The Allen & Heath GL2400 is a renowned live sound console, celebrated for its robust build, intuitive design, and versatility in various live applications.
1.1 Overview of the GL2400 Series
The Allen & Heath GL2400 series is a popular choice among live sound engineers, known for its reliability and high-quality audio performance. Designed for versatility, it excels in both front-of-house and monitor mixing applications. The GL2400 offers a flexible and intuitive control surface, making it ideal for a wide range of live sound environments. Its robust build and user-friendly interface ensure consistent performance, solidifying its reputation as a preferred console for live events and installations.
1.2 Key Features and Benefits
The GL2400 series offers a comprehensive set of features tailored for live sound, including advanced channel processing, aux sends, and group/LR mix controls. It provides high-quality EQ, compression, and versatile routing options. The console’s aux masters include faders, inserts, mutes, meters, and balanced XLR outputs, enhancing monitor mixing capabilities. With up to 10 mixes in monitor mode, it ensures flexibility for various live scenarios, making it a reliable and powerful tool for sound engineers seeking professional-grade performance.
Setting Up the GL2400 Mixer
Proper setup ensures optimal performance. Begin with unpacking and inspecting the mixer, then connect inputs and outputs, ensuring all cables are securely attached and tested.
2.1 Unpacking and Initial Inspection
When unpacking the GL2400 mixer, carefully inspect for any visible damage. Ensure all components, including faders, knobs, and XLR connectors, are intact and functioning properly. Check for loose or missing parts, and verify the power supply is included. Before powering on, visually examine the mixer’s surface and connections to ensure they are clean and undamaged. This step is crucial to prevent operational issues during setup and use.
2.2 Connecting Inputs and Outputs
Connect microphones and instruments to the XLR or TRS inputs on the channel strips. Use the XLR outputs to link to PA systems or external processors. Ensure all cables are securely plugged in and free from damage. For monitor mixes, utilize the auxiliary sends to route signals to stage monitors or separate mixers. Always use balanced XLR cables to maintain high-quality audio transmission and minimize noise interference during live performances or studio recordings.
2.3 Power Supply and Safety Precautions
Connect the GL2400 mixer to a stable power source using the provided power cord. Ensure the voltage matches your region’s standard. Avoid overloading the mixer or exposing it to moisture. Keep the unit away from direct sunlight and ensure proper ventilation. Never stack equipment on the mixer, as this can cause overheating. Use a surge protector to safeguard against power spikes. Always unplug the mixer during cleaning or servicing to prevent electrical shock. Handle the mixer with care to avoid physical damage.
Understanding the Control Surface Layout
The GL2400’s control surface offers a logical, ergonomic design with clearly organized sections for channels, auxiliaries, groups, and master controls, ensuring intuitive operation during live performances.
3.1 Channel Strip Layout and Functionality
The GL2400’s channel strip is designed for precise control, featuring a gain knob, 4-band EQ, aux sends, and a high-pass filter. Each channel includes a parametric mid EQ for detailed tone shaping. The aux section allows for flexible routing to monitors or effects. Metering options include peak and RMS modes, ensuring accurate signal monitoring. The fader and mute button provide straightforward level control, while the PFL switch enables pre-fader listening for quick adjustments. This layout ensures efficient workflow during live mixing sessions.
3.2 Auxiliary Section Overview
The GL2400’s auxiliary section offers flexible routing options, with aux masters featuring faders, inserts, mutes, and meters. Balanced XLR outputs ensure reliable signal delivery to stage boxes or consoles. The aux section supports up to 10 mixes in monitor mode, including 6 wedge feeds, enhancing monitoring capabilities. Each aux send is assignable, allowing seamless integration of effects or monitor mixes. The engineer’s wedge feed includes a dedicated fader, providing precise control over foldback levels. This versatility makes the GL2400 ideal for complex live sound setups requiring multiple monitor feeds and effects routing.
3.3 Group and LR Mix Controls
The GL2400’s group and LR mix controls provide advanced mixing capabilities. Groups enable submixing of multiple channels, ideal for managing complex audio sources like drums or backing vocals. The LR mix controls allow for precise balancing of the main stereo output. Together, these features offer a robust framework for creating a cohesive and balanced live mix, ensuring optimal sound distribution and clarity in various live performance scenarios.
Signal Routing and Processing
This section explores the GL2400’s signal routing and processing options, including channel EQ, compression, auxiliary sends, and group configurations, essential for shaping and managing audio signals effectively.
4.1 Channel Processing (EQ, Compression, etc.)
The GL2400 offers comprehensive channel processing tools, including a 4-band EQ for precise tone shaping and a compressor to control dynamics. These features enable engineers to refine each channel’s sound, ensuring clarity and balance in the mix. The EQ provides high and low shelving, along with two parametric mid bands, while the compressor offers threshold, ratio, and makeup gain controls. These tools are essential for optimizing individual signals before they reach the main mix or auxiliary sends.
4.2 Auxiliary Sends and Returns
The GL2400 features flexible auxiliary sends and returns, allowing for efficient signal routing. Auxiliary sends provide additional outputs for monitors or external processors, while returns enable integration of effects or other external sources. Engineers can configure aux sends as pre or post-fader, depending on the application. The mixer also supports up to 10 mixes in monitor mode, making it ideal for complex live setups requiring multiple monitor feeds and external processing integration.
4.3 Group and LR Mix Configuration
The GL2400 allows precise configuration of Group and LR (Left-Right) mixes, enabling seamless control over subgroups and the main stereo output. Groups can be used to submix specific channels, such as drums or vocals, before routing to the LR mix. The LR mix provides a balanced stereo output, essential for front-of-house mixing. Engineers can customize group assignments and levels to suit the performance, ensuring optimal signal distribution and a cohesive overall mix.
Using the GL2400 in Live Sound Applications
The Allen & Heath GL2400 excels in live sound environments, offering flexibility for front-of-house mixing, monitor control, and efficient setup for diverse performance scenarios and venues.
5.1 Setting Up for Front-of-House Mixing
For front-of-house mixing, the GL2400 is configured by connecting main outputs to the PA system and routing channels to the LR mix. Auxiliary sends are used for external processors, while groups enable submixing for drums or vocals. The engineer can optimize fader levels, adjust EQs, and compress signals to achieve a balanced mix. Metering ensures optimal signal levels, and mute buttons help in isolating channels during setup.
5.2 Monitor Mixing and Engineer’s Wedge Feed
The GL2400 excels in monitor mixing, offering up to 10 customizable mixes. Auxiliary sends are used to route signals to stage monitors, while the engineer’s wedge feed provides a dedicated mix for the FOH engineer. Faders, mutes, and meters on the aux masters enable precise control. This setup ensures clear communication and optimal performance, allowing performers to hear themselves and the mix clearly without feedback or interference.
5.3 Optimizing for Live Performances
The GL2400 is designed to deliver exceptional performance in live settings. Its intuitive layout and robust features ensure seamless control over sound. Aux sends and returns allow for precise monitor mixing, while the engineer’s wedge feed provides a dedicated mix for the FOH engineer. Faders, mutes, and meters on the aux masters offer accurate control, ensuring clear communication and optimal sound quality. This flexibility and reliability make the GL2400 a top choice for live sound engineers seeking a polished and professional performance.
Advanced Features and Customization
The GL2400 offers extensive customization options, including aux masters with faders, inserts, and balanced XLR outputs, enabling tailored configurations for live sound and monitor mixing needs.
6.1 Configuring Custom Mixes
The GL2400 allows users to configure custom mixes effortlessly. With its auxiliary masters, each featuring faders, inserts, and balanced XLR outputs, engineers can create tailored monitor feeds or submixes. This flexibility is ideal for live performances, enabling up to 10 custom mixes, such as 6 wedge feeds and 4 additional sends, ensuring every performer and engineer’s needs are met with precision and clarity, enhancing overall sound quality and performance efficiency.
6.2 Using Inserts and External Processors
The GL2400 provides insert points on each channel strip, enabling seamless integration of external processors. Engineers can enhance their audio signals by connecting effects, compressors, or other outboard gear directly into the mix. With balanced XLR outputs and dedicated insert returns, maintaining high signal integrity is ensured. This feature offers flexibility for customizing sound, allowing for precise control over individual channels or groups, and is particularly useful in live applications where unique processing needs arise.
6.3 Metering and Signal Level Optimization
The GL2400’s metering system offers precise signal level monitoring, ensuring optimal audio levels. LED meters provide clear visual feedback for each channel, group, and main mix, helping engineers avoid distortion and maintain a balanced sound. The mixer’s PFL (Pre-Fade Listen) and AFL (After-Fade Listen) functions allow for detailed monitoring of individual channels or auxiliary sends. This comprehensive metering system is essential for achieving professional-grade audio quality in both live and studio environments, ensuring every performance sounds its best.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The GL2400’s robust design minimizes issues, but occasional problems like signal loss or noise may arise. Regular maintenance and firmware updates help prevent such occurrences, ensuring reliability.
7.1 Diagnosing Signal Loss or Noise
Signal loss or noise on the GL2400 can often be traced to faulty cables, incorrect gain staging, or dirty connectors. Begin by checking all input and output connections for integrity. Ensure gain levels are appropriately set to avoid clipping or distortion. Cleanliness of faders and pots is crucial; dirt or debris can cause intermittent signal issues. If noise persists, inspect auxiliary sends and returns for proper configuration. Power supply stability should also be verified to rule out electrical interference.
7.2 Resetting the Mixer to Factory Settings
Resetting the GL2400 to factory settings restores all configurations to default, ensuring a clean slate. To perform a factory reset, power off the mixer, then press and hold the “Mute” button while switching the power back on. Release the button when the LED indicators flash. This process will erase all custom settings, so backup any critical configurations beforehand. After resetting, recalibrate all levels and settings according to your setup requirements.
7.3 Firmware Updates and Maintenance
Regular firmware updates ensure optimal performance of the GL2400 mixer. Visit the Allen & Heath website to check for the latest firmware version. Download and transfer the update to a USB drive, then insert it into the mixer’s USB port. Navigate to the “System” menu, select “Firmware Update,” and follow on-screen instructions. After updating, restart the mixer to apply changes. Maintain the mixer by cleaning controls and ensuring proper ventilation to prevent overheating and extend its lifespan effectively.
Maintenance and Care
Regularly clean the mixer and controls to prevent dust buildup. Store in a dry, cool place, and transport in a protective case. Schedule periodic servicing by professionals to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the GL2400 mixer.
8.1 Cleaning the Mixer and Controls
Turn off and unplug the mixer to ensure safety. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the exterior and controls. For stubborn spots, a slightly damp microfiber cloth can be used, but avoid liquids entering vents or controls. Clean knobs and faders gently with a cotton swab or fader cleaning solution, wiping in one direction for faders. Use compressed air to remove dust from vents, holding the can upright. Allow the mixer to dry completely before powering it on. For the exterior, use a gentle polish for metal parts and a damp cloth for plastic. Avoid harsh chemicals and follow manufacturer recommendations for optimal care and longevity.
8.2 Storage and Transportation Guidelines
Store the mixer in a cool, dry environment, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a hard, padded case for transportation to protect against shocks and scratches. Ensure all faders and controls are secure and protected during transit. Avoid stacking heavy objects on the mixer. Keep cables and accessories organized to prevent damage. Use silica gel packets to maintain a dry environment if storing in humid conditions. Always handle the mixer with care to prevent physical damage and ensure longevity.
8.3 Scheduled Servicing and Repair
Regular servicing is crucial to maintain the mixer’s performance and prevent potential issues. Clean the surface and controls with a dry cloth periodically. Inspect faders, pots, and connections for wear or damage. Lubricate faders if necessary and tighten loose connections. Schedule professional servicing every 6-12 months, depending on usage. For repairs, especially involving internal components, consult an authorized Allen & Heath service center to ensure proper handling and maintain warranty validity. This ensures optimal functionality and extends the mixer’s lifespan.