Getting Around in EMS I

Getting Sound

Signals are automatically sent from the Monitor outputs of the Yamaha mixer to the inputs of the MDC 2001 Stereo Master Dynamics Controller, and then on to the Crown D150A power amp and the Tannoy speakers. The MDC 2001 is located directly above the power amp in the rack closest to the mixer. The level of playback through the Tannoy speakers is controlled by the Monitor level on the Yamaha MR1242 Mixer. (Note, the ST (stereo bus) button, located above the Monitor level control on the Yamaha Mixer must be depressed.)

To hear anything at all, signals have to come in on one of the 12 input channels (grey faders) of the mixer and be routed to one or more of the four group output busses (white faders). Those group faders have to be up, which sends the signals to the master stereo output faders (red) on the far right. The stereo faders then control the overall output levels, and the Monitor level control (above the left stereo fader) adjust the listening level in the room. You should adjust the group and stereo faders to produce good levels on the group and stereo faders on the mixer, then adjust the Monitor level to a comfortable listening level.

If you're not hearing anything, but you're seeing levels on the group and stereo meters and the Monitor level control is up, then check to see if the LEDs on the MDC 2001 are flashing. If not, then check to make sure the ST button is depressed over the Monitor level control. If so, then check to make sure the power amp is on.

Using a Microphone

• The microphone is usually left plugged into channel 12 of the Yamaha MR1242 mixer. If it isn’t, then you’ll need to plug it into the microphone (XLR) input, and make sure that the ¼-inch jack is removed from the line input.
• If this is a condenser microphone, the phantom power must be on. (Switch is in back of the mixer, on the right hand side as you face the mixer.)
• The –20dB pad should be off, and the gain control raised to about 3 o’clock.
• Make sure the Stereo Master output faders are down. (To avoid feedback.)
• Raise the input channel fader to a nominal level.
• Depress the group 1-2, or 3-4 button on the mixer input channel, turn the pan pot fully counterclockwise (to send the signal completely to the odd numbered group) and raise the corresponding group fader to a nominal level.
• Speak or snap your fingers near the microphone (do not tap it) and check to see if you are getting a good level on the VU meter. (You can raise the stereo faders slightly while testing the microphone, if you like, but watch out for feedback.) Adjust the trim pot, channel fader, and output group fader as necessary.
• Use a patch cord to connect the output jack of the group number you are using to an input jack of your recording device (computer, DAT, etc).
• Check and adjust the signal level on the recording device, make sure the stereo faders are down, so there is no sound from the microphone coming through the speakers, and then start recording.

Using MIDI Devices

• See MIDI Setup in EMS I

Burning a CD using Nero StartSmart

• Click on Nero "StartSmart" on the desktop.
• Decide if you would like to make an Audio CD or a Data CD.
• Note:
• Audio CD's can be played in any commercial CD player.
• Data CD's will only play in a computer, but they are easier to work with if you ever want to edit/work on a project off of a CD.
• Mouse over the audio or data icon and click either "Make Audio CD" or "Make Data CD"
• Drag any files from the desktop, or any windows folder into the "Disc Content" Window.
• Make sure a CD is inserted and click "Next" and on the following window click "Burn."