SERIOUS ABOUT SOUND

3D Sound Diffusion Console
Up to twelve input, thirty- two output mixing matrix designed for multi-channel sound diffusion

Introduction to 3D - A unique Sound Diffusion Console

3D is the result of many years experience of presenting and performing electro-acoustic music in workshops and concerts, and in particular our long collaboration with BEAST (Birmingham Electro-Acoustic Sound Theatre). Coupled with our other design, manufacturing and installation work we have acquired a great deal of technical expertise on audio components and systems in general. All of this expertise has been applied in the development of 3D.

The nature of 3D means that each unit can be customised easily, so all new owners have a 3D console optimised (and costed) for their own special requirements. For example a 3D Diffusion Console intended for a fixed installation could be housed in a free standing hand made ash unit, with storage space, built in timer and lighting control (we also offer custom studio furniture to your specification).

We have advised on many new systems. Some have been based around equipment already owned, some on new equipment, and more usually, a combination of both.

So if you are thinking of developing a diffusion system please call us, write or fax; whatever your circumstances and requirements we are uniquely qualified to help you create the best system you can with the resources you have available.

Preliminary Requirements

In the process of developing the "ideal" diffusion console, certain basic requirements were proposed:

  • An easily portable touring diffusion console with fully professional performance

  • Modular construction

  • Up to 12 inputs

  • Up to 32 outputs grouped in stereo pairs with 100mm long throw faders

  • All connections on 3 pole jacks - this saves space and money

  • Pre-fader inserts on each output

  • All output pairs capable of sending from 1 to all 6 input pairs mixed together to the channel inserts and output connectors.

  • To allow the connection between distant amplifiers and 3D, a single multicore connector should be provided that will connect reliably all 32 outs

Detailed Specification

Working on the above guidelines, 3D was produced as follows:

  • Built in to flight case; rugged with a minimal amount of unpacking; Littlelites, cabling, spare PCBs etc in hard wearing bag
  • All inputs and outputs (except inserts) fully floating electronically balanced
  • Stereo input circuit boards, levels adjustable independently on each channel with up to 10dB gain, switchable in or out as stereo pair on single switch
  • Accurate unity gain position marked on each input potentiometer
  • High quality metering (twin PPM), switchable in or out and selectable, to check signal levels going to mixer matrix boards from each pair of inputs
  • Twelve into two (2 x 6 into 1) mixing, with mixer inputs selectable via 6 switches on mixer matrix board, one for each pair of inputs
  • Unbalanced insert send and return - use Neutrik gold plated stacked jack sockets for long term reliability of switching, but with separate jack sockets for insert send and insert return
  • Post fader level adjust on each mixer matrix board via multi turn trimmer
  • Input reverse to allow the left input signal to go to the right fader and loudspeaker and vice versa
  • Fader gain/attenuation marked accurately at 10dB intervals from +10dB to -30dB
  • Use heavy duty sealed connectors for multicore
  • Provide additional individual outs wired in parallel with multicore
  • Littlelites to illuminate console during performances, with individual on/off switches
  • External PSU capable of supplying power from an input voltage of 230VAC, ± 15%

 

Performance Specifications

  • Frequency Response Flat <2Hz to >20kHz
  • Unity gain through system (faders at 0dB, a further 10dB available), with all inputs on, all mixer/matrix inputs on, measured at 22Hz to 22kHz
  • Signal to noise -122dB below maximum output (ca +22dBm)
  • THD + noise <.005%

 

Other features worth noting

  • 3D case is birch ply
  • Rear multipin connectors are Contact type (not EDACs) and are supplied with a transit cover
  • 3D has fibre-glass mother board PCBs, copper earth-bussbar and a star earthing system
  • In the 3D all cables are numbered
  • The 3D's 12 Way Mixer/Matrix board has: all resistors 1% metal film (low noise, long term high stability), DC blocking capacitors from insert return are high value, low leakage polarised electrolytic capacitors, guaranteeing long life, flat frequency response from 20kHz down to .2Hz, with superb bass phase coherence giving a subjectively ‘clear & open’ bass response, all ICs low noise and mounted in high quality turned pin sockets for long term reliability, test points for easy servicing and set-up, and 24 turn cermet trimmers for gain setting, again for long term reliability and stability