Reference Manual This page intentionally left blank 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Table Of Contents Introduction ..................................................................3 Welcome!...................................................................................................... 3 DEQ230 Key Features .................................................................... 4 How to Use This Manual................................................................ 5 Important Safety Instructions..................................7 Important Safety Instructions (English) ................................... 7 Safety symbols used in this product......................................................... 7 Please follow these precautions when using this product: ................... 7 Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) ...................... 9 Symboles utilisés dans ce produit............................................................. 9 Veuillez suivre ces précautions lors de l'utilisation de l'appareil: ...................................................................................................... 9 Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German) ........................................................................................... 11 Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesem Produkt................................. 11 Folgen Sie bitte diesen Vorkehrungen, wenn dieses Produkt verwendet wird: ........................................................................... 11 CE Declaration Of Conformity..................................................... 13 FCC Compliance Statement ......................................................... 13 Chapter One: Quick Start Guide ..............................15 If you can't wait to get started.................................................................. 15 Step 1: Hook it up to a mixer ........................................................ 15 Step 2: Try some equalization ...................................................... 16 Step 3: Store the Program ............................................................. 16 Chapter Two: Connections ........................................19 Unpacking and Inspection............................................................ 19 Installing in a Rack ........................................................................ 19 Thermal Considerations in Rack Mounting ............................. 19 AC Power Hookup........................................................................... 20 To use the DEQ230 in another country: ................................................ 20 Connecting Inputs and Outputs .................................................. 21 Connecting to the Channel or Main Inserts of a mixing console.......................................................................................................... 21 Connecting to the inserts on an instrument amplifier .......................... 23 Connecting to equipment with XLR inputs and outputs ..................... 23 Connecting to equipment with S/PDIF inputs and outputs (DEQ230D only) ........................................................................... 23 About Audio Cables ........................................................................ 25 Chapter Three: Basics of Equalization...................27 What is equalization? ..................................................................... 27 Description of the Controls .......................................................... 28 Description of the Basic Modes ................................................... 29 Basic operation: Program mode .................................................. 31 Basic operation: Edit mode........................................................... 32 1 Table Of Contents Basic operation: Store mode......................................................... 38 Channel Copy.............................................................................................. 39 Basic operation: Audition mode .................................................. 40 Basic operation: Channel Level mode........................................ 42 The "Hidden" Modes........................................................................ 43 Demonstration mode................................................................................. 43 Real-time Analysis mode (DEQ230D only): ............................................ 43 Setup mode.................................................................................................. 44 Button combinations.................................................................................. 49 Equalization Artifacts.................................................................... 50 Constant Q vs. Variable Q ............................................................. 51 Chapter Four: Applications.......................................55 Filtering effects ............................................................................... 56 Chapter Five: Program Charts .................................59 DEQ230 Settings Chart .................................................................. 69 Chapter Six: Troubleshooting...................................71 Restoring the Factory Programs & Defaults ............................ 71 Line Conditioners and Protectors .............................................. 71 Care and Maintenance................................................................... 71 Troubleshooting Index .............................................................................. 72 Specifications................................................................... 75 Audio Performance .................................................................................... 75 Mechanical ................................................................................................... 75 Warranty/Contact Alesis ............................................77 Alesis Limited Warranty............................................................................. 77 Alesis Contact Information....................................................................... 78 2 Introduction Welcome! Thank you for purchasing the Alesis DEQ230. It is a versatile product, and whether it becomes a part of your studio or finds its place in your live setup, we know it will serve you well. Since 1984, we've been designing and building creative tools for the audio community. We believe in our products, because we've heard the results that creative people like you achieve with them. One of Alesis' goals is to make high-quality music technology available to everyone. This Reference Manual is an important part of that, because in it we try to present the DEQ230's features in a way that is easy to understand and remember. But even beyond explaining each feature and parameter, this manual can be a key that unlocks an application for the DEQ230 that you may not have considered. So we try to write our manuals as carefully as we build our products. The goal of this manual is to get you the information you need as quickly as possible, with a minimum of hassle. We hope we've achieved that. If not, please drop us an email and give us your suggestions on how we could improve future editions of this manual. We hope your investment will bring you many years of creative enjoyment and help you achieve your goals. Sincerely, The people of Alesis Except as noted, when this user guide refers to the DEQ230 we will be referring to both the DEQ230 and the DEQ230D. For more effective service and product update notices, please register your DEQ230 online at: http://www.alesis.com/ support/warranty.htm 3 Introduction DEQ230 Key Features 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. Offers the best of digital technology and analog-style control: a graphic display with instant editing of any band or combination of bands, plus the ability to store programs 60 programs total: 30 preset and 30 user-programmable 48 KHz sampling rate, 24-bit A/D/A, 28-bit internal processing Two channels of equalization, independent or linkable 30 EQ bands per channel, spanning 25 Hz-20 KHz in 1/3octave increments +/- 12 dB boost/cut with center detente Constant Q technology for finer control of audio LOCK function for "set and forget" situations, which prevents accidental reprogramming AUDITION mode for automated program comparison Individual Channel Level adjustment per program Master Level adjustment [LINK] button for quick creation of matched EQ curves [BYPASS] button Configurable editing modes to suit the way you work Several methods of accelerated program selection Ability to copy settings from Channel A to Channel B during Store procedure Easy-to-read 7-segment Numeric LED Display Over 750 Band Gain LEDs, making it easy to read EQ curves from a distance SIGNAL and CLIP LEDs Balanced input/impedance-balanced output (TRS) Compact 1-space rackmount profile DEQ230D only: 22. Real-time Analysis (RTA) mode for visual feedback of incoming audio signal, with selectable metering modes 23. S/PDIF input/output, auto-senses incoming digital audio 24. Clock selectable between 44.1k and 48k sampling rates 25. MIDI in/out for program changes and sys-ex storage 26. Balanced input/output (TRS) 27. +4/-10 operating level switch (rear panel) For full operating specifications, see page 75. 4 Introduction How to Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions of and applications for the DEQ230. While it's a good idea to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about audio equipment should use the table of contents to look up specific functions. Chapter 1: Quick Start Guide. If you're already familiar with equalization, this will get you started using the DEQ230 right away. It's a short guide to the essential elements of hooking it up and using it for the first time. Chapter 2: Connections. This section gives detailed instructions for connecting the DEQ230 to a variety of typical audio systems. Chapter 3: Basics of Equalization. This section explains what an equalizer does and explains the function of each of the controls. Chapter 4: Applications. Skip to this section for tips on using the DEQ230 in a variety of settings. Chapter 5: Program Charts. Here you will find the names for all 60 Factory Programs, with a brief description of each and a small graphic representation of the front panel settings. Chapter 6: Troubleshooting. Near the end of the manual you will find troubleshooting tips and a complete list of the DEQ230's specifications. When something important appears in the manual, an exclamation mark (like the one shown at left) will appear with some explanatory text. This symbol indicates that this information is vital when operating the DEQ230. Helpful tips and advice are highlighted in a shaded box like this. The names of specific buttons on the DEQ230 are printed in a bold font and bracketed: i.e., the [BYPASS] button. 5 Introduction This page intentionally left blank 6 Important Safety Instructions Important Safety Instructions (English) Safety symbols used in this product This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit. This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks. This symbol warns the user that output connectors contain voltages that can cause dangerous electrical shock. Please follow these precautions when using this product: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with a damp cloth. Do not spray any liquid cleaner onto the faceplate, as this may damage the front panel controls or cause a dangerous condition. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer. Continued next page 10. 11. 7 Important Safety Instructions 12. Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or table designed for use with professional audio or music eq ...