Panasonic Ramsa Audio Mixer Wr Da7 Users Guide

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Quick Start
3-3 Module C, Outboard Processing
The DA7has the ability to route signals outside of the program buses for
processing by outboard devices. Outboard effects devices, such as a reverb
unit or an effects processor, can be attached to the DA7in several ways. By
using the aux sends and returns and the analog Inserts, you have
tremendous flexibility for getting the signal where you need it. Lets look at
the Auxiliaries first.
 MONITOR A
 MONITOR B
2TR AL/R
 MONITOR  AL/R
2TR B
AUX 
AUX MONO
LEVELPREON / OFF
FADER
CONTROL
12
56 34
SSIGN
2
4
6
8
ONAUX DYNAMICS / DELAY
+ -
+ -
+ -
ON
ON
PARAMETER SELECT
DYNAMICS
DELAY
RATIO
ATK
RLS THL
INPUT
1-16
INPUT
17-32
AUX
/ BUS
CUSTOM
/ MIDI
SURROUND
R
SR
010
010
010
T. B.
LEVEL
MONITOR
B  LEVELMONITOR 
A  LEVEL
 MIC  TALK BACKON
THS EQUIPMENT COMPLIES WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
A CLASS A COMPUTING DEVICE IN FCC RULES-PART IS
SUBPART J OPERATION OF THIS DEVICE AN A RESIDENTIAL
AERA MAY CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE REQUIRING THE
USER TO TAKE WHATEVER STEPS MAY BE NECESSARY TO
CORRECT THE INTERFERENCE.
WARNIG
- TO REDUCE THE RISK
OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK.DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS APPLIANCE TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE
CAUTION- TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
DO NOT REMOVE COVER NO USER. SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONAL.
RING
SLEEVE
METER BRIDGE I/F MIDI SERIAL PORT WORD CLOCK
AC INPOWER SIGNAL
GND
TIP CONNECTION
INPUT/OUTPUT
NO   1:GND
NO   2:HOT
NO   3:COLDINS/AUX
TIP:SEND
RING:RETURN
SLEEVE:GND
OdB is referenced to 0.5Vr2sCH17-24/SLOT  1
CH25-32/SLOT  2TANDEM CONNECTION CH9-16SLOT3
ON
OFFOUTTO PC
OUTREC OUT 2TR A IN / INPUT15.16
ININ
RS422 / 485
110OFF   ON75OFF   ONDIGITAL IN / OUT AUX 2TR B IN (ANALOG)
MONITOR A OUT
(CR) MONITOR B OUT
(STUDIO) REC  OUT
(ANALOG) MASTER OUTRETURN
5/6 RL RL RL RL3/4 5/6 3/4 1/2 1/2RETURN SENDSEND+4dB  10k   (UNBAL) (S/PDIF)+4dB  10k   (BAL)
-60dB +10dB 5k   (BAL/UNBAL)
+4dB 10k   (UNBAL)
+4dB  10k   (BAL)+4dB  600   (BAL/UNBAL)+4dB 600(BAL/UNBAL)+4dB 600    (BAL/UNBAL)    FOOT SWAES/EBU
S/PDIFTalk on/off
Rec  on/off
INS16 INS15 INS14 INS13 INS12 INS11 INS10 INS9 INPUT16 INPUT15 INPUT14 INPUT13 INPUT12 INPUT11 INPUT10 INPUT9 INPUT8 INPUT7 INPUT6 INPUT5 INPUT4 INPUT3 INPUT2 INPUT1
INS8 INS7 INS6 INS5 INS4 INS3 INS2 INS1
Master L/R outputs
Aux Returns 3,4,5, and 6
Aux Sends 3,4,5, and 6
Inser t
Aux 1 & 2 send
and return
(S/PDIF)
Record out (Digital) (XLR)Record
outputs
(Analog)Monitor A
outputs2TR In / Inputs 15,16 (Digital)
Rear Panel
Level ON/OFF knob
Pre LED button
Aux 1-6 LED buttons
Fader Control LED button
Fader Layer inputs 1-16 
Aux/Bus Fader Layer
Aux section
Top Panel Sections 
						

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Quick Start
Auxs (Auxiliaries)
The DA7 has six AUXsends and six AUXreturns. AUX1 & 2are S/PDIF
digital IN+OUT, while AUX3through 6are analog.
While Aux feeds are generally used to send signals to outboard signal
processing devices, they are also commonly used for headphone sub-mixes,
Cue feeds for announcers in post production environments, etc. They can
also be used to feed a tape machine when you need more buses. If you let
creativity be your guide, you will find many uses for the aux send and
returns. Later in this chapter we will show you examples of some unique
uses of the Auxes. 
These Auxes can be used as six mono sends or in stereo pairs (such as 1&2,
3&4, 5&6), and six mono returns or stereo pairs. These six returns can also
be used as an additional six inputs to the mixer, bringing the total of inputs
to 38. Additionally, these six returns have a 2-band Parametric EQ on each
channel.
Aux selections and assignments are displayed in both the [CHANNEL]
window and the appropriate [FADER CONTROL>AUX]window, as well as
the LED field. However, the [CHANNEL] window will initially be displayed
on the LCD when selecting and assigning aux functions.
See Chapter 10, AUXfor additional information.
Working with the Aux Send and Return
Connect the output _
Connect the output of AUX 5/6 SENDon the Rear
Panel of the DA7 to the inputs of the effects device.
Connect the input _
Connect the output of the effects device to AUX 5/6
RETURNon the Rear Panel of the DA7.
Assign channels _
Either in the appropriate [CHANNEL] windows or in
the [FADER CONTROL]window, assign the channels that you want to
send to [AUX 5/6] for processing.
Adjust the aux send levels _
Rotate the LEVEL ON/OFFknob for AUX
SEND 5and for AUX SEND 6to set the channel levels for the aux sends.
Press the AUX/BUS Fader Layer LED button (orange)_
This will
activate the Fader Layerfor AUX RTNand AUX SND.
Send the signal out _
Press both the AUX SND 5and AUX SND 6
Channel Strip ON buttons, and raise the faders to send the signal out
to the effects processor.
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Bring the signal in _
To hear the effects processors’ signal, turn on the
AUX RTN 5andAUX RTN 6 Channel Strips, assign them to an output,
and raise the faders.
How to send to an aux:
Select a channel _
Press the SELECT LED button on the channel you
want to assign to an aux send.
Assign the channel to an aux _
Press one of the 1-6LED buttons in the
AUX section to turn it on (green).
Press the LEVEL ON/OFFknob _
This toggles the selected channels’
aux assignment on or off. As seen in the [CHANNEL]window, the
software button will appear as  , changing to  when engaged.
Pressing the AUX knob while in any other window will change the LCD
to the [CHANNEL]window.
You can also view the aux assignments on the LED field of the selected
channel. You will see a greenLED in the appropriate locations, when the
AUTOMATION/AUX LED button is toggled to AUX.
Adjust the aux level _
Rotating the LEVEL ON/OFF knob adjusts the
channel level to the selected aux.
Press the PRE LED button to turn pre-fade on (red)_
This button
toggles the assignment of the selected aux from the default  (post-
fader) to  (pre-fader), as seen in the [CHANNEL]
window.
Press the FADER CONTROLLED button _
To see the aux assignment
status of all 32 channels, press the FADER CONTROLLED button to
turn it on (red),and the [FADER CONTROL>AUX]window group will
be displayed. The faders can be used to adjust levels of the selected
AUX Send.
PRE
PST
ONOFF
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Outboard effects devices, such as a reverb unit or an effects processor, can be
attached to the DA7 in several ways. In conjuction with the aux sends and
returns, one of the great features of the DA7 is the Fader Layercontrols,
which expands the use of the channel faders. By designing the mixer this
way, channel faders are not tied up with effects returns. This also permits
effects assignment to groups, not just to individual sources.
Let’s look at both setups.
Analog Inserts
Inserts can be used to add processing to a specific channel. Use the analog
INS (insert) jacks on the Rear Panel (channels 1-16) to add outboard
processing directly into a Channel Strip. This puts the effect device into the
signal path after the Mic pre-amp, and before anything else in the Channel
Strip. Use a stereo cable that has a Y connector with two mono phono plugs
(unless the effects device uses a stereo phono plug). For details on connector
wiring seeAppendix E, Cables and Connections.
CHANNEL Window FADER CONTROL AUX Window
Pre/Post
buttonsON/OFF
buttons 
						

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How to Connect the Analog Inserts (1-16)
Plug in the effects processor _
Plug the send into the input of the effects
device and plug the return into the output of the effects device.
Raise the source fader on the DA7. Adjust the mix balance from the
effects device. For further information see page Appendix E-2, Cables
and Connections.
Digital Send and Return
Connect the output _
Using an XLR cable, connect the REC OUTof the
DIGITAL IN/OUTon the Rear Panel of the DA7to the recording device. 
Connect the input _
Using an XLR cable, connect the output from the
digital recording device to the 2TR A IN/ INPUT 15, 16 DIGITAL
IN/OUTof the DA7.
Send the signal out _
This output is the same as the MASTER L/R
output.
Listen to tape playback _
Optionally, you may return 2 TR IN Aas
INPUT 15, 16on the mixer. To do this, go to the [D-I/O>INPUT SET]
window, and select 2 TR IN Ato INPUT 15, 16.
Or,
Connect the output _
Connect the AUX 1/2 SENDto the input of a
digital recorder, or to the input of a digital effects device. 
Connect the input _
Connect the stereo outputs of the digital device to
the AUX 1/2 RETURN.
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Press the Fader Layer AUX/BUS LED button.
Send the signal out _
Turn on the AUX SND 1 and AUX SND 2
Channel Stripsby pressing their ON buttons (red), and raise the faders
to send the signal to the digital device.
To listen to the return signal _
Turn on the AUX RTN 1 and AUX RTN 2
Channel Strips, assign an output, and raise the faders to hear the return
signal.
Additional TAPE Sends and Returns
The DA7is a very fexible mixer because it has 8 buses available in either
digital or analog (through the option slots).
There are other ways to use the mixer in a creative manner. You can use the
analog features of the DA7 for analog multi-tracking. Your creativity here can
produce wonders. Here are a few examples:
Analog 2-Track Tape Sends and Returns
Connect the output _
Connect the REC OUT(analog) 1/4” TRS outputs
on the Rear Panel of the DA7 to the inputs of an analog recording device.
Connect the input _
Take the outputs from the analog recording device
and attach to either:
nINPUTS 9 and10(listen via the MASTER L/R OUTPUT)
n2TR B IN(listen to the 2TR Bsource for MONITOR A)
nAUX RETURN 3/4or 5/6(listen via the AUX/BUSfaders, or the 
AUX source for MONITOR A)
Repeat steps       through       under Analog 4-Track Sends and Returns
which are listed on the following page.
[D-I/O>INPUT SET] Window
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Analog 4-Track Sends and Returns
Connect the output _
Connect the stereo 1/4” TRS connectors (with
mono Y connections) to the AUX SEND 3/4and 5/6outputs on the
Rear Panel of the DA7. Connect the four mono connectors to inputs 1
through 4 of your 4-track tape machine.
Connect the input _
Connect the output channels of the tape machine
to AUX RETURN 3/4 and 5/6on the Rear Panel of the DA7. They could
be connected to four separate input channels.
Assign channel outputs _
In the [CHANNEL] window for each channel,
assign the desired aux outputs and levels.
Activate the AUX/BUS Fader Layer_
Press the AUX/BUS Fader Layer
LED button (orange).
Send the signal out _
Turn on the AUX SEND 3,4,5and 6 Channel
Stripsby pressing their ON buttons (red), and raise the faders to send
the signal to your tape deck.
Record the source material on tape.
Listen to tape playback _
Turn on the AUX RTN 3,4,5and 6 Channel
Strips, assign an output, and raise the faders to hear the tape output
signal.
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3-4 Module D, Monitoring
There are several ways to listen to sources on the DA7. This section describes
the MONITOR A (CR)selections. The DA7’s operator/engineer will usually
monitor from the control room(CR). We assume that an amplifier is already
connected to the speakers.
Connect the output _
Connect the MONITOR A OUTto the amplifier. 
Select the output _
Press the L/R LED button (green) in the MONITOR
Asection to route the MASTER L/R to MONITOR A.
Adjust the MASTER L/R Fader Strip_
Press the ON button for the
MASTER L/R Fader Strip,and raise the fader to set the level.
Adjust the gain _
Turn the MONITOR A LEVELknob clockwise to
increase the volume.
Select 2TR Bin the MONITOR A selections _
Plug a source, such as an
analog tape deck, into the 2TR B IN (ANALOG)connectors on the Rear
Panel. This bypasses the mix bus of the DA7 and routes the signal
directly to the Control Room monitors.
In conjuction with the digital send and return examples in the preceding
Module C:
Listen to the tape playback _
Turn on the AUX RTN 1 and 2 Channel
Strips, assign an output, and raise the faders to hear the tape signal.
Select AUX in the MONITOR Aselections _
This permits monitoring of
aux sends 1/2, 3/4, or 5/6. The selected auxes will appear in the
MEMORY readout momentarily when the MONITOR A AUXLED button
is pressed. Press the AUX button to cycle through them.
Choose MONO from the MONITOR Aselections _
This will sum any of
the sources selected in the MONITOR Aarea (except 2TR B). This is
useful to check for out of phase signals. It will not affect the signal being
output to the L/R bus.
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2
3
4
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When using the optional meter bridge, the MONITOR A /
MASTER L/Rmeter will not respond to a signal from 2TR B.
This is because it is an analog signal, and the meter can only
display a digital signal.
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3-5 Module E, Tips, Shortcuts and Warnings
If you read nothing else, this is the section of the manual you should read. It
contains information about the DA7that will make it easier to use and
understand. These tips, shortcuts and warnings contain essential
information.
There are several hidden functions in the DA7. Some items discussed here
are not described elsewhere in this manual. We recommend you take a few
minutes to look over these features, as well as review Appendix D, Default
Settings. These settings are the ones the DA7will return to if you reset the
mixer. It is a good idea for you to review them so that you know what these
settings are before you begin using the DA7on an important project.
Tips
l To reset the DA7to factory default settings:
Simultaneously press the CHANNELand METERbuttons in the
[MASTER DISPLAY]area. This will reset all the mixer functions and
clear the libraries and memories. Please note that this is an
irrevocable procedure. You can protect your mixer settings from
being lost by using the [MIDI>BULK]procedure described in
Chapter 11, MIDIto back up your data. See page 11-10 MIDI, BULK
(Bulk Out) Window for more information.
l To automatically set the fader of an individual channel to zero
level:
Simultaneously press the SELECTLED button and the ONLED
button of the channel strip, and the fader will move to the zero level
position.
l To automatically set the faders of BUS 1-8and MASTER L/Rto
zero level: 
Simultaneously press the SELECTLED button, the ONLED button of
the MASTER L/Rstrip and the AUX/BUSLED button of the Fader
Layersection and all of these faders will move to the zero level
position.
l To recalibrate the faders:
Press the INPUT 1-16button and the CUSTOM/MIDIbutton
simultaneously. The faders will immediately clear themselves of all
settings, and will perform the recalibration. This will take several
seconds. When this operation is finished, the faders will return to the
positions they were in before the recalibration. It is a good idea to
periodically recalibrate the faders. It can increase the accuracy and
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l To restart the DA7:
Simultaneously press the METERbutton in the [MASTER DISPLAY]
section and the H(High) LED button in the [EQUALIZER]section, if
you need to restart the DA7without shutting down.
l To clear flipped faders to a specific layer:
Press and hold the master fader layer button for the layer you want all
the faders to switch to for two seconds. See page 6-2, Fader Layers,
for more information.
l To clear all solo’d channels:
When you have solo’d multiple channels, you may wish to clear them
all at the same time. You may not be able to see all the channels you
have solo’d at any one time because they may be on different fader
layers, thus causing confusion as to what is or is not solo’d. In either
case, simply press any solo button for two seconds and all the solos
will clear. See page 16-2, Utility, Solo Monitor (SOLO/MON)
Window, for more information.
l You should consider the CHANNELbutton in the [MASTER
DISPLAY] area of the top panel Home Base or the safety or
PANIC button for the DA7sLCD display. If you get lost or cannot
find your way out of a particular screen, press this button to return
the LCD screen to the [CHANNEL]window. This window shows you
the current status of the main features of the mixer.
l The cursorappears in the screen as a highlight selection device, not a
typical pointer or arrow. As you use the controls to navigate around
the LCD screen, the various areas, buttons, fields, and lists in the
windows will be selected by a border or highlight designating the
current area or item.
l Remember that the knobs located in the EQ, PAN DYNAMICS and AUX
area are buttons that have several functions. See the appropriate
chapter for the functions of these buttons. See page 7-3, EQUALIZER
Section, page 8-1, PAN/BUS ASSIGN Controls, page 9-3,
DYNAMICS/ DELAYSection Controls, and page 10-3, AUXSection
Controls, respectively for more information.
l Setting Gain structure in a digital mixer is extremely important. The
way to do this on the DA7, is to start with the signals coming into
Inputs 1-16. Since these are the signals that will be passed through an
A/D converter, you should try to get as high a level as possible without
overloading the circuit. With the Channel Faderset at 0, while
watching the PEAK/SIGNALLED of the Channel Strip, turn the
MIC/LINE INPUTknob to adjust the signal to gently peak. You will