Alesis PEQ-450 manual

PEQ-450 Reference Manual 1 Five-Band Parametric Equalizer Reference Manual 2001[...]

PEQ-450 Manual 2 PEQ-450 Reference Manual[...]

PEQ-450 Manual PEQ-450 Reference Manual 3 Contents Welcome! ........................................................................................................................ 6 How to Use This Manual ........................................................................... 7 Important Safety Instructions.....................................[...]

PEQ-450 Manual 4 PEQ-450 Reference Manual Applications ................................................................................................................. 3 3 Rock Kick Drum ............................................................................. 33 Vocal Air .......................................................................[...]

PEQ-450 Manual PEQ-450 Reference Manual 5[...]

PEQ-450 Manual 6 PEQ-450 Reference Manual Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis PEQ-450™ a part of your studio. 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 have achieved with them. One of Alesis' go[...]

PEQ-450 Manual PEQ-450 Reference Manual 7 How to Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications for the PEQ-450. While it's a good idea to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about studio equipment should use the table of contents to[...]

PEQ-450 Manual 8 PEQ-450 Reference Manual Important Safety Instructions 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. [...]

PEQ-450 Manual PEQ-450 Reference Manual 9 into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. 10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 1 1 . Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufactur[...]

PEQ-450 Manual 10 PEQ-450 Reference Manual 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 isol[...]

PEQ-450 Manual PEQ-450 Reference Manual 11 10 . 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. 11. N’utilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le constructeur. 12 . N’utilisez qu’avec un stand, ou table conçus pour l’utilisation d’audio profess[...]

PEQ-450 Manual 12 PEQ-450 Reference Manual 6. Verwenden Sie zur Reinigung nur ein weiches Tuch. Verwenden Sie keine flüssigen Reinigungsmittel . Dies kann gefährliche Folgen haben. 7. Halten Sie sich beim Aufbau des Gerätes an die Angaben de s Herstellers. 8 . Stellen Sie das Gerät nich in der Nähe von Heizkörpern, Heizungsklappen oder andere[...]

PEQ-450 Manual PEQ-450 Reference Manual 13 CE Declaration of Conformity See the Internet site: www.alesis.com[...]

PEQ-450 Manual 14 PEQ-450 Reference Manual Instructions to the User (FCC Notice) 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 [...]

Chapter 1 PEQ-450 Reference Manual 15 Quick Start Guide If you can't wait to get started: The Alesis PEQ-450™ is a unique product, but its basic hookup and operation is 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 usi[...]

quick start guide • chapter 1 16 PEQ-450 Reference Manual 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 part that doesn’t change much, so that you can take your time experimenting with the different features. 1. Turn the INPU[...]

chapter 1 • quick start guide PEQ-450 Reference Manual 17 Step 3: Try some filtering Find a "peaky" signal A popular vocal effect is to filter the voice to a small frequency band. This "telephone" effect is also called "futzing" and can be used on any instrument or mix. Here’s how to get that sound on the PEQ-450: [...]

quick start guide • chapter 1 18 PEQ-450 Reference Manual Front Panel Diagram 4.5k 4.5k 4.5k 4.5k 4.5k 4.5k 4.5k 4.5k 4.5k 4.5k 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 2.0 0.25 16 8.0 4.0 1.0 0.5 2.0 0.25 16 8.0 4.0 1.0 0.5 2.0 0.25 16 8.0 4.0 1.0 0.5 2.0 0.25 16 8.0 4.0 1.0 0.5 2.0 0.25 16 8.0 4.0 1.0 0.5 2.0 0.25 16 8.0 4.0 1.0 0.5 2.0 0.25 16 [...]

Chapter 2 PEQ-450 Reference Manual 19 Connections Unpacking and Inspection Your PEQ-450 was packed carefully at the factory. The shipping carton was designed to protect the unit during shipping. Please retain this container in the highly unlikely event that you need to return the PEQ-450 for servicing. The shipping carton should contain the followi[...]

connections • chapter 2 20 PEQ-450 Reference Manual Power Make sure you read the initial Important Safety Instructions chapter at the front of this manual. AC Power Hookup Plug the female end of the power cord into the PEQ-450’s POWER INPUT socket and the male (plug) end into a good quality, noise-free AC power source of the proper rating. Tip:[...]

chapter 2 • connections PEQ-450 Reference Manual 21 Do not operate any electrical equipment with ungrounded outlets. Plugging the PEQ-450 into an ungrounded outlet, or "lifting" the unit off ground with a three-to-two wire adapter, can create a hazardous condition. Alesis cannot be responsible for problems caused by using the PEQ-450 or[...]

connections • chapter 2 22 PEQ-450 Reference Manual Connecting inputs and outputs ✪ When connecting audio cables and/or turning power on and off, make sure that all devices in your system are turned off and the volume controls are turned down. Connecting to the Channel Inserts of a mixing console: Unbalanced I/O Most recording consoles have a j[...]

chapter 2 • connections PEQ-450 Reference Manual 23 EQ In EQ Out C h anne l Insert This example shows you how to connect the PEQ-450 to one mono source. You can use this method to connect two mono or stereo sources to the PEQ-450. You would need up to four insert cables to make these connections. Balanced I/O Some recording consoles have balanced[...]

connections • chapter 2 24 PEQ-450 Reference Manual Balanced I/O Some recording consoles have balanced sends and returns for the main output bus. If your recording console has these connections, use a balanced TRS cable to connect the left main insert send to the left INPUT of the equalizer, and another balanced TRS cable to connect the equalizer[...]

chapter 2 • connections PEQ-450 Reference Manual 25 Connecting to equipment with XLR inputs and outputs: If you are connecting the PEQ-450 to a product with XLR balanced inputs and outputs, you will need to convert this signal to a TRS balanced connector. Make sure that Pin 2 of the XLR connector is connected to the Tip of the TRS adapter, and Pi[...]

connections • chapter 2 26 PEQ-450 Reference Manual About Audio Cables The connections between the PEQ-450 and your studio are your music’s lifeline, so use only high quality cables. These should be low- capacitance shielded cables with a stranded (not solid) internal conductor and a low-resistance shield. Although quality cables cost more, the[...]

Chapter 3 PEQ-450 Reference Manual 27 Basics of Equalization This section will explain how equalization works, and explain the functions of the PEQ-450’s controls. What is equalization? An equalizer boosts or cuts a frequency range. The PEQ-450 is a parametric equalizer, which means that you can sweep the frequency bands and adjust the range of b[...]

basics of equalization • chapter 3 28 PEQ-450 Reference Manual Description of Controls There are five groups of knobs in vertical rows on each channel of the PEQ-450. These are labeled BAND 1 through BAND 5. Their function is as follows: Gain The GAIN G knob specifies the amount of boost or cut for that band. The range of the control is –18dB t[...]

chapter 3 • basics of equalization PEQ-450 Reference Manual 29 Q Q is a ratio of the center frequency divided by the bandwidth. A Q setting of 0.5 is a wide band of boost or cut, where a setting of 3 is a narrow band of boost or cut. A setting of 0.25 is even narrower and is typically used for notching a small frequency due to reduce noise. The Q[...]

basics of equalization • chapter 3 30 PEQ-450 Reference Manual HPF The HPF button turns Band 1 into a highpass filter. This button disables the GAIN and Q knobs for Band 1. When this function is on, all audio below the Band 1 Frequency setting will be filtered out at a slope of 12dB per octave. Think of this function as a severe bass rolloff. It [...]

chapter 3 • basics of equalization PEQ-450 Reference Manual 31 Input The INPUT knob trims the level coming into the PEQ-230. It should be set so that the average level is around –15dB, but not so high so that the INPUT METER hits the red CLIP light. Output The OUTPUT knob boosts or cuts the overall level coming out of the PEQ-230. It should be [...]

basics of equalization • chapter 3 32 PEQ-450 Reference Manual Equalization Artifiacts When you apply a lot of EQ (6dB or more), you may hear some consequences on the output. Here are a few common side effects to applying a lot of equalization and some ways to avoid them. Distortion If you boost the low frequencies enough, you will distort the ou[...]

Chapter 4 PEQ-450 Reference Manual 33 Applications This section is designed to get you started with the PEQ-450 by giving some sample settings. These are merely suggested settings, experiment and find your own once you begin to hear what the PEQ-450 does to your sound. In a way, it’s absurd to suggest EQ settings without knowing what the source s[...]

applications • chapter 4 34 PEQ-450 Reference Manual Hum Removal You may need to use a recorded performance with ground hum present on the track. This hum can be decreased or even eliminated using EQ: • Band 1 set for narrow Q, cutting –18dB at 60Hz • Band 2 set for narrow Q, cutting –18dB at 120Hz • Band 3 set for narrow Q, cutting –[...]

chapter 4 • applications PEQ-450 Reference Manual 35 1. Insert the EQ between the mixer’s monitor output and the monitor amplifier. 2. Slowly and carefully raise the monitor level to the point of feedback. Notice that it always feeds back at the same frequency unless the mic is moved a lot. As soon as you hear feedback, turn the monitor level d[...]

applications • chapter 4 36 PEQ-450 Reference Manual[...]

PEQ-450 Reference Manual 37 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating your PEQ-450, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support for assistance. Symptom Cause Solution No audio from outputs No input audio Test with a known good input. Bad cable[...]

troubleshooting • chapter 5 38 PEQ-450 Reference Manual Avoiding ground loop noise In today’s studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has its own computer chip inside, there are many opportunities for ground loop problems to occur. These show up as hums, buzzes or sometimes radio reception and can occur if a piece of equipment "see[...]

chapter 5 • troubleshooting PEQ-450 Reference Manual 39  TO ELIMINATE HUM IF THE ABOVE HAS FAILED: A ) Disconnect the power from all outboard devices and tape machines except for the PEQ-450, the mixer and control room monitor power amp. B) Plug in each tape machine and outboard effects device one at a time. If possible, flip the polarity of t[...]

troubleshooting • chapter 5 40 PEQ-450 Reference Manual power line fails completely. Intended for computer applications, a UPS allows you to complete an orderly shutdown of a computer system in the event of a power outage. In addition, the isolation it provides from the power line minimizes all forms of interference—spikes, noise, etc. Care and[...]

chapter 5 • troubleshooting PEQ-450 Reference Manual 41 Tape a note to the top of the unit describing the problem, include your name and a phone number where Alesis can contact you if necessary, as well as instructions on where you want the product returned. Alesis will pay for standard one-way shipping back to you on any repair covered under the[...]

42 PEQ-450 Reference Manual Specifications Subject to change without notice AUDIO INPUT Input Connectors: 4 Balanced 1/4" TRS jacks Nominal Input Level: Adjustable from <= -10dBV to >= +4dBu = -15dBFS Maximum Input Level: +20dBu (7.78 Vrms) Input impedance: 10 kOhm AUDIO OUTPUT +4dBu/-10dBV Switchable Output Connectors: 4 Pseudo-Balanced[...]

PEQ-450 Reference Manual 43 Alesis Limited Warranty ALESIS STUDIO ELECTRONICS ("ALESIS") warrants this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year for parts and for a period of one (1) year for labor from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty is enforceable only by the original reta[...]

44 PEQ-450 Reference Manual OR IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, DAMAGE BASED ON INCONVENIENCE OR ON LOSS OF USE OF THE PRODUCT, AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, DAMAGES FOR PERSONAL INJURY. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or [...]