The Master Section - SoundCraft ZL0439 Manual To Mixing

THE MASTER SECTION

N Mix Outputs
Mix outputs provide left and right level control of the final
stereo mix. Many consoles feature mix insert points too,
allowing the connection of signal processors across the
whole mix.
O Monitor "Engineer's" / Control Room Outputs
These let you listen to any solo, mix, submix from a group,
or the 2 Track tape return via an external amplifier and
speakers, or the headphone socket.
P 2 Track Tape Returns
Allow you to connect the outputs of your cassette or DAT
player and listen back to your completed masterwork. They
may also be used for playing pre-show music at a gig using
2-Track to Mix switch (not shown in illustration).
Q Aux Masters
These govern the overall output levels from the auxiliary
outputs and therefore the amount of signal going to an
effects unit or a musician's foldback mix.
R AFL
Allows monitoring of the actual signal leaving the Aux
Masters.
S Meters
Normally they show mix output levels. When any Solo
button is pressed, the meters automatically switch to show
the solo level. They provide visual indication of what's
going on in your mixer.
T Stereo Returns
(see Stereo Inputs earlier in this section)
These allow signals from external equipment, such as effects
units, to be returned to the mixer and routed to the stereo
Mix or Groups, without using up valuable input channels.
U +48v or Phantom Power
Some microphones, known as condenser mics, require
battery power to operate. Alternatively the power may be
provided by the console. This is known as 'phantom power'
and runs at 48vDC. Simply press "Phantom Power" and
any condenser mics connected will operate without the
need for batteries.
Caution: DO NOT ACTIVATE A GLOBAL PHANTOM
POWER SWITCH IF AN UNBALANCED SIGNAL
SOURCES IS CONNECTED TO ANY MIC INPUT.
Because of the voltage present on pins 2 and 3 of the XLR
connector, you will damage your microphone/signal source.
Always refer to your Mixer's User Guide.
6
More Information on
Condenser Mics can be
found in Section 3 - Mixing
Techniques.
Further detail on mic
wiring may be found in
Section 7 - wiring.
V Headphones
U
Allow you to listen to
your mix without
annoying your
neighbours or being
distracted by ambient
sounds.
That's it, the basic features
of your average mixing
console. If you found it a
little heavy going, don't
despair: it does get easier!
L MIX R N
P
MIX INSERT MONITOR MONO SUM
2TK
L L
R R
O
PHONES
V
POWER
48V
S
16
10
6
5
4 6
3 2TK
3 7
LEVEL
REF +4dBu 0
2
-3
1
0 10
-6
-9
MAX
SUB
-12
-16
2TK
L R
PFL
5
4 6
3 7
PFL
PHONES
2 8
AFL
1 9
0 10
Q
AUX
1
AFL
0 10
POST
AUX
R
2
PRE
AFL
0 10
AUX
5
3
4 6
3
2
AFL
0 10
1
0 10
MONO SUM
SUB
TO
MIX
0 0 0
5 5 5
10 10 10
15 15 15
20 20 20
25 25 25
30 30 30
40 40 40
∞ ∞ ∞
L SUB R L MIX R
FIG. 1.5
L
R
8
9
7
8
9