M3 - Master Module

ST - The ST button selects the mix fader to control the Stereo mix buss. When de-selected the VCAs are bypassed and the path set to unity gain.

Wide - Normally the VCAs on busses 1-6 are bypassed. The WIDE button selects the mix fader to control the main mix buss. Pressing both switches allows the fader to control both stereo and main busses for 7.1 output.

Insert Points - This switches in the 8-wide insert point across the stereo buss and the main busses.

Meter Switching - Meter source selection is controlled by 4 switches providing the following functions:

Input - Monitor input, post decoder insert. Any source selected to the speakers. (default setting)

Playback - (monitor busses 7-12)

Direct - (main busses)

SPK - Speaker outputs.The speakers are metered before the mute switches, providing information for all signals which contribute to the selected format, even if the format determines that the speaker may be muted. In any format, when a Solo or Mono is pressed, the appropriate speaker meter will display the corresponding signal. All other meters will continue to display any relevant signal. This can be useful, for instance, to indicate the effects of mono build-up.

Monitor Source Switches - Monitor sources are selected by a pair of illuminated bank switches which toggle between a choice of five stereo sources or five wide format sources:

Stereo Bank - The five stereo sources are:
ST1 (external) This input can be switched for -10dBV rather than +4dBu signals. ST2 (external), ST3 (external), Lt Rt, Stereo Buss.

Wide Bank - The five wide sources are:
Ext 1, Ext 2, Ext 3, Ext 4, Direct/PlaybackWIDE sources may be combined (summed together) by making multiple selections.

Direct/Playback - Selecting DIR/PB (Direct /Playback) allows a choice between monitoring Direct or Playback signals.

DEC (Decoder) - This button inserts the encode/decode chain into the monitor path.

ENC (Encoder) - This routes Lt Rt to the stereo buss output. (It can also be used to route any alternative signal to the stereo buss).

The ENC switch also provides a safety function in broadcast situations where Lt Rt is the normal program. If an unencoded stereo mix of the same material is available on the stereo mix, the Encoder In switch can toggle between the two.

Mode Switches - These provide alternative functions for the speaker mute and format switches.

Format - SPK Mute is the default mode of operation.

P/D Solo - SPK Solo provides Solo functions for each of the Plackback/Direct monitor inputs and the speakers.

Plackback/Direct monitors and mutes inputs to monitor system after the decoder insert, but before the metering point. Direct - Playback provides individual Direct/Playback switching for monitor input paths 1-6.

Next: M6a Optional Joystick Module