Allen & Heath GL2800-24 manual

ALLEN & HEATH USER GUIDE Publication AP6095 GL2800[...]

2 GL2800 User Guide This product complies with the European Electromagnetic Compatibi lity directives 89/336/EEC & 92/ 31/EEC and the European Low Voltage Directives 73/23/EEC & 93/68/EEC. This product has been tested to EN55 103 Parts 1 & 2 1996 for use in Environments E1, E2, E3, and E4 to demonstrate compliance with the protection re[...]

GL2800 User Guide 3 Important Safety Instructio ns WARNINGS - Read the following before proceeding : ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CH OC ELECTRIQUE – NE PA S OUVRIR Read instructions: Read and retain these s afety and operating instructions for future reference. Adhere to all warnings printed here a nd on the console. Follow the operating instructions pri[...]

4 GL2800 User Guide General Precautions Damage To prevent damage to the controls and cosmetics avoid placing heavy objects on the control surface, scratching the surface with sharp objects, or rough handling a nd vibration. Environment Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat and vibration when operating and storing. Avoid tobacco ash, smoke, drinks[...]

GL2800 User Guide 5 Introduction Welcome to the Allen & Heath GL2800 , the latest generation of the popular GL series of dual function live sound mixing consoles. We have tried to keep this user guide brief and to the point. Please read it fully before starting. Included is information on installi ng, connecting and operating the console, panel[...]

6 GL2800 User Guide PFL PK! +6 0 SIG M L-R 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 M1 M2 M3 M4 10 5 0 5 10 20 30 00 PFL PK! +6 0 SIG M L-R 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 M1 M2 M3 M4 10 5 0 5 10 20 30 00 SIG 0 +6 PK! PFL M4 M3 M2 M1 7-8 5-6 3-4 1-2 L-R M 10 5 0 5 10 20 30 00 SIG 0 +6 PK! PFL M4 M3 M2 M1 7-8 5-6 3-4 1-2 L-R M 10 5 0 5 10 20 30 00 GRP8 AUX8 GRP7 AUX7 GRP6 AUX6 GRP5 AUX5 GR[...]

GL2800 User Guide 7 The Range: GL2800-24 22 mono mic/line, 2 mic/ ster eo line, 2 dual stereo returns GL2800-32 30 mono mic/line, 2 mic/ ster eo line, 2 dual stereo returns GL2800-40 38 mono mic/line, 2 mic/ ster eo line, 2 dual stereo returns GL2800-48 46 mono mic/line, 2 mic/ ster eo line, 2 dual stereo returns GL2800-56 54 mono mic/line, 2 mic/ [...]

8 GL2800 User Guide Introducing the Allen & Heath GL2800 The GL2800 is an 8-bus dual function analogue mixing console desi gned for professional audio applicatio ns. Whether mixing FOH, monitors or both, recording live or in the studio, installed in a busy venue, out on the road touri ng, or earning its keep in rental stock, the GL2800 provides[...]

GL2800 User Guide 9 Here are just a few key points we considered when specifying the GL2800 : Affordability We understand your need to work within a realistic budget and know you w a n t t o g e t t h e v e r y b e s t r e t u r n f o r y o u r i n v e s t m e n t . W e k n o w t o o t h a t e v e n t h e l o w e s t budget shows put the same tough[...]

10 GL2800 User Guide MONO INPUTS x 8 MONO I/P x 6 ST I/P x 2 MASTER SECTION MONO INPUTS x 8 MONO INPU TS x 8 MONO INPUTS x 8 MONO INPUTS x 8 MONO INPU TS x 8 GL 28 00- 840 = 1398 GL 28 00- 848 = 1625 GL 28 00- 856 = 1852 GL 28 00- 832 = 1171 GL 28 00- 824 = 944 650 640 6 3 4 5 168 9 19 62 58 Inst alling the Console The GL2800 has a sp ace saving, c[...]

GL2800 User Guide 11 Connecting Power Read and understand the Important Safety Instructions printed at the start of this guide, and the warnings printed on the rear of t he co nsole. Check that your l ocal mains supply voltage is the same as that marked on the rear of the RPS11 power unit. Check that the correct mains lead with moulded plug has bee[...]

12 GL2800 User Guide 1=ground 2=hot + 3=cold - BALANCED Female XLR plug UNBALANC ED link Ring to Sleev e Sleeve=ground Ring=cold - Tip=h ot + UNBALANC ED BALANCED Sleeve=ground Ring=RIGHT Tip=LE FT HEADPHONES TRS jack plug TS jack plug XLR male plug XLR female plug RCA phono jack s 2 3 1 1 3 2 Tip Sleeve Ring Tip Sleeve INPUT OUTPUT 1 2 3 XLR male [...]

GL2800 User Guide 13 Audio Connections The GL2800 uses professional grade 3 pin XLR and 1/4" TRS (3 pole) jack sock ets. To ensure best performance, we recommend that you use high quality audio cables and connectors, and take time to check for reliab le and accurate cable assembly. It is well known that most audio syste m problems are due to f[...]

14 GL2800 User Guide The Console Connectors MONO CHANNEL MIC / LINE IN The LI NE (PAD) switch selects either the MIC XLR or the LINE TRS ja ck as the input source. The XLR is normalled through the TRS jack so that it can be used for microphone or line level sign als when nothing is plugged into the jack socket . This gives the channel preamp a mass[...]

GL2800 User Guide 15 GROUP, L, R, M OUT The main console mix outputs are on electronically balanced XLR. Thes e produce the professional standard +4dBu when the meters read ‘0’, and provid e up to a maximum +26dBu. The L, R and M outputs typically feed the house PA system in live sound mixing, or 2-track and mono recorders in studio mixing . In[...]

16 GL2800 User Guide The MONO Input Channel +48V Switches +48VDC to the ch annel input XLR for powering microphones or DI boxes that need phantom power. The power is current limited through 6k8 ohm resistors t o pins 2 and 3. WARNING: Do not connect unbal anced sources or cables to inputs with phantom power selected. To avoid loud clicks always mut[...]

GL2800 User Guide 17 AUX SENDS T h e s e r o t a r y c o n t r o l s a d j u s t h o w m u c h c h a n n e l signal is mixed to each of the aux outp uts. They adjusts fr om fully off to +6dB boost. Unity gain 0d B is marked at 3 o’clock positi on. AUX SENDS 1-8 Mono aux sends with independent control. AUX SENDS 9-10 A dedicated stereo aux send wi[...]

18 GL2800 User Guide The STEREO Input Channel Each GL2800 stereo channel features a mono microphone pream p as well as a st ereo line input. These sources can be mixed together into the channel or split using the mic break point, so providing a unique flexibility. For example, you could patch the mic stage as an independent preamp for an ambience m[...]

GL2800 User Guide 19 The STEREO Return Channel Two additional dual stereo return chan nels are provided. Each has two stereo line inputs wh ich can be mixed together or used separately. ST1 and ST3 can be routed directly to LR instead of the return channels. This gives you the flexibility of mixing in four more stereo sources in a small panel space[...]

20 GL2800 User Guide The GROUP / AUX Masters AUX 1-8 MASTERS Each aux mix has a master level control that adjusts the output level to match external equipment, or trims the monitor, effect or other send without affecting the mix balance. Up to +10dB boost is available above the normal 0dB position. Note that this becomes the group master in monitor[...]

GL2800 User Guide 21 The MUTE, AUX 9-10 and L-R-M Masters MUTE MASTERS 1-4 Press to mu te all the inpu t channe ls assigned to the mute group. An y combination of masters may be active at any time. The red LED indicate s that the master is active. AUX 9-10 MASTER Cont rols t he mas ter lev el of s tereo Aux 9- 10. Up to +10dB boost is available abo[...]

22 GL2800 User Guide 12x4 MA TRIX The matrix adds to the powerful multi-tasking capability of the GL2800 . It provides a se t of 4 additional console outputs. It is a ‘mixer within a mixer’ creating its output fro m any combination of the groups, main LR mix and external i nputs. It can be used to provi de duplicate main outputs or to create ne[...]

GL2800 User Guide 23 2-TRACK REPLA Y and CONSOLE MONIT O R 2TRK REPLAY A stereo source such as a recording playback or walk-in CD can be routed directly to the main LR mix. Adjust its level from fully off to +10dB gain using the rota ry control. You can check the source on the meters and in the headphones before bringing it into the mix by selectin[...]

24 GL2800 User Guide T ALKBACK and SIGNAL GENERA TOR TALKBACK Individually assignable ta lk back is available to all the main outputs. Plug in a suit able cable or gooseneck microphone. A good quality dynamic or condenser vocal microphone is recommended. Note that +48V phantom power is avail able at the XLR as standard. If you prefer, this can be d[...]

GL2800 User Guide 25 GL2800 Applications and Operating Tip s The following is a collection of brief descriptions , application notes, hints and tips to help the operator underst and some of the technical terms referred to, and to get the most out of the uniq uely capable GL2800 live sound mixing console. The y are written as a concise reference to [...]

26 GL2800 User Guide Using the Oscillator / Noise Gene rator T h e GL2800 includes a useful sig nal generator able to pr oduce a pure 1kHz sin e wave tone, or a pink noise test source. This is invaluable in testing the system components and setting up correct gain structure. The generator can be routed independently to the various console outputs. [...]

GL2800 User Guide 27 Using PFL / AFL Allen & Heath are renowned for b ringing you the most comprehensive engineer’s monitoring system i n consoles at this price point. We recognise the importance of correct gain structure and signal handling. The GL2800 includes LED meters for every input channel and main output, as well as a pair of high res[...]

28 GL2800 User Guide Polarity R e f e r s t o t h e p o s i t i v e ( + ) a n d n e g a t i v e ( - ) w i r e s o f a loudspeaker or balanced audio connection. The console input channels include POLARITY switches which reverse the + and – input connections. Some applications include correcting for reverse wired cables, correcting for microphone p[...]

GL2800 User Guide 29 Dual Functionality Now an industry standard, Allen & He ath pioneered thi s feature with the introduction of the first GL consoles in the ‘90s. In the past it wa s necessary to stock two different types of li ve sound console, one for mixing FO H (front-of-house), the other designed for mixing o n-stage monitors. With the[...]

30 GL2800 User Guide Applications for the Matrix The matrix is a ‘mixer within a mixer’, a versatile toolbox of output s you can use t o satisfy a host of applications. Each of the 4 output s is mixed from any combination of the groups, L, R, M and an external input as dialled up on the 12 source rotaries (hence a ‘12x4’ matrix). Its master[...]

GL2800 User Guide 31 Create IEM Mixes with Ambience I n M o n i t o r mode the matrix continues to be fed with the 8 groups, L, R and M mixes. You can use these to create additional, ind ependent monitor mixes. Together with the auxes these give you as many as 14 mixes. Create mono or stereo in-ear monitor feeds u sing single or paired matrices, fo[...]

32 GL2800 User Guide Mix and Aux-Fed Subs Driving the PA system sub bass speakers with their own mix has t wo main advantages. First, the mi x is much cleaner because only sources that generate the low frequencies, for example kick drum, bass guitar, keyboards and sound effects are sent to the subs. Low fr equency bleed from these sources into open[...]

GL2800 User Guide 33 Using the Stereo Channe ls The two full feature stereo channels and the two dual stereo retu rns p resent a unique flexibility. The channels each include a patch able mic input and a stereo line input. The returns each include two stereo inputs which c an be mixed together or used separately. The mic preamp has a TRS jack MIC O[...]

34 GL2800 User Guide S pecifications Performanc e Maximum input level Mic +34dBu (inc pad) CH Line +34dBu Other Line +20dBu Maximum output level XLR +26dBu Jack +20dBu Internal headroom Channels +20dB M i x + 2 2 d B Meters 3 colour, quasi peak response Sensitivity 0VU = +4dBu at XLR output Master meters 12 segment -30 to +16dB Channel meters 4 seg[...]

GL2800 User Guide 35 Connections Mono channel XLR balanced pin 2 hot Sensitivity -60 t o +14dBu TRS balanced, tip hot Sensitivity -40 to +14dBu Total gain range 74dB P a d o u t ( M I C ) 2 k o h m Pad in (MIC or LINE) >10k ohm, -20dB attenuation Max input level +34dBu XLR phantom power +48V, on/off Stereo channel Mic in Same as mono channel Ste[...]

36 GL2800 User Guide System Block Diagram IMPE DANCE BALANCE D R L MONITOR OUT R L MONITOR MONITO R RING = RIGHT TIP = L EFT PHONES OUT 3 2 FROM P/AFL MIX MTX4 MTX3 MTX2 MTX1 2TRK L-R 1 AUX MUTE GRP 3 GRP 2 FROM G RP 1-8 GRP 5 GRP 6 MATRIX MI X GRP 7 GRP 4 GROUPS / AUX 1 -8 FADER +10dB b oost MATRIX 1 -4 LEVEL +6dB boost GL2800 PRE -IN SER T, P RE-[...]

GL2800 User Guide 37 User Options The GL2800 has a versatile architecture which should satisfy most applications you may encounter without modificatio n. However, the following internal options provide alternative settin gs for those applications that ma y demand them. Access is required to the int ernal assemblies. For use r convenience, pluggable[...]

38 GL2800 User Guide Aux pre/post EQ For convenience, this option is a recessed front panel switch per channel. No internal access is required. The up positio n is post- EQ, pressed is pre-insert and pre-EQ. Note that this setting affects all pre-fade sends from the channel , including auxes and direct output. Direct output source F a c t o r y d e[...]

GL2800 User Guide 39 Output bal ance options The aux and matrix outputs are impedance balanced as standard operating at nominal -2dBu and with +20dB u maximum drive. They prov ide similar interference rejection to electronically balanced outpu ts when connected to balanced equipment inp uts. An electronically balanced op tion is available if yo u r[...]

40 GL2800 User Guide Cue Sheet 1 of 3 GL2800 Copy and use this page to rec ord your console settings. M LISTEN R L AUX9-10 GRP8 AUX8 GRP7 AUX7 GRP6 AUX6 GRP5 AUX5 GRP4 AUX4 GRP3 AUX3 GRP2 AUX2 AUX1 GRP1 AFL AFL AFL AFL AFL AFL AFL AFL M R L 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 10 10 20 30 5 5 0 00 10 10 20 30 5 5 0 00 10 10 20 30 5 5 0 00 0 0 0 5 5 30 20 10 10 0 0 0 5 [...]

GL2800 User Guide 41 Cue Sheet 2 of 3 GL2800 Copy and use this page to rec ord your console settings. P F LP F LP F LP F LP F LP F L P F L PK! +6 0 SIG M L-R 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 M1 M2 M3 M4 PK! +6 0 SIG M L-R 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 M1 M2 M3 M4 PK! +6 0 SIG M L-R 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 M1 M2 M3 M4 PK! +6 0 SIG M L-R 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 M1 M2 M3 M4 PK! +6 0 SIG M L-R 1-2 [...]

42 GL2800 User Guide Cue Sheet 3 of 3 GL2800 Copy and use this page to rec ord your console settings. PFL PFL PFL PFL PFL PFL PFL PFL PK! +6 0 SIG M L-R 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 M1 M2 M3 M4 PK! +6 0 SIG M L-R 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 M1 M2 M3 M4 PK! +6 0 SIG M L-R 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 M1 M2 M3 M4 PK! +6 0 SIG M L-R 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 M1 M2 M3 M4 PK! +6 0 SIG M L-R 1-2 3-4 5[...]