X-Desk User’s Guide This documentation is intended to be readalong side the ‘X-Desk Installation Guide’ which is available for download from our website www.solidstatelogic.
Contents Introduction to the X-Desk X-Desk Channel Strip Inputs - Channel Input (CH IP), Alternate Input (ALT) 1 2 Outputs - Direct Channel outs (CH OP), Post Fader 3 FX Sends 1 & 2 and Stereo Returns (ST RET) 4 Stereo Cue - Post Fader, ALT source 3 Channel Pan, Fader, Cut & Solo 5 Master Mix Bus 6 X-Desk Master Section Headphone output and iJack Input 6 Monitoring and Talkback 7 Power Up Options 8 Control Room Monitoring Cascading X-Desks Using X-Desk with an X-Rack Racking your X-Desk
X-Desk User Guide
Introduction Introduction The centre of your SSL scalable studio. Solid State Logic is proud to introduce its latest scion, the X-Desk, built from the very same SuperAnalogue™ DNA as our AWS, Duality and Matrix consoles. We very much hope that you enjoy this compact analogue product. X-Desk combines a 16 channel SSL SuperAnalogue™ summing mixer with a compact analogue audio hub for your studio.
The X-Desk Channel Strip X-Desk User Guide Inputs – Channel Input (CH IP), Alternate Input (ALT) Each channel on the X-Desk has a choice of two Line Inputs. The first input is traditionally sourced from the Output of a microphone pre amplifier, D.I box or perhaps even a line level instrument. These connections are labelled “LINE IN” on the rear of the desk.
Outputs - Direct Channel Outs (CH OP), Post Fader X-Desk Channel Strip Each channel of the X-Desk has a Direct Output. The Channel Outputs (CH OP) are primarily used to feed the inputs of your chosen recorder or DAW. On the rear connection panel of X-Desk they are labelled “CHAN OUT”. The operator has a choice of whether the output Signal is sourced Pre or Post fader.
X-Desk User Guide FX Sends 1 & 2 and Stereo Returns (ST RET) Each Channel on the X-Desk has two mono FX Sends. The Send is permanently ON but rotating it fully counter clockwise will result in no signal being sent onto the FX bus. The X-Desk has two Stereo Return channels (ST RET 1&2) that have traditionally been used for the return of FX signals, such as Reverb or Delay processing for example.
Channel Pan, Fader Cut & Solo X-Desk Channel Strip At the base of the X-Desk channel strip you will find traditional analogue desk functions. The channel stereo “PAN” control, which controls the channels LEFT/RIGHT positioning on the Stereo Mix bus. The analogue signal level FADER, for feeding the Stereo Mix Bus or controlling the CH OP (Direct Channel Output) level.
X-Desk Master Section X-Desk User Guide Master Mix Bus The Main Stereo Mix Bus has its own dedicated Insert circuit which has traditionally been used for Mix processing, common usage would include that of a Stereo Master Bus compressor. The “INSERT” switch below the “MIX LEVEL” trim control routes the Mix bus through the MIX INS Send and Return connections on the rear of the desk. By default the return from the insert will then feed the main Mix bus output.
Monitoring and Talkback X-Desk Master Section TALKBACK + T/B: The engineer can talk to the recording artist via the X-Desk talkback system by pressing the “T/B” switch. Normally this talkback microphone (located to the left of the “Talkback” gain trim) is routed to the CUE Bus. Traditionally this would feed a headphone amp in the studio recording area.
X-Desk User Guide Control Room Monitoring The “DIM” switch and dedicated DIM Level control allow the operator to immediately reduce the monitoring volume. The “DIM” level can range from a reduction of -3 dB through to – 30 dB. The “DIM” switch will illuminate when engaged. The “CUT” switch mutes the monitoring path and will illuminate when engaged. The “MONITOR LEVEL” control sets the control room monitoring listening level. Monitor Sources iJack – The 3.
Cascading multiple X-Desks X-Desk Master Section One of the most useful features of the X-Desk is the ability for multiple units to be cascaded together to build a bigger SSL system. It is possible to connect multiple X-Desk units together by simply connecting the rear panel connection “X-DESK LINK OUT” to the “X-DESK LINK IN” on the next X-Desk. The last Desk in the chain (the one that has no connection on “LINK OUT”) is the “Master” X-Desk in your cascaded system.
Connections X-Desk User Guide Rear Panel Connections: MAIN SPEAKERS XLR x2 ALT SPEAKERS XLR x2 CENTRE OUT D-Sub 25 way female Provides the main Monitor Loudspeaker output (MAIN L/S) Output for the ALT (Alternate) loudspeaker monitoring.
X-DESK LINK OUT D-Sub 25 way female X-Desk Connections Used for cascading of multiple X-Desks. The following Busses are sent: MIX CUE FX 1+2 AFL Bus MIX BUS Link CUE BUS Link FX SEND 1+2 Link AFL Bus Link X-DESK LINK IN D-Sub 25 way female CHAN OUT D-Sub 25 way female INSERT SEND D-Sub 25 way female INSERT RETURN D-Sub 25 way female LINE IN D-Sub 25 way female ALT IN D-Sub 25 way female Used for cascading of multiple X-Desks.
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