Following on from the Sovereign range of audio mixers, the S2 modular mixer combines all the features needed of a radio broadcast mixer in a stylish, flush-mounting chassis. A wide range of input and output channels is offered, supporting essential features such as PFL/Cue, fader-start operation of equipment, automatic monitor muting on mic-live, remote outputs for switching warning lights and two main audio buses, with bus output selection on each module allowing the user to broadcast on the PGM bus while recording on the AUD bus. The S2 has both digital and analogue input channels, together with simultaneous analogue and digital outputs. Options include EQ and gram pre-amplifiers on input modules.
S2 uses Crystal Semiconductor’s technology to allow input and output of digital audio signals up to 24-bit, 96kHz sample-rate. The analogue signal paths use low-noise circuitry to provide excellent audio performance well capable of satisfying radio listeners worldwide. The high reliability and build quality of S2 minimizes the chance of failure, avoiding lost air-time. Each channel is individually checked twice before being assembled into the finished chassis and the whole unit is tested before shipping. ALPS long- throw 100mm faders give a smooth, repeatable response and the Neutrik XLR connectors used are an industry standard (Penny & Giles conductive plastic faders are also available to special order - contact Sales for details). The use of VCAs controlled by the faders ensures tight stereo-tracking and eliminates mechanical and electronic noise. A separate 2U power supply provides regulated, ripple-free power to the mixer and a separate S2-PSUS 1U rackmount power supply switcher can be used to switch between two S2-PSU units in the event of a failure. High-quality stainless steel is used for the chassis and screws to prevent corrosion in high humidity environments.
- Modular "pop-up" input and output channels means that the mixer can be maintained simply and quickly. Input channels can be individually removed and repaired whilst still on-air.
- The angle of the meter bridge can be varied and set for best viewing position.
- Any channel can be in any position, so customising the mixer to suit particular requirements is easy.
- Large back-lit buttons allow the user to see the status of the mixer at all times.
- The fitted rear panel hides all cable connections but can be removed easily for maintenance.
- The modular design of the desk gives the flexibility to expand it at a later date. Another S2 mixer can be added and may be linked together with a bus connector cable to allow for "split" desk configurations.
Mixers are built, configured and tested at the factory using the modules ordered.
Mixer Chassis
S2 has a fully modular build, with six different chassis sizes available, in increments of five channel-widths, allowing 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 channel-width mixers for use in small newsrooms or large on-air studios. The mixers have been designed to sit in an aperture cut into a work surface. The footprint of the complete frame is approximately 600mm deep. The width is set by the channel width, where each channel width is 38mm. (Make allowance for the end cheeks; drawings of the "cut-outs" for flush mounting are available from Technical Support).
Script Space and Channel Blanking Modules
The optional S2-7SS and S2-10SS script spaces occupy an area of seven and ten channel widths respectively, and are designed to hold documents or scripts for the mixer operator when desk space is at a premium.
The blank channels, S2-CB, are used to fill spaces in the chassis not occupied by active channels.
Input Channels
There are eleven input channels which can be fitted in any free position in the lower part of the mixer chassis. The input and output channels can be optionally fitted with high quality Penny & Giles conductive plastic faders (available to special order - contact Sales for details). Each of the input channels can be programmed to enable/disable any of the button functions, if required, as well as to enable different modes of operation of fader-up/ON button.
S2-CML Mic/Line Input Channel
A mono input with a switch button to select either Mic or Mono Line. If the Mic input is used for the presenter's mic it can also become the talkback mic. The talkback function will be retained when the channel input is switched to Line. Equalisation is fitted as standard on this channel and is enabled by the EQ button, providing 10dB cut and boost at HF (6.5kHz) and LF (100Hz). The Mic input has a jumper- selectable high-pass filter to remove low frequency intrusions. A Pan control is available to facilitate stereo imaging. A balanced, line level, insert send and return is available for the Mic input but is disabled in Line mode. Channel coarse gain is set by internal presets for mic and line; fine gain is trimmed by the front- panel Trim control providing +/-12dB of gain. The channel has a Pre Fade Listen (CUE/PFL) facility that can be automatically disabled when the fader is opened. There are remote-control logic inputs for Mic Cough muting and Reverse Talkback, and output controls for Mic cue lights and Line remote start/stop by fader or ON button. (The remote outputs on the 9-way D-sub connector are fed from NPN opto-isolators). The Mic input provides a jumper-selectable output to facilitate either Control Room or Studio Muting and Timer functions. In addition the Line input can be configured with all the features of the Mic input when used as a Mic input with an external mic amp.
S2-CMM Mic/Mic Input Channel
Has all the features of the Mic/Line Input channel except that the Line input is replaced by a second Mic input.
S2-CS Dual Stereo Line Input Channel
Has two balanced stereo inputs with a button switch to select between them. Each input is on XLR connectors with internal coarse gain adjustment. Fine gain is trimmed by the front-panel Trim control providing +/-12dB of gain. A Balance control is available for small adjustments of the stereo image. The channel has a Pre Fade Listen (CUE/PFL) facility that can be automatically disabled when the fader is opened. There are remote control logic outputs for each of the two inputs, providing start/stop functions by fader or ON button. The start function can be configured to be either momentary (500mS) or latched for each input. The remote control outputs on the 9-way D-sub connectors are fed from NPN opto-isolators.
S2-CSE Dual Stereo Line Input with EQ Channel
This channel is similar to the S2CS as above but fitted with equalisation, providing 10dB cut and boost at HF (6.5kHz) and LF (100Hz).
S2-CSG Stereo Line with Gram Input Channel
Similar to the S2CS, fitted with a RIAA input amplifier for use with magnetic turntable pick-up cartridges on the second input. Input connections for this are unbalanced on phono sockets. This channel is also available with equalisation, type S2-CSGE.
S2-CDS Digital Dual Stereo Input Channel
Has two 24-bit 96kHz digital inputs with a button switch to select between them. Either input can be configured to be balanced AES/EBU on standard XLR, or S/PDIF on phono sockets, selected by internal jumpers. The digital signals are converted to analogue and from this point the channel functions are the same as the Dual Stereo Line Input channel.
S2-CDSE Digital Dual Stereo Input with EQ Channel
As the Digital Dual Stereo Input channel as above but fitted with equalisation, providing 10dB cut and boost at HF (6.5kHz) and LF (100Hz).
S2-C6SS Six-Way Stereo Line Source-Select Channel
Has six balanced stereo inputs on a 25-way D-sub connector, selectable by a six- way mechanical interlocking switch bank. The switch bank also controls six sets of remote-control connections allowing each source to have a set of start/stop remote controls. The channel is fitted with EQ as standard and other functions similar to the dual stereo input channel.
S2-CT Telco Input Channel
Controls the connection to an external telephone balance unit (hybrid) such as the Sonifex HY-03. It has only one mono input with EQ fitted as standard. Equalisation is enabled by the EQ button, providing 10dB cut and boost at HF (6.5kHz) and LF (100Hz). A Pan control is available to facilitate stereo imaging. A balanced line level output is provided for the clean-feed back to the hybrid. Channel coarse gain is set by an internal preset and fine gain is trimmed by the front-panel Trim control providing +/- 12dB of gain. The channel has a Pre Fade Listen (CUE/PFL) facility that automatically routes talkback to the caller when selected. PFL can be automatically disabled when the fader is opened. There is a remote-control logic output to place the hybrid "on hold" by fader or ON button. The remote control output on the 9-way D-sub connector is fed from an NPN opto-isolator. The bus system allows for two true clean-feed systems when routed to the PGM outputs. Off-line phone conversations can be recorded via the AUD bus where a clean-feed is generated by the mix-minus method.
S2-CSMM Stereo Mix-Minus Channel
The Stereo Mix-Minus channel has one balanced stereo input and a balanced stereo mix-minus output, on XLR connectors. The channel is intended for use where a remote stereo source, such as another studio connected via ISDN, requires a stereo clean-feed return. The clean-feed is generated by the mix-minus method from either the PGM or AUD outputs, depending on the routing selection. The outputs on the Mix-Minus channel can also be configured as follows: Left channel - mono sum of mix-minus; Right channel - Continuous talkback. This is for use with some ISDN codec applications and mono telephone balance units. Equalisation is fitted as standard on this channel and is enabled by the EQ button, providing 10dB cut and boost at HF (6.5kHz) and LF (100Hz). Coarse input gain is adjusted internally. Fine gain is trimmed by the front panel Trim control providing +/-12dB of gain. A Balance control is available for small adjustments of the stereo image. The channel has a Pre Fade Listen (CUE/PFL) facility that can be automatically disabled when the fader is opened. There is a remote-control logic output, controlled by fader or ON button, which can be configured to be either momentary (500mS) or latched. The remote outputs on the 9-way D-type connector are fed from NPN opto-isolators.
Output Channels
The input and output channels can be optionally fitted with high quality Penny & Giles conductive plastic faders (available to special order - contact Sales for details).
S2-ODP/S2-ODPF Digital PGM Output Channels
These channels are common to every mixer and provide a digital and analogue output from the PGM mix bus. The digital output is available as a balanced AES/EBU signal via standard XLRs or as S/PDIF on phono sockets. The sample-rate can be set automatically or by internal jumpers from 32 kHz to 96 kHz and the output sample size from 16 to 24 bits. The balanced analogue PGM output and mono output is available on a 15-way D-sub connector. Button switches at the top of the channel select the mono output source. The S2-ODPF version has output faders for production work.
S2-ODA/S2-ODAF Digital AUD Output Channel
Similar to the PGM output channels, but provide a digital and analogue output from the AUD mix bus. The balanced analogue AUD outputs are available on a 15-way D-sub connector. Button switches at the top of the channel select the monitoring source to the meter bridge. The S2-ODAF version has output faders for production work.
Monitoring
S2-OMC Control Room Monitor Channel
For the monitoring of various sources on the control room loudspeakers and (presenter's) headphones. A suitable power amplifier connected to the channel monitor output must be used to drive the loudspeakers. A front-panel control is used to vary the monitor level. Headphones can be driven directly from the channel headphone connector on the front or rear panel via the level control. A four- way electronically-interlocking switch bank selects the source routed to the speakers and headphones from either of two external inputs, the PGM, or AUD output. "Auto PFL" buttons adjacent to each level control allow the monitoring of PFL when an input channel has been selected to CUE/PFL. Internal jumpers can be configured to allow PFL to replace or dim the selected source. In addition, Split PFL can be selected to the headphones, which will place the selected source in mono in one ear and PFL in mono in the other. A Global Talkback system can be configured to allow every contribution point in the control room and studio to communicate with each other via their microphone and headphones. An illuminated Mute LED shows when a live microphone channel in the control room has muted the speakers.
S2-OMS Studio Monitor Channel
Used for the monitoring of various sources on the studio loudspeakers and headphones. The front-panel level-control, bank of four source-select switches, Studio mute LED and use of the "Auto PFL" buttons are similar to the control room monitor channel. Headphones can be driven directly from the channel headphone connector on the rear panel via the level control. A Global Talkback system can be configured to allow every contribution point in the control room and studio to communicate with each other via their microphone and headphones. A separate Studio T/B button is provided to allow the presenter/engineer to talk to the studio at other times.
Meter-bridge Panels
There are three styles of dual meter-panels, for displaying signal levels, for mounting in the meter-bridge and up to three meter panels may be fitted to a single mixer. As standard the first meter panel ordered is configured to show the PGM output. The other options are to show the PFL output, or to follow the output of the control room monitor panel. Illuminated LEDs on each meter panel indicate the monitoring source. Meter-bridge blanking-plates from one to five channel widths wide are available. All meter-bridge panels may be placed in any position in the meter-bridge or bridges.
S2-MPPM Dual “PPM” Panel
With two fast-reading moving-coil meters with PPM-style scale.
S2-ML53 PPM and VU LED Panel
53 LED stereo bar graph meter showing PPM and VU scale readings.
S2-MVU, Dual VU Panel
With two moving-coil VU meters
S2-MPH Phase Meter Panel
This operates on the selected source to the connected meters. 5 LED show the phase angle in 45 degree steps from 0 to 180.
S2-ML Loudspeaker Panel
Can be used to monitor PFL and Reverse Talkback via separate level controls. The speaker will mute in a "mic live" situation. Only one may be fitted to a single mixer.
S2-MT Dual Timer Display
For timing events triggered from mic or line input modules. The timer can also display the real time and date synchronised to a standard time broadcast. One timer may be fitted to a single mixer.
The S2-MTB6 can be used for communicating with up to six other mixers or dedicated talkback systems, and the S2-MTBS is used for interfacing with a Sonifex Station Master. One talkback panel may be fitted to any single mixer.
S2-M6SS 6 Way Source Select Panel
The meter-bridge source selector panel produces a stereo analogue audio output from 6 selectable stereo analogue sources, which can be connected to a stereo input channel within the mixer, or the EXT 1 and EXT 2 monitor inputs, to provide up to 12 external monitor inputs. There are 6 illuminated push buttons, which select and indicate the current channel selection. The 6 stereo sources are connected on the rear of the panel via a connector, which uses exactly the same pin configuration as the stereo audio source input connector on the S2-C6SS channel.
S2-MSB3 3 Button Switch Panel
This can be used for bespoke control of the mixer modules or for wiring in your own application.
S2-MSB1 1 Button Switch Panel
This is a meter-bridge panel, 1 channel wide, with 1 button which can be used for bespoke control of the S2 or for wiring in your own application., e.g. equipment control.
Ordering
- Order the first frame. Order up to one additional frame each with an S2-Bl interlink cable (2.4 metres length).
- Order one power supply, which will power a mixer, split or otherwise, with a full compliment of meter-bridge panels, and up to 30 input/output channels.
- Order a control room monitor channel, a PGM output channel, an AUD output channel. These are required for all mixers.
- Order up to one Studio monitor channel.
- Order any combination of input modules so that the maximum number of input, output and monitoring channels does not exceed 30.
- Order meter-bridge panels to fill the meter bridge(s), with the proviso that the maximum numbers of meter-bridge panels of each type, as described above, is not exceeded.
- Order channel blanks or script space to fill the remaining empty channel positions.
- Configuration: When the order has been processed, Sales will issue configuration sheets which are used to indicate the required layout of the modules chosen.