Panasonic Ramsa Audio Mixer Wr Da7 Users Guide

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Quick Start
know you are there when the PEAK/SIGNALLED flashes (red) which
should be very rare. Another area where you can adjust for proper
input gain is the [GAIN]soft knob in the [CHANNEL]window. This
control provides an additional level of control for the selected
channel. Cursorto the soft knob, and rotate the JogDialto boost the
audio level when additional gain is needed. The [GAIN]soft knob
range is -24dB to +12dB. Further Gain changes should be controlled
by the fader levels of the channel. See more information described on
page 5-3, Channel Windowand page 6-3, Channel Strip.
l If you are not familiar with a digital metering system that uses dBFS
(decibels Full Scale), it may take you a little while to get used to the
meter characteristics of the DA7. What dBFS means is that 0dB is at
the top of the meter, and instead of showing a level above 0dB, it
shows OL (OverLoad). In digital metering you should never go above
the full scale 0dB level. Remember that the digital format is very
unforgiving of overmodulation. Too high a level will create noise or
even distortion to a recorded signal and you may not be able to
correct it.
These meters can either be VU or PPM with no peak hold, momentary
peak hold or infinity peak hold. Take a few minutes to try out all the
possible settings in order to aquatint yourself with this type of
metering before you use the DA7on a project. If you are using the
optional meter bridge, you should be aware of the CONSOLE LINK
button. When activated, this feature allows the meter bridge to reflect
the action of the FADER LAYERbuttons. If you flip a fader, the meter
will follow. If you wish to monitor manually, press the master fader
layer button on the meter bridge to select which layer you will
monitor. You should also be aware that you will not see the level of
2TR Bdisplayed on the MONITOR Asection of the meter bridge
(extreme right hand side). This is because these meters can only
measure a digital signal, and 2TR Bis an analog signal. 
See page 5-3, Channel Window, page 6-3, Channel Strip, and page
17-16, METER BRIDGE, for more information.
l For functions other than AUTOMATION, you must execute UNDO
immediately after performing the memory-related action that you
want undone. After you change to another register or change to
another window display, you cannot execute the UNDOfunction.
For AUTOMATIONoperations, UNDOcan be executed at any time
for the current event only. UNDOcannot be performed if either the
[UNDO](clear buffer) or the [UNDO]buttons in the
[AUTOMATION>SETUP]window have been executed. See page 14-
2, AUTOMATION, SETUPWindow, for more information. 
						

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Quick Start
l If you want to view the AUX SENDstatus on the LED field while
AUTOMATIONis [ENABLE]and [MMC]is active, simultaneously
press the SHIFTkey of the Keypadand the AUTOMATION/AUXLED
button. This will only change the LED display, and will not interrupt
the AUTOMATIONoperation. See page 14-5, AUTOMATION,
EXECUTEWindow, for more information.
l Dithering the output of the DA7to fewer than 24 bits is sometimes
required. If the correct Dither adjustment is not applied to the signals
output from the DA7, the sound quality of the audio will be affected.
In normal operation, the digital audio signals output from the DA7
are 24 bit word lengths. If the device connected to the DA7operates
at fewer than 24 bits (such as a DAT machine), you will be unable to
completely record the signal. Dithering permits you to connect two
devices together that do not have matching bit rates (but have
matching sample rates) by using a complex algorithm that reduces the
word length. For example, you may wish to record to a DAT machine
which only records 16 bit words. This problem can be solved by
adjusting the word length output from the DA7by Dithering. The bit
number output by the mixer should be set to match the device
connected to the DA7. See page 12-14, D-I/O, DITHERWindow, for
more details.
l Pressing the FLIPLED buttons is an easy way to access specific
channels that are not in the current Fader Layerwithout flipping the
entire mixer to a new layer. See Chapter 6, Fader Layers and
Channel Stripsfor more information.
l When you are in the D-I/O page, you may encounter a source field or
button that is crosshatched and/or cannot be selected. This means
that the source or slot is either improperly connected, or the attached
external device is not presently turned on. See page 12-2, D-I/O,
INPUT SETWindow, for more information.
l When producing material for use with a video production, reference
the DA7to an incoming video signal. Do this during all stages of the
production. You will need to know the video reference characteristics
for the production, so that you can reference the DA7correctly. See
page 14-5, AUTOMATION, EXECUTEWindow, and page 10 of the
Glossary for more details.
l Data with an -°(infinity) fader level and flat equalizer settings are
stored to the scene library memory number 01 when the DA7is
delivered. Data with 0 dB fader level is stored in the other memories
of the library. See Chapter 15, Scene Memory,for more details.
l Once the groups have been activated in the [FADER GRP]or [MUTE 
						

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Quick Start
GRP]windows, the window does not have to be displayed when you
want to register a group. Use the fader group or mute group selection
buttons in the [CHANNEL]window to register the channel to a
group. See Chapter 13, Group, for more information.
l To clear all grouped channels:
In the [FADER GROUP]and [MUTE GROUP]windows, pressing any
one of the SELECTLED buttons in the group for two seconds will
clear all channels assigned. See Chapter 13, Group, for more
information.
l When using a DTRS (Tascam) DA88, DA38 or DA98, check the settings
of the dip switches located on the optional TDIF card. Improper
operation can be avoided by correct selection of these switches. See
page 17-6, TDIFCard, for more information.
l It is also an excellent idea to check the default setting of areas that
you will be using often. A good example of this is the SOLO
MONITOR area. You can avoid being confused about the way the DA7
operates by looking over the default settings in Appendix D. Also,
check the settings on the UTILITY, D-I/Oand MIDI pages so you can
set the DA7defaults to the way you prefer to operate.
l To monitor surround sound:
You should turn ON and assign the buses as surround sound in the
[SURROUND SOUND]area of the [SOLO/MONITOR]window. See
page 16-2, Utility and Solo/Monitor (SOLO/MON)Window, for
more details.
l To change the channel for [EQ]or [DYN/DLY]in the Automation:
Simultaneously press the SHIFT(#0)button and the SELECTLED
button of the channel to change its parameters. See page 14-5,
AUTOMATION, EXECUTEWindow, for more information.
Shortcuts
l Pressing the AUTOMATION/AUXbutton on the top panel of the DA7
to select automation acts as a shortcut to the RECORDbutton in the
AUTOMATION EXECUTEscreen. See page 14-5, Automation,
Execute Window,for more information.
l You can create a stereo or link channel pair by simultaneously
pressing the appropriate channel SELECTLED buttons, when the
[CHANNEL]window [LINK]area is  . To cancel, simultaneously
press the buttons a second time. Be very careful with the use of this
feature, as you can create a LINKED pair (two Mono faders with two
Mono EQ’s, Dynamics, etc.) or a true STEREO pair (two faders with
the same operation and stereo EQ, Dynamics, etc.). See Chapter 13,
Groupfor more information.
ON 
						

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l When the [AUTO DISP CHANGE]selection in the
[UTILITY>CONFIG]window is  , the DIRECTLED button in the
PAN/ASSIGN/ , BUS ASSIGNsection of the Top Panel is a
shortcut to the [TO SLOT]window. See page 12-10, D-I/O TO SLOT
Window,for more information.
l There is a shortcut to recall desired windows directly by pressing one
of the SETUPbuttons, then one of the buttons on the 10 KeyPad.
See page Appendix B-3, LCD Screen Displaysfor more information.
Warnings
l You should make certain that the DA7is properly ventilated on the
sides and bottom. Otherwise, the DA7could overheat and
compromise its performance.
l When connecting recording devices to the DA7, such as a DAT, ADAT,
DA88 or a similar device, pay attention to the fact that these devices
ALL operate using a wordclock reference signal. It is therefore
important that you make sure that they are all referenced to the same
clock signal. This is the reason that we have provided a WORDCLOCK
IN and OUT connector on the rear panel. You can also select one of
the option Slots to be the master wordclock, or the 2TR Asource. 
This is a VERY important item in proper operation of any digital audio
system. Please make sure that you set this function properly. Poor
sound quality can result from improper wordclock operation. It can
also affect the operation of the DA7. For example, the SOLO system
may seem to malfunction by not selecting a particular channel or
channels. This can be due to Clock related issues. See Chapter 17,
Optionsfor specific information regarding the connection
requirements of these devices. Also see Chapter 12, D-I/Ofor setting
the master wordclock source. If after reading this information you are
unsure of the operation or setup of this function, please consult your
dealer. 
l It is imperative that the sampling frequency settings for the DA7and
all digital peripheral devices connected to the DA7are set to the same
sampling frequency. These devices cannot perform properly if the
frequency settings do not match. The DA7does not convert from one
sample frequency to the other. See Chapter 12, D-I/Ofor more
information.
ON 
						

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l When the [BATTERY]graph displays LOW BATTERY, you should
contact a Panasonic Service Center to replace the battery immediately.
You should also back up the DA7memory by performing a MIDI bulk
back up routine from the [MIDI>BULK]window. Do not let the
battery run out, or you may inadvertently lose the settings in the DA7
memory. See page 11-10, MIDI, BULK(Bulk Out) Window, and
page 16-8, Utility, Oscillator/Battery(OSC/BATT)Window, for
more details. 
						

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Cursor
Control
The Cursor Controlsection includes the Keypad, the Parameter/JogDial,
and the UNDO/REDO, MMC/CURSOR, CURSOR MODE, ENTER, and
ARROWbuttons. Use these tools to control the cursorin the LCD screen of
the Display Bridge,and to add information to areas in the windows that are
displayed on the LCD screen.
Several of the buttons in this section perform special functions when MIDI
control is active. Special labeling - - text on a dark background - - identifies
the buttons that also perform MIDI Machine Control functions.
MIDIfunctions and operations are discussed in Chapter 11, MIDI.
Chapter 4
Cursor Control
 /CURSOR
SOLO
MONITOR
MMC  
PLAY
REW
FF
STOPREC
12
45
7
8
03
6
9
WRITE UNDO/REDOREAD
STORERECALL
ABC DEF
JKL GHI MNO
TUV
PQRS WXYZ
UTILITY MIDID-I/O
GROUP
AUTOMATION
LIBRARYSET UPSHIFTLOCATE
SETREPLAYLOOP
LOOP
SCENE MEMORY
PARAMETER
CURSOR
MODEENTER 
16
17
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.
UNDO/REDO button
MMC/CURSOR button
JogDial
Keypad
ARROW buttons
ENTER button
CURSOR MODE
button
Cursor Control Section 
						

							Keypad
Each of the ten Keypad buttons have several assigned characters (depending
on the area or field selected in a window that is displayed on the LCD
screen). The buttons are either numeric, symbolic, or alphanumeric.
When a selected area or field in the current window accommodates only
numeric entries, the buttons only input the assigned numerals.
When a selected area or field in the current window accommodates
alphanumeric entries, press the buttons to cycle the assigned letter, numeral,
or symbol selections for the button, and then press the ENTERbutton to
select the desired character. The character selected will be displayed in the
window, and data entry will advance to the next character position for the
area or field.
The three library windows - - [CH LIB], [EQ LIB], and [DYN LIB], the
[SCENE MEMORY>RD/WT]window, the [MIDI>REMOTE]window, and the
[AUTOMATION>SETUP]window - - each contain a  button. When
a  button is selected in a window, - - the [NAME EDITOR]window
is added to the LCD screen display.
NAME
NAME
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Cursor
Control
12
45
7
8
03
6
9ABC DEF
JKL GHI MNO
TUV
PQRS WXYZ
SHIFTLOCATE
SETREPLAYLOOP
LOOP
Keypad Display
NAME EDITOR Window 
						

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Cursor
Control
Use the cursorcontrols to navigate to the various character and symbol
buttons in the [NAME EDITOR]window, and press the ENTERbutton to
update the highlighted character position in the window data entry field.
Rotate the JogDial to select the highlighted character position. Press the
button in the [NAME EDITOR]window to accept the data entry and
close the window. You can use up to ten characters for a name.
JogDial
The JogDialperforms several functions, either directly or in conjunction
with other controls on the DA7.
The LCD display will show which mode you are in by a display of
the function in the lower right hand corner. If you are in the MMC
mode, it will show you the MMCcommand being sent. If it
is in the CURSOR mode, it will display the CURSOR             . If it is
in the PARAMETER mode, the display will be blank.
You can use the JogDial to rapidly navigate the cursorto the
various buttons, areas, and fields in a window. Or, you can use it as
a Parameter knob to change values entered in the selected field.
To change the mode from JogDial to Parameter, simply press
CURSOR MODEand it will toggle between these two functions.
When the [SCENE MEMORY>RD/WT]window is initially
displayed, the JogDial is assigned to the register list area of the
window and can be used to scroll the list.
When an element is selected in the [LIBRARY DATA]area of the
[CH LIB], [EQ LIB], or [DYN LIB]windows, you can use the
JogDial to scroll the register list.
When the [list table] element is selected in the
[AUTOMATION>SETUP]window or the [AUTOMATION>EVT
EDIT]window, you can use the JogDial to scroll the items in the
list.
When the [list table]element is selected in the [MIDI>PRG
ASGN], [MIDI>CTRL ASGN], or [MIDI>MIDI RMT]windows, you
can use the JogDial to scroll the items in the list.
JogDial Display
l
l
l
l
l
l 
						

							When the [fader]element of the [CHannel]area of a window is
selected, the JogDialcan control the level setting of the [fader]. The
Channel Faderwill follow the JogDiallevel adjustments.
When a [knob]is selected in a window, you can use the JogDialto
adjust the value of that [knob].
When a numeric field is selected in a window, you can use the
JogDial to adjust the numeric value in that field.
The JogDial can be used to perform several functions while the
[PAN/SURROUND>SURROUND]window is displayed.
See Chapter 8, Pan/Assign, Surround, Bus Assign for additional
information.
UNDO/REDOButton
The UNDO/REDOfunctions are active when you store or recall data for
SCENE MEMORY, LIBRARY, or AUTOMATIONoperations. The UNDO
function of the DA7cancels the most recent memory-related action and
returns to the previous condition. The REDOfunction cancels the
cancellation.
Press the UNDO/REDObutton immediately after performing the memory-
related operation to cancel the operation. Pressing the UNDO/REDObutton
again restores the operation condition that was undone.Chapter 4 
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Cursor
Control
l
l
l
UNDO/REDO Button
For functions other than AUTOMATION, you must execute
UNDOimmediately after performing the memory-related action
that you want undone. After you change to another register or
change to another window display, you cannot execute the UNDO
function.
For AUTOMATIONoperations, UNDOcan be executed at any
time for the current event only. UNDOcannot be performed if
either one of the [UNDO](clear buffer) or the [UNDO]
buttons in the [AUTOMATION>SETUP]window are
executed. 
						

							/CURSOR Button
MMC is an acronym for MIDI MACHINE CONTROL. Additional button
labelling of text on a dark background identifies the buttons that perform the
indicated functions when MIDIcontrol is active.
Press the /CURSORbutton to switch the buttons from cursorcontrol
mode to the indicated MMCfunctions. Press the /CURSORbutton a
second time to return the buttons to cursorcontrol mode.
On the lower right of the screen,  or  appears.
See Chapter 11, MIDI for additional information.
See Chapter 14, Automationfor addition information on MMC.
CURSOR MODE/Button
When MIDI control is not active, you can use the JogDial to rapidly navigate
the cursor to the various buttons, areas, and fields in a window. Or, you can
use it as a Parameter knob to change values entered in the selected field. To
change the mode from JogDial to Parameter, press the CURSOR MODE
button and it will toggle between these two functions.
When MIDIcontrol is active, and the /CURSORhas switched button
functions, the CURSOR MODEbutton function is switched to the 
function. Pressing the button initiates recording on the associated MIDI
device.
REC
MMC
REC
MMC
MMC
MMC
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Cursor
Control
MMC/CURSOR Button
CURSOR MODE Button