True to the Music
Radial Engineering Ltd.
Workhorse User Guide
With this in mind let’s track the signal fl ow and level as it passes
through the Workhorse. The diagram below shows the signal chain
starting with a microphone.
-10dB
BUSS
+4dB
MIC / DI MIX-BUSS MAIN
-50dB
PREAMP RECORD
-10dB
BUSS
+4dB
DIRECT OUT
The mic is connected to a mic preamp like the PowerPre™ that
boosts the signal from -50dB to line level. The preamp direct output
increases the signal to +4dB so that it can feed a recorder or another
processor such as a compressor or EQ. While this is happening,
Radial modules and others compatible with the Workhorse have a
special buffer to unbalance the signal and drive it on to the internal
-10dB mix buss where it fl ows to one of the mixer channels. The
mixer then amplifi es and balances the signal at the main outputs to
deliver a +4dB (nominal) level.
Because each of the Workhorse module slots is equipped with a
balanced line level input and a balanced line level direct output
(depending on the module), you are free to interconnect modules
or route signals to other devices using standard XLR patch cables.
Once you start working with your Workhorse, you will quickly come
to understand all of the capabilities and how easy it is to use.
USING THE WORKHORSE
Because the Workhorse is a modular device, there are practically no
limits as to what kind of signal chain you can create. For instance
it can be used as an analog effects router for your workstation,
as a customizable channel strip, a multi-channel preamp for live
recording or as part of a play-back and overdub system. The magic
is the simplicity that manages to bring unlimited fl exibility together.
As with all electronic equipment, turn off the power and turn down
levels before making connections. This will avoid the loud on-off
transient that can damage equipment or blow speakers. Plugging
in a module is merely a matter of sliding it into the Workhorse and
carefully aligning the 15-pin card edge connector. Once plugged in,
secure the module in place using the supplied Phillips screws. After
the module is connected, it will automatically route the signal from
the rear panel connectors to and from the module. If you are using
a Radial 500 series module or one that has been designed to take
advantage of the internal mix buss and Omniport features, these too
will automatically be routed.
Old School Lunchbox
The fi rst step in approaching the Workhorse is going back to the
original API lunchbox. This device was basically a steel enclosure
that fed power to a number of modules. Connecting to and from
modules was done using the XLR connector that was associated with
each card slot. The Workhorse retains all of this connectivity while
adding the convenience of 1/4” TRS and 25-in D-sub connectors.
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
1
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
-
+
G
-
+
G
-
+
G
1
2
3
4
5
INPUT
OUTPUT
FROM
SOURCE TO
MODULE
FROM
MODULE TO
NEXT DEVICE
An example here could be connecting two limiters to tame a stereo
drum track during mix down. Take the output from your recording
system; plug it into the Workhorse XLR inputs and then take the
direct output back from the same card slots. Adjust the limiter to suit.
This is the most basic function.
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
1
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
-
+
G
-
+
G
-
+
G
1
2
3
4
5
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
1
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
-
+
G
-
+
G
-
+
G
1
2
3
4
5
LIMITERLIMITER
MULTI-TRACK
OUTPUT
INPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
Setting Up A Channel Strip
The next stage is using several modules together to create a channel
strip. For instance, when recording a vocal track, you may want to
run a mic preamp into an EQ to add some presence and then into a
limiter so that the track stays out of the ‘red’.
Using the old API system, you would connect the microphone to the
mic preamp using a standard XLR cable. The mic preamp output
would then connect to the EQ which in turn would connect to the
limiter. The direct XLR output from the limiter would then be sent to
the recording system.
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
1
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
-
+
G
-
+
G
-
+
G
1
2
3
4
5
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
1
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
-
+
G
-
+
G
-
+
G
1
2
3
4
5
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
1
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
-
+
G
-
+
G
-
+
G
1
2
3
4
5
MIC PREAMPEQUALIZERCOMPRESSOR
PATCH
CABLE
PATCH
CABLE
The Workhorse simplifi es the process with a FEED function. This
basically replaces inter-module patch cables. Instead of using an
XLR cable, you simply push the FEED switch into the UP position
and it routes the signal to the adjoining module. When engaged, the
FEED function always sends the signal to the next module working
from left to right (front view). Because the FEED function is tied to
the XLR connector, it will work with new Radial modules and older
500 series modules.
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
1
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
-
+
G
-
+
G
-
+
G
1
2
3
4
5
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
1
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
-
+
G
-
+
G
-
+
G
1
2
3
4
5
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
1
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
-
+
G
-
+
G
-
+
G
1
2
3
4
5
MIC PREAMPEQUALIZERCOMPRESSOR
FEEDFEED
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