#Topaz studio 2 user manual software
#Topaz studio 2 user manual code
#Topaz studio 2 user manual Pc
#Topaz studio 2 user manual series

#Topaz studio 2 user manual series

Though the VCAs are very high quality, purists will still prefer to pass signal through them as few times as is possible.īecause the VCAs are in series with the channel signal path, the channel faders must be set at unity gain position before mixing commences. When the Automation rack unit is switched off, relays bypass the VCAs, providing a convenient means of taking the VCAs out of circuit while recording.

#Topaz studio 2 user manual code

This system syncs to MIDI Time Code (MTC) only, and it is up to the user to provide a source of MTC, either from a sync box or from other hardware such as an Alesis BRC. No MIDI interface is included, so the user has to provide one, ideally a Roland MPU401 or equivalent, though many others will work.

A green status LED on the front panel confirms MIDI activity.

#Topaz studio 2 user manual Pc

On the back of the Automation rack box is a MIDI In and a MIDI Thru socket, the MIDI In being needed to receive data from the PC running the included automation software, and Thru to carry MTC (derived from the external sync source), to any other machine that might need it. It all makes for a very tidy installation, the downside being that you can't use this automation system on any console other than on the Topaz Project 8 and the previous Topaz. These plug into the 1U rackmount automation controller, and other than a mains switch and a rotary MIDI channel selector, this box has no user controls. Topographically, the VCAs are situated adjacent to the console insert points, but as the VCA cards are located inside the main console body, the only external connections comprise one ribbon cable for every eight channels of the console. In this respect, it's more like the other affordable automation system we're looking at in this issue, the Mac‑based Mackie Ultramix system (see review on page 180), but unlike the Ultramix system, all control is done on the Project 8 automation via the computer and mouse - there's no outboard fader pack option.

#Topaz studio 2 user manual software

Apparently, a Mac version of the software was also planned, but this has been abandoned due to the Mac's poor market penetration in the studio!īased on those fashionable analogue devices, VCAs, the Topaz Project 8 automation system is a little different to most, in that it doesn't interact with the console faders or switches. The introduction of a low‑cost, dedicated automation system for the Topaz Project 8 makes it much more interesting, and because the automation runs on an IBM‑compatible PC, the designers have had the opportunity to create a very user‑friendly graphical front end (the minimum PC required is a 25MHz 386, though a 33MHz 486DX or better is recommended). For more details on the specific features of the console, see the 'Topaz Project 8' panel elsewhere in this review. In most other respects the console is quite conventional, both in layout and operation, and the main thrust of this review is to concentrate on the VCA automation option available for the console. What can you do if you've been tempted by the automation facilities offered by digital desks like Yamaha's 02R, but your finances just won't stretch that far? In the first of two reviews of affordable automation systems in this issue, Paul White considers the Soundtracs option for those who already own an IBM‑compatible PC.īased on their earlier Soundtracs Topaz mixer (see the review in SOS June 1994) Soundtracs' Topaz Project 8 is an 8‑buss, in‑line console, but unlike some in‑line designs, where you have to split the EQ to service both the main and monitor signal paths, the Topaz has a 4‑band EQ permanently in the main channel path, and a further 2‑band EQ dedicated to the monitor path.