Harman Soundcraft Notepad 5 User Manual
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Harman Soundcraft Notepad 5 User Manual

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User Guide
For Soundcraft Notepad 5, 8FX & 12FX
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  • Page 1 ® NOTEPAD User Guide For Soundcraft Notepad 5, 8FX & 12FX For Soundcraft Notepad 5, 8FX & 12FX ®...
  • Page 2 E&OE October 2017 Soundcraft is a trading division of Harman International Industries Ltd. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor. Soundcraft shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of information or any error contained in this manual.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX CONTENTS CONTENTS 1.1: Safety 5.1: Input Controls 1.2: Warranty 5.1.1: Mono Input Controls 5.1.2: Stereo Input Controls 5.1.3: FX Return Controls 5.2: Aux Send Output 2.1: Introduction To Consoles 5.3: Master Stereo Output 2.2: Parts Of The Console NOTEPAD 3.1: Introduction to I/O 3.2: Console Inputs...
  • Page 4 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 1.0: INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION TO NOTEPAD Drawing on over 40 years experience in sound mixing, the Notepad Series combines a superb an- alogue control surface with the unrivalled British sound of Soundcraft in a powerful, compact, profes- Built tough for trouble-free performance night-after-night, Notepad Series mixers deliver great sound- you discover your own notable sound.

  • Page 5: Safety

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 1.1: SAFETY INTRODUCTION > SAFETY Cautions Alerts the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. Warnings Alerts the user to the presence of uninsulated Under no circumstances should the mains earth be disconnected from the mains lead. The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code: Earth: Green and Yellow (Green/Yellow - US) Neutral: Blue (White - US)
  • Page 6 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 1.1: SAFETY INTRODUCTION > SAFETY • Read these instructions. • these instructions. • all warnings. • all instructions. • Clean the apparatus only with a dry cloth. • install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat resistors, stoves, or other apparatus •...
  • Page 7 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 1.1: SAFETY INTRODUCTION > SAFETY Although your new console will not output any sound until you feed it signals, it has the can damage hearing over time. down. Remember that your ears are the most important tool of your trade. this will extend your creativity and help.

  • Page 8: Warranty

    1.2: WARRANTY INTRODUCTION > SAFETY 1 Soundcraft is a trading division of Harman International Industries Ltd. Dealer means the person other than Soundcraft (if any) from whom the End User purchased the Equipment, pro- vided such a person is authorised for this purpose by Soundcraft or its accredited Distributor.
  • Page 9 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 1.3: SPECIFICATIONS INTRODUCTION > SPECIFICATIONS OUTPUT@ 21.5dBu: Mic / Line Input o any Output: +/-1.5dB OUTPUT= 14dBu Noise impedance <-127dBu Sample rate Aux, Mix and Masters set to 0dB, faders down -98dBu Frequency response +/-1.5dB Channel level at max, Master level at 0dB Mic input 1,2 to USB with +10dBu input signal Adjacent channel level at minimum Line input 3&4, 5&6 to USB with +20dBu input signal...
  • Page 10 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 2.0: GETTING STARTED GETTING STARTED - AN INTRODUCTION TO THIS MANUAL Anyone with minimal audio experience should be able to operate the Soundcraft Notepad console An excellent place to start would be the feature list on the introductory page (section 1.0), which will familiarise you with all of the main possibilities, facilities, and functions.

  • Page 11: Introduction To Consoles

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 2.1: CONSOLE INTRO GETTING STARTED > INTRODUCTION TO MIXING CONSOLES The main function of a mixing console is to combine different audio inputs and independently adjust the levels of one-man-band to an orchestra. Most mixers however, including the Notepad Series, offer far more than that. A variety of features allow the operator to shape the mix and use routing options to provide the additional conveniences used in audio mixing applications, such as external effect sends, stage monitoring outputs, independent headphone monitoring and USB inputs and outputs.

  • Page 12: Parts Of The Console

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 2.2: PARTS OF THE CONSOLE GETTING STARTED > PARTS OF THE CONSOLE The Notepad console features a variety of physical inputs and outputs for getting audio in and out of the console: • XLR inputs for balanced audio from a microphone or line level source •...
  • Page 13 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 2.2: PARTS OF THE CONSOLE GETTING STARTED > PARTS OF THE CONSOLE • • FX return channel. Refer to Sections 4.3 and 5.1.3 for more detail. The Aux output signal is derived frovm a mix of all the contributing channel Aux/FX send controls. Refer to Sections 4.4 and 5.2 for more detail.
  • Page 14 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 3.0: INPUTS AND OUTPUTS INPUTS, OUTPUTS, AND CONNECTIONS The physical inputs and outputs on the Notepad console are varied, and together with the mic the most out of the Notepad I/O, read this chapter carefully. Console inputs can be used for a wide variety of sources. For best results always use the appropriate input connection.

  • Page 15: Introduction To I/O

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 3.1: INTRO TO I/O INPUTS & OUTPUTS > INTRODUCTION TO I/O inputs are balanced. RCA inputs are not balanced. Below are some terms used in this manual and on the console labelling that may be of use to you. An output bus made up of the summed auxil- For inputs and outputs this refers to a line level iary contributions from input channels.

  • Page 16: Console Inputs

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 3.2: CONSOLE INPUTS INPUTS & OUTPUTS > CONSOLE INPUTS Console inputs can be used for a wide variety of sources. For best results always use the appropriate input connection. Input connection for microphones using standard XLR connection. Pin-2 is the positive, hot termi- nal.

  • Page 17: Console Outputs

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 3.3: CONSOLE OUTPUTS INPUTS & OUTPUTS > CONSOLE OUTPUTS The console outputs offer connection options depending on the application. Always consider carefully the best output and routing strategy for your particular application. Master Left and Right outputs, XLR connectors These are impedance-balanced line level outputs.

  • Page 18: Other I/O

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 3.4: OTHER I/O INPUTS & OUTPUTS > OTHER I/O USB data connection for audio input and output The Notepad outputs o er a range of connection options depending on the application. Always consider carefully the best output and routing strategy for your particular application. For more detail, please see section 7. The Notepad console uses an external mid-lead power supply.
  • Page 19 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 4.0: CONSOLE ROUTING CONSOLE ROUTING Understanding the facilities a console offers for routing and controlling audio is an important step in learning how to operate the Notepad console most effectively. and routing options for all channel and bus types. If you have never operated a similar console before, it is worth digesting all these options before you use the console in a critical application.

  • Page 20: Mono Input Routing

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 4.1: MONO INPUT CONSOLE ROUTING > MONO INPUT Line or HiZ source Microphone Input All mono input channels provide the choice of LINE= -20dB LINE= -20dB (Line) balanced inputs. MIC INPUT LINE INPUT The odd numbered HI-Z 48V Phantom power is Press the button for Hi-Z inputs...

  • Page 21: Stereo Input Routing

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 4.2: STEREO INPUT CONSOLE ROUTING > STEREO INPUT Stereo Line sources Channels Stereo TRS channels have two TRS input routing options as mono LINE STEREO INPUT input channels. TRS left and right LINE Aux bus contributions inputs can also be used as a mono input with a LINE...

  • Page 22: Fx Return Routing

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 4.3: FX RETURN CONSOLE ROUTING > FX RETURN The FX Return channel is usually used for return of effects pro- cessing from the built-in Lexicon effects. Alternatively this channel effects processor into the TRS routing from the built-in Lexicon effects is disconnected.

  • Page 23: Aux Master Routing

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 4.4: AUX MASTER CONSOLE ROUTING > AUX MASTER CHANNEL The Aux Bus sum is sent to the Aux Master output level control. This sum is made up of the aux send and are not affected by the input channel fader levels. The Aux Master Channel can also be used to feed monitors, such as headphones or a stage monitor.

  • Page 24: Master Stereo Output Routing

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 4.6: MASTER STEREO OUTPUT CONSOLE ROUTING > MASTER STEREO OUTPUT The Master Stereo output is derived from contributions from all input channels to the Master Stereo Bus. 4.5: MASTER STEREO OUTPUT ROUTING...
  • Page 25 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 5.0: CHANNEL CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS There are four types of Notepad console input channels: 11/12 / FX RTN FX Return Channel 5.0: CHANNEL CONTROL...

  • Page 26: Input Controls

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 5.1: INPUT CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS > INPUT CONTROLS sources and FX Return sources. The controls are shown in HI Z and 100Hz High the order they appear on Pass Filter the console channel strip - from top to bottom. This is not necessarily signal path order.

  • Page 27: 1: Mono Input Controls

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 5.1.1: MONO INPUT CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS > MONO INPUT CONTROLS DC voltage of 48V to all microphone inputs PHANTOM POWER 48V is a DC voltage applied to all microphone inputs. This is for powering condenser micro- phones and it is sometimes used to power active circuitry in other devices, such as DI boxes.
  • Page 28 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 5.1.1: MONO INPUT CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS > MONO INPUT CONTROLS Activate the High Pass Filter The High Pass Filter (HPF) is an 18dB/Octave lter that attenuates frequencies below 100Hz. This can be useful for ltering out low ‘rumble’ from microphones a ected by very low frequencies originating from for example, tra c noise, air ow and so on.
  • Page 29 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 5.1.1: MONO INPUT CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS > MONO INPUT CONTROLS A Monitor bus is a summed 'alternate' mix of any contributing channels. In other words - for example - the console's Monitor output will consist of all channels whose Monitor rotary controls are greater than -in nity (o , or rotated all the way left) - mixed proportionally according to the relative levels of all the monitor controls.
  • Page 30 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 5.1.1: MONO INPUT CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS > MONO INPUT CONTROLS Adjust signal level The channel level control adjusts level between -in nity (no signal), when rotary is rotated all the way to the left to +10dB when rotated all the way to the right.) The 0dB line indicates unity or no level change. Rotary level knobs are the primary mixing tools during performance;...

  • Page 31: 2: Stereo Input Controls

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 5.1.2: STEREO INPUT CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS > STEREO INPUT CONTROLS Stereo TRS input channels function similar to mono input channels with the following differences: TRIM Adjust the input line level This rotary control gives an adjustment range suitable for the typical stereo line-level source for this channel, such as a consumer playback device.
  • Page 32 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 5.1.2: STEREO INPUT CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS > STEREO PLAYBACK CONTROLS lar to mono input channels with the following differences: The Aux/FX controls on a stereo input channel work in the same way as for a mono input channel. The Aux bus is stereo to allow for the output mode when headphones are attached to the Aux socket.
  • Page 33 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 5.1.2: STEREO INPUT CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS > STEREO PLAYBACK CONTROLS return signals, function similar to mono input channels with the following differences: Balance a ects only the signal’s position on the Master (MST) Left/Right output. The control adjusts the relative lev- els of the left and right signals - e ectively adjusting the left-right position of the overall stereo image.

  • Page 34: 3: Fx Return Controls

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 5.1.3: FX RETURN CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS > FX RETURN CONTROLS Aux/FX send is pre-fade due to the dual use of the Aux bus. An reo mix. Notepad 8FX returns the effects directly to mix at unity. Notepad 12FX stereo FX Return channel is a cut-down version of An example in use might be running a Reverb algorithm in the control how much of that source is summed with others, then pre-...

  • Page 35: Aux Send Output

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 5.2: AUX SEND OUTPUT CHANNEL CONTROLS > AUX MASTER CONTROLS The Aux Master control determines the output level of a whole Aux Master mix (the sum of all Aux/FX contributions) On Notepad 8FX, this control is in the signal path before the Lexicon effects processing so serves as a master effect send control and therefore an effects wet/dry control as the 8FX does not have a dedicated FX return channel.

  • Page 36: Master Stereo Output

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 5.3: MASTER STEREO OUTPUT CHANNEL CONTROLS > MASTER STEREO CONTROLS The Master Stereo Output channel determines the out- put level of the main stereo bus (left and right) mix from the Master L and Master R physical outputs Adjust the overall level of the Master Stereo output A bargraph displays the Master Stereo bus level post fader level output.
  • Page 37 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 6.0: MONITORING MONITORING ble routing. a mono sum of the channels routed to it. The signal is impedance balanced, so may be used with a balanced mode, a stereo signal is provided for direct connection to headphones. a mono sum of the channels routed to it.
  • Page 38 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 7.0: USB OPERATION USB CONNECTIVITY AND SETTINGS The Soundcraft Notepad consoles use USB 2.0 audio streaming for sending and receiving digital au- uses a 4-channel system. All three consoles have built-in source selection to route different channels for recording. A standard USB-B connector is provided on the top of the mixer surface for connections to computer or tablet.

  • Page 39: Notepad Usb

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 7.1: NOTEPAD USB Using the Soundcraft USB Audio Control Panel for PC on the Soundcraft.com website, users can se- lect the “Audio Routing” tab, to select the point in the console feeding the USB bus to computer. For Inputs 1+2, users can select from: Mic Input 1 + Mono line input 2 Stereo Input 2+3...
  • Page 40 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 8.0: LEXICON FX LEXICON EFFECTS The Notepad console has an internal Lexicon Effects processor with dedicated internal send and return routing. The user may select from combinations of Delay, Chorus, or Reverb audio processing. Audio effects are often also referred to as “FX”. 8:0 LEXICON FX...

  • Page 41: Fx Control

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 8.1 FX CONTROL LEXICON FX: FX CONTROL (Notepad-5 does not have Lexicon effects processing.) The Notepad console has an internal FX processor with internal send and return routing. There are 4 different FX algorithms available, each with at least one adjustable parameter mapped to the PARAM- ETER rotary control.

  • Page 42: Processing

    NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 8.2: PROCESSING LEXICON FX > PARAMETERS Delays repeat a sound a short time after it rst occurs. Delay becomes echo when the output is fed back into the input (feedback). This turns a single repeat into a series of repeats, each a little softer than the last. The parameter adjustment allows from 1 to 7 repeats, whilst the tap tempo sets the delay time between repeats up to a maxi- mum of 1 second.
  • Page 43 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX 8.2: PROCESSING LEXICON FX > REVERBS setting. Tap tempo is also active in this mode to set the repeat time. In this mode, the parameter control is mapped to vary all three parameters of the selected e ects; the number of repeats, the reverb time and the room size to produce a progressively fuller sound.
  • Page 44 NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX APPENDIX 1: Troubleshooting signal by referring to the signal path diagrams in Chapter 4. then the master controls for that bus must be set correctly. For example, even though the signal is always routed to The internal FX routing has three stages - send, processor, and return. All three must be set correctly for the FX to be heard.

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