User manual RANE ME 15S

[. . . ] 2 Filter RANGE switches: The gain range of the filter sliders is switchable (as a group) from ±6 dB for high resolution, to ±12 dB for maximum boost/cut capability. 3 BYPASS switches: When the button is pushed and the red indicator is lit, this Channel is in the BYPASS mode: signal is routed directly from the Input to the Output without passing through any active circuitry (often referred to as "hard-wire bypass"). Use this switch to compare equalized and unequalized material, or to bypass the equalizer in the event of power loss or unit failure. 4 LEVEL controls and OL indicators: These control the level of signal coming into the ME 15S. [. . . ] The wiring convention adheres to American, British and International standards of pin 2 or tip being hot, pin 3 or ring being return, and pin 1 or sleeve being shield. Unbalanced operation involves using only pin 2 or tip as signal, and pin 1 or sleeve as shield or ground. It is not necessary to short any inputs to ground--it doesn't hurt, it's just not necessary. Balanced output requires using pin 2 or tip, and pin 3 or ring for the signal. The signal exists differentially between the two balanced leads; ground is not involved. EXPANDING Expanding and/or daisychaining the Inputs and Outputs normally uses the ¼" jacks. Three parallel Input connectors allows driving a second signal processor or amplifier without special cabling. SIGNAL LEVELS Signal levels from -10 dBV to +4 dBu are considered normal and within range (at least 20 dB of headroom exists above these levels). These require a mic preamp. Manual- Operating Instructions Insuring the proper level of gain though the ME 15S is just as important as adjusting the equalizer bands. Improper gain distribution is a common cause of loss of system headroom and less than optimum noise performance. The OverLoad LED informs of an imminent or passed overload to the equalizer. Occasional blinking of the OL with program source material is fine, indicating optimized signalto-noise performance of the ME 15S. Run the ME 15S with an input signal that is as hot as possible without the OL lighting more than occasionally. The BYPASS switch allows comparison of equalized versus un-equalized signal. It is also useful in adjusting the level of the ME 15S for unity gain and best signal-to-noise performance. The gain of the ME 15S is optimized when there is no sound level difference between the bypassed and the active positions. The overall gain range of the level control for the ME 15S is off to +6 dB for unbalanced operation, or off to +12 dB for balanced operation. The level difference between the equalizer in bypass or active can be significant. Adjust the LEVEL control so the signal level is the same between the bypassed and active positions of the BYPASS switch. GETTING STARTED Here is one method of setting your equalizer that works well. Position the LEVEL controls about "6" for unbalanced operation and "7" for balanced operation. Verify the OL LED is not on--occasionally blinking during extreme peaks indicates an optimal setting. [. . . ] Boosting frequencies below the vented enclosure's low frequency cutoff can easily cause over excursion of the speaker's cone, causing premature failure. In addition, boosting low frequencies can make your power amplifier run hotter, leading to premature amplifier failure. When equalizer adjustment is completed, compare the unequalized sound with the equalized sound by alternately engaging the BYPASS switch. Use familiar source material and walk around in the sound coverage area to insure that no anomalies have been introduced into the sound system. [. . . ]