dBFS as the channel and group meters are provided on the main
33. e main fader However if using the cue section to send to a bus in parallel a neat trick with a compressor or effect on the group insert you may decide you require a pre fade level to be sent allowing two discrete level controls over signal to the busses During tracking it is likely you will use the send as a pre fade feed so that control room fader balances do not alter cue balances In this case the switch should be in the UP position This switch has no effect if the alt input switch 18 is engaged as It overrides the send functionality Audient Ltd Page 29 Channel Strip ZEN Cue Level 12 The Cue Level control can be used as send level to the cue or group buses or can be used as a 2 line input channel fader vvhen the alt input function 18 is used Cue Alternative Input Select Engaging this switch turns a 16ch Zen into a 32ch channel fully capable mixdown platform ALT I P As already mentioned in this manual there are many uses for this extra input path from expanding your input quota for summing to returning effects processors and compressors We are sure you will think of many innovative methods of incorporating this into your workflow Aux Sends Pre Fader Assign Zen features two aux send control sections which can feed two from four aux buses Aux routing can be set on a per channel basis see controls 21 and 22 Thus the total number of sends on Zen is 8 Cue A stere
34. e vvays for tracking Polarity Invert Microphone Preamplifier option onl e A 180 polarity invert function available for the microphone preamplifier useful for tracking with multiple microphones a LJ Audient Ltd Page 17 Channel Strip ZEN Meter Select MTR This switch alters the source to the peak reading bargraph meter In the UP position the channel input path feeds the meter taken before the channel trim control 10 but after the mic line and CH DAW 9 routing selections When engaged into the DOWN position the meter takes its feed from the the direct output feed Thus its exact location is determined by the routing selections made in the direct output assign section 8 see next item Note that when engaged into the down position the O P LED lights signifying the importance of paying attention to your direct output routing During tracking if a pre fader direct output is utilised you may prefer to have the meter indicate channel input level effectively the microphone preamplifier output level so you can keep an eye on your recording levels However if a post fader direct output is utilised set the meter to O P DOWN to ensure you see a true representation of your signal level post fader including any rides you make during tracking A neat way to use the dBFS scaled meter to avoid digital clipping Audient Ltd Page 18 Channel Strip ZEN Direct Output Routing
35. en link pin 3 to pin 1 at the source and leave the Zen input as a balanced connection This will enable the Zen input stage to retain some CMRR common mode rejection even vvhen fed from an unbalanced source Total Number of Connections To provide a starting point for patchbay integration and cable purchasing you may find the following table of information helpful Connection Amount ue TOSLINK Digital Output Wordclock Input BNC 75 ohms a IAININ alalalalala O 0 O OD Audient Ltd Page 66 Automation Overview Automation ZEN Thank you for selecting the optional automation package for your Zen console It should really enhance your mixing environment The Zen automation package provides channel fader and channel mute automation via a series of MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface connections to your DAW Digital Audio Workstation The Zen automation communicates with your DAW via the Mackie HUI protocol Any DAW that supports HUI control surfaces should work however Zen has been optimised to work with Logic 8 Pro Tools 7 4 LE and HD Cubase 4 and Nuendo 3 A 16 channel Zen console requires 2 x MIDI in ports and 2 x MIDI out ports for full 16 channel communication These can be found at the rear of the master section left most side if facing Zen from the rear de E ele La oO o O MIDI 1 CH 1 8 MIDI 2 CH 9 16 MIDI 1 0
36. ent Automation ZEN Pro Tools cont Step 7 Place these 16 tracks at the start of your session and label them something easy to read and spot in your session Zen 1 through 16 perhaps M seni EE HE Brann zen Jef Gl TESI E zens g M CRE 00 JE Zen4 g g c anano zeas s Reason Eee Il m ni MARA un visu 3s Ti ND ana Ll Step 8 To ensure that Pro Tools fixes the control surface to these 16 automation tracks vve must use the scroll into vievv feature You may find that if you add automation tracks into a session that already contains a number of audio tracks that the control surface may be set to follow a series of 16 incorrect tracks The scroll into view feature allovvs you to fix the control surface to the first 16 Audient Ltd Page 89 audient Automation ZEN Pro Tools cont Step 8 cont The image below illustrates Pro Tools incorrectly set to unvvanted tracks note the bold blue squares around the channel names E m E Ja IGO dodi ooo js OE da oo an It alt alt rn ni Qm cL n 1 4lelwi w l el2i i ae i a i Biss EE To rectify this CTRL click Mac right click on PC on the first Zen track Zen 1 in this example this will bring up a dialogue box with the option Scroll Into View select this option note that all 16 Ze
37. gn 12 The channel bus assign switches allow you to send the post fader signal to the mono buses M1 ans M2 and the stereo output of the pan pot 24 to the stereo buses ST1 and ST2 and the main mix bus located in the master section BUS ASSIGN These switches exist in parallel so routing to multiple groups simultaneously is highly useful and possible during mixdown Multi Bus Compression Mix Technique Zen features two mono groups with pan two stereo groups and a main stereo mix bus Thus It is possible to achieve a variation on the multi bus compression technique made popular by NYC mix engineers like Michael Brauer Please visit his website www mbrauer com articles for more information Audient Ltd Page 27 Channel Strip ZEN Cue Section Bus Assign 3 The stereo output from the cue send pan pot can be sent to multiple destinations B B CUE A CUEB The cue bus assign section of the channel strip allows vvhatever signal is present on the cue section either channel or DAW source to be sent to the two stereo groups ST1 and ST 2 and the main mix bus MIX This is useful when tracking as it is likely that the cue section will be your starting point for creating artist cue mixes but also useful for setting up extra mix sends It is possible to solo the cue masters to audition and setup the cue Mix balance from the control room you hear what the artist hears Adjust your balance and then return to yo
38. h only one buffer stage before the balanced loudspeaker outputs thus providing you with a tonally neutral and accurate monitor path There are a number of features that are very useful for checking the translation and content of your mixes Please refer to the diagram and numbering the previous page when reading this section Source Selection G There are 5 sources that can feed the monitor section of Zen DAW Mix a stereo line input found as balanced XLR connectors on the rear panel This stereo input can be used to audition in the box mixes quickly DAW Foldback a 2 stereo line input found as rear panel balanced XLR connectors You may find this input very useful for auditioning headphone mixes that are created in the DAW EXT 1 Stereo a 3 dedicated external stereo input found as balanced rear panel XLR connectors Intended for use as a two track return for mixdown devices such as DAT machines 1 2 and 1 4 tape machines and other devices EXT 2 Stereo a 4 external stereo input input found as balanced rear panel XLH connectors Can be used as the above To I JACK E I JACK a front panel located stereo mini jack connector Designed for use with portable music players and the like great to audition rough mixes as MP3 etc Audient Ltd Page 42 Monitor Section Z EI l Jack Level Control amp jack Input e 2 A stereo level control for the l Jack input Polarity Invert
39. he Zen console can link to the Audient ASP510 surround monitor controller This enables the monitor controller to respond to console status to provide full solo and dim functionality when used in a 5 1 monitoring system If you want to experiment with using the Zen in a 5 1 environment try using a pair of aux sends as a centre and LFE feed use the main fader and pan to send to a stereo group Which is routed to left and right with the cue send level and pan controlling rear left and rear right levels by going to another stereo bus ASP510 9 Pin D Sub Pin Out This connects to the 25 Pin D Sub console interface see page 6 of ASP510 manual for pin out detail 5 Ext Mtr R 9 Ext Mtr L 4 GND s 8 Ext Mtr L 3 RC 41 Pull up 7 GND 2 Dim d c 6 Ext Mtr R 1 Solo d c 10 Connector Chassis GND Audient Ltd o 4 Di e A e A 3 e e e E x i E e e s x i E D e LU x P Ly e e e f e i e a e e e x x Me e x x x A e S x T e n i x tr n e S x e e E s x i e e E S x in A e vi x s e B x i o e m S 6 e e e e e e INTE 5 4 E 1 5 1 5 1 E 1 E 1 5 1 E 1 2 2 2 PEN audent ST C DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN ENGLAND Page 65 Connections ZA EI Unbalancing the Zen To unbalance an output from Zen link pin 3 to pin 1 at the output of the console To unbalance an input to Z
40. ieved INSERT GROUP LI BUS Group Amplifier M Summin sert Active Group In INSERTS Ee The mono groups feature pan controls to place them into either of the stereo groups ST1 or ST2 or the main mix bus MIX All groups can be assigned to the stereo main mix bus MIX However the mono groups can also be assigned to the stereo groups ST1 and ST2 perfect for nested grouping of mix elements kick and snare groups to drum group lead vocal and lead vocal effects groups to vocal group a high level of functionality indeed Audient Ltd Page 34 Groups ZEN All groups have rear panel balanced output XLR connections making them suitable for submixing tracks during recording or printing processed mixes back to the recording platform All groups feature high quality 100mm ALPS linear faders with 10 dB of gain in hand above unity All groups feature a SOLO and CUT switch located above the fader in this case the CUT switch is relay based Group output metering is calibrated to OVU 4dBu 14 dBFS please see the chart in channel strip section for reasoning This is useful as group outputs may likely be used to record or printback submixes thus keeping an eye on the metering should help avoid digital clipping in your recording platform assuming 18dBu OdBFS calibration of your AD DA STEREO STEREO TIPS amp SUGGESTIONS If you only have a few choice bits of outboard co
41. ing options The channel strips are located on the left side of the console and the ergonomic inclined profile of Zen ensures all controls are clearly visible and within arms reach For consoles with the optional microphone preamplifier input stage there are three main inputs e Mic e Line e DAW Each of these inputs is fed from their own rear panel XLR female connectors For more information and specifications see the connections section The channel strips also provide routing access to two mono and tvvo stereo group busses as well as the main mix bus Microphone Preamplifier Option With the microphone preamplifier option a 75 Hz high pass filter polarity reverse stage and 48v phantom powver are also included Two features that should be very useful during tracking the HPF enables you to remove any rumble or subsonic noise and polarity invert provides alignment of sources such as snare top and snare bottom for example On line input only Zen consoles it is imagined that you will likely use external microphone preamplifiers if tracking vvhich should provide you with these features or at least a polarity invert If mixing filtering and polarity invert are functions easily achieved within the DAW Audient Ltd Page 12 Channel Strip ZEN The three input stages and basic signal flow of the microphone preamplifier version of Zen is illustrated below N 48v d c 75 Hz HPF ic Line Select anne
42. ing sonic transparency and detail When combined with Zen s high resolution bargraph metering input conditioning freely assignable direct outputs and comprehensive cue monitoring options Zen is right at home in a tracking environment A rear panel full of high quality locking XLR and TRS connectors ensures It is simple and quick to integrate your favourite outboard and existing microphone preamplifiers However Zen is equally comfortable as a mixing tool with up to 8 selectable aux sends inserts and dedicated DAW returns 6 subgroups with switchable inserts and a parallel insert mode classic Audient summing patchable VCA bus compressor and a high quality centre section complete with mono dim phase and reference monitoring configurations any eventuality is covered When fitted with our state of the art integrated fader automation system controlled by your DAVV Zen becomes a forward thinking modern analogue console for a digital world Other amazingly useful features include Alternate cue input to expand line e Cue to group routing parallel inputs at mixdown 16in becomes 32 compression here vve come e Jack consumer level front panel e Under armrest headphone output and monitor input for MP3 players etc talk back microphone input e Solo in front e Attractive black livery e Solo in place e Internal passively cooled power supply e Solo safe e ALPS 100mm faders both motorized and or manual e Click free silent
43. ing to this level on program material you have a good chance of obtaining a constant and accurate reference level Audient Ltd Page 46 audient Monitor Section Z EI The master section of Zen also contains all communication functions Talkback An integrated talkback microphone can be found in the master section within the compressor control panel area This built in electret microphone can be turned on to communicate with various output destinations on the console There is a talkback level control vvhich sets the gain of the talkback microphone preamplifier which has a gain range of 20 to 55 dB An external talkback microphone can be selected with a separate XLR input found underneath the armrest to the right To select this microphone and override the small electret in the compressor panel engage the small recessed switch located above the talkback level control by using a long thin object to depress the switch To engage 48v d c phantom powver for the external microphone engage the small recessed switch found to the right of the XLR input underneath the armrest There are tvvo main talkback svvitches both momentary to avoid leaving them on during delicate discussions One talks to the cue outputs CUE A and CUE B and the other talks to SLATE which feeds all the groups and main mix outputs Both options activate dim in the monitor section to prevent feedback Audient Ltd Page 47
44. ion see www audient com for further details Mode 1 is known as Zen Master mode which transmits the console fader values and mute status as automation is enabled An example of its usefulness is outlined below Audient Ltd Page 71 Automation amp Transport ZEN Mode 2 is known as DAW Master which sets the Zen into slave mode so that if and when automation is enabled Zen immediately synchronises with the DAW and will update its status to that of the workstation A great mode to enable smooth operation If you want to try a rough balance different to that of your stored automation balances If you do happen to have moved your Zen fader balances with automation turned off but want to revert to the original DAW balance DAW Master mode allows you to do so without the console reporting its new status to the DAW thus overwriting your old fader positions in Zen Master mode the opposite is true the DAW would update to the new balance thus overwriting any previous balance The DAW Master mode of course only helps if you leave DAW automation status in any form of write mode In read mode you would be protected from the Zen Master mode overwriting your session data However please remember that you can undo the move in the DAW and these modes are provided for you to experiment and find a preference they should be looked at as a refinement of the system Transport Activity Please note that the transport pa
45. ity Zen is a small format analogue console with a big heart Small in stature yet not in functionality Zen provides an impressive array of connectivity signal conditioning routing summing process ing and monitoring capability in one beautiful tidy package vvith some interesting twists Zen will adapt to become the centre of your creative workflow equally suited to the project studio or high end professional environment Lets take a look How to use this manual This manual has been divided into sections for your convenience The first section introduces Zen and provides an overview of the control surface and where to find things The following sections provide detailed information regarding each function operation of controls and how they relate to each other Along the way a number of handy tips and suggestions will offer up possible uses and applications for the console during creative use Look out for the tips and suggestions box Also any numbers in brackets 10 refer to control numbers as found in the control surface overview illustrations in each section k TIPS amp SUGGESTIONS Audient Ltd Page 3 Installation ZEN Unpackinq Your Audient Zen Console has been carefully and meticulously tested and inspected before dispatch Please check for any signs of transit damage If any signs of mishandling are found please notify the carrier and inform your dealer immediately Your Zen packaging sh
46. l DAW Select Mi h i P lifi 75 Hz High Pass Filter gt For consoles without the optional microphone preamplifier input stage there are tvvo main Inputs e Line e DAW The input stage signal flow for the line input only version of Zen is Illustrated below nnel DAW Select Cha In typical operation it would be common to use the DAW input as the return path from your workstation outputs and use the mic line path for recording as psuedo in line functionality is entirely possible vvith the direct output options With two line inputs per channel DAW and line a 16 channel Zen can provide 32 dedicated line inputs for Mixdown via the Stereo cue alternative input selection More detail further on Audient Ltd Page 13 Channel Strip Channel LED Bargraph Meter 75 Hz Hi Pass Filter Mic Pre Option Line Input Select Channel Input Polarity Reverse Meter Select Channel Input or Direct Output Input Select Channel Mic Line or DAW Insert Active M1 ST1 Channel Bus Assign Cue Bus Assign ST1 Cue A B Assign Cue Pan Cue Post Fader Cue Alternative Input use to expand Zen Aux 1 3 Level Aux 2 4 Level Channel Pan OA E a amp DO EXC 2005 P d E Audient Ltd 01 0 7 VE 0281 0 DIRECT OUT POST PREINS L e LJ e 15 gp 715 BUS ASSIGN M2 ST2 MIX ST2 MIX CUE ASSIGN PEN 48v d c Phantom
47. l top right hand corner Higher sample rates are supported when the digital card is slaved to a master vvord clock connection via the BNC VVord Clock input DIGITAL OUT 441kHz 96kHz 48kHz AES DIGITAL O PS n ca W CLK IN SPDIF MS ZZZ TERM Audient Ltd Page 61 Connections Overview Connections 2 ri Zen features a plethora of connections in and out on the rear panel as highlighted during the introduction of this manual All XLR balanced input and outputs are wired as Pin 1 shield chassis shield ground Pin 2 hot ve and Pin 3 cold ve Channel Strip Inputs and Outputs The first input from top to bottom is the microphone XLR female input optional The input impedance of the microphone input is greater than bk ohms and the maximum input level is approximately 16 dBu where O dBu is referenced to 0 775 Vna The next connection is the direct output a balanced XLR male line output capable of 27 dBu with a low output impedance of lt 75 ohms The insert send jack comes next a TRS connector wired Tip hot Ring cold and Shield chassis shield ground Please note that this is an impedance balanced output vvith an output impedance of 150 ohms and a drive capability of 21 dBu The insert return TRS jack is fully balanced with a gt 10k ohm input impedance and a maximum input level of 21 dBu To finish off the channel I O there are a pair of balanced XLR female line
48. la ili es A Ce bar til yl t t i n Miner L Lom Ramus Pumas Goa in a ICI ms i a i Fh n T lap Step 2 Lin ex C Ria recs T Cartral bartai Gero 1 Install a new HUI cm gt control surface pese dai Chau Hop Were Moda Tache Audient Ltd Page 75 Automation Logic 8 cont Step 3 PEN Select Mackie Designs gt Model HUI gt Module HUI gt click Add f ot Inggal a Mets i PicroKONTROL Control Baby HLI ti Teese HUI Channel Strips anly Logic Control XT Mackie Control Mackie Control C4 Mackie Control Extender SAC 2K 5i 24 FE 8 FW 1082 FW 1884 U5 224 U5 2400 U5 428 01v96 01V96 Channel Strips only GX O2 R06 Step 4 Version unknown Color _Y Control Surface Group 1 Flip Mode Cf t Display Mode Value Audient Ltd LL BET micro ONTROL iConiral ran HU Logi Control Loge Control Lege Contral Logi Control Logic Control SAC K 4 24 FW 1 amp E4 FW l1 amp E amp FW l amp B4 U5 42 amp U5 2400 U5 425 HUI Hui Logic Control audient Automation ZEN Logic 8 cont Step 5 Set the first HUI control surface to Port A or Port 1 whichever is displayed P ELID Audient Ltd Page 77 audient Automation ZEN Logic 8 cont Step 6 Select New to install a 2 device wi
49. lg ju E miu J MELLIT HELL F This time add a HUI Channel Strips only surface to complete the final bank of control data for Zen The HUI protocol operates in banks of 8 so effectively the 2 bank work as channel strips only in a master slave relationship vvith the first full HUI controller bank 1 faders 1 8 Step 7 Select Mackie Designs Model HUI Channel Strips only Module HUI click Add Audient Ltd Page 78 audient Automation ZEN Logic 8 cont Step 8 Logic will tell that a HUI is already installed but you can go ahead and add the Channel Strips only Step 9 Click on the HUI Channel Strips only icon if not selected and as sign the 2 set of MIDI ports this time either as Port B or Port 2 or whatever you have available if using larger 4x4 and 8x8 MIDI interface types IE uq pd a 4 4 Me aa ll a Wm Fi I i n aim itm a am ge B L j CRIE X i n II Li Lj IC E LE memes mecs cs mm a o EM Lc NM Cha FAI d j Audient Ltd Page 79 audier Automation ZEN Logic 8 cont Step 10 At this point you can close the control surface setup window as you should have successfully installed both surfaces From here a few preference tweaks are needed to ensure smooth operation Led drin as A Lt pinin mass dons bahn al RT Kr bre ri Li wa i delere HH LE ST Hide meri SHH Ar ede lk borra zr E loges ND
50. lity is a small application that makes updates simple and easy Please see www audient com for the current Zenudu version Once installed look out for the Zenudu icon audient RAR Please ensure your console is powered up and connected via MIDI to your host After downloading the latest firmware update a bin file boot Zenudu and follow these instructions Audient Ltd Page 103 audient Automation ZEN Updating System Firmware Zenudu will open and you must set the appropriate MIDI input and output ports to talk to the console These should be re membered upon subsequent boots providing the interface is still attached to the computer Mod MIDI In Version rir LP LT FastLane USB Port A b Ehin W FastLane USB Port B 9 1 ah id FastLane USB Port aie MIDI Out MIDI In Version 17 24 a astLane USB Port Ab FastLane USB Port Al 24 32 FastLane USB Port B Configuration pe To update your Zen firmware download the latest date 1 8 Ger version from www audient com Load the file in by Configuration ooo selecting File gt Open and selecting the bin file Update 9 16 S ate your Zen firmware download the latest Update 1 B Update 17 24 from www audient com Load the file in by Update 25 32 ing File gt Open and selecting the bin file Update 9 16 Update 17 24 Upda
51. mS 10 mS e 30 mS Typically on program material and mix bus use slower attack times try 10 or 30 mS for a punchy mix starting point are preferred as they will not mangle transient material or distort low frequency content as much as faster times If the attack or release time is faster than one cycle of the lowest frequency to be reproduced distortion will occur as the compressor will alter the waveshape during one cycle Remember that the period of one cycle T sec 1 f Hz Audient Ltd Page 53 Bus Compressor ZEN Release Time 3 Specified in seconds S this is the time taken for the compressor sidechain to release from gain reduction once the input signal has passed below the threshold point Release times can be set to e 0 1 Sec 100 mS e 0 3 Sec 300 mS ue iae e 0 6 Sec 600 mS tot e 1 2 Sec e 2 4 Sec e Auto Release Typically faster release times are required When you want the compressor to get out of the way quickly which can lead to pumping and very obvious compression On vocal bus or piano longer release times and auto release are very useful However If you Want colourful compression on your drum bus faster release times are worth trying Start at 0 1 Sec and work backwards until you get a suitably balanced effect Auto release utilises an adapative circuit that alters its release time in a program dependant manner It is fantastically smooth and well suited to mix bus duty
52. mpression and EO perhaps you could try using them across groups to maximise their benefit It can be fun to try and split your mixes up into sections other than musical instrument elements for example try using the two mono groups for sources with low frequency content and pan them centrally using compression and EQ suited to these frequency ranges Audient Ltd Page 35 audient Groups zen Mono Group 2 Insert Parallel Sum Insert Active Mono Group 2 6 4 Mono Group 1 Insert Parallel Sum Mono Group 1 Insert Active INSERT INSERT Group Bus Assign Mono Group Pan 9 audient Stereo Group 1 Insert Active Insert Parallel Sum Stereo Group 2 Insert Active Stereo Group 2 Insert Parallel Sum 5 6 Stereo Group 1 INSERT INSERT STEREO 1 STEREO 2 Group Mute 11 Group Solo 100mm ALPS 13 Group Fader Mono or Stereo audient Audient Ltd Page 36 Aux amp Cue Section Overview ri gt Y if h g em PAN S Il 6 ci i tg os CA gt I t Aux amp Cue Masters E rues a E E Aux Masters Zen has four aux buses and a simple set of controls are provided for the master output of these buses Each of the four aux masters features a level control useful for reducing overload in some vintage digital reverb processors that may be connected here The aux masters also feature
53. n channel path ELP Channel Input Trim TRIM Insert Active e o A E INS IN ge e yy e e 15 gp 715 To Cue Alt Input CH DAW flip can be used to transform the console from a tracking arrangement vvhere the mic line source feeds the main channel path aux cue section and mix buses for monitoring into a mixdown situation vvhere the DAW input feeds the main channel path providing full mixdovvn of DAW inputs with the 100mm linear faders or the optional automation system To Mix Bus Assign etc L J Audient Ltd Page 24 Channel Strip ZEN Channel Trim Control The potentiometer provides a trim range of 15 dB and depending upon your direct output routing can be used as an extra boost of gain added to the microphone preamplifier when tracking really useful for low output microphones such as ribbon transducer designs some not all The trim control is also very useful for setting correct gain staging at the input of the console when utilising the line input or the DAW input with the DAW CH switch engaged into flip mode Insert Active 11 This switch when pressed DOWN engages the insert send and return loop for each channel insert send and return balanced 1 4 TRS jack connectors found on the rear panel This is a great place to insert your favourite outboard processors into the channel path Please bear in mind that Zen can also be coupled with a patchbay to provide the ability to
54. n tracks should be highlighted bold squares in both the Mix window and the Edit window MimSes Min Secs uS a 20 m en e fo SE VE DIA Hide Hide and Make Inactive Make Inactive Rename Kick JR Duplicate Audient Ltd Page 90 audient Automation ZEN Automation Modes in Pro Tools Zen Will respond to all automation modes in Pro Tools thus much functionality is gained through this host It is possible to use Read Write Touch Latch or Trim and even VCA fader groups to link channels on the Zen VCA faders and Trim provide options previously only found on large format consoles Trim mode is useful for keeping micro rides intact whilst trimming sections up or down relative to the ride Great for adding that extra couple of dB that always seems needed As with Logic Touch and Read are great places to start ele leu mme lemme Automation can be viewed and edited easily just as all in the box automation Audient Ltd Page 91 PEN Tweaking Transport and Automation Behaviour in Pro Tools A few small tweaks can be made in Pro Tools to improve automation performance however some of these will affect ALL automation in your session so complete at your own discretion Pro Tools Timeline Insertion can help you return to a previous starting position after an automation pass to re take or it can be set to ensure that the timeline playhead sto
55. n via its own balanced rear panel I O Master Fader Master Compressor Insert This way It is entirely possible to create a chain at the mix bus insert point With Ext In the VCA compressor followed by an outboard equaliser a popular technique Ext Out Compressor Audient Ltd Page 51 Bus Compressor PEN Gain Reduction Gain Reduction Meter 1 12 20 16 8642 BUS COMPRESSOR ATTACK ms Attack Time milliseconds Compression Threshold Gain Make Up Parallel Compression Wet amp Dry Blend RELEASE sec Release Time seconds Compression Ratio Bus Compressor External Patching Bus Compressor Active TIPS amp SUGGESTIONS The bus compressor is a VCA voltage controlled amplifier gain cell design and can be set to gently caress your main mix or stun your drum bus a flexible tool that can be used on a variety of sources For that very reason we have provided you with the ability to externally patch the bus compressor to its own input and output jacks located on the rear panel Perhaps you dislike overall mix compression and would rather leave it to your mastering engineer or perhaps you have your own favourite outboard mix bus processor The Zen bus compressor can be employed anywhere you see fit individual channels or a stereo group the choice is yours With the addition of a wet and dry compression blend it is possible to create parallel
56. nd label them something easy to read and locate Perhaps Zen 1 through 16 You should be ready to go Left Stereo in Stereo Chut ARR RR SR Notepad Inserts Sends Channel Audient Ltd Page 98 audient Automation ZEN Automation Modes in Cubase Nuendo Both Cubase 4 and Nuendo 3 differ slightly in automation modes and the new Cubase 5 and Nuendo 4 automation pan el offers plenty of depth such as virgin territories all of which should function well with the Zen Touch Suspend Read Suspend Write Show Used Functions vl Volume Volume The setup instructions provided here are specifically relevant to older versions of Cubase 4 and previous Here there are three modes of automation available Please consult your Cubase or Nuendo manual for more detail Left Stereo ln Left Stereo in Left Stereo In Left Stereo ln Left Stereo ln Left Stereo in Left Stereo in Left Stereo in Stereo Cu Seren Qui ered Que Srenrea Cut Sberen Cut Stereo Du Stereo Qut Tereg Qut Th in Left Stereo In Stereo Out mona rala m S m LL e RO wu f p OH i a em e f a Audient Ltd Page 99 audient Automation ZEN Keeping Your Project Tidy Both Cubase and Nuendo provide the option to store your tracks vvithin folder tracks as can Logic This is useful for minimising session clutter and a neat
57. nel on Zen is always active regardless of the automation state therefore freeing you to navigate through your session as you choose Audient Ltd Page 72 Automation amp Transport ZEN Function Switches 1 amp 2 s e The function switches located below the safe layer and automation on switches are available for future development and currently have no function assigned to them Please check www audient com for the latest firmvvare updates that will expand the functionality of these switches Transport Switches 72 1 e Rewind e Fast forvvard e Stop e Play e Record The transport switches are located at the bottom of the transport panel and provide all the usual suspects Due to slightly different HUI implementations in each piece of DAW software these controls behave slightly differently For example in some applications Logic multiple presses of the fast forvvard or rewind keys result in accelerating speeds of locate Likewise double tapping the stop key performs a return to zero RTZ operation in Logic meanwhile in Cubase or Pro Tools it will depend upon Timeline Insertion or Transport preferences in each platform please see the application specific set up chap ters for more information Record modes must be set in each platform to provide punch record modes Pro Tools Quick Punch etc Audient Ltd Page 73 27 7 audient Automation ZEN Connecting the Automation System T
58. o Cue B stereo Aux 1 Aux 2 Aux 3 Aux 4 The aux send section of the console can be used to feed extra cue mixes and or reverb units and such during tracking or mixing For this reason as with most consoles Zen includes the option of a pre fade feed Audient Ltd Page 30 Channel Strip audient Aux Sends Pre Fader Assign cont In their default state the aux sends are set to post fader but by depressing the switch they become pre fader Please also note that the cue section in its default state Is assigned to be pre fader as this is most likely in a tracking s ituation however this can be switched to post as detailed previously Aux Send Switching 23 2 The two aux send controls can each be toggled between a pair of aux bus destinations thus doubling the total number of aux sends In this case AUX 1 can be switched to AUX 3 and AUX 2 can be switched to AUX 4 by engaging the appropriate switch REL 3 S 4 Aux Level Controls 20 23 Aux 1 and Aux 2 level potentiometers to control the individual send level to each mono aux bus 0 10 LU 10 AUX 1 3 AUX 2 4 Audient Ltd Page 31 Channel Strip ZEN Channel Pan 25 The pan control provides a smooth taper with an approximate pan law of 4dB providing a decent compromise between constant power and constant voltage pan law design ideals Both the cue and channel pan controls are centre detented for easy mono
59. o Jpen are fi eq Ci search DEVICES Sj Macintosh HD Fa Ej iDisk See www audient co uk 3 PLACES for latest firmware version gt LACE vue A TRW FUA BIN Y MEDIA Name Zen FLASH 08 Jd Music O bin E Photos Sire 16 KB iw des Kind MacBinary k l archive i Created 03 06 2009 Il 22 43 Im Version Get Once selected proceed to update the console either in banks of 8 or all at once The progress bar to the bottom left will empty once completed Update 17 24 Update 25 32 Run Get one final time to ensure the update was sucessful you re done Page 105 Warranty ZEN Your Zen comes with a manufacturer s Warranty for one year from the date of despatch to the end user The warranty covers faults due to defective materials used in manufacture and faulty vvorkmanship only During this warranty period Audient will repair or at its discretion replace the faulty unit provided it is returned carriage paid to an authorised Audient service centre We will not provide Warranty repair if in our opinion the fault has resulted from unauthorised modification misuse negligence act of God or accident We accept a liability to repair or replace your Zen as described above We do not accept any additional liability This Warranty does not affect any legal rights you may have against the person who supplied this product it is additional to those rights Limi
60. o connect your 16 channel Zen automation system you will require the following e 4 x 5 pin DIN MIDI cables e 1 x 3 party 2 in 2 out MIDI interface likely USB e 1 x cable of appropriate type to connect your MIDI interface to your DAW e Drivers installed on your DAW for the 3 party MIDI interface Available interfaces include the M Audio Midisport EMU X MIDI 2x2 Motu Fastlane Express series among many others Connect Zen to the MIDI interface as follows Zen MIDI In 1 Zen MIDI Out 1 To DAW Zen MIDI In 2 Zen MIDI Out 2 Audient Ltd Page 74 Automation ZEN Setting Up Automation in Apple Logic 8 Zen automation performs excellently with Logic and can be set up to seamlessly integrate into your existing sessions Please connect the console as previously described boot Logic 8 create a new session and follow these set up instructions Step 1 Logic Pro gt Preferences gt Control Surfaces gt Setup E Logit Pre Edd Upik ronds erail Hip T s a mu die lis D Massi Liga Fri UAE MNA Len Cab doca Aoi mmis ham Rs Lan ina em Bons din Ds io ET rit E uw k kl 5 Las r wm ium at BE sg NEN Hide Logar Pen WR par z 7 H D NH i Glg F NL au pd Lite Gp sra de Mon Brace Leti Mani zi ee ee ee ns Cosma or ai F Laga hisser For Pause NI Key Cos la xk Cote duna mI HE rie Fees rer l Ge
61. ould include the console an IEC power cord and this manual Important Safety Instructions Please read all of these instructions and save them for later reference before connecting Zen to the mains and powering up the console To prevent electrical shock and fire hazard follow all warnings and instructions marked on the Zen This unit is connected via its IEC power cord to the mains safety earth NEVER OPERATE THIS CONSOLE WITH THIS EARTH CONNECTION REMOVED Internal Switch Mode Power Supply amp Mains Fuse Zen utilises an internal switch mode power supply that is very quiet and passively cooled with plenty of current capability and headroom This switch mode design will accept any A C line voltage from 9OV to 264V Therefore Zen will vvork happily anywhere in the world but please ensure your A C mains line voltage is within specification Consult a qualified technician if you suspect difficulties Do NOT attempt to tamper with the power supply or mains voltages HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH Alvvays replace the mains fuse with the correct value T2A slow blow Audient Ltd Page 4 Installation ZEN Service and Repair The console uses a complex internal pcb sandwich arrangement making field service only possible by a qualified technician If any technical issues do arise with your console please contact your dealer as soon as possible to arrange for technical support Do not attempt to fix the console unless qualified to do
62. position Channel Fader Safe Cut and Solo Controls Each channel uses a high quality ALPS 100mm linear fader with 10 dB of gain In hand above unity Solo SIP Safe Auto Safe Channel Solo The console can also be fitted with Silent Mute optional moving fader automation please see the automation section in this manual 100mm ALPS Channel Fader Above each fader are three illuminated push switches Fader and mute automation optional The first switch SAFE green LED can be used to either isolate the channel from SOLO IN PLACE useful for preserving elements in a mix while using the solo function The SOLO switch places the channel into SOLO either AFL or PFL after fade or pre fade listen or Solo in Place depending upon master section settings The CUT switch operates a silent JFET based mute circuit for click free operation This is also controlled by the SOLO logic when in SOLO IN PLACE SIP mode Audient Ltd Page 32 Mono amp Stereo Groups Overview Groups ZEN Mono and Stereo Groups There are two mono and two stereo groups on Zen These can be used for sub mixing parallel processing and even extra effects returns with a little bit of thinking and unorthodox behaviour All groups feature inserts With parallel sum mode This is fantastic for creating many levels of parallel compression in your MIX Part of the block diagram is shown below to illustrate how this IS ach
63. ps where you tell it to vvith the transport stop command Great for marking edit points or working in sections while laying automation To toggle this option on or off go to Pro Tools LE HD 7 4 x or 8 x x gt Preferences Nu 3 LES About Pro Tools LE Preferences Services Hide Others Quit Pro Tools LE 7 4 2 0 ui M RIRES File Edit View Track Region Event Hide Pro Tools LE 7 4 2 Operation Tab CT Audis During Fast Forward Rewind i Play Start Marker Follows Timeline Selection Custom Shuttle Lock Speed ETC Numeric Keypad 3 Classic Transport C Use Separate Play and Stop Keys Audient Ltd Miximg Processing MIDI Smchromirmion Record iA Latch Record Enable Buttons M Link Record and Play Faders Online Cptians 9 Record Ondine at Time Code or ADAT Lock Record Online at insertion Selection Open Ended Record AVYoratinn 9 Use All Available Space C Lines no 60 minutes Page 92 2 pa ry FK NIIS FAT e VU JV UCO NI i SII IC ZEN Automation Tweaks in Pro Tools cont Whilst still in the Preferences window select the Mixing tab Here you can thin automation data to reduce CPU load on your DAW host This may be useful if your session is automation heavy and needs a helping hand This setting applies to all automation data in the session but is useful at removing lots of unnecessary data Reducing the amount of da
64. put by an amount set by the dim level control 20 Audient Ltd Page 45 Monitor Section Ze Main Monitor Cut 22 A global main monitor cut Disconnecting all loudspeaker outputs Monitor Reference Level 23 22 Engaging the monitor reference level bypasses the main volume control 17 and defaults to a preset trim pot reference level that can be accessed from the front panel This reference level can be useful for monitoring at a calibrated listening level To calibrate your reference level systems can be adopted and adapted such as Bob Katz s K System for more info please see www digido com By setting your reference level to produce approximately 83 to 85 dB for a known and typical source level it is possible to achieve a listening level that should ensure the ears are operating at their flattest frequency response due to aural per ception and equal loudness contours We recommend that you use the DAW MIX input and feed a 20 dBFS pink noise signal out from your DAW or other suitable noise source and set the input level such that it sits at OVU Use a calibrated SPL meter set to read with a slow response time RMS detection and C weighted filter C weighting is the most wideband weighting filter and most similar to the human ear at 85 dB Place the microphone in the listening position adjust the reference level trim pots until you read 85 dB from each loudspeaker By return
65. puts typical used to feed farfield nearfield and mini monitor sets or any three reference tools of your choice The two alternative monitor outputs feature trim controls overall volume is still determined by the master volume control 1 7 These can be used to match levels or set comfortable levels across all three loudspeaker sets Loudspeaker Select Used to toggle betvveen the three loudspeaker sets Please note that these switches illuminate and have eletronically interlocking logic control to ensure only one set Is active at any one time Audient Ltd Page 44 Monitor Section Fen Main Monitor Volume 7 A stereo level control for setting the main listening level Solo Indicator An illuminated SOLO LED indicator displays the status of the console actively engaging solo on any channel group cue or aux master will light this display to signify the status of the monitor section which effectively switches to listen to the solo bus unless solo in place SIP mode is used in which case channels not in solo or in solo SIP safe mode will mute Dim Level The monitor section includes a user specified dim level that will lower the level of the output feeding the speakers when the dim function is engaged 21 Dim can be set anywhere from O to 20 dB Useful for dropping the level to take an important phone call DIM LEVEL LJ Dim Select 1 Engaging this switch dims the loudspeaker out
66. ta sent to the Zen will also be of benefit to overall fader action and smooth motion Automation After Write Fass Switch Tac 3 Touch 1 Plug in Controls Default to Auto Enabled fs Latch hi Larching Behavior for Switch Controls in Touch C Ne Change IM include Cont p Chez du on ci pes GE i To further enhance the feel of the system AutoMatch time can be adjusted Here you set the time taken for Pro Tools to cross fade from the last touched fader position back to the existing DAW fader position This mode helps Zen feel smooth When exiting a ride in touch mode Zen has been optimised for smoothness of action but you may find this setting improves the feel of automation and general eveness of fades during release of touch data Audient Ltd Page 93 audient Automation ZEN Pro Tools LE Running Out of Tracks As Pro Tools LE provides limited track count you may feel that using 16 just for the automation system leaves you a little short Well good news Due to Digidesign s voice assign feature you can turn off voice allocation for the 16 automation tracks therefore allowing you to use your full track count for audio The same holds true for Pro Tools HD users where you may be running out of voices on large sessions One way to de assign channel voices is to click and select the appropriate option at the bottom of each fader denoted by the small V symbol A LEE Le i FT
67. tations This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident or misuse he warranty is void unless repairs are carried out by an authorised service centre The warranty is void if the unit has been modified other than at the manufacturer s instruction The warranty does not cover components which have a limited life and which are expected to be periodically replaced for optimal performance We do not warrant that the unit shall operate in any other vvay than as described in this manual Audient Ltd Page 106 TI e TIL pik a s pUM wm P_i www audient com Audient LTD 1 Stable Court Herriard Park Herriard Hampshire RG25 2PL UK Phone 44 0 1256 381944 Fax 44 0 1256 381906
68. te 25 32 Model 16ch Zen 1 MIDI Out MIDI In Version 9 16 FastLane USB Port B Once connected click Get 17 24 5 3 to find the currently loaded 24 32 s 3 version number 0 91 Configuration i To update your Zen firmware download the latest ie 1 8 This should be almost ESS BAS ce OS Miri ee insta ntaneous if not selecting File gt Open and selecting the bin file Update 9 16 please double check your Update 17 24 connections and MIDI I O Update 25 32 assignment Update All Audient Ltd Page 104 Automation n7 audient PEN Updating System Firmware Locate your freshly downloaded update bin file by going to File gt Open a0 1 81 FastLane USB Port Abe 9 16 Fastlane USB Port 8 amp Fastlane USB Port 17 24 SAV 1 SAV L 24 32 SAV 1 SAV 1 f Configuration To update your Zen firmware download the latest version from www audient com Load the file in bw selecting File gt Open and selecting the bin file MIDI Out FastLane USB Port LIL 1 8 FastLane USB Port ABS 17 24 SAV 1 SAV 1 24 32 SAV 1 SAV 1 Configuration Update ate To update your Zen firmware download the latest version from www audient com Load the file in selecting File gt Open and selecting the bin file Audient Ltd e nm c Zenudu Model 16ch Zen MIMI Dar MIMI Les Version 2 L
69. that allegedly started in New York Globally adopted parallel compression is a fantastic way of preserving transient punch vwhilst simultaneously reducing dynamic range through a form of upward expansion We have added this functionality to Zen in many places On the bus compressor there is a dedicated control hovvever on group and mix bus insert points it is possible to parallel inserts to achieve the same thing Zen enables you to mix in a very modern way with multiple levels of parallel compression and nested group compression The wet and dry blend control on the bus compressor allows you to crossfade betvveen the uncompressed and compressed signal PARALLEL COMP There are tvvo useful starting methods vvhen using parallel compression One would be to set some gentle compression low ratio up 10096 vvet and then just edge back with a small amount of dry signal to add some punch back The other school of thought involves setting up some rather aggressive compression faster attack times and high ratios and running the dry balance quite high so the smaller amount of compressed signal adds energy and dynamic colour Audient Ltd Page 56 Bus Compressor ZEN External Input The compressor can be patched to its own rear panel balanced I O thus removing it from the main mix bus path and freeing it for use elsewhere in your mix The rear panel compressor I O can be found in the upper left hand corner of th
70. the DIN 45956 specification of 48v 4v 10mA per channel 48V With individual phantom povver switches on each channel you have total control over which microphones receive power and rest assured that the powerful switch mode power supply can deliver all the current needed for the most hungry of microhones Phantom power wiring 6k8R Pin 2 hot ve Microphone Preamplifier Pin 3 hot ve Audient Ltd Page 16 Channel Strip ZEN Line Input Select Microphone Preamplifier option onl 2 Engaging this switch overrides the microphone preamplifer input with the line input this is the channel source which can later be svvapped for the DAW input Microphone Preamplifier Gain s The optional microphone preamplifier fitted to Zen is the same class A lovv noise hybrid design made popular with the ASP range of products The amount of gain on offer here is 6 to 66 dB of clean amplification and features a low noise differential discrete transistor input stage With a minimum gain of 6 dB and the option of taking a post fader direct output Zen is capable of dealing with even the most aggressive of tracking sessions ensuring headroom and clarity vvith total freedom from clipping your recording device Post fade direct output also allows you to ride levels to tape or disk Explore the direct output routings further see channel strip item 8 and Zen can function in several flexibl
71. ur own control room balance which is set on the 100mm faders It is possible to use the group outputs as extra monitor sends to headphone amplifiers and the like by using this routing functionality when tracking However When mixng these features really come into their own they can be used to set up parallel compression or processing with separate level control or if using the cue section as an alternative input 18 the cue assign switches can be used to route this input to the three stereo buses Great for expanding Zen to a 32 Input mixing platform Cue Assign There are tvvo cue buses on Zen CUE A and CUE B which are primarily designed to feed your studio communication systems headphone amplifiers etc Audient Ltd Page 28 Channel Strip ZEN Cue Pan 15 The cue section pan control can be used to position sources into the stereo field of any of the stereo cue output destinations CUE A CUE B ST1 ST2 and MIX The pan control provides a smooth taper with an approximate pan law of 4dB providing a decent compromise between constant power and constant voltage pan law design ideals Cue Post Fader Assign Engaging this switch feeds the cue section with a post fader signal With the switch in the UP position a pre fader signal is used Primarily it is expected this will be used during mixdown where the cue section may be sent to feed a reverb in which case you will want the reverb level to drop with th
72. way to store Zen tracks Place a folder at the start of your project and name it something like Zen 16 Ch Highlight the 16 Zen automation dummy audio tracks by using the SHIFT key and SHIFT click and drag the tracks into the folder Tracks can still be accessed via the inspector for altering automation modes iii Audio MIDI Score Add Track O OO gt Audio Duplicate Tracks lil Instrument L Aud MEN Scores Media pr lected Tracks Z MIDI apty Tracks 4 FX Channel uv Folder _ de M 2 k ST W Group Channel 36B it Marker E 7 Ruler de at Cursor J Transpose LI Video i5 t Project Audio MIDI Scores Media Transport DI Na Object Selected ta Zen 16Ch Tom L Tom R Tom Flr OVer L Over R Audient Ltd Page 100 aua EN c E E Automation Viewing and Editing Automation in Cubase 4 To view and edit automation data in Cubase 4 go to Project gt Track Folding gt Show All Used Automation Alternatively view automation on a track by track basis using lo cal track folding Bas Audio MIDI Scores Add Track Ld L Cubase File Edit E IE iml FTITIL CE sr 3 AI qo Ma Object Selected Duplicate Tracks Remove Selected Tracks Remove Empty Tracks Zen 1 2 il Track Folding Toggle Selecte
73. will Latch to the last touched fader position until play record is stopped so you may overwrite important rides However fear not you always have multiple stages of undo in the DAW Read mode is to be used for playback of automation data Be very very careful in Logic when in Write mode as Logic may automate any paramater touched plug ins EO bands the lot if you re not careful ni o E 1 la I i j i DE Tomna man HS Lig Fo IMR o 107 aR o S s Audient Ltd Page 83 CAM TT VU NI Automation udier Writing and Viewing Automation in Logic Once setup rides and mutes can be recorded into Logic and viewed edited or manually drawn like any other DAW based automation To view your recorded automation press A standard Logic keyboard shortcut or click on the automation icon at the top of the screen i Regie i on Coton Mois sami L i Hal dai li H Eu EU FE Mel Da Me Ch EE ml M 5 ZZ SM E B 4 DA EL LL e i L ai Ex Es ms c dx Guam o CHEM 7o manu Co un 7 ium o mam A up mtu d NE S 59575757 CME o Organise your sessions so that Zen automation tracks are the first 16 tracks in Logic This keeps them easy to find and always set to the control surface You may also find it useful to hide these tracks using the very handy hide function in Logic However in order for this to work Logic s channel strip

Zen User Manual 1.01

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