Part II – Introduction
Welcome to Part II of Lesson 6. If you remember previously we explored different types of consoles that can be purchased on on budget. In this section, we take a look at a digital console in more detail.
We will explore the PreSonus StudioLive 24.4.2 A.I. digital console and more specifically, the basic input path a signal travels from input to output. While overly simplistic, the signal flow can travel many different paths and destinations. Let’s take a look.
A more "down-to-Earth" Introduction to the PreSonus Consoles
I try to minimize my use of videos that make reference to a retail outlet. However, in this case, Sweetwater Sound is one of the authorized resellers of the PreSonus Live AI series consoles and I just thought it was a great video showing a great overview. The presenter, Rick Naqvi, Vice President of sales at PreSonus, is going to show things that will, most likely, come across as confusing but don’t let this get to you. The main focus here it to watch and enjoy the overview, these things will fall into place. In fact, you will probably see similarities between the console, patchbay, and digital audio interface.
The console in the video is actually a PreSonus 32.4.2 StudioLive and not the 24.4.2. While there are some differences between the two, this video was much better than the ones I reviewed for the 24.4.2. Additionally, the input path we will be following is the same in both models. The biggest difference between the two is that the model in the video has channel inputs while the 24.42 has, yes you guessed it, 24 channel inputs.
The Input Channel
The pdf file can be downloaded and saved or just opened in a regular pdf reader, which is what I would recommend. While you can zoom it on the page, it is easier to view and looks nicer in something like Adobe Acrobat Reader. I have highlighted a basic input route in red.
When looking at it you can see that the signal passes though many “stops” along the way.
So, you have watched a video and studied the input channel of a PreSonus digital console. Let’s test your knowledge with this fun little quiz. Don’t panic, the quiz isn’t designed as a draconian torture device. Rather, it is designed with B.F. Skinner in mind, and uses his Operant Conditioning. In other words, you can only complete the gameQuiz once you have all answers correct. This is designed to help solidify your knowledge about the basic signal flow of the input channel. I think you will enjoy the gameQuiz.
Sparky's Mobile QuizGame
Summary
Well, now you have a good idea of the signal flow through a PreSonus digital board. Most boards will share a similar flow, but they are not exact so you should check the documentation and block diagrams if they are available. Many problems, particularly with new audio engineers is that they loose the signal somewhere in the board. So, if you know the board layout, it is easier to trace the signal path and find your signal. I hope you enjoyed this lesson.