® NOTEPAD User Guide For Soundcraft Notepad 5, 8FX & 12FX ®
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX INFORMATION INFORMATION IMPORTANT Please read this manual carefully before using your mixer for the first time. This equipment complies with the Electromagnetic Compatibility directive 2014/30/EU and LVD 2014/35/EU. This product is approved to safety standards: IEC60065:2014 (Eighth Edition) EN60065:2014 UL60065 2015 Ed. 8 CAN/CSA-E60065:2016 Ed.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual CONTENTS CONTENTS 1.0 AN INTRODUCTION TO NOTEPAD 1.1: Safety 1.2: Warranty 1.3: Specifications 5.0: CHANNEL CONTROLS 5.1: Input Controls 5.1.1: Mono Input Controls 5.1.2: Stereo Input Controls 5.1.3: FX Return Controls 2.0: INTRODUCTION TO THIS MANUAL 2.1: Introduction To Consoles 2.2: Parts Of The Console 5.2: Aux Send Output 5.3: Master Stereo Output NOTEPAD 3.0: INPUTS AND OUTPUTS 6.0: SOLO AND MONITORING 3.1: Introduction to I/O 3.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 1.0: INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION TO NOTEPAD Drawing on over 40 years experience in sound mixing, the Notepad Series combines a superb analogue control surface with the unrivalled British sound of Soundcraft in a powerful, compact, professionally specified mixer.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 1.1: SAFETY INTRODUCTION > SAFETY SAFETY NOTICES For your own safety and to avoid invalidation of the warranty please read this section carefully. Important Symbols Cautions Alerts the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 1.1: SAFETY INTRODUCTION > SAFETY WARNINGS • Read these instructions. • Keep these instructions. • Heed all warnings. • Follow all instructions. • Clean the apparatus only with a dry cloth. • Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat resistors, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. • Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. • Do not use this apparatus near water.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 1.1: SAFETY INTRODUCTION > SAFETY WARNINGS ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES Although your new console will not output any sound until you feed it signals, it has the capability to produce sounds which, when monitored through an amplifier or headphones, can damage hearing over time.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 1.2: WARRANTY INTRODUCTION > SAFETY WARRANTY 1 Soundcraft is a trading division of Harman International Industries Ltd. End User means the person who first puts the equipment into regular operation. Dealer means the person other than Soundcraft (if any) from whom the End User purchased the Equipment, provided such a person is authorised for this purpose by Soundcraft or its accredited Distributor. Equipment means the equipment supplied with this manual.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 1.3: SPECIFICATIONS INTRODUCTION > SPECIFICATIONS TYPICAL SPECIFICATIONS Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz Mic / Line Input o any Output: +/-1.5dB Noise Dynamic Range Frequency response THD OUTPUT@ 21.5dBu: THD OUTPUT= 14dBu THD +/-1.5dB, 20Hz – 20kHz < 0.01% @ 1kHz < 0.012% @ 1kHz < 0.019%@ 1kHz Mic Input E.I.N. at maximum gain with 150Ω source impedance <-127dBu Aux, Mix and Masters set to 0dB, faders down -98dBu Crosstalk Input signal 1kHz, +21.5 dBu.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 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 without reading too much of this manual, though we do recommend you take the time to go through it. 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.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 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 those contributions to the mix. With this very basic functionality you can control and balance any kind of audio from a one-man-band to an orchestra. Most mixers however, including the Notepad Series, offer far more than that.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 2.2: PARTS OF THE CONSOLE GETTING STARTED > PARTS OF THE CONSOLE Inputs & Outputs 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 • TRS balanced jack for line level balanced or unbalanced sources • RCA inputs for unbalanced consumer audio sources • USB for computer, smart-phone or tablet digital audio.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 2.2: PARTS OF THE CONSOLE GETTING STARTED > PARTS OF THE CONSOLE FX Return (Notepad 12FX only) The FX return channel takes its input from the output of the internal Lexicon FX processor. • It is a stereo input channel but without input trim control or EQ. • Two jack inputs are provided which, when a jack is plugged in replace the internal effects routing to the FX return channel. Refer to Sections 4.3 and 5.1.3 for more detail.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 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 preamps and Hi-Z input control, provide a flexible scheme for any sources you might encounter. To get 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.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 3.1: INTRO TO I/O INPUTS & OUTPUTS > INTRODUCTION TO I/O The Notepad console offers a choice of industry standard audio inputs and outputs. All Jack and XLR 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. AUX (Auxiliary) Output An output bus made up of the summed auxiliary contributions from input channels.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 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. Mic Input - XLR Input connection for microphones using standard XLR connection. Pin-2 is the positive, hot terminal. When using condenser microphones, the 48V phantom power for these connections is always on.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 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 Master Left and Right outputs, XLR connectors These are impedance-balanced line level outputs. The XLR outputs are labelled ‘MASTER L’ and ‘MASTER R’, which refers to Master Left and Right outputs of the main stereo output.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 3.4: OTHER I/O INPUTS & OUTPUTS > OTHER I/O USB USB data connection for audio input and output The Notepad outputs offer 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. Power Connection The Notepad console uses an external mid-lead power supply. The power connector is located on the back panel of the console.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 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. This Section uses simple flow diagrams and short descriptions to describe the various signal paths and routing options for all channel and bus types.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 4.1: MONO INPUT CONSOLE ROUTING > MONO INPUT MIC Line or HiZ source Microphone Input 1 Mono Input Channels LINE= -20dB LINE INPUT Press the button for Hi-Z inputs MIC INPUT 48V Phantom power is provided for condenser type microphones and DI boxes on the XLR input LINE= -20dB HI-Z GAIN GAIN HI-Z +10 +60dB HF 12kHz HF MF 2.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 4.2: STEREO INPUT CONSOLE ROUTING > STEREO INPUT Stereo TRS Input Channels Stereo TRS channels have two TRS input jacks and have the same routing options as mono input channels. Aux bus contributions from stereo channels are stereo such that when the Aux output is in headphone mode, a stereo mix is heard. These stereo channels have trim controls.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 4.3: FX RETURN CONSOLE ROUTING > FX RETURN Stereo FX Return Channel (Notepad 12FX only) The FX Return channel is usually used for return of effects processing from the built-in Lexicon effects. Alternatively this channel takes a return from an external effects processor into the TRS jacks. When jacks are plugged into the External FX sockets, the routing from the built-in Lexicon effects is disconnected.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 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 pre-fade contributions from each channel. That is, the sends are taken before the input channel fader 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.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 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.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 5.0: CHANNEL CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS There are four types of Notepad console input channels: Mono Input with Mic/Line Combi jack Stereo Input with Stereo TRS jacks Playback input with Stereo RCA and USB Return 11/12 / FX RTN FX Return Channel 5.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 5.1: INPUT CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS > INPUT CONTROLS Input channels take sources, process them and route them to one or more buses. The sources catered for by the Notepad consoles include mono (single channel) sources, stereo sources, playback sources and FX Return sources. HI Z and 100Hz High Pass Filter Mic Pre Gain 3 Frequency EQ AUX/FX Send To Effects The controls are shown in the order they appear on the console channel strip from top to bottom.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 5.1.1: MONO INPUT CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS > MONO INPUT CONTROLS PHANTOM POWER 48V 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 microphones and it is sometimes used to power active circuitry in other devices, such as DI boxes. Balanced dynamic microphones (for example) will be unaffected. Warning: This voltage is always on when the mixer power is on.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 5.1.1: MONO INPUT CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS > MONO INPUT CONTROLS HPF 100Hz Activate the High Pass Filter The High Pass Filter (HPF) is an 18dB/Octave filter that attenuates frequencies below 100Hz. This can be useful for filtering out low ‘rumble’ from microphones affected by very low frequencies originating from for example, traffic noise, air flow and so on.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 5.1.1: MONO INPUT CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS > MONO INPUT CONTROLS MONITOR (Notepad-5) Adjust the level of this channel’s contribution to the Monitor bus A Monitor bus is a summed 'alternate' mix of any contributing channels.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 5.1.1: MONO INPUT CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS > MONO INPUT CONTROLS Level Adjust signal level The channel level control adjusts level between -infinity (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; the relative levels of the input channels across the console determine the Master Stereo mix.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 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. The range is -20dB to + 20dB with unity gain in the middle at the centre detent.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 5.1.2: STEREO INPUT CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS > STEREO PLAYBACK CONTROLS Stereo Playback input channels, that sum the stereo RCA input and USB return signals, function similar to mono input channels with the following differences: Aux / FX Adjust the level of this channel’s contribution to the Aux/FX send bus The Aux/FX controls on a stereo input channel work in the same way as for a mono input channel.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 5.1.2: STEREO INPUT CONTROLS CHANNEL CONTROLS > STEREO PLAYBACK CONTROLS Stereo Playback input channel 11/12 FX/RTN, that sum the stereo TRS inputs and Lexicon effects return signals, function similar to mono input channels with the following differences: BAL Adjust a stereo channel’s stereo weighting in the mix. Balance affects only the signal’s position on the Master (MST) Left/Right output.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 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 input channel’s contribution to that Aux Send processing field is independent to that channel’s Level contribution to the main stereo mix. Notepad 8FX returns the effects directly to mix at unity. Notepad 12FX stereo FX Return channel is a cut-down version of the normal stereo channel without trim, EQ, or Aux sends.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 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) Notepad-8FX Aux Bus 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.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 5.3: MASTER STEREO OUTPUT CHANNEL CONTROLS > MASTER STEREO CONTROLS The Master Stereo Output channel determines the output level of the main stereo bus (left and right) mix from the Master L and Master R physical outputs FADER (Notepad 8FX and 12FX only) Adjust the overall level of the Master Stereo output SIGNAL METERING A bargraph displays the Master Stereo bus level post fader level output. 5.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 6.0: MONITORING MONITORING Monitoring on the Notepad family of consoles is very flexible. It is provided by a monitor bus or by use of the Aux-send bus. On 8FX and 12FX, an additional headphone output is provided with its own flexible routing. Notepad-5 The monitor output jack can operate in two output modes, selectable via the MONITOR OUTPUT TYPE switch.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 7.0: USB OPERATION USB CONNECTIVITY AND SETTINGS The Soundcraft Notepad consoles use USB 2.0 audio streaming for sending and receiving digital audio. The Notepad-5 and Notepad-8FX consoles have a two-track USB system while the Notepad-12FX 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.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 7.1: NOTEPAD USB Notepad-5 Using the Soundcraft USB Audio Control Panel for PC on the Soundcraft.com website, users can select 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 Stereo Input 4+5 Mix L+R USB return will come into the input channel 4+5, which is the channel where the USB-B connector is attached.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 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”.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 8.1 FX CONTROL LEXICON FX: FX CONTROL (Notepad-5 does not have Lexicon effects processing.) Notepad-8FX and 12FX 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 PARAMETER rotary control. Notepad 8FX Aux/FX Sends control input channel contributions to both the FX processor and the Aux output via the Aux master control.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 8.2: PROCESSING LEXICON FX > PARAMETERS Delay Delays repeat a sound a short time after it first 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 maximum of 1 second.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual 8.2: PROCESSING LEXICON FX > REVERBS Delay + Chorus In this mode, the parameter control sets the number of repeats. The chorus effect is fixed at a mid-range setting. Tap tempo is also active in this mode to set the repeat time. Delay + Reverb In this mode, the parameter control is mapped to vary all three parameters of the selected effects; the number of repeats, the reverb time and the room size to produce a progressively fuller sound.
NOTEPAD 5, 8FX, 12FX User Manual APPENDIX 1: Troubleshooting A Troubleshooting Guide. Is an input failing to appear at an output? The best approach is to first make sure the input is valid, and then work through the signal path to find out where the ‘break’ is... Check the exact audio path of any signal by referring to the signal path diagrams in Chapter 4.
