OceanAudio The Arc 900 Owner's Manual - Features
Ark - Owner’s Manual - Revision 3 - page 4
Features
Each version of
the Ark
has been assembled using a combination of building blocks.
By combining a master section with a number of input channel blocks and producer desk / patchbay, almost any con-
figuration is possible.
There are two different master sections available:
The Ark LX
master section
The Ark Extended
master section
There are two different input channel blocks available:
The Ark 500
input channels (block of 8 channels)
The Ark 900
input channels (block of 8 channels)
The Ark
building blocks can be combined in any way you want.
This gives you a huge number of inputs, 500 series slots and possibilities.
The console electronics have deliberately been designed to be as transparent and with as much headroom as pos-
sible.
The Ark
can be used without the addition of any 500 series modules as a stand alone line level console. In a
multi-track studio environment the console will perform both tracking and remix functions equally well. All inputs and
outputs are electronically balanced and ground sensing outputs are used to make sure that interfacing to external
equipment is never compromised.
Because of the channel monitor and direct output facilities, recording instruments to a DAW or tape is simple and of
very high quality. When mixing down, there is a large number of inputs to the stereo buss available.
The console has been designed with ease of servicing in mind.
Its fully modular construction makes it a simple matter to remove any module should a component need replacing.
All active circuitry (IC's etc) are socketed, again to aid servicing. All passive components (resistors, capacitors etc.)
are of conventional types and are not surface mount (because surface mount components are difficult to remove and
replace). The modules connect to each other via motherboards, which ensure maximum reliability and freedom from
wiring errors.
Construction of the frame itself is a combination of aluminium and steel to ensure that the console is rigid yet as light
as possible.
Connections to the console are via Tascam standard 25 way D-Sub connectors. This allows for easy connection to a
patchbay which greatly increases the flexibility of the system.
The metering system accommodates either recording directly from the channel direct outputs or via the separate sub
group section.
By carefully following the installation procedures detailed in the following pages, your
Ark
console will give you years
of professional audio quality and reliable service.
This manual lists and explains all different building blocks.
You of course only need to refer to the sections which are valid for your configuration.
The Ark 500
input channels have been designed to fully support 500 series modules and to be as flexible as possi-
ble. It can be used as a traditional analogue console, or you can configure it with 500 series modules to really suit your
workflow.
The Ark 900
input channels have MicPre and EQ, which replace the 500-series slots on the input channels. It’s a
traditional analogue console with both split and inline functionality.