IMPORTANT - Insulation! Warranty Information List of Mixers Compatible with the Innofader Basic Installation Electronic Adapters - Ecler Eternal Adapter Board - Misc Adapter Board Mechanical fitting - Reducing Fader Stem Height - Increasing Fader Stem Height - A&H / Stanton Adapter Plate - ELIMINATING CUT-IN NOISE Customization - Cut-in point – Both Sides Same - Cut-in point – Both Sides Different - Curve - Mono Curve - Tension Adjust Maintenance - Lubrication - Recalibration Line Fader Installation - Standard VCA Install Using Crossfader Power - Mod for Non-VCA Line Faders Mods for Controlling the Innofader Externally Specifications Innofader Kit Contents

IMPORTANT: Insulation!

Adapter boards have no insulation. Please use extreme care in installation to make sure they do not short to other parts in the mixer.

Note since the writing of this online manual we have come up with better options for insulating. Starting in September 2009, we are introducing heat shrink tubing with velcro as a retrofit, and will include insulating materials standard in production starting Spring of 2010. Please contact us directly for up-to-date info on availability

New Insulation Methods

Original Insulation Methods

Please tie down fader cables using the twist ties included in the kit. You may also wrap adapter boards in electrical tape to ensure they are properly insulated.

For ease of installation, we highly recommend you either use electrical tape as shown in the following video:

Audio Innovate Innofader Warranty and Servicing Policy

Audio Innovate warranties the Innofader against manufacturing defects for either 1 year after the date of purchase or 90 days after warranty repair is made, whichever is later. This warranty does not cover minor visual defects such as scratches and paint wear or defects caused by uses other than the intended use. In addition, the warranty does not cover damage to the unit due to mishandling by the user or technicians not specifically authorized by Audio Innovate.

Audio Innovate can only warranty the Innofader when installed according to the following instructions in mixers approved for installation in the List of Mixers Compatible with the Innofader section. If the a mixer item shows "Awaiting Test Results" this means that we have preliminary information that the installation might work, but installation is at your own risk and we cannot warranty such installation. In addition to ensuring that parts from the Innofader kit are properly isolated, the person installing the Innofader must follow the safety warnings on the mixer and refer such servicing to a qualified personnel if so instructed. Audio Innovate is not liable for damage caused by either failure to follow the installation instructions or failure to properly isolate electronic parts during installation.

Note that many mixer manufacturers will invalidate their warranty if they do not expressly authorize the use of the Innofader for their mixers. Please check with the manufacturer of your mixer for details.

Please go to the Innofader website to register the purchase of your product. Please save your receipt as a record of your purchase. We also recommend that you save the original packaging in the event that the product needs to be returned under warranty. You can also order original packaging through the Innofader website in the event you need it for returning or shipping the product.

For repairs made under warranty, Audio Innovate will cover return shipping and repair costs. If the customer requires faster shipping, Audio Innovate will only bill the difference between the cost of the faster shipping and regular shipping. For all other repairs, the customer must pay for all shipping and repair costs.

Customers shall contact Audio Innovate directly prior to sending product back for service. If Audio Innovate determines that the product requires repair, Audio Innovate will issue an RMA number for the product and the customer shall indicate the RMA number on the mailing label. Prior to issuing an RMA number, Audio Innovate will clarify what repairs will be done and what will be covered under warranty. If during the repair Audio Innovate finds additional issues with the product, Audio Innovate will contact the customer and confirm repairs required and costs prior to proceeding.

All product returned shall be shipped in the original packaging. In the event that the product is damaged during shipping due to improper packaging, Audio Innovate may require the customer to pay for repairing such damage.

Audio Innovate may request a copy of your receipt as proof that the product is covered under warranty.

Basic Installation

Please follow these steps when installing the Innofader. For more advanced installations, please modify the instructions as directed in other sections of this manual.

1. Turn off the mixer and disconnect the power
2. Remove the faceplate. Most faceplates can be removed by removing the screws and knobs from the top. In some special cases the screws may be located on the sides of the mixer.
   
   
   
   
3. Remove the original fader. If there are 4 screws, remove the outer 2 screws first, then pull the fader out of the mixer, and finally remove the 2 inner screws connecting the fader to the fader plate. Otherwise just remove the 2 screws securing the fader to the mixer
   
   
   
   
4. Disconnect the fader cable from the mixer to the original fader.
   
   
   
   
5. Plug the fader cable from the mixer into the J11 test input on the “Ecler Eternal Adapter”.
   
6. Turn on the power, making sure that no metal parts from the fader touch metal parts on the mixer The green LED should light up.
   
   
   
   
7. Turn off the power and install the Innofader. Put the faceplate back on and put the knobs back on all of the switches and faders. To ensure that no exposed metal parts short out, please tie down fader cables using the twist ties included in the kit. You may also use electrical tape to ensure parts are properly insulated.
   
   

1. If the fader cable from the mixer doesn’t fit, or the red LED comes on during the fader test, please skip to the Electronic Adapters section for further instructions.
2. If the fader height is wrong or doesn’t fit properly, please skip to the Mechanical Fitting section.
   
3. For Ecler mixers, we strongly urge you to follow these installation steps for insulating the fader because otherwise, there is a strong possibility that the Innofader will malfunction otherwise.
   
4. If the fader doesn’t work or the way you want, please skip to the Customization or Maintenance sections.
   
5. Some line fader installations will have unusual results. Please skip to the Line Fader Installation section for further instructions.

Electronic Adapters

Ecler Eternal Adapter Board

Please use the Ecler Eternal Adapter Board for any mixer faders marked “Eternal Compatible”. When plugging in and testing the fader (instructions 5 and 6 on the Basic Installation), please add the following steps:

1. Plug the fader cable from the mixer to the J8 connector on the Ecler Eternal Adapter Board
   
   
   
   
2. Plug the J7 Innofader cable into the J11 socket on the Ecler Eternal Adapter Board
   
   
   
   
3. Turn on the power, making sure that no metal parts from the fader touch metal parts on the mixer The green LED should light up.
   
   
   
   
4. Disconnect the power. Disconnect J7 from J11 on the the Ecler Eternal Adapter board. Reconnect J7 from the Ecler Eternal Adapter board to the Innofader cable.
   
   
   
   If for some reason the green LED doesn’t come on, please contact Audio Innovate for further assistance.
   

Misc Adapter Board

Please use the Misc Adapter Board if the red LED comes on during installation or the mixer fader connector doesn’t directly fit the Innofader. When plugging in and testing the fader (instructions 5 and 6 on the Basic Installation), please add the following steps:

1. Plug the fader cable from the mixer to a connector on the Misc Adapter Board which fits correctly. You can refer to the List of Mixers Compatible with the Innofader first.
   
   
   
   
2. Plug the J4 Innofader cable into the J11 socket on the Ecler Eternal Adapter Board
   
   
   
   
3. Turn on the power, making sure that no metal parts from the fader touch metal parts on the mixer The green LED should light up. If the red LED lights up and there is another connector on the Misc Adapter Board which fits, please turn off the power and repeat steps 2 and 3.
   
   
   
   
4. Disconnect the power. Disconnect J4 on the Misc. Adapter Board from J11 on the the Ecler Eternal Adapter Board. Reconnect J4 on the Misc. Adapter Board to the Innofader cable.
   
   
   
   If for some reason the red LED still turns on, please contact Audio Innovate for further assistance.
   

Mechanical Fitting

Reducing Fader Height

Before installing the Innofader (steps 7 and 8 on the Basic Installation), reduce the fader height as follows:

1. Check the height difference between the original fader and the Innofader stems without the cap installed. You can also refer to the List of Mixers Compatible with the Innofader for instructions under “mechanical fitting”
   
   
   
   
2. Place the self-adhesive washers on the 2 crossfader mounting holes. Use one self-adhesive washer on each mounting hole – 2 total – for each 0.5mm height reduction you want to achieve
   
   
   
   
3. Note when reinstalling, use screws included with the Innofader if necessary to assemble the fader with the different height.
   
   

Increasing Fader Height

Before installing the Innofader (steps 7 and 8 on the Basic Installation), increase the fader height as follows:

1. Check the height difference between the original fader and the Innofader stems without the cap installed. You can also refer to the List of Mixers Compatible with the Innofader for instructions under “mechanical fitting”
   
   
   
   
2. Place the self-adhesive washers on the outside holes of the fader plate. Use one self-adhesive washer on each mounting hole – 2 total – for each 0.5mm height increase you want to achieve
   
   
   
   
3. Note when reinstalling, use screws included with the Innofader if necessary to assemble the fader with the different height.

Fader Adapter Plate

For some Stanton and Allen & Heath mixers using P&G faders, the A&H / Stanton Adapter Plate is necessary to install the fader. Simply use this fader plate instead of the standard mixer fader plate when reinstalling the fader in steps 7 and 8 of the Basic Installation Instructions

ELIMINATING CUT-IN NOISE

On some mixers, there is a strong possibility that the Innofader will malfunction if you don’t take extra steps to insulate the Innofader body from the mixer case. After installation or extended use, the paint used on the fader mounting screws may chip off and the Innofader case may electrically connect to the mixer. When this happens on mixers with fader grounding issues, the Innofader has noise on the fader output during cutting.

NOTE: Since this manual was first written, we have found this cutting noise on several mixers: Ecler HAK 360, Korg Zero 4, the Urei 1603, and even older Vestax PMC mixers. Whenever in doubt, it won't hurt to add the following steps to prevent the Innofader from touching the mixer case. The following procedure is extremely effective in eliminating automatic on/off cutting noises from the fader:

Prior to installing the Innofader (steps 7 and 8 on the Basic Installation), place two self-adhesive washers, one on each of the 2 crossfader mounting holes.



During installing the Innofader (steps 7 and 8 on the Basic Installation), please use the two M3 6mm insulating screws included with the Innofader to install the Innofader. These screws are the shorter screws with the slotted flat head included in the Innofader kit.

Customization

When plugging in and testing the fader (instructions 5 and 6 on the Basic Installation), you can customize the fader as follows. Make sure during these tests that you hook up audio to the mixer to double check your settings.

Cut-in point – same both sides

The cut-in point can be adjusted on the Innofader by turning the trim pot marked “cut-in” to the desired position. See the below pictures for some standard settings.

Innofader Versions

The first production batch of Innofaders came with 2 different trim pot configurations. Please refere to the relevant pictures for adjustments.

WARNING – the fader may not cut out on the "No dead space" setting unless the mixer has an additional cut point adjustment.

Cut-in point – set both sides independently

You may wish to set the cut-in point differently on both sides or adjust the Innofader to fix the difference between cut-in points. Follow the Basic Installation steps 1-3 to access the Innofader if it is already installed. Do the following to calibrate the fader for different cut-in points on both sides.

1. Connect J12 from the MISC ADAPTER BOARD to J1 on the Innofader. Make sure that the Innofader metal parts aren’t touching the mixer, and turn on the mixer power. Move the Innofader knob all the way to the left as shown below.
   
   
   
   
2. Slide the Innofader all the way to the right. If you want the right side to have more cut-in space than the left, then pull the fader back to the left accordingly.
   
   
   
   
3. Press SW1 and release. This stores the right side calibration point into permanent memory on the Innofader microcontroller.
   
   
4. Slide the Innofader all the way to the left. If you want the left side to have more cut-in space than the right, then pull the fader back to the right accordingly.
   
   
   
   
5. Press SW1 and release. This stores the right side calibration point into permanent memory on the Innofader microcontroller.

Curve

The curve can be adjusted on the Innofader by turning the trim pot marked “curve” to the desired position. See the below pictures for some standard settings.

Innofader Versions

The first production batch of Innofaders came with 2 different trim pot configurations. Please refere to the relevant pictures for adjustments.

Mono Curve

Some mixers only use a mono signal from the VCA fader. If this is the case for the crossfader and you wish to make curve adjustments, we recommend the “X” setting which shorts the X/Y jumper. You may also do this to get an extra set of specialty curves which flatten in the middle.

Tension Adjust

Move the fader to the center so that the tension adjust screw shows through the center hole.



Turn the screw clockwise to increase the tension or counterclockwise to decrease the tension.
TIP 1: If the Innofader "drags" chances are you loosened the screw too far. Tighten it back down to fix this.
TIP 2: Turn the screw clockwise until the fader becomes stiff, then loosen it just to the point where you want it. This will optimize the electronic operation of the Innofader and keep the screw from loosening on its own.

Maintenance

Follow the Basic Installation steps 1-3 to access the Innofader. Perform the maintenance on the fader while it is outside of the mixer.

Lubrication

NOTE: Only use the Caig Lube included with the kit or if you purchase the identical lubricant directly from Caig Lube. Using the wrong lube may either damage the fader or not allow you to achieve the optimal fader smoothness.

TIP: Add some tension to the fader during lubrication. This will help remove excess dirt and work the lube into the fader

1. Cut off the protective plastic tip, and insert the mini tube included in the Innofader kit to allow 1 small drop of lube to be applied at a time.
   
   
   
   
2. Move the fader stem all the way to the left or right so the top rail is visible hows through the center hole.
   
   
   
   
3. Apply a drop of the Caig Lube included with the Innofader kit onto the top rail through the tension adjust hole. Move the fader back and forth a few times to work it in.
   
   
   
   
4. Apply a drop of the Caig Lube onto the bottom rail. Move the fader back and forth a few times to work it in.
   
   
   
5. Just in case you need to open up the fader and deep clean it - usually because it's been overlubed or got dipped in hot glue, etc - , here is a tutorial on how to do this.
   
   

Recalibration

You can do this to rebalance the Innofader if the cut-in on both sides has become inbalanced or the range on the cut-in adjustment is no good. Recalibration sets the maximum active area on the fader. Recalibration occasionally is necessary if you drop the Innofader or bend the case.

NOTE: To make this work correctly there are 2 key points to remember:
1) When pressing SW1, make sure to press and hold it for about 1/2 second. This will ensure the Innofader has time to calibrate the endpoints.
2) When sliding the Innofader from one side to the other, do a gradual slide taking about one second. This allows the Innofader to properly calibrate the center position. 3) For best results please do the calibration with the cap on the Innofader.

1. Connect J12 from the MISC ADAPTER BOARD to J1 on the Innofader. Make sure that the Innofader metal parts aren’t touching the mixer, and turn on the mixer power. Move the Innofader knob all the way to the left as shown below.
   
   
   
   
2. Slide the Innofader all the way to the right. If you want the right side to have more cut-in space than the left, then pull the fader back to the left accordingly.
   
   
3. Press SW1 and release. This stores the right side calibration point into permanent memory on the Innofader microcontroller.
   
   
   
   
4. Slide the Innofader all the way to the left. If you want the left side to have more cut-in space than the right, then pull the fader back to the right accordingly.
   
   
5. Press SW1 and release. This stores the right side calibration point into permanent memory on the Innofader microcontroller.
   
   

Line Fader Installation

Standard install using crossfader power

First follow steps 1 through 4 from the Basic Installation process. Then do the following:

1. Install and test the crossfader according to steps 5 and 6 of the Basic Installation process, but using an adapter if necessary.
   
   
2. Connect faders as shown in the below picture. Use adapters on the line faders if necessary. NOTE: Since the power comes from the crossfader, steps 5 and 6 from the Basic Installation process are not necessary. Note the following:
   
   Connect one line fader power cable to each fader, then connect the 3 cables to the Mini Line Fader PC Board. As expected, the horizontal connector is for the crossfader and the vertical connectors are for the two line faders on the Mini Line Fader PC Board.
   
   Replace the factory installed main cable marked “TO MIXER” with a Line Fader Innofader Cable for both of the line faders but not for the crossfader.
   
   
   
   
3. Using the twist ties included with the Innofader, the adapter boards can be tied together to prevent shorting and to reduce the chance of wires moving around and causing audio interference. Many mixers can be accessed from the bottom, which makes this much easier.
   
   

Mod for non-VCA line faders

First follow steps 1 through 4 from the Basic Installation process. Then do the following:

1. Set the line faders to the maximum position and secure them inside the mixer so they don’t interfere with the other faders that will be installed. NOTE: if you can figure out the fader circuit setting at maximum volume, you can also permanently set the fader connection on the line faders to the same setting.
   
   
   
   
2. Install and test the crossfader according to steps 5 and 6 of the Basic Installation, but using an adapter if necessary.
   
   
   
   Make cable changes as such:
   
   A: Remove the black wire from the Line fader Power cable.
   
   B: Disconnect the yellow control cable from the crossfader. Pull out the green control cable on the line fader and replace it with the yellow control cable from the crossfader.
   
   C: Disconnect the green control cable from the crossfader. Pull out the yellow control cable on the line fader and replace it with the green control cable from the crossfader.
   
   D: Connect one of the wires removed in step A from the crossfader connector 2nd pin from the left to the left line fader connector.
   
   E: Connect one of the wires removed in step A from the crossfader connector leftmost pin to the right line fader connector.
   
   
3. To remove a cable wire, simply lift the connector plastic up using the mini flat screwdriver as shown in the below picture and pull the wire out at the same time:
   
   
   
   Connect faders as shown in the below picture.
   
   
   
   Set the cut-in point to the absolute tightest on the line faders.
   
   
4. Go to the section Cut-in Point – Set Both Sides Independently and follow the instructions for recalibrating the fader. Make sure you calibrate the bottom point of the fader about 1.5mm away from the bottom and calibrate the top point as far to the top as possible.
   
   NOTE: Failure to follow steps 5 and 6 properly will result in a sharp sound cut at the top of the fader. Make sure you read and understand these steps and follow them carefully.
   
   
5. Connect the crossfader and power on the mixer
   
   
6. Set the mixer curve to a soft curve
   
   
7. Set the crossfader and line fader curves to the curves you wish to use during mixer operation.
   

Mods for Controlling the Innofader Externally

Reverse

Use a switch to swap the yellow and green wires going from the fader to the connector. NOTE: If you are doing the Mod for VCA Line Faders, only do the reverse mod on the crossfader.

Curve and Cut-in

Remove the trim pots from the fader, and connect external adjustments. The middle position is the wiper. We recommend that the external adjustment maximum resistance is between 10k and 250k. NOTE: If you are doing the Mod for VCA Line Faders, only do the cut-in mod on the crossfader.

Compatible Mixers

Please go to this page to get the most up-to-date List of Mixers Compatible with the Innofader with installation notes:

This list is updated frequently as we continually qualify new mixers for using the Innofader.

Specifications

OUTSIDE DIMENSIONS: 77.5mm wide * 13mm thick * 45mm deep, not including stem
MOUNTING HOLES: 65mm spacing, M3 style screw
TRAVEL DISTANCE: 41mm (see above for Customization)
STEM WIDTH: 8mm
POWER SUPPLY RANGE: Vin+ - Vin- +2.25V to +12.5V
SUPPLY CURRENT: 2.0mA typical, reduced to <0.8mA if input falls below 2.5V.

VCA1, VCA2 OUTPUTS: RANGE V to Vin+, maximum +5V
RESOLUTION: 256 steps
CUT-IN DEAD SPACE: 0mm minimum, 10mm maximum, 1024 steps
CURVE ADJUST RANGE: Y setting Top cut, A type, B type, C type, bottom cut 1024 steps
X setting Same as Y setting, but symmetrical around center point.

RESPONSE: 3msec delay, 2msec response time

INNOFADER CONTENTS

• One Innofader
• One Fader Cap (black with red stripe)
• Small keychain mini philips + slothead screwdriver
• Two M3 6mm insulated flathead mounting screws
• Two M3 8mm flathead mounting screws
• Twelve M3 0.5mm self-adhesive fiberboard height adjustment washers
• One misc. adapter PC board with 8 adapters, with on-board calibration circuit
• One Ecler Eternal adapter PC board, with on-board test circuit for checking Innofader compatibility
• Two twist ties for securing adapter PC boards
• Line fader adapter kit (power cable, Innofader cable, and mini line fader PC board)
• Allen & Heath / Stanton mounting plate
• One small bottle Caig Lube with a mini tube for easy application