User manual RANE MQ 302

[. . . ] OPERATORS MANUAL MQ 302 STEREO GRAPHIC EQUALIZER QUICK START If this is your first equalizer, please do yourself and your speakers a favor and read at least the first five pages. "An ounce of prevention. . . , " and all that. The MQ 302 is a stereo equalizer, so adjusting any slider affects both Channels simultaneously. Begin by setting all sliders to their center detent (0 dB), and the INPUT LEVEL to 8. [. . . ] Analyzers consistently and accurately "tell it like it is, " but ultimately, personal judgment determines what sounds good or appropriate. 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 ear supplies the good taste. Manual-5 MOJO GLOSSARY balanced line The recommended method of interconnecting audio equipment. A balanced line requires three conductors: a twisted-pair for the signal (positive and negative) and an overall shield. The shield must be tied to the chassis at both ends for hum-free interconnect. BW The numerical difference between the upper and lower -3 dB points of an audio band. clipping What occurs when a unit tries to produce a signal larger than its power supply. The signal takes on a flat-topped, or clipped shape. When an amplifier tries to go above its max power, it clips. compressor A signal processing device used to reduce the dynamic range of the signal passing through it. For instance, an input dynamic range of 110 dB might pass through a compressor and exit with a new dynamic range of 70 dB. The modern usage for compressors is to turn down (or reduce the dynamic range of) just the loudest signals. Other applications use compressors to control the creation of sound. When used in conjunction with microphones and musical instrument pick-ups, compressors help determine the final timbre by selectively compressing specific frequencies and waveforms. connectors Audio equipment uses different styles: RCA An unbalanced pin connector commonly used on consumer and some pro equipment; aka phono plug XLR A 3-pin connector common on pro audio equipment. Preferred for balanced line interconnect; aka Cannon plug " TRS 1. Stereo " connector consisting of tip (T), ring (R), and sleeve (S) sections, with T = left, R = right, and S = ground/shield. Balanced interconnect with the pos & neg signal lines tied to T and R respectively and S acting only as an overall shield. Insert loop interconnect with T = send, R = return, and S = ground/shield. [Think: ring, right, return] " TS Mono " connector consisting of tip (T) [signal] and sleeve (S) [ground & shield] for unbalanced wiring. constant-Q equalizer (also constant-bandwidth) The bandwidth remains constant for all boost/cut levels. [. . . ] THE LAST BEST RIGHT WAY TO DO IT If transformer isolation is not an option, special cable assemblies are a last resort. The key here is to prevent the shield currents from flowing into a unit whose grounding scheme creates ground loops (hum) in the audio path (i. e. , most audio equipment). Do not be tempted to use 3-prong to 2-prong "cheater" adapters to lift grounds. This is a dangerous and illegal practice. [. . . ]