JADE-S
JADE-S The Jade Production Console, introduced in 1992, has been successfully utilised in hundreds of facilities world-wide. Some of these are... ICC Studios Sussex Stevie V. Ollie J Roll Over Studios Steve Mac Skratch Music Stephen Lipson s The Aquarium Courtesy of Recording Architecture Jade-S builds on this reputation for excellence.
JADE-S I N T R O D U C T I O N The original Soundtracs Jade was, to many, the perfect production console. So clear was the sound, so packed with intelligent features and so easy was it to use that many said it could not be improved on. Well they were wrong. The new Jade-S represents a remarkable refinement on a console said to be perfect. A combination of the finest in audio specification, leading edge DSP technology, a proven moving fader automation system and format mixing. Being both stunning to look at and a joy to use, the Jade-S is a thoroughbred, dedicated to performance and it once again sets a new standard in music production. Of course the legendary Jade sound is left intact, a reflection on Soundtracs continued design philosophies of only using extended bandwidth electronics which reduce distortion, input/output/bus balancing which reduce RFI and high component grade, ultra low noise, maximum ground plane PCBs. Signal coherence and audio integrity is thus ensured. But when was it ever not with a Soundtracs console? Reliability is designed in, problems designed out and the performance totally unsurpassed. Available in frame-size configurations from 24 channels to 56 channels - providing a total maximum of 112 inputs in mixdown - the Jade-S is without doubt the finest production console available. P R O D U C T I O N C O N S O L E
The Channel Input Stage Discrete low noise transistors with constant current mirrors mean that the wide range balanced input stage delivers low distortion and rock-solid audio stability. It features padless gain for improved signal to noise ratio, 48volt phantom power for capacitor microphones, phase switch, tape trim, direct to tape routing and selection of input channel or monitor channel metering. The Channel Equaliser Soundtracs have an enviable world reputation for quality equalisation. - The Jade-S not only builds on it, it sets a new standard. The key is the revolutionary frequency dependent boost which combats the effects on non-linearity in music and ear at the extremes of the audio spectrum. With FdB Parametric Equaliser the 4 band parametric equaliser gently increases its gain from 15dB to 20dB as the filter is swept. The result is superior and more effective equalisation at 20KHz and 20Hz. Shelving and swept Hi and Low filters and two fully parametric mids, (which can be switched to the monitor section), deliver smooth and exciting EQ while the roll off filter provides tight control of the sub bass without removing bass presence. - It all represents one of the finest channel equaliser sections available on a console today. The Monitor Equaliser Below the channel EQ is the flexible monitor EQ - a 2 band shelving filter. In addition, the mid filters from the channel EQ can be switched into the monitor section or the channel can be flipped for full EQ on the monitor. The Auxiliary Sends Access to no less than 12 auxiliary sends are provided, with a myriad of routing options available to the user. 1-2 and 3-4 are pre or post fade stereo sends and can be linked for simultaneous sends from channel and monitor sections. In mode the stereo sends allow you to position signals anywhere in a 2-dimensional surround matrix. Aux 3-4 has access to the groups providing no less than 24 additional sends on mix-down. The 8 mono Aux sends (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12) are post fade sends and can be switched in pairs into the monitor section. INPUT OUTPUT A paragon of audio integrity and clear, ergonomic design, the Jade-S Input/Output module rightly contains all the features and sonic purity you would expect from Soundtracs, laid out in a way that s easy to understand and easy to use. The Assignable Dynamics Processor Each channel on the Jade-S is fitted with a digitally controlled dynamics processor which provides ultra-fast, ultraaccurate gating, compression, limiting, modulation and expansion, with total recall and reset. The Monitor Input Stage The all-important monitoring section of the Jade-S gives the kind of control over a second input channel for which Soundtracs is famous. Control for pan, source, solo, safe and mute are present with selectable automation of mutes and 60mm fader movement available via the built-in automation system of the Jade-S. In addition, the mix switch simply flips the mode from record to mix bringing the tape returns through the channel with the monitor becoming a second input. A group switch provides fader control of the group output level. The Channel Controls Route the signal to groups, to mix or direct to tape. Reverse the operation of monitor and channel faders. Solo, mute and make safe a channel. - All the control you need with the addition of user selectable automation of mute and 100mm channel fader. The Connections Balanced mic, line, monitor and group. Semi balanced insert point. +4dB or -10dB tape inputs and outputs. The Soundtracs Jade-S is blessed with all the connections you need. J A D E - S
INPUT OUTPUT Input Stage Low noise transistors Padless Gain 48V Phantom Power Phase Switch +\- 20dB Tape Trim Channel EQ 4 band parametric Hi & Low shelving mids from Q 0.5 to 5 Monitor EQ 2 band shelving filter Assignable Dynamics VCA In/Out Control Aux Sends 12 in total Aux 1-2 & 3-4 stereo Aux 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 mono Routing to extra 24 AUX busses Monitor Section Monitor Pan Source select Solo, Group, Mute Record Monitor faders VCA Bypass 60mm linear fader Channel Controls Pan, Solo, Safe, Mute. VCA or motor fader 100mm fader Connections Balanced Mic, Line & Monitor Input Insert point Balanced Group output Metering Individual VU or Peak indicators INPUT OUTPUT J A D E - S
STEREO INPUT The Stereo Input Module The stereo module is another example of Soundtracs clear understanding of what s required in a professional studio in the 90 s. It s designed to accept stereo line level signals from CD players, DAT machines, etc so that stereo program can be processed and mixed. It has facilities to reverse left and right signals, a 4 band fully swept FdB Parametric Equaliser section, access to the 12 auxiliary busses in mono or stereo, routing to 24 track and a stereo width control. Fader and mute automation is also present. There s even two assignable buttons for remote controlling stereo machines. The Stereo Input Module can occupy any module slot above 24. Format Mixing In keeping with today s production needs, the Jade-S allows for mixing in two formats - stereo (LR) and 4 channel surround (). Switching between the two mix modes is via a simple button push. Any channel or monitor can be positioned independently anywhere in the soundfield using the Aux 1&2 and 3&4 levels and pan controls in conjunction with the main LR busses and panning controls. In addition two joysticks beneath the master module facilitate dynamic panning control of signals in the soundfield while a divergence control is provided allowing the mix engineer to determine the degree of separation between L, C and R busses. The master fader controls and automates levels for all 4 outputs (which all appear on the patchbay), and C and S busses can be alternately metered using the Solo LED metering above the master module. The Jade-S features 4 channel surround mixing complete with two joysticks allowing the engineer to dynamically pan signals around the soundfield for musical or picture-synced effects. FORMAT M I X I N G J A D E - S
STEREO INPUT Features Stereo width control Remote start switches Automated Equalisation In/Out switching Full dynamics processing FdB Equalisation Left & Right signal phase & reverse VCA fader & mute automation Access to 12 auxiliaries 100mm long-throw fader STEREO INPUT FORMAT M I X I N G Features Two mixing formats available: stereo (LR) 4 channel surround () Twin joystick control for dynamic panning Divergence control for buss separation All 4 channels appear separately on patchbay Master fader automation of both mix modes metering via Solo LED Mix mode selection button FORMAT M I X I N G J A D E - S
ASSIGNABLE DYNAMICS P R O C E S S O R Features Leading-edge DSP technology Dedicated dynamics VCA s (does not use fader VCA) Software programmable bypass 5 micro second attack time Gate emulation Compression and Limiting Special FX: auto-panning, tremolo and pulse. Totally assignable with recall Save settings to memory and on disk with fader automation Independent of automation Stereo linking of channels Keying for effects and de-essing ASSIGNABLE DYNAMICS P R O C E S S O R ADP control panel with integrated backlit LCD display. Gating and Expansion ASSIGNABLE DYNAMICS P R O C E S S O R Because of the sensitivity of the ear to transients, any professional gate must have an extremely fast attack time so it can open quickly and allow the transients through. Designers of analogue gates have strived to increase the attack time and it is now generally accepted that a good gate will have an attack time of under 20 microseconds. Yet the gates in the ADP achieve an incredible attack time of just 5 microseconds - there s nothing faster. This means sharper response and tighter gating. They re flexible too, with parameters for attack, hold, decay, range and hysteresis and the ability to store favourite gates. They can even be linked to other channels for full stereo operation and keyed from another channel for triggered effects and pre-gating. The optional Soundtracs Assignable Dynamics Processor represents a major advance in high quality dynamics processing using DSP s to provide fully assignable and recallable dynamics on every JADE-S channel. Compression and Limiting Offering much more than conventional analogue compressors, (variable control of threshold, attack, release, ratio, knee and output plus stereo linking), the compressors on the ADP offer quite possibly the best compression on the market today. In conjunction, the ADP also offers excellent limiting facilities allowing the compressors to operate up to, but not beyond, the limit threshold. Modulation and Effects Total movement of signal level and pan in the audio mix is available through the ADP - be it static or continuous. And with such control. Modulate the level of any channel for tremolo and pulse effects, synchronise pan to the modulation of another channel - the creative possibilities are endless.
MASTER With the Jade-S Master Module you have complete and effortless management of the Aux masters, an on-board oscillator, a talkback system, a solo system, studio and control room outputs. The Auxiliary Masters The most extensive control over the 12 balanced auxiliary signals leaving a Jade-S Production Console is provided: Level, AFL and user selectable soft mute automation for each individual Aux master. The Oscillator and Talkback System A built-in oscillator with tones of 10kHz, 1kHz and 100Hz can be routed to the group, for slating to tape, to auxiliaries for lining up effects, and to the direct output on the patchbay. A flexible 2-way talkback system allows the engineer to talk and listen to the studio, aux busses, groups or the direct output on the patchbay. The Solo System Two solo options are available to the user of a Jade-s Production Console: PFL, and Inplace Solo - where all other inputs are muted when a channel solo button is pressed. The Studio Output Completely re-designed master module. The +4dB balanced output level feeding the headphones in the studio area is controlled via the studio output and can be muted to prevent headphone spill. Any combination of Aux 1-2, Aux 3-4, 2 tracks A,B,C,D, external 1 and 2 and the mix can be sent via the patchbay as a headphone mix. The Control Room Output No less than 3 speaker outputs, stereo or master stems and headphone cues and mix can be monitored by the impressive control room output section. There is also a mono button for checking mono compatibility, a mute button, solo level and headphone level controls. Master Metering Large, illuminated mechanical VU meters are provided for the LR output in addition to a phase correlation meter. MASTER Auxiliary Masters 12 level controls with AFL and soft mute on each Oscillator 10KHz, 1KHz and 100Hz tones Routed to Group, Aux and Direct Talkback System Talk to studio, aux busses, groups and Direct Listen Mic facility Solo System PFL and In-place solo Studio Output Combination feed to headphones Level and Mute Control Room Output 3 switchable speaker outputs Mute, Dim, Solo and Headphone level Metering VU and phase correlation meters AES/EBU Digital I/O MASTER
MOVING FADER A U T O M A T I O N Quite simply the most flexible, feature-packed and usable automation available on a production console. Moving Fader & VCA Automation The Jade-S console incorporates moving fader automation for all channels, VCA fader automation for monitor faders and the master fader, and also automates all mutes. Derived from the proven Solitaire automation system, it provides frame accuracy for faders, quarter frame accuracy for mutes and 12 bit sampling of fader levels (4,096 steps). VCA automation is also available. All data is stored internally in non-volatile RAM, and can be archived to MIDI devices or on a PC. The system synchronises and generates MTC in all framerates, and is capable of MIDI machine control using the dual MIDI port sets (IN, OUT and THRU x 2). Fader positions can even be converted into MIDI continuous controllers to remote control the parameters of other studio equipment. A high visibility head-up timecode display is built-in to the meterbridge. Four Modes of Operation The REC and PLY buttons allow one of four modes to be selected and the LED's show which mode is current - RECORD, PLAY, TRIM or ISOLATE. They also flash to show the nulling direction. The motorised faders utilise a touchsensor circuit to allow autotakeover and Snatch modes. Global fader and mute modes can also be selected from the menu driven, master control panel with LCD display. Nulling is possible either manually or automatically (with a variable All fader and mute automation, along with timecode synchronisation readouts can be displayed via a PC. Jade-S Automation system control centre complete with large function keys and parameter wheel. computer controlled null time), or the system can operate in Crash record. A Safe mode is provided to protect automation on individual channels. Completely Self Contained The entire system is self contained and operates from the on-board controller - no external computer system is required. However, for additional fader display, archiving and extensive graphical off-line editing requirements, Soundtracs has developed an advanced GUI software package running on a PC platform. This software is included with the Jade-S and allows users to cut, copy and paste together mixes faster than realtime. A trackerball in the master section facilitates this. VCA Mixing Groups Mixing can be further simplified by assigning input faders to be controlled by one of the 8 dedicated VCA faders. A single VCA master can fade a stereo balance of inputs, preserving their relative levels even if faded to off and then restored. (note an external PC is required for this feature).
MOVING FADER A U T O M A T I O N Features Mute automation on all channels, monitors and auxiliary master outputs Fader automation on up to 113 faders - including all monitors, channels and master outputs Simultaneous display of all fader movements A rolling time-line style advance view of the entire mix RECORD, PLAY, TRIM, ISOLATE and SAFE fader modes RECORD, PLAY, UPDATE, ISOLATE and SAFE mute modes Crash record for scene changes Auto or manual nulling options Auto null time from 1 frame to 60 seconds Takeover and Snatch modes for touch sensitive motor faders Off line mix editing - including Insert, Move, Copy, Duplicate, Ramp and Autofade Off line mute editing - including Insert, Move, Copy, Nudge Frame accuracy for faders, 1/4 frame accuracy for mutes MTC reader and generator 12 bit fader sampling resolution (4,096 steps) VCA bypass MOVING FADER A U T O M A T I O N J A D E - S
JADE-S C O N N E C T I O N S Easy access to the inputs and outputs of a console plus comprehensive metering are of paramount importance and here, the Jade-S yet again delivers. Jade-S Patchbay The Jade-S Production Console can be fitted with a comprehensive TT patchbay for immediate access to all inputs and outputs. Two types are available: Standard or metal Mosses & Mitchell for more demanding applications. The Jade-S patchbay comes pre-wired for up to 48 tracks and 96 tie lines, expandable to 320 tie lines, and has auxiliary normalling for easy wiring. Jade-S Metering Every input/output channel has a 30 segment bargraph meter which displays recording levels to and from multitrack tape or switched to view channel input levels. These meters are peak or VU reading and calibrated for an accurate visual representation. In addition, two large VU meters monitor the master L and R output levels. Internal Jumper Links Internal jumper links are provided to select +4dB or -10dB levels on group outputs and tape returns. Pre or post fade on input channel auxiliaries 5 to 12 are internally selectable, as is +48v on the listen mic input. Master Rear Connector Panel The master rear connector panel gives access to all inputs and outputs including the master outputs, auxiliary outputs, 2 track sends and returns and tape I/O. The PSU connector, listen mic, digital control lines and earth are also located on the master rear connector panel. The Jade-S patchbay can be configured with a maximum of 320 tie lines. Balancing Transformers Balancing transformer options are available factory fitted to provide isolation of mic inputs, master outputs plus tape sends and returns. AES/EBU Interface A fully professional digital stereo master output supplements the analogue LR balanced outputs, allowing direct to DAT or hard disk mastering. A 2-track return signal can be monitored via the input to this circuit. 18 bit A/D and 20 bit D/A conversion ensures an S/N in excess of 105dB. J A D E - S Jade-S metering is clear, concise and comprehensive with LED s & twin VU s.
JADE-S C O N N E C T I O N S Patchbay Option Quality TT sockets Pre-wired and ready for use for up to 48 tracks 96 tie lines - expandable to 320 Auxiliary normalling Metering 30 segment bargraph meter for each input/output channel Accurately calibrated 2 large illuminated VU meters for master L & R Power supply indicators Master Rear Connector Panel Master outputs, auxiliary outputs, 2 track sends and returns. Multi-way connectors 9-pin high speed PC serial interface PSU connector MIDI IN, OUT, THRU Digital AES/EBU input and output Trackerball connection JADE-S C O N N E C T I O N S J A D E - S
JADE-S F L O W C H A R T INPUT/OUTPUT MODULE Transformer option Mic Line Tape Return +48V Line Line in Tape Return Mon in Channel Gain +0 +70 Mic -10 +20 Line Tape Gain Tape Mix HPF Phase Channel HF & LF EQ EQ on Mid Band EQ Mon switches Mid Band between monitor and channel paths Send Return To DSP From DSP Gate On VCA Active IPS Line Mute Safe Solo Status PFL Bus Rev VCA Monitor Fader VCA on VCA Channel fader VCA on AUX Bus 1-12 Group Bus 1-24 Left Bus Right Bus PFL Bus Peak Group -20 +20 Tape Direct Group Group Tape send Tape send Monitor Path HF and LF EQ EQ on Mute Safe IPS Line Solo Automation CPU PFL Bus Status Channel Channel L-R Left Bus 30 Seg VU/PK Meter PAN Monitor Right Bus Left Bus Meter PAN Right Bus Monitor L-R INPUT/OUTPUT MODULE 1 OF 24/32/40/48/56 Post Mon Post Mon AUX 1/2 PAN AUX 3/4 PAN 24T 24 Bus AUX 1 Bus AUX 2 Bus AUX 3 Bus AUX 4 Bus Groups 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 5/9 24 Bus Groups 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 Signal Flow (Analogue Path) Mon 6/10 AUX 5 Bus AUX 9 Bus EDAC Connectors Pre/Post AUX 6/10 AUX 6 Bus Output Patchbay Socket Mon 7/11 AUX 7/11 AUX 10 Bus AUX 7 Bus Normalised Input Patchbay Socket Pre/Post 8/12 AUX 8/12 AUX 11 Bus AUX 8 Bus Electronically Balanced Output Amplifier AUX 12 Bus MASTER SECTION JOYSTICK 1 JOYSTICK L C R S AUX OUT 12 AUX NORMAL AUX OUT X AUX MASTERS AUX 4 AUX 3 AUX 2 AUX 1 SOLO AFL LEVEL MUTE AUX SUMMING AMP AUX 4 AUX 3 AUX 2 AUX 1 AUX 1-12 AUX BUS 1-12 GROUP BUS 1-24 LEFT BUS RIGHT BUS SOLO BUS IPS/STATUS BUS JOTSTICK 2 JOTSTICK 2 L C R S AUX 3-4 MERGE AUX 2 AUX 1 ALL AUX ALL GROUPS LEFT MIX LEFT MIX MASTER FADER RETURN SEND LEFT DAC D-A A-D RIGHT MIX ADC 2T-D 2T-C 2T-B 2 Track Sends 2T-A RIGHT MIX VCA SEND RETURN RIGHT TB DIR GROUP AUX STUDIO OCR ON TALKBACK LEVEL DAC TALKBACK MIC ADC 2T-D 2T-C 2T-B 2T-A SURROUND MIX CENTRE MIX SURROUND MIX CENTRE MIX STEREO / QUAD SEND RETURN RETURN SEND SURROUND CENTRE OSC DIR L STUDIO OUTPUT L R STUDIO L FEED STUDIO R FEED GROUP AUX DIR STUDIO L TO DIM CIRCUIT OSCILLATOR ON LEVEL STUDIO R L STUDIO LEVEL STUDIO MUTE MUTE OSCILLATOR 100, 1K, 10K AUX 1-2 AUX 3-4 L-R 2TA 2TB 2TC 2TD EXT 1 EXT 2 PHASE METER SOURCED AS PER CONTROL ROOM TO SOLO BUS SOLO LOGIC L DAC MONITOR FROM TALKBACK SWITCH R PEAK SELECT CENTRE/SURROUND MUTE CONTROL ROOM ROUTING AUX 1-2 AUX 3-4 L-R S-C 2TA 2TB 2TC 2TD EXT 1 2TAL 2TAR 2TBL 2TBR 2TCL 2TDL 2TDR EXT1L EXR1R CONTROL ROOM B R C CONTROL ROOM A R ALT LEVEL ALT QUAD CONTROL ROOM MUTE MONO DIM QUAD 20DB DIM SOLO SWITCHER LISTEN EXT 2 +48V OPTION EXT2L EXR2R SOLO METER MUTE MONO GAIN LISTEN MICROPHONE SOLO CONTROL ROOM LEVEL CONTROL L CONTROL ROOM C R L R HEADPHONE LEVEL SOLO CONTROL LOGIC IPS SOLO LEVEL IPS STATUS J A D E - S
Input Impedance All electronically balanced Microphone input Line/monitor/tape/insert inputs Output Impedance 2k ohms >10k ohms All outputs except inject sends, osc, & TB electronically balanced Impedance JADE-S S P E C I F I C A T I O N <75 ohms Distortion (channel input through to mix) Line (no VCA) <0.006% Channel or monitor (VCA in) <0.015% Dynamics VCA <0.05% Frequency Response Microphone (Gain 55dB) 20Hz-20kHz +0-0.5dB Soundtracs PLC 03/97. Designed and produced by The Detective Agency. Maximum output levels All balanced outputs (to balanced inputs) >+24dBu Group Noise 48 channels routed -79dBr Maximum Gain Microphone (channel input to mix output) 80dB Line (channel input to mix output) 30dB Equaliser Frequencies Channel Parametric FdB Equaliser HF 1.5k-15kHz ± 15 to 20dB MF1 700-14kHz ± 15dB Q = 0.5-5 MF2 50-1kHz ± 15dB Q = 0.5-5 LF 50-500 Hz ± 20dB to 15dB Aux Noise 48 channels routed -81dBr Signal Crosstalk Channel mute -100dB @ 1kHz. -90dB @ 10kHz Channel fader -100dB @ 1kHz. -95dB @ 10kHz Monitor mute -98dB @ 1kHz. -90dB @ 10kHz Monitor fader -95dB @ 1kHz. -93dB @ 10kHz Adjacent channel -93dB @ 1kHz. -90dB @ 10kHz Monitor Equaliser HF LF 10kHz ± 15dB 100Hz ± 15dB Input Noise Mic Input Equivalent (150 ohms) Line Input Equivalent (50 ohms) <-129dBu <-95dBu Mix noise (VCA out) 24 channels routed -83dBr 32 channels routed -81dBr 40 channels routed -80dBr 48 channels routed -79dBr 56 channels routed -77dBr Digital Interface A/D converter D/A converter Input Dynamic Range Output Dynamic Range 0dB FS Frequency of Sampling 18-bits 20-bits >94dB >105dB +18dBu 32kHz - 56kHz (slave) 44.1kHz or 48kHz (master) Weights and Dimensions Console Un-crated Crated Size in mm 24 input (32u) 160kg ±10% 270kg ±10% 1135(d) x 1007(h) x 1382mm(w) 24 PB (40u) 188kg ±10% 298kg ±10% 1135(d) x 1007(h) x 1686mm(w) 32 input (40u) 188kg ±10% 298kg ±10% 1135(d) x 1007(h) x 1686mm(w) 32 PB (48u) 217kg ±10% 339kg ±10% 1135(d) x 1007(h) x 1991mm(w) 40 input (48u) 217kg ±10% 339kg ±10% 1135(d) x 1007(h) x 1991mm(w) 40 PB (56u) 246kg ±10% 267kg ±10% 1135(d) x 1007(h) x 2296mm(w) 48 input (56u) 246kg ±10% 267kg ±10% 1135(d) x 1007(h) x 2296mm(w) 48 PB (64u) 275kg ±10% 396kg ±10% 1135(d) x 1007(h) x 2601mm(w) 56 PB (72u) 275kg ±10% 396kg ±10% 1135(d) x 1007(h) x 2906mm(w) Products offered for sale may differ from those described or illustrated in this brochure due to later production changes in specifications, components or place of manufacture. The contents of this brochure are therefore not to be treated as representations as to the current availability of products as described, or as to products actually offered for sale. Soundtracs Plc reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice, in prices, colours, materials, specifications and models, and also to discontinue models.
Distributor Dealer Soundtracs PLC. Unit 21-D. Blenheim Road. Longmead Industrial Estate. Epsom. Surrey KT19 9XN. England Telephone: (+44) (0)181 388 5000. Fax (+44) (0)181 388 5050. email: sales@soundtracs.co.uk Soundtracs USA. 316 South Service Road, Melville, NY11747-3201 Telephone: (+1) 516 333 8737. Fax: (+1) 516 333 9108