User manual RANE SEQ 30L

[. . . ] After equalizing, use the EQ switch to compare equalized and non-equalized signal. While EQ is switched to Active (BYPASS button out), adjust the INPUT LEVEL to the same level as when EQ is switched to BYPASS (in). You may use either the XLR or ¼" connectors for Inputs or Outputs. You may, however, use both types of OUTPUTS simultaneously if desired. WEAR PARTS: This product contains no wear parts. Manual-1 FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION 25 + 12 9 6 3 0 31. 5 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 200 250 315 400 500 630 800 1k 1. 25k 1. 6k 2k 2. 5k 3. 15k 4k 5k 6. 3k 8k 10k 12. 5k 16k 20k + 12 9 6 3 0 3 6 9 12 SEQ 30L STEREO EQUALIZER INPUT 0 -6 6 3 6 9 +4 OL 12 -12 12 LEVEL BYPASS POWER 1 2 3 4 INPUT LEVEL control and indicators This controls the overall level. [. . . ] It is permissible to simultaneously use both types of Outputs to drive two devices, such as an amplifier and a recorder. XLR wiring is the same as the Inputs. Manual-3 SEQ 30L CONNECTION Exactly where you install your SEQ 30L into a sound system significantly affects such things as noise, system headroom, compressor/limiter performance and other factors influencing overall sound quality. Be aware that the SEQ 30L is capable of boosting signals up to 12 dB (4 times as large!)--a level at which great care should be taken to prevent seismic disturbances. Optimal gain setting is indicated by the +4 dBu indicator lighting occasionally, while the OL indicator does not light. The SEQ 30L can be used to align crossovers and flatten speaker response. The best way to "see" what your sound system is doing, is to use a realtime analyzer, such as the Rane RA 30. A 1/3-octave realtime analyzer is an accurate means for setting a 1/3-octave equalizer properly. WHERE For tone contouring, the equalizer may be used at any point in the signal chain, such as insert loops in a mixer to equalize a single instrument, sweeten a tape recording, etc. When an equalizer is used for acoustical correction, the equalizer should be one of the last pieces of gear in front of the amplifiers and active crossover. Here are a few general guidelines to decide where to install the EQ in the system. Downstream of the Compressor Since system EQ is aimed at controlling acoustic problems, install it after any compressor, which is designed to operate on electrical signal. For one thing, the equalizer slider settings will change in each room location, which in turn affects the control voltage and threshold responses of the compressor, rendering it inconsistent. Secondly, large amounts of boost often cause tone differences by causing some frequencies to limit or compress before others. After any System Gain The best configuration is: mixer, compressor/limiter, equalizer, crossover, then power amplifier. Whenever headroom allows, try to take all the gain at the mixer, and run unity levels from then on. Avoid taking a lot of gain in the crossover or power amps as this may create noise problems. The SEQ 30L operates at unity gain with the INPUT LEVEL control at the 0 dB center detent when sliders average to center (0 dB). You can test this with the EQ BYPASS switch--adjust the INPUT LEVEL control so that volume does not change when switching between Active and BYPASS. For details, read "Setting Sound System Level Controls" available from the Rane website. Send/Receive Loops Mixers, mixer/preamps and the like often provide send/ receive loops for additional effects or EQ, and the SEQ 30L works well in this situation. Just be sure to keep input trim or gain controls turned up as far as the mixer input headroom will allow, to avoid taking excessive gain downstream and creating noise problems. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS The SEQ 30L is an accurate, professional quality instrument capable of precise equalization down to a fraction of a dB. [. . . ] Analyzers consistently and accurately "tell it like it is, " but ultimately, personal judgment determines what sounds good or appropriate for the program material. In fact, final optimum EQ settings, made after analyzer testing, will vary greatly depending on the type of music, sound pressure level, size of the venue and disposition of the audience. Conclusion: To consistently obtain the best sound from your system, use an analyzer and then your ears, in that order. The analyzer supplies the consistency and calibration while your ears supply the good taste. [. . . ]