ART 200M

Studio A and Studio B at TRAC are calibrated to ______dBFS to maximize the use of analog outboard gear, consoles and summing amplifiers

-16

When recording to tape, can be calibrated to different standards (AES/EBU and IEC) typically has best low end response

15 IPS

The Aviom headphone system has how many discrete inputs available?

16

The HPF filter has an ______dB per octave slope while the LPF has a ______dB per octave slope

18, 12

Large Format SSLs have ____ mic pres built in the master section that are called listen mics

2

When recording to tape, one unified calibration standard, widely used for music in the 80s-90s

30 IPS

The routing matrix of the SSL 4000 has how many separate individual outputs? (exclude the quad bus LF, RF, LB, RB)

32

How many bands do the EQs have on the SSL (exclude the High and Low pass filters)

4

Roughly how many db's should you bring up a mic to get it to input level?

40-50

When recording to tape, used primarily for speech. Not used anymore unless you are transferring something

7 1/2 IPS

The large format SSLs have ________ VCA Master faders.

8

More expensive due to the cabling involved. Usually sound better than Ethernet though.

Analog

In charge of setting things up (mics, patches, labelling, back ups) is usually representing the studio. Constantly ahead of the session to make it flow at a quicker pace.

Assistant Engineer

The Aux send can get it's signal from the small or large fader, pre or post. There is a total of 4 mono Auxes and one stereo.

Auxes

On the tape machine, This insures the heads are not at an uneven "tilt" to the tape

Azimuth adjustment

This part of the drum is what the drummer strikes

Batter Head

This is an ultra high frequency (above 100kHz) and is used to excite the particles on the tape before the tape hits the record head.

Bias

Collects and sums signals to go somewhere else. Will have some kind of volume control.

Bus

In Record Mode, the button that moves the Dynamics section after the EQ section in the Channel Path of Inline SSLs is:

CH OUT

If the ___ or ______ button is pushed (and nothing else) in the EQ section, the filters are active right after the EQ

CH, MON

Where the signal comes into the channel strip. Choices include Mic, Line, and a feed from the corresponding bus.

Channel Input Section

Can be small or large fader; in Record Mode it defaults to feeding the routing matrix in Mix Mode it feeds the stereo bus.

Channel Path

In Record Mode, the ________ includes every part of the signal in between the microphone and the multi-track recorder (Pro Tools), and the ________ includes every part of the signal between the multi-track recorder (Pro Tools) and the speakers.

Channel path, Monitor path

Neve- 80 series (48, 58, 68, 78), VR, 88R SSL-4000E&G Amek - 9098i API-Vision, Legacy

Common Industry Standard Consoles

Basically Dolby SR is a:

Compander

the distance where the source sound and reverberations become the same dBSPL masking the direction of the source sound. The less reverberant the room, the farther the Critical Distance. The more reverberant the room, the closer the Critical Distance

Critical Distance

To patch something across a signal. (i.e.- Cross patch the kik from Mic Line 44 to Channel Mic Input 1.)

Cross Patch

To patch out of the Stereo Cue (a stereo send) patch out of __________________

Cue Outputs L R

When the _________ button is pressed on the SSL, the channel's output signal is sent to the corresponding input on the Multitrack (Pro Tools).

Direct

A tool used for tuning drums by screwing in the tension rods

Drum key

For this section each channel has a dynamic section including a gate and compressor

Dynamics Section

Each channel has a 4 band parametric Eq. SSL has had multiple EQ types O2 Type 232 type 242 type 292 type

EQ Section

To patch out of AUX sends 1-4 (usually for time-based effects) use the ____________________

Echo Sends Patch

The part of the tape machine where you place your tape for edits. Usually has grooves for 30IPS edits

Edit Block

Any changes in the song (taking parts out), extensive time alignment (usually done before OD though), vocal tuning, and making sure the session is organized and prepped for the mix engineer.

Editing and Mix Prep

In charge of the technically creative decisions (what gear, mic placements, mixing etc.)

Engineer

The three heads on an analog tape machine are:

Erase, Record, Playback

Less expensive and can carry several separate channels on 1 Ethernet cable. However, most of these mixers do not have built in limiters so they can distort easy.

Ethernet

The Aviom headphone mixers connect through ________.

Ethernet cables

If the __________ button is pushed, the filters are put into the side chain of the channel's dynamics

FLT DYN SC

Critical Distance states that for every doubling of the distance from the sound source, 6dB is lost (t/f?)

False

It is ok for the assistant engineer to feel free to comment on anything from mic placement to song structure (t/f?)

False

T/F? If the MON IN button is engaged in the Dynamics section in order to use the compressor, you will be printing a compressed signal to tape

False

T/F? The SSL has a built-in time-based processor that creates reverbs, delays, and echoes.

False

T/F? When routing audio from the SSL to Pro Tools in Record Mode, the direct button will allow the engineer to route a signal to a different input in Pro Tools

False

T/F? While in [Record Mode + VCA to Monitor] the large faders send the microphone signal to tape?

False

True or False: The SSL 4000E has 1 Stereo Cue and six mono Auxes.

False

True or False: The drum set is a British innovation

False

SSL hard drives originally came with _______ ______, then magnetic optical disks with the 9000 series

Floppy Disks

When a patch cable is inserted in the top or bottom patch, the signal is broke.

Fully Normalled

Determines how the engineer is using the console

Global Status

In the Master Section what set of buttons determine the Modes of the Console?

Global Status

Global Status determines the following A. Which fader (small or large) is the Channel Path and which is the Monitor Path B. Determines what input signal the Channel Path receives. (Mic or Line) C. Determines the output of the Channel and Monitor Paths

Global status terms

This patch point is normalized to the Multitrack Sends. (Hint it's above the Multitrack Sends.)

Group Outputs

This patch point on an SSL Patch bay is the outputs of the individual busses in the Routing Matrix.

Group Outputs

When pressed, this puts the channel strip in Record Mode. You monitor that signal Pre Tape (before Pro Tools)

Group Ready

When the patch cable is inserted in the top row, the signal continues to send down to the bottom. if a patch cable is inserted on the bottom row, the signal is broken

Half Normalled

These can play a critical role in the performance of the artist(s)

Headphone Mix

These mini mixers can range from 4 Channels up to 16. Controls can be as basic as volume only or have volume, basic EQ, and panning

Headphone Mixers

The ______ button in the middle of the EQ activates the insert return POST EQ, while the _______ button puts the insert PRE EQ

IN, PRE

Inches Per Second

IPS

Bussing, monitor, and channel path included on one channel strip (2 faders) (all SSL's are these)

Inline Console

A physics term that is used for gravity, light, and sound. Basically for every doubling of distance from the sound source, there will be 6dB SPL of reduction. (p~1/r)

Inverse Square Law

___________ is commonly used on a drum set in Western Popular music as the downbeat (1 and 3) while ____________ is used for the backbeat (2 and 4).

Kick drum and Snare

There can be many different signal paths. _____ the outboard gear, and Auxes can be important in a session that goes long hours. Pay attention to what colors the engineer likes. I.E. red is usually vocals.

LABEL EVERYTHING

Can be Channel or Monitor Path; Can be grouped into VCA masters and is automatable

Large Fader

Includes bussing, a monitor path, and a channel path

Large Format

A speaker cabinet that is usually used with a Hammond Organ. The horns (for mids and highs) rotate (with 2 speeds) 360 degrees continuously. With a pedal adapter, this can be used for other instruments. (Guitar, Bass, Vocals.)

Leslie

This tape has precise tones and is used on the playback calibration.

MRL

Very expensive tape used for playback calibration

MRL

When in playback calibration the basic equation for the VU meters is:

MRL-Desired Operating Level=VU

Three busses on analog

Main Stereo Bus Aux Output The Routing Matrix

Neve, API, SSL, Amek, Harrison, Trident were all?

Manufactures Types

Is a summing (controls the output) amplifier. Give the console it's stereo image

Master Fader

Balancing each song on the album so they are at one level, organizing the track order, putting in the ISRC codes

Mastering

The three types of calibration are:

Mechanical, Playback, Record

On an SSL patchbay, what patch points are getting their signal(s) from the Microphone Panels in the studio?

Mic Lines

Blending all the tracks together. A mix engineer doesn't make a sing sound good, it should already sound good when they get it. They make it sound great

Mixing

Can be small or large fader; in Record mode it defaults to feeding the Stereo Bus, in Mix Mode it feeds the routing matrix

Monitor Path

Determines what speakers and level you listen to

Monitor controls

This patch point is the individual outputs of Pro Tools normalized to the Channel Line Inputs and Tape Monitor Inputs.

Multitrack Returns

Patching into the first patch of the mult creates "multiple" copies of that signal

Mults

The measurement of the sum of all other noise sources and unwanted signals on a given track

Noise Floor

This is the measurement of the sum of all other noise sources and unwanted signals on a given track. (Ex. tape hiss)

Noise Floor

The process of calibrating tracks over their peak when biasing, based on the tape type, machine and tape speed

Over Bias

All of the following are a part of the SSL Input Section EXCEPT:

Pan Knob

Spaced A/B, X/Y, ORTF, Blumlien are all popular techniques. Closer to the strings, more "in your face" sounds. Closer to the hammers more of a percussive sound (rock). More towards the outer edge of the piano the truest tone of the instrument. Ambient Micing is common. Micing near the sound board and putting a compressor on it will give you the "Imagine" sound. (John Lennon, Phil Spector-Producer)

Piano Recording

This head is the least used and it is ideal for mixing

Playback Head

Before the actual recording, the producer spends time with the artist to plan out the project.

Preproduction

What is the most common workflow for recording a project?

Preproduction-Recording-Editing-Mixing- Mastering

In charge of budgeting the project. Also in charge of music arrangement and what overall direction a project goes.

Producer

Hands-on control is much more intuitive and can seem more creative. Physical EQ's and Dynamics sound different than plugins. Summing Amplifier of the Stereo bus gives each console it's own sound and stereo image. Preference of many engineers to get the mix they want. Large recording sessions with a lot of inputs

Reasons to still use a console

A piece of paper that has an image of the piece of outboard gear on it. Write the settings on it. (Many people are taking pictures with their phones now instead of using these)

Recall Sheets

Records incoming signal. When overdubbing, this is the head you want the pre-recorded tracks on

Record Head

This head on a tape machine is for playback only.

Repro

Analog keyboard that needs and amp. Usually a small tube amp will work.

Rhodes

Is where the individual busses are located. Busses are wires within the console that take the signal to it's destination. SSL 4000's are 32 bus Routing Matrix plus routing to the Quad & Stereo Bus

Routing Matrix

Usually works for free or minimum wage. Does everything from wrap cables, take out trash, to take lunch orders. The position gets you in the door.

Runner/Intern

A signal that is recorded to keep track of time on a tape; Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers

SMPTE

This is a signal used to sync multiple analog multi-tracks together. The signal is usually printed on track 24

SMPTE

The console is an E series retrofitted with a G computer

SSL 4000 E/G

Can be Channel or Monitor path or can be used as a traditional send (Channel Output Function)

Small Fader Section

When using a stereo mic configuration for drum over heads, in addition to checking phase you should hard pan the channels and make sure this is "balanced" giving the impression it is in the center of the stereo spectrum.

Snare

24 channels on the left are channel strips (channel path) 24 (monitor path) on the right leaving you with a total of 24 possibilities

Split

If the _________ button is pushed, the filters are active right after the input section on the Channel Path

Split

If you wanted to put the filters right after the input section in the Channel Path on the SSL, what button(s) must you push? (Check all that apply)

Split

Two examples of large format layouts

Split Inline

Each SSL inline console has a ____ ____ compressor

Stereo Bus

Tape should be stored like this because it ensures flat winding of the tape and protects against the damaging of the edges

Tails Out

When pressed, this puts the channel strip in Record Mode. You monitor that signal POST Tape (after Pro Tools)

Tape Ready

This device lets you record to analog tape with simultaneously transferring the recorded signal to a DAW.

The Clasp

True or false? Large Format SSLs have a stereo bus compressor that comes with the console as a standard feature.

True

All SSL inline consoles have 8. These can control the fader levels of any channels grouped to them

VCA Masters

The button in the Master section of the SSL 4000 that flips the large faders to the Monitor Path in Record Mode is called:

VCA to Monitor

A high frequency (between 100kHz-140kHz) that the tape machine puts out before the record head to improve tape response

bias

The part of the tape machine that has the motor under it to ensure constant tape speed

capstan

Erases tape

erase head

These are inactive when turned to the "out" position

filters

The part of the tape machine that helps guide the tape to ensure proper contact with the heads

guides

The part of the tape machine that "pinches" the tape up to the capstan to help ensure the tape speed

pinch roller

Wood cut into thin sheets used for drum construction

plys

The process of imposing the audio on the tape beneath it

print through

The head underneath the drum which helps resonate the drum

resonance head

Holds the heads of drums in place and are responsible for the tension applied to the drums

rims

A popular way of running tracking sessions (although not exclusive) for Never VR large format consoles. This is the concept of putting one half of the board in Record Mode and the other in Mix mode. The mics are routed to the Record Mode side and the returns of tape (Pro Tools) are routed back to the console on the Mix side

split mode

Side of the tape machine that is supplying the tape. Has a motor in it to insure equal tension

supply reel

Side of the tape machine that is taking up the tape after it crosses the heads. Tape should always be stored on the take up reel or "Tails Out". Has a motor in it to ensure equal tension

take up reel

On the tape machine - whether or not the heads are leaning forward or back

tangent

The part of the tape machine that lifts the tape up from the heads for rewind or fast forward

tape lifters

Can come in 1/4", 1/2", 1" and 2" formats; can have 2, 4, 8, 16, or 24 tracks

tape machines

Distortion of a signal due to "hot" levels on the input

tape saturation

The part of the tape machine that ensures there is proper tension from the take up and supply reels

tension arms

Applies tension to the drum heads by securing the rims into lugs on the drum

tension rods

On the tape machine - insures the proper gap between the tape and the heads

wrap

On the tape machine - insures the heads are at an even perpendicular angle to the tape

zenith