Getting Started
Using the built in S-link and optional S-link cards, there are various methods that you can use to share audio between devices, giving you more remote I/O options or more than one surface to work from.
SQ to SQ via SLink
This is the simplest way to expand your system to two SQ surfaces. For example, you may be using one SQ for multi-track recording and one for a live broadcast feed, in which case your gain structure and dynamics are likely to be very similar. Start by linking the SQ surfaces together via the built in SLink with a CAT5e (STP Type) cable. This allows for 128 x 128 channels of audio to be shared between the consoles. On the first SQ, the inputs and outputs need to be assigned to the local sockets. Patching tie lines from the first desks local sockets to S-link will send a post preamp signal to the second SQ. The second SQ can then simply source its input channels from SLink.
Using More than One SLink
The SLink option card is available for connection to the I/O Port on the back of the SQ, providing an extra SLink port to the SQ alongside the built in SLink.
Using the built in SLink on each SQ, connect the SQ surfaces using a Cat 5 cable. This allows the two desks to share 128 x 128 channels of audio with each other.
Connect a CAT5e cable from the SLink option card port to the ‘A’ port of the DX stage box. The inputs and outputs of the DX expander will be available on the first desk from the I/O Port tab in the IO page. Tie Lines can then be used to route signal from the IO Port input sockets to the SLink connection to the second desk. By linking another DX box via the ‘B’ port of the first DX unit using a CAT5e cable, you can use more tie lines to patch the inputs and outputs of the stage box to the second SQ.
Example patching of a SQ to SQ via SLink with an expander:
Here is an example of how to connect and patch one SQ to another in a Front of House (FOH) and monitor console configuration:
|
Monitor Console |
FOH Console |
|
Monitor console patching:
Input channels 1-48 assigned to IO port 1-48 = GX input sockets assigned to SQ input channels
Mix out (Stereo Aux 1-7) assigned to IO port 1-14 = SQ monitor mixes assigned to GX outputs
IO port IP sockets 1-48 tie lined to SLink OP sockets 1-48 = GX input sockets tie lined to FOH
SLink IP sockets 1&2 tie lined to IO Port OP sockets 15&16 = FOH LR mix tie lined to GX outputs |
FOH console patching:
Input channels 1- 48 assigned to SLink 1- 48 = Tie lined GX input sockets assigned to SQ input channels
Mix out (LR) assigned to SLink 1&2 = FOH LR mix to monitor console, then tie lined to GX. |
Please note:
Any SQ can be connected to any SQ.
Any compatible stage box combination can be used in this configuration. You can find supported configurations here.
Any SLink port can be used for any compatible connection.