Up to 42 Inputs at Mixdown

8 Bus

16 Mic/Line & 5 Stereo Inputs

16 Digital Tape Returns on ADAT Opticaland TDIF formats

All Inputs have access to 3-BandParametric EQ, 4 Auxes, 2 LexiconEffects Sends and 2 Dynamic Processors

24 Bit or better throughout

Moving 100mm Faders

Snapshot and Dynamic Automationcapability

Undo/Redo, Copy & Paste functions

Solo-in-Place, AFL & PFL Solos

Machine Control

2 Consoles cascadable

42 input, 8-Bus Digital Consolewith Lexicon effects

42 Input/8 BusConfiguration

For a mixer with such a smallfootprint, Digital 328 packs anextraordinary number of inputs. 16full spec. analogue mono mic/linechannels – each with its ownbalanced XLR connector, dedicatedinsert point and access to phantompower – come as standard, along with5 stereo inputs.

With the 16 digital tape returns on328’s TDIF and ADAT opticalinterfaces, there’s a maximum of 42inputs. Every input is fully routable toany of the 8 groups and has access tothe full complement of 328’sparametric EQ, signal processing,onboard effects and auxiliaries.

As easy to useas your currentanalogueconsole

Although most digital mixers offer anamazing array of functions, it canoften be a nightmare to access them.

In contrast we’ve designed Spirit 328to operate like your old analogue 8-bus console and not like a computerwith faders, so that you can take itout of its box and get started withouteven opening the manual. Unlikeother digital mixers, there’s instantaccess to any channel, group ormaster feature with one button press,

and you can see thatfeature’s status from

the front panelwithout having to

rely on an LCDdisplay.

Access is so immediate you couldeven use 328 as a live console.

The key to it all is Spirit 328’sunique “E-strip”, the lighter-coloured bank of encodersand switches that runsacross the centre of theconsole. Simply select achannel and the E-stripimmediately becomes a“horizontal input channel”with instant access to all thatchannel’s EQ, aux sends, channel panand routing. Alternatively, press anybutton in the rotaries section abovethe E-strip and the encoders changeto become a channel pan, auxiliarysend, or Lexicon effects send for eachchannel.

Select a fader bank to display mic/lineinput faders, tape returns faders, orgroup and master faders and that’s it;no delving through level after level ofLCD menus to find the function youwant, no delays in making alterationsand no need to study complicated EQcurves. With 328, everything you needis immediately accessible from thefront panel of the console - giving youthe freedom to let your ears decide.

If you want the functionality of adigital console but the usability ofyour old analogue 8 bus, then Spirit328 is for you.

All the DigitalI/Os you need asstandard

Most digital mixers don’t includedigital multitrack I/Os, which meansthat to get digital recording andmixdown you have to buy extra,expensive I/O options. In contrast,Digital 328 includes two TascamTDIF and two ADAT opticalinterfaces as standard, allowingyou to record 16 tracks entirely in thedigital domain, straight out of the box.As you would expect, we’ve alsoincluded a pair of AES/EBU andSP/DIF interfaces assignable to awide range of inputs and outputs,including group and auxiliary outs. Inaddition, a 3rd optical output may beused as a digital FX Send or as 8Digital Group Outs. All in all, thereare 28 Digital Outs on 328 plus20 Digital Returns, providingenough flexibility for themost demandingapplications.

2 OnboardLexicon EffectsUnits

Only 328 can offer the world’spremier name in studio effects onboard - Lexicon. Two separate effectsunits are included, offering a fullrange of reverbs, choruses, delays,and flanges, all with fully editableprogram and parameter settings.

OnboardDynamics

Digital 328 includes two mono orstereo signal processors which canbe assigned to any input, output orgroups of ins or outs. Each processorprovides a choice of compression,limiting and gating, as well ascombinations of these effects.

....or a row of 16 Auxes or FX Sends for the 16 faders below the E-Strip...

...a horizontal input channel with full EQ, Aux and Pan facilities..

...or a set of rotary level controls for the Tape Returns.

328’s E-Strip may be configured as...

Spirit 328 represents a revolution in lowcost professional audio, bringing all thefunctionality and sonic excellence of digital mixingto a brand new audience. With its unique console-based interface, 328 finally bridges the gapbetween analogue and digital mixers, retaining thespontaneity and ease of use of ananalogue console yet providing all the advantagesof digital, such as instant TOTAL recall of all digitalparameters, moving fader automation and onboardLexicon effects.

Quite simply, Digital 328 handles like the mostadvanced analogue 8 bus you’ve ever seen with theadded power of digital.

Comprehensive EQAll of 328’s mic/line, tape return andstereo inputs have access to 3 bandsof fully parametric EQ, designed byBritish EQ guru and co-founder ofSoundcraft, Graham Blyth. A manwith over 5 million channels of his EQdesigns in the field, Graham hasbrought 25 years of Soundcraftanalogue EQ circuit experience tobear on Digital 328. If you want thewarm, musical sound of real Britishanalogue EQ, with proper low, midand high frequency bands (ratherthan the low resolution 20Hz - 20kHz

bands found on someconsoles), look no

further.

UnparalleledSonic Spec

Rubbish in, Rubbish out! It doesn’tmatter whether the console is digitalor analogue – if you have poor micpreamps, your sound will becompromised. That’s why 328includes Spirit’s acclaimedUltraMic+™ padless preamps, givingyour input signals the cleanest,quietest start of any digital mixer onthe market. With 66dB of gain

range and a massive +28dBU ofheadroom, they offer an extremelylow noise floor and are virtuallytransparent. Spirit 328 is 24-bitthroughout, with 56-bit internalprocessing; your signal hits the digitaldomain through state-of-the-art 24-bitADCs with 128 times oversampling,guaranteeing that it maintains itsclarity, whilst 24-bit DACs on all mainoutputs equal this sonic integrityshould you wish to return your signalto the analogue world.

Moving FaderAutomation

All of Digital 328’s 100mm faders[including the master] are motorisedto allow current channel, tape return,group and aux master levels to beviewed at a glance.

All parametersinstantlyrecallable

In addition to level automation, everyother digital parameter of 328 isinstantly recallable, allowingsnapshots of the entire console’sstatus to be taken. Up to 100 of these

“scenes” may be stored internallyand recalled either

manually,

againstMIDI clock oragainst MTC or SMPTE.Alternatively, every console functionhas been assigned its own MIDImessage allowing dynamicautomation via sequencer software.

Easy to edit -direct from thecontrol surface

The majority of 328’s input androuting parameters may be editedfrom the control surface withoutresorting to the console’s LCD.Settings and levels may be copiedand pasted from one channel toanother with just two button pressesand, using 328s query mode, therouting or assignment status of everychannel on the console may be viewedinstantly simply by selecting thefunction (such as Group 1 or PhaseReverse) you want to question. Inaddition, with 328’s Undo/Redofunction located in the mastersection, editing is entirely non-destructive, allowing you to A/B testnew settings with previous ones.

Grows with yourneeds

Two Digital 328s may be digitallycascaded, giving you up to 84 inputsat mixdown and 32-track digitalrecording capability.

Full Metering & MonitoringOptions

All of the Mic/line inputs, Tape returninputs, Group and Master levels maybe monitored per bank via Digital328’s 16 10-segment bargraphmeters. Additionally, 328’s onboarddynamics processors may bemonitored using the console’s mastermeters. Any input may be solo'd usingAFL, PFL or Solo-in-Place.

Timecode & Machine Control

Digital 328 reads and writes MTCand reads all SMPTE frame rates,with a large display instantlyindicating current song position. Storeand locate points are accessible fromthe console’s front panel, with 328’stransport bar controlling a wide rangeof devices including Tascam andAlesis digital recorders.

SoftwareUpgradeable328’s open architecture meansthat any functional improvementsand software upgrades can bemade easily available off Spirit’swebsite. 328 Mixer Maps forpopular sequencing software

packages are also available freeof charge.

Add-OnModuleOptions

To meet the needs of a variety ofusers, there are 3 module options:

8 Channel AnalogueI/O InterfaceConnecting to the TDIF ports, 16phono connectors provide 8 analoguegroup or direct outs and 8 analogueinputs for tape returns 17-32. Twointerfaces may be connected, allowing16 track analogue recording or accessto 16 more sequenced keyboard orsampler inputs.

AES/EBU interface

4 pairs of AES/EBU connectors allowoptional digital interfacing to harddisk production systems such as ProTools. A maximum of two interfacesmay be connected.

Mic Pre-Amp Interface Each interface provides 8 XLR mic inswith UltraMic+ preamps. Connectingtwo interfaces turns 328 into a 32 micinput, 8 bus mixer for PA or theatreapplications.

Fader Bank - 328’s 16 faders areconfigured to provide level control forany one of three banks: You may swapbetween Mic/Line inputs 1-16, TapeReturn inputs 17-32, and Masters(Groups 1-8, Aux 1-4 and Lexicon FX 1and 2). This means that in 3 buttonpresses it is possible to see level statusof the entire console.

Meter Bank - Three backlit buttonsallow you to select between viewingMic/Line, Tape Return and Master levels.Alternatively, you can set the meters tofollow the fader bank you have selectedvia 328’s LCD menu.

Mute - Mutes the channel input, tapereturn or master fader signal below,dependent on which fader bank is active.

Solo - Provides a PFL, AFL or SIP solo forthe channel input, tape return or mastersignal below, dependent on which faderbank is active.

100mm Motorised Fader - withgain ranging from infinity to +10dB onall channel and tape return inputs, andinfinity to 0dB on all master outs.

Meters - 10 segment peak reading LEDmeters allow you to see channel input,tape return or master levels in aninstant. Each meter is also “peak hold”giving you clearer identification ofsignals that may potentially digitally“clip”. The “rec” LED below flashes whena channel has been armed for recordingto a multitrack device.

Input Gain Section - Digital 328benefits from Spirit’s trademarkedUltraMic+ preamps. These offer28dBU of headroom and 66dB ofgain range without the need for apad. A steep 18dB per Octave HighPass Filter follows the gain controlallowing you to minimise lowfrequency muddiness.

Analogue Inputs - Every one of328’s 16 analogue input channelsincludes a balanced XLR connectorfor microphones, a balanced 1/4"jack line input for electronicinstruments and a TRS insert pointso you have the choice ofconnecting your favouriteanalogue or valve processor intothe signal path.

The E-stripThe key to 328’s operation is this horizontal

row of 16 multifunctional rotary Encoders.

These may operate as either a horizontal

“channel strip” for any selected input,

indicating its EQ, Pan and Auxiliary levels, or

as a single function row of Pan, Auxiliary or

Level controls for inputs 1-16 or 17-32. A 15

segment LED ring around every encoder

provides visual indication of its position at all

times, meaning you can edit swiftly without

having to rely on LCD displays for reference.

Panpots for the 16 faders below. TheBANK LED to the left of the sectionindicates whether the encoders areactive for the channel inputs or thetape returns. Alternatively, by pressingthe LEVEL button the encodersbecome 16 level controls for the tapereturns. These “flip” to becomemic/line level controls when the FaderBank is assigned to the Tape Returns.

Select - Pressing any Channel or TapeReturn select switch activates the E-Strip for that input, giving you fullaccess to its EQ, Auxiliary Sends,internal Effects and Pan, as ahorizontal channel strip. This stripoffers the same facilities for everychannel, tape return or stereo inputon the console:

3 band fully parametric EQ -HF — Sweeping/shelving 1kHz-20kHz±15dB, Q = 0.3-3.0, Mid — Sweeping200Hz-8kHz ±15dB, Q = 0.3-3.0LF — Sweeping/shelving 40Hz-800Hz±15dB, Q = 0.3-3.0

4 External Post-EQ Auxes -Individually configurable pre/postfader from the master section. TheAux outputs may be analogue ordigital, selectable from either theAES/EBU outs, the SPDIF outs or thethird ADAT optical out.

2 Internal Post-EQ LexiconEffects Sends - Selectable pre-/post-fader from the master section.

1 Pan Control - (Balance Control forthe Stereo Inputs).

All channel settings may be COPIED

AND PASTED from one channel toanother by holding down the SELECTbutton of the channel you want to becopied whilst selecting the destinationchannel by pressing its SELECT switch.

Rotary Controls - Pressing any oneof the backlit buttons in this sectionchanges the function of the E-Stripfrom being a horizontal Input Channelto a row of Aux Sends, FX Sends or

Input Section

Control Room/Phones - 328’smonitor outputs are on two 1/4"jacks, with a separate 1/4" jackavailable for headphones. Twoseparate gain controls allow you tocontrol monitor output andheadphone output levels individually.In addition, the control output may

Mix Meters - Two 15 segment LEDmeters show either Mix output levels or,if the DYN button is pressed, gainreduction levels for Dynamics 1 and 2.

Stereo Inputs - Two stereo inputs areavailable. Stereo 1 is configured as a 4into 2 stereo submixer, accessed by 4pairs of balanced 1/4" jacks. Stereo 2 isa straight stereo input accessed by apair of balanced 1/4" jacks. Each Inputhas its own analogue gain control withSte 1 and 2 master levels governed bytwo rotary controls below the mastermeters. Selecting either master gives itaccess to all EQ and auxiliary facilitiesvia the E-strip. Either master may also besoloed or muted and routed to thegroups or mix.

FX Returns - Two internal EffectsReturns are provided on encoders foruse with the onboard Lexicon Effectsunits. Selecting either gives themaccess to the E-Strip, allowing you toapply 3-band parametric EQ, or any ofthe 4 auxiliary sends. They may also berouted to any group or mix.

Group/Aux/FX - Holding down theAux/FX Pre Button allows you to selectany aux or FX bus to be pre- or post-fader via the aux buttons in the rotariessection, whilst any group my be assignedto mix by holding down the Group to MixButton.

100mm Motorised Fader -Controls the mix output signal.

Transport Bar - 328 reads all SMPTEframe rates and reads and writes MTCwith a large display showing yourtimecode position. You may control awide range of multitrack recordingdevices via the transport bar below,with two store and locate points,allowing you to move betweendifferent locations in your song.

be cut entirely, dimmed by 6dB, orswitched to be a mono signal ifrequired.

2 Track Returns - Two analogue 2 Track Returns are available as pairsof impedance-balanced 1/4" jacks,allowing you to switch between twomaster recordings at final mixdownusing the 2TK A/B button.

Auxiliary Outputs - 4 impedance-balanced 1/4" jacks which may beused as analogue effects sends, or asmonitor or foldback sends.

Phantom Power - Providing global+48V Phantom Power for CondenserMicrophones. The adjacent LED lightswhen +48V is active.

Snapshots - Pressing STORE allows youto save 328’s current status as one of100 scenes. These scenes may then beselected via the LCD display andrecalled via the RECALL switch. NEXTallows you to scroll through and recallthe scenes manually from 1-100 in atheatre or install application.

Solo Control - Allows you to selectbetween SIP, PFL or AFL solos, with Clearalso available for SIP.

LCD Section

The LCD section takes care of offline editing and desk

configuration procedures, as well as providing access

to the console’s snapshot facility and dynamics and

effects sections, Any one of 4 modes may be selected:

Select - When SELECT is active, theLCD display indicates levels andassignments for the E-Stripencoder you are altering, forexample aux send level in dB, EQfrequency points in Hz and kHz,or EQ cut/boost in dB. In this way,the LCD provides an accuratenumeric reference in addition to the encoder’s LED ring position.

Snapshot - accessing SNAPSHOTallows you to select any of 328’s 100snapshots for recall or editing. Eachsnapshot may be named and given itsown timecode position in this menu.Every desk parameter except channelgain and HPF filter assignments maybe stored, including effects anddynamics settings.

Dyn/FX - Entering DYN/FX allows you to assign either of328’s two floating dynamics processors to a channel,group or master signal, select thetype of dynamic processor youwant and edit its parameters. A choice of compression, limitingand gating is possible along with various combinations ofthese effects.This section also allows you toselect and edit an effect from oneof 328’s internal Lexicon Effects units. 128 factorypresets are available from each along with 128 userdefinable locations. Selections include reverbs, plates,choruses, delays and gates. Up to 10 parameters areeditable for each effect.

Menu - Allows you to select deskset-up functions such as wordclocksource, digital sampling rate,multitrack tape machine select,dynamic or snapshot automationoptions, digital tape trim levels and MIDI dump of snapshot andeffects settings.

Function/Cursor Keys - Four arrow keys and arotary control allow you to navigate the LCD screen.

Undo/Redo - Allows you to Undo (and Redo) any editsmade to a selected input, returning it to its originalstatus when it was first selected. In this way you canA/B test an EQ’d signal or perform channel diagnosticswith just one button press.

Enter/Exit - these buttons allow you to get into and outof the LCD menus.

Select - Works in conjunction with anyinput SELECT switch to provide swift andintuitive routing and assignment. Fromhere any selected mic/line or tape returninput may be routed to the 8 groups orMix, or alternatively phase reversed, SIPsafed, record armed, muted, solo’d, beselected as a direct out feed or have itsEQ bypassed. You can instantly assignmultiple channels to any select functiontoo, simply by holding down that functionswitch and pressing SELECT for thechannels you wish to be active.

Power Indication LEDs - All threeLEDs light to indicate that 328 haspowered up correctly.

Mix Outs - Two pairs of analogue mixouts are available either as balancedmale XLRs or as unbalanced RCAphonos.

Group/Master Section

Power On/Off Switch

Mains Supply Connector - 328 has an internal power supply, soall you need to do is connect it to the mains.

Mains Fuse Ground

Timecode Input - A 1/4" jack allows328’s snapshots and timecode displayto lock to an external timecodesource.

RS422 Port - For downloadingsoftware upgrades off Spirit’s websiteinto 328 via a PC. This port is alsoused for machine control andsynchronisation of machinessupporting the Sony 9-pin protocol.

MIDI Ports - For synching to externalequipment or for sending andreceiving dynamic automationmessages to and from a sequencerpackage, MMC messages to and froma tape machine, and dumping 328

snapshot and effects setting data to aMIDI device.

Wordclock I/O - Two BNCconnectors for synchronising 328’sdata with external digital devices.

SPDIF Digital I/O - A floatingDigital Stereo Input and Output whichmay be assigned to replace a varietyof different analogue connections viathe menu function. Options include:Stereo Inputs 1 or 2, Aux Outs 1, 2, 3or 4, the Mix Outs and Tape Returns.

MIC/LINE INPUTS 1-16

OPTIONAL BNC WORDCLOCK (FOR TDIF I/O)

SYNC OUT

SYNC OUT

SYNC IN

SYNC IN

DIGITAL INPUT

DIGITAL INPUT

CONTROL ROOM OUTPUTS

TAP

E R

ETU

RN

S 1

7-3

2

OPTICAL/TDIF I/O

OPTICAL/TDIF I/O

DIGITAL OUTPUT

PHONES

2 TRK A

MIXDIGITAL OUTPUT

DAT RecorderDigital

Multitrack

Recorders

Monitor

Amp

Monitor Speaker Monitor Speaker

MIDI Keyboard

MIDI Sampler

Headphones

Mics

Rear PanelConnections

& Functions

Recording

AES/EBU Digital I/O - Anotherfloating Digital Stereo Input andOutput with the same configurationoptions as the SPDIF I/O.

Auxiliary Optical Out - The 3rdADAT optical output may beconfigured as a digital auxiliaryoutput for an effects unit, replacingany one of the 4 analogue aux outs.Alternatively, it may be configured as8 digital group outputs.

Link - Allows you to cascade two 328stogether with the right hand consoleacting as the master. All group andmix bussing is summed in this casebut console dynamics and internaleffects remain separate.

ADAT Digital Optical I/O - TwoADAT optical I/O interfaces allow youto record to and replay from anyADAT compatible device entirely in thedigital domain. Up to 16 digital sendsand returns are supported.

GR

OU

P O

UT

1-8

MIC/LINE INPUTS 1-16

MIDI IN

MIDI OUT

MIC INPUTS

LINE INPUTS

AUX 4

AUX 3

AUX 2

AUX 1

SPDIF OR AES/EBU DIGITAL I/O

TDIF

MIX OUTS

PA Speaker

Optional

Mic Pre

Interface

PA Speaker

PA Speaker

Stage Foldback

Zone Speakers

Amplifiers

OptionalTape

Interface

DAT Recorder

MIDI Sampler/ModuleSequencer for

Optional Dynamic Automation

Drum Kit

8 Drum Mics

MIDI Keyboard

DI Box

EQ & Power Amp

EQ & Power Amp

Tascam TDIF Digital I/O - TwoTDIF connectors allow you to recordand playback up 16 tracks digitally toand from a Tascam multitrack device.

OptionsMac or PC Download Cable -

to download 328 software upgradesfrom Spirit’s website.

Cascade Cable - Allowing you tolink two Digital 328s together.

Installation

Add-OnModules3 different types of modulemay be connected to 328 viaits 2 TDIF ports, providing achoice of format conversions.

Analogue Tape Interface - TDIFto 8 analogue phono ins and outs,converting your tape sends andreturns to the analogue domain.

AES/EBU Interface - TDIF to 4 XLRinputs and 4 XLR outputs allowing 8digital sends and returns in theAES/EBU format.

Mic Preamp Interface - TDIF to 8XLR inputs with insert, gain control,High Pass Filter and Phase switches,plus 8 outputs on 1/4" jacks. Two ofthese modules allow 328 to be usedas a 32 mic pre/8/2 install console.

Spirit by Soundcraft™

Harman International Industries Ltd.,

Cranborne House, Cranborne Road,

Potters Bar, Herts EN6 3JN, England.

Tel: +44 (0)1707 665000

Fax: +44 (0)1707 665461

Soundcraft USA

Air Park Business Center 12,

1449 Donelson Pike,

Nashville, TN 37217, USA.

Tel: (615) 360 0471

Fax: (615) 360 0273

This equipment complieswith the EMC Directive89/336/EEC

Frequency Response

@4dB into 600Ω (20Hz to 20kHz - Rel 1kHz) +0/-0.5dB

Dynamic Range

Digital Input to Mix Output 115dB

Mic Input to Mix Output 108dB

Stereo Input to Mix Output 108dB

Total Harmonic Distortion

Mic In to Mix Out, 1kHz @ 30dB gain, +14dBu output <0.005%

Hum & Noise

Mic Equivalent Input Noise -127dBu (150Ω source)

Residual Output Noise (measured RMS over 20Hz-22kHz bandwidth)

Mix Output with Mix Fader down -90dBu

Mix Output with Mix Fader @ Unity and all Input Channel Faders down -90dBu

Mix Output with Mix Fader @ Unity and 32 Input Channel routed with faders @ Unity, Pans centred -78dBu

Common Mode Rejection Ratio

Typical with max gain @ 1kHz >80dB

Typical with any gain @ 50Hz >70dB

Crosstalk

Between Adjacent Input Channels >95dB

Fader Attenuation >95dB

Channel Mute Attenuation >95dB

Pan Isolation >88dB

Sampling Frequency

Internal 44.1kHz/48kHz

External 40kHz-50kHz

Analogue to Digital Conversion

Mic/Line Inputs 24-bit, 128 x oversampling

Stereo Inputs 24-bit, 128 x oversampling

2 Track Inputs 24-bit, 128 x oversampling

Digital to Analogue Conversion

Mix Outputs 24-bit, 128 x oversampling

Control Room Outputs 24-bit, 128 x oversampling

Aux Outputs 24-bit, 128 x oversampling

Internal Processing 24-bit, 56-bit bussing

Signal Latency

Channel Input to Mix Output @ 44.1kHz <2.5ms

Channel Input to Mix Output @ 48kHz <2.5ms

Faders

Type 100mm motorised and stabilised

Resolution 128 steps over 100mm range

Digital Output Dither

wordlength 16, 20, 24-bit (on/off)

Power Consumption

150W

Weight

14.4kg / 32lb unpacked

Dimensions

160H x 715W x 537D mm

6.3H x 28.2W x 21.2D inches

E&OE. Spirit by Soundcraft™ reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice.

Signal Flow Diagram

http://www.spirit-by-soundcraft.co.uk

www.spiritbysoundcraft.com (US)

e-mail: spiritsupport@soundcraft.com

Spirit by Soundcraft Registered Community Trademark / RTM Nº 000557793

Soundcraft Registered Community Trademark / RTM Nº 000557827

Part Nº A4: ZL0480 01/2000