Spirit Live 324 Debuts at AES '99
 October 2, 1999
Spirit’s new 324 Live, a compact digital mixer for the
live sound reinforcement engineer, made its world debut at AES in New York City.
Based
on the technology of the Spirit Digital 328, the 324 Live boasts many of the standard
features of its sibling. However, to reflect the requirements of live sound mixing
for bands, theatres or houses of worship, the 324 Live incorporates a number of
adaptations and new features designed to assist the live sound engineer in getting
the perfect mix with the minimum of fuss.
Like the 328, the key to the 324 Live’s simple operation is its ‘E-Strip’
– the row of encoders and backlit switches which run through the center of
the console. Pressing SEL(ect) on any input channel immediately turns the E-Strip
into a conventional ‘horizontal’ channel strip, giving instant access
to all EQ, Aux and Pan parameters via the row of 16 encoders that run left to
right across the console. Input status may be viewed instantly from the control
surface as each encoder is circled by a ring of LEDs that can be assigned to indicate
levels. The user is never more than a single button press away from a clear view
of a whole channel—essential in live sound operation where speed of access
is paramount.
Sixteen analog mic/line inputs are provided on XLR and 1/4" jacks. Two
external Mic/Line Interface boxes may additionally be connected via the two eight-channel
TDIF ports on the rear panel to provide 32 simultaneous inputs.
Every input has access to identical facilities, which include three band fully
parametric EQ, four external effects sends, and access to two internal Lexicon
effects units with editable and storable parameters. Two floating stereo dynamics
units (including compressors, limiters, gates and duckers) are assignable to any
input or output.
Four Group busses are provided for main routing within the console, along
with the Left, Right and Mono busses, which appear as balanced XLR outputs. In
addition, these seven busses may be configured to feed to four Matrix outputs
at user-defined levels. This is particularly useful when setting up distributed
speaker systems around a room. Two additional analog outputs are offered on balanced
XLRs. Called ‘Floating Outputs’, these may be configured to derive their
source from the Mono bus, FX1 send (a copy of the data on the first Internal FX
unit), FX2 send or any of the four groups.
During most live performances, the sound engineer will often be required to
make fast and accurate predetermined changes to EQ, Levels, Routing and Aux sends.
This is where the 324 Live’s automation comes in. With a small amount of
preparation time, an operator can program in a number of different console settings,
or ‘snapshots’, and then switch between them with a single button press.
Furthermore, the user can quickly remove selected channels from the snapshot system
while keeping the bulk of the console under automated control by employing the
Isolate switch.
All digital parameters may be stored into one of 100 snapshot locations for
later manual or MIDI program change recall. Dynamic automation is also possible
through sequencer software, as each console function has been assigned its own
MIDI message. Motorized faders on every channel input, tape return, group, master
and mix outs allow levels to be viewed easily without having to rely on automation
software. The 324 Live also provides Machine control—reading SMPTE and both
reading and writing MTC—with a large readout indicating timecode position
and store/locate points available from the transport bar.
It is often necessary for a live console operator to leave the desk unattended
at certain points during setup and before the show. The temptation is occasionally
too much for audience members, who can quickly destroy carefully prepared mix
settings. To prevent unauthorized use of the desk, the 324 Live employs a Security
function that offer various levels of lockout from OFF (nothing locked) through
to ALL (every function locked out).
Visit Spirit on the web at www.spiritbysoundcraft.com. | 
