PLAN B analog blog

I have been contracted to develop a one-off 36 RU output module 
and have created a poll to determine the viability of a small 
production run (go to polls tab).

A faceplate rendering can be found in the photo section.  Once 
selected, you may click on the image for a larger view.

Theory of operation:

The Balanced Stereo Output Processor is a four to six channel 
voltage controlled stereo mixer consisting of four independent 
VCAs, four panners, a stereo headphone preamp, two auxiliary 
inputs, four main inputs, a visual output display and three sets of 
signal outputs (one being balanced) designed especially for, but 
not limited to, use as an final output module for large to 
medium-sized systems. 

Each of four channels afford the following:

Attenuation:

A) Manual Level Pot
B) VC Level w/ +/- processing pot

Panning:

A) Manual Pan (L - R)
B) VC Pan w/ +/- processing

Routing:

A) Cue Out / Main Out / Both  send switch

Outputs:

A) 2 sets of  Stereo outputs (one set located on the back of the 
module)

B) 1 set of balanced 1/4 inch stereo outputs (located at the back 
of the module)

C) Stereo headphone output jack w/attenuation (CUE OUT)

D) Two Six element LED bar displays (amplitude)

Inputs:

A) Four main channel inputs (1 per channel)

B) Two AUX inputs (routed directly to the MAIN OUTS - one each 
to CH. 1 and 2)

If used as an output module, each of the four input channels can 
be independently routed to either the 3 sets of main outputs (1 
set  balanced)  or a dedicated CUE OUT  stereo headphone jack  
- so that sound events may be PREVIEWED before they are sent 
to the main outputs (This is especially helpful in live 
performance).   A center position on the SEND switch allows for 
both MAIN and CUE out monitoring simultaneously.

There are three sets of main stereo outputs -- the faceplate 
mounted AUX OUTS and two sets which accessible on the back 
of the unit - one being tip/ring/sleeve type balanced outputs. 

Along with the audio outs, each main output  channel has a a set 
of AUX inputs, a level attenuate and a six element bar display as 
a visual display of output level.

If a channels level is attenuated (pot fully CCW), the VC Level 
Input will  act as a VCA.  However, if level is not gully attenuated, 
the VC input acts as a velocity controller for variable dynamic 
expression of the level dialed on the pot.

ESTIMATED cost: $375

Availability: Spring 2005