Wiring Up; Mic Input; Line Input; Insert Point - SoundCraft COMPACT 4 User Manual

18
USER GUIDE USER GUIDE
USER GUIDE USER GUIDE USER GUIDE

WIRING UP

WIRING UP
WIRING UP WIRING UP WIRING UP

Mic Input

Mic Input Mic Input Mic Input Mic Input
The outer ring of the combination input accepts XLR-type connectors and is designed to suit a wide
range of BALANCED or UNBALANCED low-level signals, whether from delicate vocals requiring the
best low-noise performance, or drum kits needing maximum headroom. Professional dynamic,
condenser or ribbon mics are best because these will be LOW IMPEDANCE. While you can use low-
cost HIGH IMPEDANCE mics, you do not get the same degree of immunity to interference on the
microphone cable and as a result the level of background noise may be higher. If you turn the
PHANTOM POWER on, the socket provides a suitable powering voltage for professional condenser
mics.
DO NOT use UNBALANCED sources with the phantom power
switched on. The voltage on pins 2 & 3 of the XLR connector
may cause serious damage. BALANCED dynamic mics may
normally be used with phantom power switched on (contact
your microphone manufacturer for guidance)
Start with the input GAIN knob turned fully anticlockwise
when plugging high level sources into the LINE input to avoid
overloading the input channel or giving you a very loud
The input level is set using the input GAIN knob.
The LINE input offers the same gain range as the MIC input, but at a higher input impedance, and
is 20dB less sensitive. This is suitable for most line level sources.

Line Input

Line Input Line Input
Line Input Line Input
The centre of the combination input accepts 3-pole 'A' gauge jacks, or 2-pole mono jacks which
will automatically ground the 'cold' input. Use this input for sources other than mics, such as
keyboards, drum machines, synths, tape machines or guitars. The input is BALANCED for low noise
and immunity from interference, but you can use UNBALANCED sources by wiring up the jacks as
shown, although you should then keep cable lengths as short as possible to minimise interference
pick-up on the cable. Note that the ring must be grounded if the source is unbalanced. Set the
input level using the GAIN knob, starting with the knob turned fully anticlockwise. Unplug any MIC
connection when using the LINE input.
Inser Inser

Insert Point

t Point t Point t Point
Inser Inser t Point
The unbalanced, pre-EQ insert point is a break in the channel signal path, allowing limiters,
compressors, special EQ or other signal processing units to be placed directly in the signal path.
The Insert is a 3-pole 'A' gauge jack socket which is normally bypassed. When a jack is inserted,
the signal path is broken, just before the EQ section.
The signal from the channel (often called the SEND) appears on the TIP of the plug and comes
back (often called the RETURN) on the RING, with the sleeve as a common ground.
The signal may be also be used to feed as an alternative pre-fade, pre-EQ direct output if required,
using a lead with tip and ring shorted together so that the signal path is not interrupted.
WARNING !
surprise!