True to the Music
Radial Engineering Ltd. Workhorse User Guide
4
FEATURE SET
Card Slot I/O Connections
Each of the Workhorse card slots is equipped with XLR, ¼” TRS and
D-sub inputs and outputs. The input sensitivity will be dependant
on the type of module being used. For instance if you are using a
microphone preamplifier, the input will of course be suited for a low
level microphone. If you are using a dynamic processor like a limiter
or an EQ, then the input will usually be set to handle a professional
+4dB balanced signal.
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
Because the Workhorse is equipped with an internal mix buss most
Radial modules are equipped with an internal buffer so that the
output can be sent along the buss to the mixer section. As such,
the XLR male and TRS outputs will usually follow suit with a +4dB
balanced line level signal that is able to feed a professional recording
system or line level mixing console. This may sound a bit complex,
but as we look into applications later in this document, it will become
very clear.
Put simply, the input level is determined by the type of module being
used while the output level will typically be a balanced +4dB line level
signal. If you use ¼” mono cables you will unbalance the signal. This
will reduce the level by about -6dB but everything will still remain
completely functional. Simply adjust the levels to compensate.
Omniport
Omniport™ is a special ¼” TRS jack located on the rear panel that
has been left ‘open’ to allow the module to perform a unique task.
In other words, depending on the type of module, the manufacturer
can assign the Omniport to perform a function that may be most
appropriate. This could be a key input on a gate, a footswitch on a
guitar effect or maybe an instrument input on a mic preamp.
The card-edge pins 7 and 9 (unused in the original spec) have
been assigned to the Omniport™ TRS connector. The application
here is only limited to one’s imagination as to the function that best
relates to a given module. As the Omniport function is determined
by the module, you will need to consult the module manufacturer’s
specification for details on how it was designed to be used.
Radial Omniport Assignment:
Module Omniport function
PowerPre Instrument input
JDV Direct box output (low Z out for live touring)
X-Amp Instrument input
Phazer Balanced direct out (original dry signal out)
JDX Direct box output (low Z out for live touring)
EXTC TRS insert for patch bay
Komit Compressor key input
Feed Switch
As you delve further into the functionality of the 500 series, you will
find that the modular format allows all kinds of connectivity options.
With older 500 series racks, connections between modules were
done using an XLR cable whereby the output from one module
would plug into the input of another. The Workhorse simplifies
the process by introducing a Feed switch on the rear panel. This
connects the balanced output of one module to the balanced input of
the adjacent module to the immediate right. The Feed switch allows
you to daisy chain a series of adjacent modules making it easy to
create ‘customized’ channel strips whereby a mic preamp could feed
an EQ which in turn could feed a compressor. Changing the order is
simply a matter of relocating the modules or patching using an XLR
cable. The UP position turns the Feed connection on.
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
123
INPUT
FEED
LINK
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 3 CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORTOMNIPORT
OFFOFF
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
FEED FEED INPUT
OUTPUT
Stereo Link Switch
Every second card slot is equipped with a Link switch. The Link
function allows modules that are ‘stereo ready’ to be linked together.
A typical example would be using two limiters on a stereo track where
you want the dynamics to be the same for both channels. Pin-6 on
the card edge connector is designated for this function and used to
send control voltage from one module to the other. One module will
take on the master role while the second will act as the slave. This is
a ‘standard’ function on all API Lunchbox™ generations.
D-Sub I/O Connectors
To add flexibility, all eight balanced card-slot input and output
connections are duplicated on two 25-pin D-Subs wired to the
Tascam™/ProTools™ pin-out standard. These parallel connections
are designed to make it easy to integrate the Workhorse with
recording systems that employ this industry standard.
OUTPUTS
+
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
123456
OUTPUT INPUT
78
SUMMING MIXER INPUTS 1 ~ 8
INPUT
FEED
LINK
INPUT
FEED
LINK
INPUT
FEED
LINK
INPUT
FEED
INPUT
FEED
INPUT
FEED
INPUT
OUTPUT
LEFT
WORKHORSE RACK & MIXER
RIGHT
LEFT RIGHT
EXPANSION
BUSS
GROUND
CHASSIS CIRCUIT
DIRECT OUT 1 ~ 8 INPUTS 1 ~ 8
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 3CARD SLOT 5CARD SLOT 7 CARD SLOT 2CARD SLOT 4CARD SLOT 6CARD SLOT 8
OMNIPORTOMNIPORTOMNIPORTOMNIPORTOMNIPORTOMNIPORTOMNIPORT
Made in Canada
Radial Engineering Ltd.
1/4” TRS - TIP SEND / RING RETURN INSERTINSERT
MAIN
OUT
MON
OUT
OFFOFF
OFF
OFFOFF
OFF
OFFOFF
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
PIN DIAGRAM - PANEL VIEW
1
-
+
G
-
+
G23
-
+
G
-
+
G45
-
G
67
8
13
IN
OUT
LEFT RIGHT
IN
OUT
SPLIT VOLTAGEPOWER SUPPLY
+18VDC
COM
+48VDC
+18VDC
COM
POWER SUPPLY
PROTOOLS INTERFACE
INPUTS
