User manual ALESIS DEQ230

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 equipment. In any installation, make sure that injury or damage will not result from cables pulling on the apparatus and its mounting. If a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over. 13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. 15. This unit produces heat when operated normally. Operate in a well-ventilated area with at least six inches of clearance from peripheral equipment. 16. This product, in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist. 17. Do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing. Do not place objects filled with liquids (flower vases, soft drink cans, coffee cups) on the apparatus. 18. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. 8 Important Safety Instructions Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) Symboles utilisés dans ce produit Ce symbole alèrte l'utilisateur qu'il existe des instructions de fonctionnement et de maintenance dans la documentation jointe avec ce produit. Ce symbole avertit l'utilisateur de la présence d'une tension non isolée à l'intérieur de l'appareil pouvant engendrer des chocs électriques. Ce symbole prévient l'utilisateur de la présence de tensions sur les raccordements de sorties, représentant un risque d'électrocution. Veuillez suivre ces précautions lors de l'utilisation de l'appareil: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Lisez ces instructions. Gardez ces instructions. Tenez compte de tous les avertissements. Suivez toutes les instructions. N'utilisez pas cet allareil à proximité de l'eau. Ne nettoyez qu'avec un chiffon humide. Il est potentiellement dangereux d'utiliser des pulvérisateurs ou nettoyants liquides sur cet appareil. Installez selon les recommandations du constructeur. Ne pas installer à proximilé de sources de chaleur comme radiateurs, cuisinière ou autre appareils (don't les amplificateurs) produisant de la chaleur. Ne pas enlever la prise de terre du cordon secteur. Une prise murale avec terre deux broches et une troisièrme reliée à la terre. Cette dernière est présente pour votre sécurité. Si le cordon secteur ne rentre pas dans la prise de courant, demandez à un électricien qualifié de remplacer la prise. Evitez de marcher sur le cordon secteur ou de le pincer, en particulier au niveau de la prise, et aux endroits où il sor de l'appareil. N'utilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le constructeur. Suite de la page suivante 10. 11. 9 Important Safety Instructions 12. N'utilisez qu'avec un stand, ou table conçus pour l'utilisation d'audio professionnel ou instruments de musique. Dans toute installation, veillez de ne rien endommager à cause de câbles qui tirent sur des appareils et leur support. 13. Débranchez l'appareil lors d'un orage ou lorsqu'il n'est pas utilisé pendant longtemps. 14. Faites réparer par un personnel qualifié. Une réparation est nécessaire lorsque l'appareil a été endommagé de quelque sorte que ce soit, par exemple losrque le cordon secteur ou la prise sont endommagés, si du liquide a coulé ou des objets se sont introduits dans l'appareil, si celui-ci a été exposé à la pluie ou à l'humidité, ne fonctionne pas normalement ou est tombé. 15. Puisque son fonctionement normale génère de la chaleur, placez cet appareil au moins 15cm. des équipments péripheriques et assurez que l'emplacement permet la circulation de l'air. 16. Ce produit, utilisé avec un amplificateur et un casque ou des enceintes, est capable de produite des niveaux sonores pouvant engendrer une perte permanente de l'ouïe. Ne l'utilisez pas pendant longtemps à un niveau sonore élevé ou à un niveau non confortable. Si vous remarquez une perte de l'ouïe ou un bourdonnement dans les oreilles, consultez un spécialiste. 17. N'exposez pas l'appareil à l'égoutture ou à l'éclaboussement. Ne placez pas les objets remplis de liquides (vases à fleur, boîtes de boisson non alcoolique, tasses de café) sur l'appareil. 18. AVERTISSEMENT: Pour réduire le risque du feu ou de décharge électrique, n'exposez pas cet appareil à la pluie ou à l'humidité. 10 Important Safety Instructions Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German) Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesem Produkt Dieses Symbol alarmiert den Benutzer, daß es wichtige Funktionieren und Wartung Anweisungen in der Literatur gibt, die diese Maßeinheit begleitet. Dieses Symbol warnt den Benutzer der nicht isolierten Spannung innerhalb der Maßeinheit, die gefährliche elektrische Schläge verursachen kann. Dieses Symbol warnt den Benutzer, dem Ausgabestecker Spannungen enthalten, die gefährlichen elektrischen Schlag verursachen können. Folgen Sie bitte diesen Vorkehrungen, wenn dieses Produkt verwendet wird: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Lesen Sie die Hinweise. Halten Sie sich an die Anleitung. Beachten Sie alle Warnungen. Beachten Sie alle Hinweise. Bringen Sie das Gerät nie mit Wasser in Berührung. Verwenden Sie zur Reinigung nur ein weiches Tuch. Verwenden Sie keine flüssigen Reinigungsmittel. Dies kann gefährliche Folgen haben. Halten Sie sich beim Aufbau des Gerätes an die Angaben des Herstellers. Stellen Sie das Gerät nich in der Nähe von Heizkörpern, Heizungsklappen oder anderen Wärmequellen (einschließlich Verstärkern) auf. Verfehlen Sie nicht den Zweck des grounging Terminals auf dem Netzstecker. Dieses Terminal wird für Ihre Sicherheit zur Verfügung gestellt. Verlegen Sie das Netzkabel des Gerätes niemals so, daß man darüber stolpern kann oder daß es gequetscht wird. Benutzen Sie nur das vom Hersteller empfohlene Zubehör. Fortsetzung auf nächster seite 11 Important Safety Instructions 12. Verwenden Sie ausschließlich Wagen, Ständer, oder Tische, die speziell für professionelle Audio- und Musikinstrumente geeignet sind. Achten Sie immer darauf, daß die jeweiligen Geräte sicher installiert sind, um Schäden und Verletzungen zu vermeiden. Wenn Sie einen Rollwagen benutzen, achten Sie darauf, das dieser nicht umkippt, um Verletzungen auszuschließen. 13. Ziehen Sie während eines Gewitters oder wenn Sie das Gerät über einen längeren Zeitraum nicht benutzen den Netzstecher aus der Steckdose. 14. Die Wartung sollte nur durch qualifiziertes Fachpersonal erfolgen. Die Wartung wird notwendig, wenn das Gerät beschädigt wurde oder aber das Stromkabel oder der Stecker, Gegenstände oder Flüssigkeit in das Gerät gelangt sind, das Gerät dem Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt war und deshalb nicht mehr normal arbeitet oder heruntergefallen ist. 15. Dieses Gerät produziert auch im normalen Betrieb Wärme. Achten Sie deshalb auf ausreichende Lüftung mit mindestens 15 cm Abstand von anderen Geräten. 16. Dieses Produkt kann in Verbindung mit einem Verstärker und Kopfhörern oder Lautsprechern Lautstärkepegel erzeugen, die anhaltende Gehörschäden verursachen. Betreiben Sie es nicht über längere Zeit mit hoher Lautstärke oder einem Pegel, der Ihnen unangenehm is. Wenn Sie ein Nachlassen des Gehörs oder ein Klingeln in den Ohren feststellen, sollten Sie einen Ohrenarzt aufsuchen. 17. Setzen Sie den Apparat nicht Bratenfett oder dem Spritzen aus. Plazieren Sie die Nachrichten, die mit Flüssigkeiten (gefüllt werden Blumevases, Getränkdosen, Kaffeetassen) nicht auf den Apparat. 18. WARNING: um die Gefahr des Feuers oder des elektrischen Schlages zu verringern, setzen Sie diesen Apparat nicht Regen oder Feuchtigkeit aus. 12 Important Safety Instructions CE Declaration Of Conformity See our website at: http://www.alesis.com FCC Compliance Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: -- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. -- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. -- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. -- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. 13 Important Safety Instructions This page intentionally left blank 14 1 Quick Start Guide If you can't wait to get started The Alesis DEQ230 is a unique product, but its basic hookup and operation are similar to other equalizers in most respects. If you're experienced with signal processors, this chapter is a "shorthand" guide for those who want to start using the DEQ230 right away. If you have questions about any of the features, don't worry ­ we'll cover everything in greater detail in later chapters. If you're new to signal processing, start with the more detailed instructions for hookup and operation found in the next chapter. Step 1: Hook it up to a mixer 1. Plug the POWER jack on the back of the DEQ230 into a grounded AC power source with the supplied power cable. 2. Using a pair of high-quality cables, plug the left and right main outputs of a non-powered mixer into the CHAN A and CHAN B INPUTs on the back of the DEQ230. 3. Connect another pair of cables to the CHAN A and CHAN B OUTPUTs of the DEQ230 and plug them into your amplification system or a pair of powered monitors. 4. Press the [POWER] switch on the front of the DEQ230 to power up the unit. 5. If the LINK LED is not lit, you may want to press the [LINK/EXIT] button on the front of the DEQ230. That way you'll hear the changes you make with Channel A affect both channels of audio at once. The DEQ230's power will turn on automatically once its AC cable is plugged in, so be sure to press the [POWER] switch to turn the unit off while you're connecting it to your other equipment. When connecting the DEQ230 to other equipment, make sure all gear has been turned off. Also, to protect your speakers, be certain your amplifier(s) are turned all the way down before turning your equipment back on. 15 1 Quick Start Guide Step 2: Try some equalization Play some signal into the unit While learning the unit, you should play a CD or a multitrack source into the equalizer. Choose a song or musical passage with a fairly consistent level, so you can take your time experimenting with the different features. 1. Put the mixer's main faders all the way down so you don't distort the unit by sending it too much signal. 2. Select program 00 on the DEQ230. The fastest way to do this is to press the [DOWN] and [UP] buttons at the same time. This will call up a program with all frequencies set to 0 dB, which will allow you to hear the changes you make to the audio more easily. 3. Begin playing your source material. Bring the mixer's main faders up gradually until the green LED over the word SIGNAL begins to light up on each side. Carefully increase the mixer's output level until the green LEDs are lit most of the time. If the red LEDs light up at all, back the mixer's output level down until they stop lighting up. This is important, because the red LEDs indicate that the signal is clipping on that channel. 4. Press one of the [BAND SELECT] buttons to select a frequency. One of the LEDs above that button will begin to blink. 5. Use the [DOWN] and [UP] buttons on either side of the [POWER] switch to decrease or increase the chosen frequency. If desired, select another frequency and repeat this process. 6. Press the [BYPASS] button to hear the signal without the equalization effect. Press it again to return to the EQ'd signal. Remember: if one or both of the red LEDs light up, that means the signal is clipping. To prevent this, reduce the level being sent to the proper channel. Step 3: Store the Program Once you have created an interesting program, you can save it to one of the 30 User program locations. Here's how to do this: 1. Press the [STORE] button to enter Store mode. 2. Use the [DOWN/UP] buttons to select the new location for the edited program. For your convenience, programs 55-59 have been left "blank" so you can store your editing experiments somewhere without fear of overwriting a program you might want to use later. 3. Press the [STORE] button again to store the program to the new location. For a detailed explanation on how to use this mode, see page 38. Programs 55-59 have been left "blank" so you have places to store your new programs right away. 16 Quick Start Guide 1 17 1 Quick Start Guide 18