Solid State Logic C200 HD Music Mixer User Manual


 
www.solid-state-logic.com
C200 HD. This is SSL.
Broadcast/live production
C200 HD builds on the broadcast benefits of SSL’s award-winning
C-Series technology. It adds a range of broadcast-specific features, and
components designed with scalability, reliability and fault tolerance in
mind. C200 HD is the latest in a long line of successful digital production
consoles, which are in daily use for Mono, Stereo and 5.1 HDTV
productions with internationally renowned networks such as CBS,
Radio France and NTV Tokyo.
Audio quality
As with all Solid State Logic consoles, audio quality is a primary
consideration. The C200 HD benefits from SSL’s proprietary Centuri
processing platform which is optimised for DVD Audio performance.
48kHz and (optionally) 96kHz operation are available.
Each channel provides digital equalisers, filters and dynamics. Unlike
some other systems, these are available at all times and not allocated
from a pool.
Scalable, future-proof solutions
The C200 HD provides flexible channel configurations; with
up to 256 control surface faders. Huge I/O capacity allows
up to 512 analogue, AES or MADI I/O and 60 GPIs all from
SSL’s Centuri core.
The C200 HD delivers large amounts of mixing capacity whilst saving on
rack space and reducing installation costs.
Remote microphone sources may be handled using compact and
lightweight remote controlled mic amps, connected via interference-free
fibre links. For some customers this technology has provided enormous
cost efficiencies allowing a single studio to support productions from
multiple venues. Channel DSP and I/O configurations are easily
expandable for dealing with changes in future production requirements.
Resilience
• Secure SSL proprietary design provides freedom from reliance
upon third party systems and complete control over all elements of
the system.
• Self-healing DSP automatically recovers from fault conditions,
with internal confidence monitoring alerting users to a potential
problem immediately.
• Redundant power supply, DSP and fibre-link options, provide proven
line production security.
• Fast recovery times, with a complete re-initialisation of software and
hardware occurring in seconds, and control surface reset without
audio interruption.
• Fault-tolerant and self diagnostic front panel design.
The C200 HD is an advanced digital production console that
delivers SSL sonic excellence and all of the operational
advantages of a digital console with a familiar in-line control
surface and mix system.
Console Overview Advanced Hardware Control Surface
Integrated Digital Routing Control
• Routing to channel inputs, setting mic input
parameters and assigning mix busses, is handled
centrally for speed and convenience.
• Routes may be made individually or in arrays,
providing fast setup tools for changing inputs, or
for assigning ranges of channels to bus outputs.
Resource Rich
• 48 Multitrack plus 12 Main busses are available
for generating groups and mix minus feeds.
• Independent pre and post fader direct outputs
per channel provide additional send capacity.
• 2 simultaneous final mix outputs
(5.1 and Stereo).
• 24 x 12 Effects return/Stem returns matrix.
• 12 Auxiliary busses with the option of re-
purposing multitrack busses 25-48 as
additional aux busses with full control from
the channel strip.
Flexible In-line Architecture
• Classic in-line signal flow, ideal for handling live
productions with simultaneous recording.
• Both small and large faders may feed the main
busses simultaneously, to double the input
capacity of the mix.
• Feed main and/or multitrack busses
independently from small and large fader paths
to generate multichannel groups and/or mix
minus outputs.
Custom
Metering
• Options include
analogue VU or
PPM and digital
phasescopes.
Comprehensive 5.1 and
Stereo Monitoring
• Two 5.1 Main, two stereo mini and separate PFL
monitor outputs provide a number of options for
studio monitoring.
• Simultaneous Mains and Minis may be enabled to
provide constant monitoring of main programme
plus additional sources (e.g. the PFL bus).
• Two 12-way external monitor selectors may be
linked to provide 24 monitor inputs, each with
input level trim.
• Monitor inserts are provided for surround
encoder/decoder returns.
Status Lock for
‘On Air’ Security
• Status Lock disables
potentially destructive
console functions such as
Solo-in-place, Dynamic
Automation and console
status changes.
Flexible Mono and
Stereo Channels
• Any channel strip may be
configured for mono or
stereo operation providing
flexible console layouts
stored and recalled on a
production basis.
• Mono L and Mono R buttons
for dealing with unexpected
changes to a stereo source.
• Stereo channels also feature
input balance, independent
mic gain and panning width
control.
• M/S Decode is also available
on stereo channels with
variable mix.
Comprehensive
Communications
• Built-in Oscillator and Talkback
microphone with level and frequency
controls.
• 3 stereo Foldback and Studio
Loudspeaker feeds with individual or
global talkback switching.
• Red light switching.
• Any large fader, channel RECORD
button or centre section macro may be
programmed to fire GPI functions such
as machine starts, cue lights, etc.
Central Control Screen and
Trackball/Keyboard Interface
Console setup and information
displays appear on the central
control screen.
The trackball and console keyboard
(wireless) are used to enter
information and control features
such as UltiPan
TM
.
The screen may be switched to a
second input, for example to view a
workstation when running a live
show and recording.
Audio Master Controls
• Master AFL, level and routing control
for audio master such as auxes and
groups are handled centrally from
the Master Audio Control Panel.
• Aux Masters and FX Returns may be
assigned to and from outboard
effects devices in one operation.
Dedicated Processing and Control
Dedicated channel strips provide fast ‘hands on’ mixing, a clear overview
of all console settings, and a familiar operational interface. Dedicated DSP
is available for all channels at all times and not allocated from a pool.
Channel strip features include:
Input gain control
Compressor/Limiter and Gate/Expander - featuring dedicated metering
and sidechain keying
High and low pass filters - available for the main channel path or
dynamics sidechain
4-band Equaliser section - featuring a choice of EQ profiles
including SSL’s 4000 ‘G’ and ‘E’Series and notch filter for dealing
with problem sources
Copy and Presets - for fast copying of settings between channels, and
recalling favourite settings
Insert Point - with ‘Mix Align’for automatic latency compensation
12 Auxiliary sends - feature odd/even stereo linking and ‘Aux to Fader’
control, for setting up fast foldback mixes or effects sends
Channel banking - fast access to more channels of processing
GROUP/TAPE monitor path selection
RECORD button - for track arming or may fire external GPI functions such
as machine starts
Small and large faders - provide flexible in-line routing and control
Panning - stereo or surround panning with dedicated large and small
fader or front/rear surround panning controls
AFL and PFL - solos default to AFL, switchable to PFL operation (stereo).
Status Lock protects the console from Solo-in-place operation
Large fader cassette - featuring motorised fader, snapshot reset
protection controls, 4-character grouping display, input signal meter and
backstop PFL overpress
Clear Visual Feedback
The Channel Information Displays provide metering for all large and
small fader signal paths on both channel layers across the console.
The Master Metering Display provides dedicated metering for all
primary console outputs, plus
24 user-programmable meters.
Neutral colour schemes are designed for comfortable viewing over
long working periods.
Master Sweet Spot Bay
• Bay Swapping allows any bay of 8 channels to
be swapped with a designated central master
bay, giving access to all channels from the
optimum listening position.
• For smaller control surface configurations,
‘virtual bays’ may be swapped with the master
to access all available processing channels.
Servo or VCA-style Fader Grouping Modes
• Operators may choose between ‘Servo’(moving fader) or ‘VCA style’fader grouping
modes, according to the type of control they are most comfortable with.
• SSL’s Servo grouping is a true moving fader grouping system, with the ability to
update slave positions as the master fader is moved.
• VCA-style operation, ideal for live operation, allows the engineer to view the
balance and make adjustments to slave faders whilst the group master is closed.
Audio Follow Video (AFV)
• Any of the 32 VCA masters may be externally controlled via GPI inputs.
• Faders are moved between off and previous mix level according to external trigger.
• Fader glide time and grouping are user configurable.
• Global override function inhibits all AFV control.
5.1 ‘Master Compressor’
• In addition to master fader and
insert point, the console’s
programme output features a
5.1 compressor with a choice
of dynamics profiles including
SSL’s 4000 Series ‘Quad Bus’
compressor.
Dynamic Automation
and Machine Control
Up to four SD & HD machines may be controlled
without an external synchroniser.
Familiar mix statuses such as Abs, Trim, Snap
and Autotakeover.
Powerful tools include MIDI parameter
automation, allowing outboard effects settings
to be automated from the console.
Comprehensive Console Reset
62 Snapshot memories, with selective recall,
provide balance reset while production is live to
air. For example, to handle an entertainment
show with multiple acts.
Snapshot sequencing is also provided with
automatic timed transitions between snapshots,
or manual control from a designated fader.
Projects not only recall channel and centre
section parameters, but input and output
assignments, monitoring formats, automation
modes, etc. This enables the entire console to be
re-configured for different production types in
seconds. For example, to recall a daily
production template.
Offline setup on an external PC allows
pre-configuration of the C200 HD without
requiring access to the console.