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ME3 User Manual rev A

1. an I 5431 ues pueg 103 21 jeubis di gt Connections Unpacking and Inspection Your DEQ230 was packed carefully at the factory The shipping carton was designed to protect the unit during transit Please keep this carton in the highly unlikely event that you need to return the DEQ230 for servicing The shipping carton should contain the following items DEQ230 with the same serial number as shown on shipping carton A C power supply adapter DEQ230 only A C power cable DEQ230D only This instruction manual Installing in a Rack The DEQ230 may be simply set on a table or installed in a standard 19 audio equipment rack Thermal Considerations in Rack Mounting The DEQ230 can be mounted in an equipment rack occupying one rack space or placed on a table or shelf When you install it keep in mind that heat is the greatest enemy of electronic equipment Please observe the following The DEQ230 is designed to perform properly over a range of ambient temperatures from 10 C to 40 C 50 F to 104 in up to 80 non condensing humidity These are not absolute limits but Alesis cannot guarantee that the DEQ230 will meet its published specs or remain reliable if operated outside of these ranges Always allow adequate ventilation behind the DEQ230 Do not seal any enclosure that holds this unit It is not necessary to leave an empty rack space above
2. For an explanation of how to use the Channel Level control feature see page 42 Button 2 Release Edit Group on off Of all the Setup features this is the one that will most affect the way you work with the DEQ230 The Release Edit Group setting determines the behavior of the BAND SELECT buttons in Edit mode For the sake of describing this feature let s review some things we already know When you press a BAND SELECT button you enter Edit mode If you don t press one of the DOWN UP buttons right away you can keep pressing BAND SELECT buttons until you have several of them selected simultaneously This is called selecting an Edit Group Once you have selected an Edit Group you can cut or boost the gain of all of the bands in the Edit Group simultaneously they will move up or down in proportion to one another The Release Edit Group feature does not affect these things this is always how the DEQ230 operates However once you make an edit it makes a big difference whether the Release Edit Group feature is on or off If it is on the very next BAND SELECT button you press will release all of the previously selected bands The only band that will be selected is the one you just pressed You will know this when it happens because that s the only Band Gain LED that will be blinking Tf you are likely to edit on one or two bands at a tim when constructing a new curve set the Release Edi Group function to On Th will
3. WARNING Following th procedures in this section will ERASE ALL OF YOUR USER PROGRAM and replace them with the User programs that shippe with the DEQ230 Please 1 certain this is what you wa to do before going through these steps Do not spray cleaning solution of any sort onto front panel of DEQ23 If a cleaning becomes necessary spray a recommended cleaning solution onto a cloth first and use the cloth to clean the front panel Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Index Symptoms No audio at outputs Weak output signal Clip LED lights often Can t edit program can t select new program Numeric LED Display keeps flashing Li Numeric LED Display keeps flashing Lo Must de select all bands in order to edit a single band DEQ230 won t turn on won t go into Setup mode DEQ230 won t turn on won t re initialize Analog input is ignored Digital input is ignored Cause No input audio Bad cables Destination is turned down Input level weak Output level weak Decide which is the case by pressing the Bypass button Input level too high Output level too high Decide which is the case by pressing the Bypass button DEQ230 is locked Channel B is linked to Channel A DEQ230 is locked Release Edit Group function set to Off Holding down buttons when turning on power Holding down buttons when turning on power Digital signal present at S PD
4. all gear has been turned off Also to protect your speaker be certain your amplifier s are turned all the way down before turning your equipmei back on 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 Remember if one or both red LEDs light up that mean 4 Press one of the BAND SELECT buttons to select a the signal is clipping To frequency One of the LEDs above that button wil
5. button is als available in Audition mode You can use it to audition the original signal manually or you can use program 00 Flat in the Audition list to automate theDEQ230 s return to the unprocessed audio signal Remember the very first program is program 00 So you want to include prograr 01 in the Audition list you v need to select the second BAND SELECT button fi the left This is because program 01 is the second program in the DEQ230 s memory If you can t remember what factory curves correspond t each program number refe the Program Charts in Chapter 5 Basics of Equalization Audition Automation There are two ways to toggle between the programs in the Audition List manually and automatically The DEQ230 defaults to the automatic method which we call Audition Automation Once you have finished adding programs to the Audition List the DEQ230 begins cycling through the programs from left to right It will start with the currently active program pause for several seconds and move on to the next When it reaches the last program in the Audition List it will start over again from the first one on the left Remember that the stack of four LEDs will indicate which program is currently the active one Also note that you can edit the Audition List by adding or removing programs during the Audition Automation cycle It s possible to shorten or lengthen the amount of time spent on each program in the
6. for the other stage Master Level is not So what Bypass mode description of the Master Le really is doing is causing the audio to pass by the processing function turn to page 45 stages that are stored as a part of the program Here is a diagram that shows the relationship of each of the stages in the DEQ230 s signal processing chain Bypass Stored with Program Global Settings DEQ230 Signal Flow and Parameter Storage Audition mode Audition mode allows you to choose specific programs and place them into the Audition List From there you can more easily audition only those programs you want to hear for a particular audio source and jump over the ones you do not To learn how to use this mode see page 40 Channel Level mode If you are running two different instruments into channels A and B you may be experiencing drastically different signal levels in each Channel Channel Level mode allows you to adjust the output of channels A and B independently This mode 15 also useful when processing a stereo signal If the combination of the source material and extreme EC settings is causing the output of the 230 to clip Channel Level mode will allow you to adjust the output of channels A and B simultaneously Unlike the Master Level function in Setup mode the settings for Channel Level mode are stored with each program To learn how to use this mode see page 42 Basics of Equalization Basic operation Pro
7. pressing the DOWN UP buttons at the same time will reset the Relative Gain Display to 0 From this point you can change the Relative Gain the Edit Group in 2 dB increments by holding one c the DOWN UP buttons ar pressing the other one repeatedly This can be a re time saver if you want to ge from a Relative Gain value 24 to a value of 24 Basics of Equalization One important note though Proportional Gain Memory is only temporary If you have run one or more bands past the 12 dB limit and then you exit Edit mode for any reason such as to store the program the gain value of those bands will be remembered as 12 dB whichever was the value that was last reached for those bands The Limits of Relative Gain There will be times when the Relative Gain display will not go all of the way up or down to a value of 24 This is because the DEQ230 takes into account the gain setting of all of the bands when an Edit Group is formed If the highest gain setting of any band in the Edit Group is 6 dB then from there down to 12 dB is only 18 dB So this is the largest number you will see in the Relative Gain display if you run the relative gain value all the way down see fig 3 and 4 Co Lr Co co mm Co Co co Co Co Co Co Cao Co co Cc 4k 5k 6 3k Fig 3 Edit Group first selected Fig 4 Lower limit of Relative Gain Display for Edit group from fig 3
8. second Band Gain LED started to blink Each additional BAND SELECT button you press adds a band and a blinking LED to the Edit Group But why did the Numeric LED Display change to a zero Because once you have selected an Edit Group you can cut or boost the gain of all of the bands in the Edit Group at once They will move up or down in proportion to one another The zero in the display represents a benchmark for the amount of gain change that happens to the Edit Group The 7 segment LEDs can t display the gain values of each band within the Edit Group all at once so if you raise the overall level of the Edit Group by 2 dB that s the number you will see The function of the display in this case 15 to tell you the Relative Gain amount For the sake of clarity when this manual is describing what is shown in the 7 segment LEDs while changing the overall gain value of the Edit Group we will refer to it as the Relative Gain display Here s an example let s say you have selected the bands at 4k and 5k as your Edit Group The initial gain value for 4k is 2 dB and the gain value for 5k is 2 dB The Relative Gain display at this point will read 0 If you press the UP button four times the final value of the Relative Gain display will be 2 The actual gain values for and 5k are now 4 dB and 0 dB respectively which will be indicated by their Band Gain LEDs Proportional Gain Memory It s possible you may see numbets as l
9. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited Specifications subject to change without notice 7 51 0106 A 09 05 2002
10. been duplicated on Channel B To confirm this toggle the LINK EXIT button You should see no difference between the settings of the channels Even the Channel Level settings of Channel B should match that of Channel A Basics of Equalization Basic operation Audition mode No doubt there will be times when you want to switch back and forth between different programs to determine which one is best suited for the audio source But as easy as it is to navigate between the DEQ230 s programs in Program mode it s still difficult to focus on what s happening to the audio when you re making sure you land on the right program Audition mode provides the solution It allows you to specity any of the 60 programs within the DEQ230 as members of the Audition List This is like a series of bookmarks allowing you to jump over programs that are not intended for a particular audio source and only call up the ones that are To enter Audition mode first be sure the DEQ230 is in Program mode After that press and hold the LINK EXTT button and then press the DOWN button You will see four more LEDs light up over one of the BAND SELECT buttons in addition to the Band Gain LEDs that were already lit for the current program These four LEDs indicate that the BAND SELECT button beneath them now represents the active program in the Audition List You will also see the number of the active program in the Numeric LED Display As you know the DEQ23
11. by pressing the LINK EXI button Held peaks may be reset at any time by pressing the DOWN and UP buttons simultaneously Basics of Equalization Setup mode This is where you will find some of the features that govern the way the DEQ230 operates in the other modes They are what you would call Global settings in that their status is not stored with a program No matter which program you call up these settings will not change And since they make such a big difference in how the unit works they have been tucked away so they won t be altered accidentally To access Setup mode first you must turn off the DEQ230 Then turn the unit back on wait until you see the letters DEQ230 in the display and then hold down the STORE button After a couple of seconds you will see the word SETUP appear in large letters above Channel A s BAND SELECT buttons Then the LEDs over Channel A will read M LVL and the LEDs over Channel B will read 00 The first twelve BAND SELECT buttons of Channel A are used to select between the different functions in Setup mode They are Item button Function Displayed Options The following functions are available on the DEQ230D only Note that as you switch from one function to the next that the Numeric LED Display will change to show the number of the selected function To return to Program mode from Setup mode press the LINK EXIT button or tur the DEQ230 off and bac
12. channels of equalization independent or linkable 30 EQ bands per channel spanning 25 Hz 20 KHz in 1 3 Octave increments 12 dB boost cut with center detente Constant 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 25 24 25 26 2 1 Real time Analysis mode for visual feedback of incoming audio signal with selectable metering modes S PDIF input output auto senses incoming digital audio Clock selectable between 44 1k and 48k sampling rates MIDI in out for program changes and sys ex storage Balanced input output TRS 4 10 operating level switch rear panel For full operating specifications see page 75 How to Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions of
13. curves may need to diverge slightly or significantly Rather than unlinking the channels and starting all over again on Channel B we have included a handy feature called Channel Copy as a subset of Store mode The Channel Copy feature is a real time saver It will allow the settings from Channel A to be stored over whatever settings are in Channel B so that after the completion of the Store process there will be no difference between the settings of Channels A and B for that program Then you can begin to diversify the settings of the channels to match the needs of the incoming audio The process is simple but it is subtly different from the normal Store procedure Pay close attention to the following steps 1 Before storing the program unlink the channels That way you ll be able to begin editing Channels A and B independently as soon as you complete step 7 2 Press and hold the STORE button to enter Store mode The Numeric LED Display will begin to flash 3 While holding the STORE button press the LINK EXIT button This will cause the Link LED to begin flashing also Release both buttons 5 Select the location for the new program using the methods described on the previous page 6 To abort the Store procedure press the LINK EXIT button The settings for Channel A will not have been copied over to Channel B 7 To store the program press the STORE button a second time The settings for Channel A will have
14. enable you to move more quickly across the audio spectrum Basics of Equalization If the Release Edit Group feature is off the next BAND SELECT button you press after you have changed the level of the Edit Group will simply add that band to the Edit Group The upside of this is the convenience of being able to edit three frequencies 3 dB for example and then add another frequency to the pile and edit them all another 2 dB without having to reselect the first three The downside is that you will have to deselect all four bands if you want to grab one more frequency and edit it by itself There are pros and cons to both ways of working So experiment with this feature and see which way works best for you To enable disable the Release Edit Group feature from this Setup mode page press one of the DOWN UP buttons Button 3 Audition Automation on off This setting determines whether or not the Audition Automation function is active When it is the DEQ230 will cycle automatically through the programs in the Audition List When it 1s not the user must cycle through the Audition List manually To enable or disable this function press one of DOWN UP buttons For a mote extensive explanation of how to use Audition mode turn to page 40 Button 4 Edit Time Out on off The Edit Time Out function serves as an auto exit feature When it is enabled if you have not changed the gain value of any band or Edit Gro
15. feedback If you hear feedback cut that frequency because you guessed right 5 If you don t hear feedback return that band to 0 and repeat this procedure with another frequency band Once you hear feedback cut that frequency If you don t hear feedback at any frequency using this method try boosting the monitor level a little more Filtering effects The answering machine A popular vocal effect is to filter the voice to a limited frequency range 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 DEQ230 Follow the instructions for items 1 and 2 from Step 2 2 Press all of the BAND SELECT buttons in the ranges from 25 Hz to 630 Hz and from 6 3 kHz to 20 kHz on the channel you are using 3 Usethe DOWN BUTTON to reduce all of these frequencies until their LEDs are at 12 dB 4 Select all of the unedited frequencies and boost them as high as you can without clipping the signal 5 Be sure to toggle the BYPASS button to compare the result with the original This procedure can be an effective tool in isolating and eliminating feedback in the main or house system as weli If the Numeric LED Display shows Li when you press BAND SELECT buttons oi Channel B it means the channels are linked Either make the edits on Channel A return to Program mode and press LINK EXIT to unlink the channels Comb filtering You
16. goes until you teach the maximum value in either direction The resolution of the gain increments is higher than the number of gain LEDs in each band on the front panel can fully display Therefore you may make 0 5dB changes to gain and a band s Gain LED may not change The following table shows the amount of change in dB it takes to light each of the Band Gain LEDs LED Gain change 12 dB 12 dB t 10 dB 9 5 11 dB 0 dB Remember if you want to keep the edited program 0 5 3 0 dB be sure to store it to one the User locations For 3 5 5 0 dB instructions on how to do this turn to page 36 5 5 7 0 dB 9 5 11 dB 12 dB Basics of Equalization Multiple Band Edit Selecting an Edit Group Pressing a BAND SELECT button puts the DEQ230 into Edit mode And until you press one of the DOWN UP buttons you can keep pressing BAND SELECT buttons until you have several of them selected simultaneously This is called selecting an Edit Group An Edit Group can be made up of any number of bands from both channels if the Link LED 15 not active The Relative Gain Display When you pressed the first BAND SELECT button two things happened the Numeric LED Display changed to show the gain value of that band and one of the corresponding Band Gain LEDs started to blink Then when you pressed the second BAND SELECT button two more things happened the Numeric LED Display changed to show the number 0 and a
17. ll understand how this effect process got its name once you see the way it looks when recreated on the DEQ230 Follow the instructions for items 1 and 2 from Step 2 2 Starting from the far left of Channel A press every other BAND SELECT button and take those bands all the way down to 12 dB Then select the unedited bands and boost them 6 dB When you re done look at the LEDs on the DEQ230 and remember the comb analogy The bands set to 6 dB are the teeth of the comb and those set to 12 dB are the spaces between the teeth 3 Foran even more interesting effect press the LINK EXIT button to unlink the bands on Channel B from Channel A and cteate the exact opposite settings In other words take the odd bands on Channel B to 6 dB this time and the even bands to 12 dB Be sure to toggle the BYPASS and LINK EXIT buttons to get an idea of what is being done to the signal as it passes through the DEQ230 4 Experiment with different sized teeth and spaces Put two adjacent frequencies down and the next one up repeating the pattern Try broken teeth 1 boosting some frequencies more than others Adjust which frequencies to emphasize de emphasize to suit the incoming audio Applications Note depending on the incoming audio it may be necessary to reduce the gain on some bands to prevent clipping There are preset programs similar to the ones used in these examples You may fi
18. powered by the power supply adapter w have included Do not substitute any other type of power supply adapter If a replacement is needed one may be purchased from you Alesis dealer or from the Alesis Parts department Connections Connecting Inputs and Outputs Connecting to the Channel or Main Inserts of a mixing console Unbalanced I O When connecting audio oa A cables and or turning powe Most mixing consoles have insert jacks near the main outputs and on and off please make sun for each channel as well These are typically Tip Ring Sleeve TRS that your amplifiers are jacks with the send and return on the same jack To use the turned off or down to prevei DEQ230 as an effects insert device you will need an insert cable damage to your speakers not included This cable splits the TRS insert jack into two unbalanced mono connectots Usually the tip is wired to the Send connector which plugs into one INPUT of the equalizer and the ring is I r mixer wired to the Return connector which plugs into the OLE ED Wee insert jacks available at its corresponding OUTPUT of the equalizer However the wiring main outputs simply connec of the insert jacks is different on some recording consoles which the main outputs of your noi means that the input output relationship may be reversed Check powered mixer to the inputs your mixer s Reference Manual to be sure or just try it both wa
19. pressing the UP button will move you rightward through the list If you have a lot of programs in the Audition List hold down one of those buttons and after a couple of seconds the DEQ230 will begin to scroll through them more quickly When changing the time value for the Audition Automation keep in mina that the choices wrap i e you can reach a valu of 25 from a value of 01 with a single press of the DOWN button If you want to audition programs in a specific order save them to locations in the User arec programs 30 59 in the order you d like to hear them Then select them in Audition mode Basics of Equalization Basic operation Channel Level mode Channel Level mode allows you to adjust the output level of channels A and B independently or simultaneously Use this feature to compensate for a reduction or increase of signal level due to the equalization curve you have selected To enter this mode you must start from Program mode Once you are there you can enter Channel Level mode in one of two ways On Channel A press and hold the 16 kHz button and then press the 20 kHz button or vice versa On Channel B press and hold the 25 Hz button and then press the 31 5 Hz button or vice versa This option only works when the channels are not linked Note If you press only one Band Gain button you won t enter Channel Level mode you may have entered Band Edit mode by mistake Once the DEQ230 is in Ch
20. that band is 0 dB the green LED will blink This means there is no gain change occurring in this frequency range If it is higher or lower than that one of the yellow LEDs will blink This indicates that some amount of cut ot boost is happening Use the DOWN UP buttons to change the gain value of that band The DOWN button will lower the gain value or cut the chosen frequency the UP button will raise the gain value or boost the frequency Pressing both the DOWN and UP buttons at the same time will reset the gain value of the frequency to OdB There is an overall range of 12 dB of gain change available Band Solo The DEQ230 has a handy feature called Band Solo that allows you to isolate a given frequency while you are editing This can help you determine exactly which band you need to highlight or de emphasize It s simple to do 1 Select a band by pressing and holding its BAND SELECT button 2 Press the UP button You ll se the LED for that band jump to 12 dB 3 Press the DOWN button The LED for that band will jump to 12 dB 4 Release the BAND SELECT button and the value of that band will be unchanged This only works with one band at a time but you ll find it to be a very helpful feature To exit Edit mode press the LINK EXIT button This will return the DEQ230 to Program mode The same thing will happen if you de select the single band you have selected Use Program 00 if you w
21. 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 accessoties specified by the manufacturer Continued next page 15 16 I 18 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 catt is used use caution when moving the cart apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip ovet Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long petiods of time 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 This unit produces heat when operated normally Operate in a well ventilated area with at least six inches of clearance from peripheral equipment This product in combination with an amplifier and headphones speakers may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent h
22. this happens the red CLIP LED will light To avoid this turn down the signal being sent to the DEQ230 Other options include adjusting the Channel Level settings in Edit mode or adjusting the Master Level setting in Setup mode The best option is to try another method of achieving the desired effect cut the highs instead of boosting the low frequencies reduce the lows and highs instead of boosting the midrange etc Noise If you boost the high frequencies enough you may hear noise in your system that was inaudible otherwise If this is objectionable you may want to gate that channel when it isn t being used or automate the console so that channel is muted when that instrument isn t playing Phasing You may hear some phase distortion if you apply a lot of EQ such as boosting 124 on several bands for example This is just the nature of EQ the more you cut or boost the more phase distortion will occur Try getting the same effect with less EQ try cutting instead of boosting try a different position for the microphone All of these suggestions can help you to achieve the desired effect with minimal phase distortion The potential for artifacts is highly dependent on the auc source material A DEQ23C program that works well foi processing one source may clip when processing anoth source depending on which frequencies are present Making the program work be simply a matter of a sligl adjustment in the gain settir
23. to Off Button 8 System Exclusive Transmit Send When on this page pressing the UP button will cause the DEQ230 to transmit all 30 of its User programs over the MIDI Out jack in system exclusive sys ex format This is a great way to back up your hard fought programs and the combination of this function and the next makes it easy to configure the DEQ230D for particular settings Once the transmission has begun you will see a brief message of Sending followed by the message Done Shortly after that the DEQ230D will return to the original message Send This process is not affected by the setting of the MIDI Out Thru Select function Button 10 When you instruct the unit to Transmit the sys ex data will be sent whether the MIDI jack is set to Out or Thru Basics of Equalization Button 9 System Exclusive Receive Waiting As long as this page is active the DEQ230D will allow an external device such as a computer to transmit a new bank of 30 User programs into its User memory space Once the external device begins sending the proper sys ex data the DEQ230D will display Warning Sending a sys ex bank into the DEO230D will overwrite the User memory the message Rcving or receiving When the sys ex ton Make sure transmission is complete the DEQ230D will let you know by you have backed up the displaying the message Done entire User memory before you load in a n
24. 0 has 60 programs Conveniently it also has 60 BAND SELECT buttons So in Audition mode the BAND SELECT buttons represent a map of the Preset and User programs and are used to select the programs that will be auditioned For example if you entered Audition mode while you were on Preset program 04 then the stack of lit LEDs would be above the 63 Hz band on Channel A If you want to toggle between that program and Preset program 10 count six BAND SELECT buttons to the right and press the 250 Hz button You will notice that now there are four LEDs lit above the 250 Hz BAND SELECT button and only two LEDs lit above the 63 Hz band As you tecall the four LEDs indicate which of the programs is active The presence of two lit LEDs indicates that a program is part of the Audition List but is not currently the active program You may add as many programs as you like to the Audition List If you no longer want a given program to be part of the Audition List simply press its BAND SELECT button again briefly Its LED will turn off indicating that this program will be skipped over the next time you cycle through the Audition List To exit Audition mode press the LINK EXIT button again or deselect all programs from the Audition List Be sure to store any edits yc want to keep prior to enteri Audition mode The Auditio list only uses Preset prograi or programs that have been stored to the User locations The BYPASS
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26. 4k 5k 63k s000000 us 1 8 00000 000000 22 Basics of Equalization Likewise if the lowest gain setting of any band in this same Edit Group is 4 dB then the largest number you will sce in the Relative Gain display going all the way up is 16 see fig 5 22 16 0000000 00 0000000 00008 4k 5k 63k Fig 5 Upper limit of Relative Gain Display for Edit Group from fig 3 So if you run the Relative Gain display up and down repeatedly with this Edit Group the display will hit the ceiling at 16 and bottom out at 18 The Release Edit Group function Once you have changed the value of the Edit Group the DEQ230 will react one of two ways to further presses of the BAND SELECT buttons To decide which option suits your working method or circumstance experiment with the setting for the Release Edit Group function in Setup Mode If this function is on the very next BAND SELECT button you ptess after you have changed the level of the Edit Group will release all of the previously selected bands The only band that will be selected is the one you just pressed You will know this when it happens because that s the only Band Gain LED that will be blinking If the Release Edit Group function is off the next BAND SELECT button you press after you have changed the level of the Edit Group will simply add that band to the Edit Group Remember if you want to keep the edited program Fo
27. Audition List during Audition Automation Use the DOWN UP buttons for this purpose The time range is from 1 25 seconds in increments of one second You will see the value briefly in the Numeric LED Display as you change it and then the display will resume showing the number of the current program in the Audition List The Audition Automation time value you select will be remembered even after turning the DEQ2230 off and on again Audition Automation override If you want to hear a certain program again without having to wait for the DEQ230 to cycle through the entire Audition List simply press and hold that program s BAND SELECT button This will call up that program immediately And as long as you hold down that BAND SELECT button the DEQ230 will suspend the Audition Automation cycle and stay on that program Once you release the button the next program in the Audition List will be called up and the cycle will continue from there Manual Audition If you prefer to call up each program in the Audition List at your own pace then you must turn off the Audition Automation feature To do this you will need to enter Setup mode and toggle the setting for the AUD AUTO function For information on how to do this see page 46 Once you have turned off the Audition Automation feature navigation through the Audition List is handled by the DOWN UP buttons Pressing the DOWN button will move you leftwatd through the Audition List and
28. BV setting A tear panel switch allows you to configure the unit to your audio environment The DEQ230 is a line level device which means that it operates at a nominal level of 10dBV with a maximum input level of 8dBV Some equipment operates at a nominal level of 4dBu and can run the signal up to 24dBu To prevent clipping reduce the level being sent from this equipment If you are unsure about the nominal operating level of the equipment to which you will be connecting the DEQ230 refer to the Reference Manual for that equipment Since the DEQ230 has two channels A and B you can connect two independent sources For example you could use channel A to EQ the rhythm guitar and channel B to EQ the bass guitar Or use channel A on the kick drum and channel 1 for the snare drum Never place the equalizer between the power amp ana the speakers as the high powered levels created by the power amp will damage the DEQ230 Modern production values sometimes lead to the heavy use of compression during the mastering process Whe processing CD audio you may find it necessary at times to lower the Channel Level of the active program so as to avoid clipping the output stage of DEQ236 This will allow additional headroom for more extensive equalization See pg 42 for details on the Channel Level function Connecting to the inserts on an instrument amplifier Unbalanced I O The insert sends on a
29. C and variable Q equalizers not as an attempt to persuade the world to reject variable equalizers out of hand in some applications either would do the job nicely But when a greater degree of control over the program material is needed a constant equalizer like the DEQ230 offers a significant advantage Applications This section is designed to get you started with the DEQ230 by giving some sample settings These are merely suggested settings experiment and find your own once you begin to hear what the DEQ230 does to your sound In a way it s absurd to suggest EQ settings without knowing what the source sounds like EQ is a tool that s used to change the timbre of a sound and it s impossible to suggest an EQ setting that for example will make all guitars sound better So the goal of this section is to give you some ideas fot using EC on your own tracks Rock Kick Drum A rock and roll kick drum is usually EQ d quite a bit to make it sound the way it does on the radio Usually an engineer will choose to cut some of the woofy low midrange while boosting the high end slap and maybe even some of the lows Here is a setting to try on a close miked kick drum Select all frequencies below 80Hz and boost 3dB Cut 500Hz by 8dB Boost all frequencies above 5kHz by 4dB You may also want to apply some compression and gating with the Alesis CLX 440 Vocal Air A popular effect on vocals is to boost the high frequencie
30. DEO230 DEO230D Reference Manual This page intentionally left blank 10 20 30 40 0 50 60 70 80 90 100 Table Of Contents Introduction ses ea 3 Welcome nee ahnt 3 DEQ230 Key Feature ccsscsssccssssssccsssscocssssscccssssscccsssssscessssss 4 How to Use This Manual een 5 Important Safety Instructions e eeee eene 7 Important Safety Instructions English 7 Safety symbols used in this product ass 7 Please follow these precautions when using this product 1 Instructions de S curit Importantes French 9 Symboles utilis s dans Produ au ee 9 Veuillez suivre ces pr cautions lors de l utilisation de tta edat 9 Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise German ae en e Pd i o Dove vea UE E bx bae 11 Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesem Produkt 11 Folgen Sie bitte diesen Vorkehrungen wenn dieses Produkt Verwend craw tust det Seta Du D Qe tovc ass 11 CE Declaration Of Conformity ss 13 FCC Compliance 13 Chapter One Quick Start Guide 15 If you can use ido uda 15 Step 1 Hook it up to 15 Step 2 Try some equalization ss 16 Step 3 Store the Program
31. E 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 exclusion may not apply to you THIS CONTRACT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA WITHOUT REFERENCE TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS This watranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights required by law which vary from state to state This watranty only applies to products sold to purchasers in the United States of America or Canada The terms of this warranty and any obligations of Alesis under this watranty shall apply only within the country of sale Without limiting the foregoing repairs under this warranty shall be made only a duly authorized Alesis service representative in the country of sale For watranty information in all other countries please refer to your local distributor For more effective service and product update notices pleasi register your DEQ23 online at http www alesis con support warranty htn Alesis Contact Information Alesis Distribution LLC Los Angeles CA USA E mail support alesis com Website http wwn alesis com Alesis DEQ230 DEQ230D Reference Manual Revision A by Randy Lee with thanks to Mike Murphy Revision B by Randy Lee Copyright 2002 Alesis Distribution LLC
32. Folgen Sie bitte diesen Vorkehrungen wenn dieses Produkt verwendet wird er eps des 10 11 Lesen Sie die Hinweise Halten Sie sich an die Anleitung Beachten Sie alle Warnungen Beachten Sie alle Hinweise Bringen Sie das Ger t nie mit Wasser in Ber hrung Verwenden Sie zur Reinigung nur ein weiches Tuch Verwenden Sie keine fl ssigen Reinigungsmittel Dies kann gef hrliche Folgen haben Halten Sie sich beim Aufbau des Ger tes an die Angaben des Herstellers Stellen Sie das Ger t nich in der N he von Heizk rpern Heizungsklappen oder anderen W rmequellen einschlie lich Verst rkern auf Verfehlen Sie nicht den Zweck des grounging Terminals auf dem Netzstecker Dieses Terminal wird f r Ihre Sicherheit zur Verf gung gestellt Verlegen Sie das Netzkabel des Ger tes niemals so da man dar ber stolpern kann oder da es gequetscht wird Benutzen Sie nur das vom Hersteller empfohlene Zubeh r Fortsetzung auf n chster seite 15 16 17 18 Verwenden Sie ausschlie lich Wagen St nder oder Tische die speziell f r professionelle Audio und Musikinstrumente geeignet sind Achten Sie immer darauf da die jeweiligen Ger te sicher installiert sind um Sch den und Verletzungen zu vermeiden Wenn Sie einen Rollwagen benutzen achten Sie darauf das dieser nicht umkippt um Verletzungen auszuschlie en Ziehen Sie w hrend eines Gewitters oder wenn Sie das Ger t ber ein
33. IF Input Force Analog Input is set to Analog in Setup mode Solution Test with a known good input Replace the cables Check the connections and the level of the mixer or amp to which the DEQ230 is connected Increase level from source into DEQ230 Boost channel levels of quiet program Boost Master Level in Setup mode Reduce input level at source Reduce gain of problem bands within program Reduce channel levels of that program Reduce Master Level in Setup mode Unlock DEQ230 in Setup mode Refer to page 46 Edit Channel A Unlink the Channels to allow independent edits to Channel B Unlock DEQ230 in Setup mode Refer to page 46 Set Release Edit Group function to On in Setup mode Turn on power first then hold down STORE button to enter Setup mode Turn on power first then press DOWN UP buttons to re initialize Change Force Analog Input setting in Setup mode Ditto Troubleshooting Refer All Servicing to Alesis We believe that the DEQ230 is one of the best signal processors that can be made using current technology and should provide years of trouble free use However should problems occur DO NOT attempt to service the unit yourself unless you have training and experience Service on this product should be performed only by qualified technicians NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE Obtaining Repair Service Before contacting Alesis check over all your connections and make su
34. Variable Gc Asasent DATHAN at 39 0 amd CEND You can see how the 0 dB setting on the variable equalizer merely serves to round off the top of the cutve in actuality this translates into a boost in the range of frequencies under that band s control You would have to cut the gain on that band significantly to reduce the unintended consequences of boosting the other two frequency ranges The constant equalizer on the other hand has more precise control over each of the frequency bands As you can see in this example the effect on the center band is significantly lower AB 1e Abe Combat Aged gt d and HE Basics of Equalization To further illustrate the differences here is a pair of examples in which three adjacent bands have settings of 3 dB 3 dB and 3 dB respectively 11111113 ARE TOH Vuriapte Ace bande at h and fl Remember that at lower gain settings there is an even wider Q for a given frequency band on a variable C equalizer The center frequency band needs to be edited even more drastically in order for any noticeable reduction of frequencies in its range The corresponding illustration for the constant equalizer speaks for itself Tie hie kr Constan Uc Adpsoernt ards at 3 ana i We offer this information regarding the differences between constant
35. an start with a clean slate ai build a new program from t ground up If the Numeric LED Display shows Li when you press BAND SELECT buttons Channel B it means the channels are linked Either make the edits on Channel or return to Program mode and press LINK EXIT to unlink the channels After resetting a band s vali you can change the level of that band in 2 dB increment you hold one of the DOWN UP buttons and press the opposite button repeatedly This can help yc set up a curve with greater accuracy and speed Basics of Equalization Band Gain Cut Boost Ranges Whether you are cutting or boosting a band the first 10 dB of change happens in 0 5 dB increments The last 2 dB of change going from 10 dB to 12 dB happens in increments of 1 0 dB So as you make the change the Numeric LED Display will show you values like this 0 5 1 0 1 5 2 0 2 5 9 0 9 5 10 11 12 It s not possible to show a minus sign in the LED display for negative gain values So when you re pushing the DOWN button you ll see the same values 0 5 1 0 1 5 2 0 2 5 9 0 9 5 10 11 12 But if there s any doubt in your mind about which away you re going the Band Gain LED will clue you in As soon as you move 0 5 dB away from 0 the LED for that band will change from green to yellow If you are cutting the frequency the 2 dB LED will light you are boosting the frequency the 2 dB LED will light And on it
36. ance Sometimes you want the signal to not be so much of an attention grabber Combfilter Combo This is just whacky This is what happens when you send a stereo signal through two different comb filter curves Channel A using a resonant base of 125Hz while Channel B uses a resonant base of 50Hz Store one of your programs here Program Charts Store one of your programs here Store one of your programs here Store one of your programs here Notes regarding the Settings Chart on the next page Let s face it 30 User Memory locations is a lot not so very long ago that was unheard of for a graphic but it s entirely possible you ll fill those up someday So when you get to that point use a copy of the chart on the next page to write down the settings of one of the programs you don t need at the moment Thanks to the digital heart of the DEQ230 you can always get the program back exactly as it was A few notes about filling out the chart 1 When a value is exact like 8 or 4 place a dot in the appropriate square above the band 2 When the band s value is zero flat draw a dash through that square instead of a dot This will help you keep track of numbets above and below zero by giving you a visual reference point just as the green LED does on the front panel You ll naturally begin to draw an extended line through consecutive bands when they re all set to zero 3 For intermediate values like 3 5
37. 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 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 Factoty 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 Helpful tips and advice are highlighted in a shaded box like this The names of specific button on the DEQ230 are printed bold font and bracketed i e the BYPASS button When something important appears in the manual an exclamation mark like the one shown at left will appe with some explana
38. and is set You can see that in this example C covers a range of frequencies from about 200 Hz to about 5 KHz Xp 808 pite Basics of Equalization In the next illustration the difference between a narrow C and a wide Q is seen Variable Q Now we re teady fort a visual definition of the term Variable Q In the next illustration the wider and more gradual curve represents a lower gain setting for a variable equalizer The narrower and more steep curve represents a higher gain setting at the same frequency Variable Cb changes The previous illustration has been exaggerated somewhat to make the point but you can see how a lower gain setting also boosts frequencies that overlap to some extent into the regions affected by the next highest and lowest frequency band controls Constant Q In contrast a Constant Q equalizer has a more consistent range of frequencies under its control throughout its cut boost range as illustrated below Basics of Equalization Multi band application and results So far we have only dealt with cutting or boosting single frequency bands The differences between the constant Q and variable Q methods become more graphic if you will when adjacent frequency bands are involved In this example three adjacent bands are used They have settings of 6 dB 0 dB and 6 dB respectively x Tix TW nr
39. annel Level mode you will see the Band Gain LEDs go completely dark except for the ones over the buttons mentioned in the two steps above From this point onward Channel Level mode operates exactly like Band Edit mode the settings for Release Edit Group and Edit Time Out are in effect if you select both channels A and B for editing you have selected an Edit Group the Relative Gain Display and Proportional Gain Memory will govern the gain adjustments made to the Edit Group The only real difference between the way this mode and Edit mode operate is in the amount of boost that is allowed to occur in Channel Level mode The DEQ230 will allow each channel to be boosted up to 6 dB with an allowable cut range of 12 dB If you want another 6 dB of gain for a total of 12 dB you will find that in the Master Level function in Setup mode But remember the settings for Channel Level mode are stored with each program The settings for the Master Level function are not To exit Channel Level mode and return to Program mode deselect both channels or press the LINK EXTT button Once you are in Channel Le mode you must press both the appropriate Band Gain buttons on one or the other side of the Numeric LED Display in order to select oi deselect one of the channels you press only one Band Gc button the channel selectioi will not change For information on selectin an Edit Group see page 34 For information on the Release Edit Gro
40. arge as 24 in the Relative Gain display This is due to a very powerful aspect of the Relative Gain feature and it will require some careful explanation Here s another example Let s say you have two bands selected The first band is set to O dB and the second band is set to 12 dB The Relative Gain display reads 0 you press the UP button and keep holding it you will see that number change from 0 to 12 see fig 1 on page 35 But it won t stop at 12 it will keep racing If the Numeric LED Displa shows Li when you press BAND SELECT buttons Channel B it means the channels are linked Either make the edits on Channel 2 or return to Program mode and press LINK EXIT to unlink the channels In Multiple Band Edit mode pressing the DOWN UP buttons at the same time wil reset the Relative Gain Display to 0 This resets the bands within the Edit Grou back to their original values From this point you can change the Relative Gain oj the Edit Group in 2 dB increments by holding one c the DOWN UP buttons ar pressing the other one repeatedly For maximum preservation fidelity of the input signal ti largest number of bands in channel should be set to 0 d For example if you have than half of your bands set t some cut amount and the majority of those cut frequencies are at 4 dB the select all bands and compensate by 4 dB Basics of Equalization upward until it reaches 24 This is because that s
41. ct to an external device such as the Alesis MasterLink is very easy because the DEQ230D will automatically switch over to those inputs when it senses that a valid digital signal is present Connections Effects Send Don t use line transformers Many XLR to 1 4 adapters sold at electronics stores ar NOT adapters but transformers and very low quality transformers at that Don t use these on the of the DEQ230 they re unnecessary and generally sound awful because they don t have the headroom to handle the DEQ230 s outpu Get a hard wired adapter o cable from your professionc audio dealer or make one yourself from components Connections There are three ways to connect the DEQ230D with another digital audio device Analog Signal In Digital Signal Out A potential use for this setup would be if you are running your recorded tracks into a mixer that only has an analog output but your mixdown deck has S PDIF inputs Use the DEQ230D to put that finishing touch on the mix and then use it as a digital audio interface into the mixdown deck In doing this you ensure the cleanest possible connection between the DEQ230D and the mixdown deck To use the DEQ230D in this way connect the S PDIF Output of the DEQ230D to the S PDIF Input of the receiving device Digital Signal In Analog Signal Out This would be the method to use for example if you have a mixer with a digital output for its main mix and an amplificat
42. d through the programs in increments of 10 50 40 30 etc Likewise if you press and hold the DOWN button while you press the UP button the DEQ230 will jump to Program 00 And if you keep pressing the UP button the DEQ230 will jump forwatd through the programs in increments of 10 10 20 30 etc Once you get the hang of those two methods of navigation you can reach any program in the unit s memory in two seconds less Basics of Equalization Basic operation Edit mode If you re not already there exit to Program mode by using the LINK EXIT button Then select program 00 on the DEQ230 by pressing the DOWN and UP buttons at the same time Program 00 is a flat program and it s easy to see why it s called that the gain setting for every band 15 0 dB Calling up this program 15 almost the same as pressing the Bypass button in that the audio passing through the unit will not be equalized in any way Of coutse the difference 15 that you can edit the program and hear the changes that you make If you don t already know what kind of EQ you re looking for this may be a good place to statt Single Band Edit Pressing a BAND SELECT button puts the DEQ230 into Edit mode The Numeric LED Display will change from the current program number to the gain value in decibels dB of the band you just selected In addition one of the Band Gain LEDs above that BAND SELECT button will start blinking If the gain value of
43. earing 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 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 WARNING To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture N Instructions de S curit Importantes French Symboles utilis s dans ce produit N Ce symbole al rte l utilisateur qu il existe des instructions de fonctionnement et de maintenance dans la documentation jointe avec ce produit AN Ce symbole avertit Putilisateur de la pr sence d une tension non isol e l int rieur de l appareil pouvant engendrer des chocs lectriques h Ce symbole pr vient l utilisateur de la pr sence de tensions sur les raccordements de sorties repr sentant un risque d lectrocution Veuillez suivre ces pr cautions lors de l utilisation de l appareil UE IE E D ME an 10 11 Lisez ces instructions Gardez ces instructions Tenez compte de tous les avertissements Suivez toutes les instructions N utilisez pas cet allareil proximit de l eau Ne nettoyez qu avec un chiffon humide Il est potentiellement dangereux d utiliser des pulv risateurs ou nettoyants liquides sut cet appareil Installez selon les rec
44. ect e Eliminating buzz noise or hum Equalizers can make your recorded tracks sound polished and professional Chapter 4 will describe some specific settings for various instruments and applications Basics of Equalization Description of the Controls There are thirty buttons side by side on each channel of the DEQ230 These are the BAND SELECT buttons Above each button is a number like 25 or 8k These stand for the audio frequencies measured in Hertz Hz which are selected for editing by the BAND SELECT buttons below them Situated between the BAND SELECT buttons for Channel A and Channel B you will find three larger buttons The one in the very middle is the POWER button On either side of that are the DOWN and UP buttons which are used to edit the gain amount of the frequency you have selected with the BAND SELECT buttons It is also possible to select and edit several frequencies at once more about this later The DOWN UP buttons are also used to select programs in Program mode Directly above these three buttons are three more buttons the BYPASS STORE and LINK EXIT buttons Their functions are as follows BYPASS When this button is first pressed a red LED will light This means the DEQ230 is in Bypass mode As long as this LED is lit incoming audio will pass through the unit without being affected by the DEQ230 This is useful for comparing the equalized signal with the original signa
45. en l ngeren Zeitraum nicht benutzen den Netzstecher aus der Steckdose Die Wartung sollte nur durch qualifiziertes Fachpersonal erfolgen Die Wartung wird notwendig wenn das Ger t besch digt wurde oder aber das Stromkabel oder der Stecker Gegenst nde oder Fl ssigkeit in das Ger t gelangt sind das Ger t dem Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt war und deshalb nicht mehr normal arbeitet oder heruntergefallen ist Dieses Ger t produziert auch im normalen Betrieb W rme Achten Sie deshalb auf ausreichende L ftung mit mindestens 15 cm Abstand von anderen Ger ten Dieses Produkt kann in Verbindung mit einem Verst rker und Kopfh rern oder Lautsprechern Lautst rkepegel erzeugen die anhaltende Geh rsch den verursachen Betreiben Sie es nicht ber l ngere Zeit mit hoher Lautst rke oder einem Pegel der Ihnen unangenehm is Wenn Sie ein Nachlassen des Geh rs oder ein Klingeln in den Ohren feststellen sollten Sie einen Ohrenarzt aufsuchen Setzen Sie den Apparat nicht Bratenfett oder dem Spritzen aus Plazieren Sie die Nachrichten die mit Fl ssigkeiten gef llt werden Blumevases Getr nkdosen Kaffeetassen nicht auf den Apparat WARNING um die Gefahr des Feuers oder des elektrischen Schlages zu verringern setzen Sie diesen Apparat nicht Regen oder Feuchtigkeit aus CE Declaration Of Conformity See our website at http www alesis com FCC Compliance Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rule
46. escription of the Basic Modes Program Mode When this manual refers to Program mode we mean the very top level of functionality of the DEQ230 Program mode is where you are when it is possible to use the DOWN UP buttons to select between the different programs that reside in the unit In this mode you have access to the 30 Preset programs and 30 User programs A Program consists of all of the settings on the front panel with the exception of the status of the BYPASS button The things stored in memory and recalled when you select a program are e The gain settings of all 30 bands for both channel A and channel B The status of the LINK EXTT button e The gain settings for all 30 bands of channel even if the Link function is active They are merely hidden by the Link function e The individual Channel Level settings for channels A and B If the DEQ230 has been in some other mode pushing the LINK EXIT button will return it to Program mode If you see a dot to the right of the Program number LEDs that means the program has been edited Be certain to save any changes you ve made that you would like to keep learn how to Store an edited program turn to page 38 Edit mode While in Program mode if you push one of the BAND SELECT buttons the unit will enter Edit mode You can tell you are in Edit mode when you see one or more of the LEDs above the BAND SELECT buttons blinking Whichever bands have a blinki
47. ew If you change your mind in the middle of the transmission and set of User programs realize you ve loaded in the wrong bank ot wotse you forgot to back up the User programs first you can interrupt the transmission by pressing the DOWN button But you d better act quickly as the whole process takes only about one second And unfortunately as soon the message Reving is displayed the DEQ230D begins overwriting programs in the User bank If you saw that message you will have lost some User programs But if you interrupted the transmission you will have managed to save some of the programs Button 10 MIDI Out Thru Select Out Thru Sometimes it is necessary to daisy chain MIDI devices so the MIDI data from one unit will be passed through one or more other pieces of MIDI gear until it is able to reach the last unit in the chain The DEQ230D will allow you to do that just toggle this function s setting from Out to Thru The setting on this page will not affect whether or not the DEQ230D will send its memory out the MIDI Out jack When that command is initiated Button 8 the sys ex data will be sent in either case Button 11 Sample Rate Select 44 1 48 The DEQ230D automatically senses an incoming digital signal through its S PDIF input and slaves its internal clock to that whether the rate is 44 1k or 48k But if you need the DEQ230D to serve as an A D converter then it also will need to be the master clock to
48. for one or two bands Instruments usually sound better when you cut the problem frequencies insteac boosting the frequencies yoi want to feature Basics of Equalization Constant Q vs Variable Q What makes the DEQ230 unique At their inception graphic equalizers relied solely on a form of equalization known as Variable Q The DEQ230 on the other hand is what is known as a Constant equalizer This method of equalization is a relatively recent development in the history of sound reinforcement and recording technology As you will see illustrated in the charts in this section the Constant method allows for a higher degree of control over the sound being processed because of its significantly greater accuracy Before we go any further it s time for some definitions Q The range of frequencies affected by a band Variable process in which the range of frequencies affected by a band changes as the amount of gain is cut boosted Constant process in which the range of Frequencies affected by a band stays the same as the amount of gain is cut boosted It may help to define these terms visually as well In the following illustration we see the three basic terms that govern the operation of a single band The vertical bar of the graph represents decibels of cut boost and the horizontal bar represents frequency in Hz The dotted line leading to the center of the curve indicates the frequency at which this b
49. gram mode Program mode is where to be if you want to call up another program or if you just want to know the number of the program you are using The DEQ230 has 60 programs in all 30 Preset programs and 30 User programs The Preset programs are the ones numbered 00 29 while the User programs are numbered 30 59 You can use the Preset programs as starting points for your own programs but you cannot store your creations back on top of a Preset program That s what the User programs are for Navigation in Program mode is a breeze First if you re not in Program mode get there by pressing the LINK EXTT button The large LED readout will show you the number of the current program All you have to do to call up a new Program is press one of the DOWN UP buttons If you hold down one of the DOWN UP buttons for a few seconds the DEQ230 will begin to race through the programs That s one way to get from Program 10 to Program 40 more quickly for example You ll also notice that it doesn t matter whether you go up ot down you can get from Program 10 to Program 40 going either direction Pressing the DOWN UP But there s a way to get around Program mode even more quickly buttons at the same time If you ptess and hold the UP button while you press the while in Program mode wili DOWN button the DEQ230 will jump to Program 00 If you call up Program 00 the keep pressing the DOWN button the DEQ230 will jump default program backwat
50. guitar or bass amp are usually labeled effects send and return or insert send and return This allows your instrument to be boosted to line level before the signal is sent to the equalizer processed and returned to the power amp EQ Out In 000000000000000000000000000000 VOA 000000000000000000000000 e iu Another method would be to insert the DEQ230 between the preamp and the power amp if you are using a two piece system You should never put the equalizer between the power amp and the speaker as the high powered levels created by the power amp will damage the unit Connecting to equipment with XLR inputs and outputs If you are connecting the DEQ230 to a product with XLR balanced inputs and outputs you will need to convert this signal to TRS balanced connector Make sure that pin 2 of the XLR connector is connected to the tip of the TRS adapter and pin 3 15 connected to the sleeve Connecting to equipment with S PDIF inputs and outputs DEQ23OD only The DEQ230D has the added capability of receiving and transmitting its audio signal in the digital domain This is done through a pair of coaxial connectors also known as RCA jacks found on the rear panel The jacks are labeled S PDIF In Out each carries two channels of audio so both Channel A and Channel B are handled by a single cable in each direction Using the S PDIF jacks to conne
51. hat is equalization An equalizer boosts or cuts a frequency range The DEQ230 is a graphic equalizer which means it has many fixed frequency bands that can be cut or boosted The term graphic is appropriate because the combined settings of the bands often resemble a curve or a graph Thus it is often possible to know what the unit is doing to the sound simply by looking at it from a distance The other type of equalizer a parametric equalizer can sweep the frequency bands and adjust the frequency range affected by the cut ot boost of each band Alesis sells a parametric equalizer called the PEQ 450 The most basic level of control on a graphic equalizer is the gain setting for a band Each of the bands represents a pre determined frequency range and its gain setting controls the amount of boost or cut for that frequency range A setting of 0 dB means that the signal will not be affected in the area of those audio frequencies Depending on the program material boosting cutting just one frequency can have a significant impact on the sound When all of the frequency bands are taken together the impact can be huge Equalization is used for Adjusting the timbre of an instrument voice mix or effect Cutting ot boosting frequencies to make a source easier to mix with other tracks Compensating for a less than ideal recording Compensating for less than ideal control room or auditotium acoustics Creating a filter eff
52. how far the band that was set to 12 dB had to travel until it hit the ceiling or 12 dB see fig 2 4k 5k Fig 1 Edit Group boosted 12dB 00000 4k 5k Fig 2 Edit Group boosted 24dB But what about the band that was set to 0 dB originally was it boosted to 24 dB The answer is Yes and no It was in the sense that the DEQ230 keeps track of the proportional values of the bands even if they exceed the 12 dB limit of gain change for a frequency But the audible audio gain is limited to 12 dB The reason the DEQ230 keeps track of the gain relationship between the bands in the Edit Group is simple It s so you can change your mind pull them back down to values within the 12 dB limit and still have them be the same distance apart For example let s say you decided these frequencies have been boosted too much and you cut them by 12 dB At this point the Relative Gain display would read 12 with band one s Gain LED at 12 dB and band two s Gain LED at 0 dB as in fig 1 So far you haven t really reduced the gain of the first band because it s still at 12 dB You still want to bring it down a bit so you take both frequencies down another 3 dB So now the Relative Gain display would read 9 with band one s Gain value at 9 dB and band two s Gain value at 3 dB And now you can see that the gain relationship between the two bands was preserved still 12 dB apart Remember
53. ion system that only has analog inputs With this setup you would be able to pass the audio to the DEQ230D in the digital domain shape the signal using its 28 bit internal processing and then send the result to the amplification system Of course you could substitute a CD player or DAT deck for the mixer in the above example and or substitute a mixdown deck or a couple of channels on a mixer for the amplification system In this case connect the S PDIF Output of the transmitting device to the S PDIF Input of the DEQ230D Digital Signal In Digital Signal Out In cases where every device in your audio chain has a digital audio input and output the DEQ230D 15 right at home Simply pass the audio from the transmitting device s S PDIF Output into the DEQ230D S PDIF Input use it to sculpt the signal and then pass the audio on to the next device by connecting the DEQ230D s S PDIF Output to the S PDIF Input of the receiving device Operating the DEQ230D in any of the three configurations described above is really no different from using it in a completely analog system For that reason from this point on in the manual we will make no distinction between operating the DEQ230D in the digital or analog domains Connections About Audio Cables The connections between the DEQ230 and your studio are your music lifeline so use only high quality cables These should low capacitance shielded cables with a stranded not solid inte
54. is mode DEO230D 43 Det IMOde eM 44 Button combination as ne ne ne 49 Equalization Artifacts suisses 50 Constant Q vs Variable 51 Chapter Four Applications 55 Filtering rx AN E 56 Chapter Five Program 59 DEQ230 Settings Chart eee eee ee eene netten 69 Chapter Six Troubleshooting 71 Restoring the Factory Programs amp Defaults 71 Line Conditioners and Protectors ss 71 Care and Maintenance 71 Troubleshooting Index sten fee aan 72 SPECIICALIONS corse i exea ca nids nanas 15 Ace Performante eran ee ee 75 75 Warranty Contact 77 Alesis Limited ee Male n Alesis Contact Information een 78 Introduction Welcome Thank you for purchasing the Alesis DEQ230 It is a versatile product and whether it becomes a part of your studio ot finds er user guide refers to the its place in your live setup we know it will serve you well Since DEO230 we will be 1984 we ve been designing and building creative tools for the referring to both the audio community We believe in our products because we ve DEQ230 and the DEQ2301 hea
55. ite to obtain Retum Authorization Number and instructions concerning where to return the unit for service All inquiries must be accompanied by a description of the problem All authorized retums must be sent to ALESIS or an authorized ALESIS repair facility postage prepaid insured and properly packaged Proof of purchase must be presented in the form of a bill of sale canceled check or some other positive proof that the product is within the warranty period ALESIS reserves the right to update any unit returned for repair ALESIS reserves the right to change or improve design of the product at any time without prior notice This warranty does not cover claims for damage due to abuse neglect alteration or attempted repair by unauthorized personnel and is limited to failures arising during normal use that are due to defects in material or workmanship in the product THE ABOVE WARRANTIES ARE IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT AND SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDE ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY OR OTHER IMPLIED WARRANTIES Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts so the above limitation may not apply to you IN NO EVENT WILL ALESIS BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL CONSEQUENTIAL INDIRECT OR OTHER DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY INCLUDING AMONG OTHER THINGS DAMAG
56. k oi Default Value 0 dB On On Off Off N A Out 48 Auto The STORE button may used to cycle through the functions also Basics of Equalization Here s a description of what each function does Button 1 Master Level 6 dB The Master Level function is one way to customize the DEQ230 to yout environment If the equipment in your setup tends to send very hot signals you can use this function to prevent the output of the DEQ230 from clipping When hot line level signal comes in the DEQ230 has plenty of headroom to deal with it But if you perform some radical equalization on this signal it is possible that the combination of the incoming hot signal plus the equalization you have done may put the signal over the top and within range of clipping The Master Level function allows you to reduce the level of the equalized signal before it reaches the final output stage of the DEQ230 Don t confuse this with the Channel Level settings in Edit mode The Channel Level settings are stored with the program and therefore may vary from program to program The Master Level setting is global i e it is always active and will affect every program There is a diagram on page 30 that illustrates the relationship between Channel Level and Master Level To lower or raise the Master Level setting use the DOWN UP buttons To reset the value of this function to 0 dB press the DOWN and UP buttons at the same time
57. l begin to prevent this reduce the level blink being sent to the proper channel 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 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 Programs 55 59 have been le blank so you have Press the STORE button to enter Store mode DUO UY 2 Use the DOWN UP buttons to select the new location for programs right away 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 Quick Start Guide XVN MSL ZH 09 08 1no NI AO Z 001 O O S3139Nv 501 50110 9313 01005 515317 1no 1 1 im HOlH En 5155312 saa 1894 0 suonng dn umoq G31 uonng GI AU SsedAg suojng 32
58. l so you can decide if you like the edit you made Press the button again to get out of Bypass mode and hear the effect STORE Once you have made an edit you would like to keep press this button to enter Store mode From there you can decide which of the 30 User locations will become the new home for the edited Program You can also copy the settings from Channel A to Channel B as you store a program For more information on this function see page 38 LINK EXIT This button serves a dual purpose 1 While in Program mode pressing this button will cause the settings for Channel B to mirror the settings for Channel A Any further edits you make to a band on Channel A will also happen to that same band on Channel B This is useful for quickly setting up a program without having to make independent adjustments fot each channel 2 If you re in the middle of some other activity such as editing ot storing pressing this button will allow you to exit to Program mode Bypass mode hides the effect the EQ and Channel Level controls have on the audio However the Master Level function from Setup mode is unaffected by the BYPASS button For information about the relationship between Chanr Level and Master Level see page 45 It is possible to copy the settings from Channel A to Channel B during the Store process so they are not mer mirrored See page 39 fo further details Basics of Equalization D
59. m you ate stuck with when you turn the unit back on after enabling the Lock feature If you te already in Setup mode all you have to do to enable this feature is press the fifth BAND SELECT button and then press one of the DOWN UP buttons You should see the LEDs over Channel B change from OFF to ON Then turn the unit off and on again Your DEQ230 is now locked No fair using this knowledge to play tricks on your salesperson It s simple to restore the DEQ230 to full functionality Le unlock it Just turn the unit off and power it up in Setup mode again hold down the STORE button and turn the unit on Then press the fifth BAND SELECT button and press one of the DOWN UP buttons to turn this feature off The next time you power up the DEQ230 it will operate normally Buttons 6 12 DEQ230D only Button 6 MIDI Channel ALL 1 16 The setting for this function determines which MIDI channel the DEQ230D will use to send and receive program changes The ALL setting means program changes will be received regardless of which channel they are on When ALL is selected program changes will be sent only on channel 1 Remember the functions Use the DOWN UP buttons to select the desired setting one en Button 7 MIDI Program Change on off The default setting for the MIDI Program Change function is On If you want the DEQ230D not to respond to program changes use the DOWN UP buttons to change it
60. mance Signal To Noise Ratio gt 96 dB A Weighted Analog In to Analog Out THD N lt 0 005 Analog In to Analog Out Frequency Response 22 22kHz 0 50dB Analog In to Analog Out Power Consumption 15 Watts Max 100 240 VAC 50 60 Hz Mechanical Size 1 75 H x 19 0 W x 5 D Rack Spaces 1 Space Weight 3 0 Ibs 1 4 kg All measurements done ovei a 22 Hz 22 kHz range wit kHz sine wave at IdGBFS input Impedances are measured at I kHz This page intentionally left blank Warranty Contact Alesis Limited Warranty ALESIS CORPORATION ALESIS warrants this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one 1 year for patts 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 retail purchaser and cannot be transferred or assigned For the most effective service the purchaser should register the purchase on the ALESIS website at http wwwalesis com support watranty htm During the watranty period ALESIS shall at its sole and absolute option either repair or teplace free of charge any product that proves to be defective on inspection by ALESIS or its authorized service representative In all cases disputes concerning this warranty shall be resolved as prescribed by law To obtain warranty service the purchaser must first call or write ALESIS at the address and telephone number available on the Alesis Webs
61. nc it interesting to compare the results of the different setting used in program 08 Comb filter 125 Hz and progran 14 Telephone Applications This page intentionally left blank Program Charts Note for all program charts An L in the middle of the picture of the front panel indicates that program s LINK function is active Flat The DEQ230 will not affect the signal the output signal will sound the same as the input signal The smile curve is a time tested technique used by live sound engineers No time fot a sound check Start here This eliminates unexpected rumbling or mic handling noise and lends some clarity to the upper end Program Charts Loudness Plus A Bass Guitar B Acoustic Guitar A Male Vocal B Female Vocal This curve approximates what happens when you press the Boost button on some consumer level stereo equipment It makes for a nicely balanced sound when listening at low levels This setting emphasizes the extremes to get the dancing bodies really moving Feed a signal into it that contains 125 Hz and it will really emphasize that frequency Link Off Feed Ch A a kick drum for thump beater tap and to reduce hollowness Ch B reduces low end to separate the snare and kick and also reduces hollowness Link Off Gets you in the ballpark for bass and guitar but your results may vary make adjustments as needed These generally fit the physics of male a
62. nd operation ate 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 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 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 If you re new to signal processing start with the mo detailed instructions for hookup and operation found the next chapter The DEQ230 s power will tu on automatically once its AC cable is plugged in so be sur to press the POWER switcl to turn the unit off while you connecting it to your other equipment When connecting the DEQ25 to other equipment make sur
63. nd female voices The low end is reduced to avoid unwanted rumble and the high end is emphasized for increased intelligibility Program Charts Cross Over Split a full range mono signal into both channels send the output of Channel A to an amplifier feeding the woofers and send Channel B to an amplifier feeding the tweeters Hum Reduction Some signals have 60Hz hum no matter what you do This program de emphasizes 60Hz and its harmonics without taking a noticeable bite out of the sound Use this as an effect to simulate what signals sound like passing through the phone Less SSS This program reduces sibilance the sound when vocals S sounds are out of proportion to other phonetics Note for programs 16 20 and 22 26 Send the signal you want to equalize through Narrow Boosts 1 5 to find the frequency that may be most objectionable Take note of that frequency for further editing or just set the DEQ230 to the Narrow Cut 1 5 program that matches the Boost program that emphasized the frequency range in question Program Charts Narrow Boost 3 800Hz See note for programs 16 20 and 22 26 Low Shelf Use this to eliminate the low rumble and leave everything else untouched corner frequency is approximately 75Hz Program Charts Narrow Cut 4 2 5kHz See note for programs 16 20 and 22 26 High Shelf Use this to eliminate the high end and leave everything else untouched corner frequency is approximately 7kHz Sine Wa
64. ng LED are the ones that will be boosted or cut when you use the DOWN and UP buttons Pressing the DOWN UP buttons at the same time wil After you have edited a frequency or an Edit Group a group of reset the band you have frequencies if you push the LINK EXTT button you will be selected to 0 dB returned to Program mode If you made any changes you will see a dot to the right of the Program number LEDs But be certain to save any changes you ve made that you would like to keep That is where Store mode comes in Store mode Pressing the STORE button takes you into Store mode From here you can decide which of the 30 User Programs will become the new location for the edited program You may also instruct the DEQ230 to copy the settings from Channel to Channel B during the Store process For information on how to perform either of these procedures see page 38 Basics of Equalization Bypass mode This mode is nearly as simple as it sounds push the BYPASS button and the DEQ230 will let you hear the non equalized audio But there s a bit more to it than that There are also two gain adjustment stages that can be used to compensate for a reduction or increase in signal level caused by the equalization curve being You ll find a description of used The value for one of these stages Channel Level is saved Channel Level mode further along with the EQ settings when the program is stored the value down on this page For a
65. nty applies only to products sold to users in the USA and Canada Customers outside of the USA and Canada are not covered by this Limited Warranty and may or may not be coveted by an independent distributor warranty in the country of sale Do not return products to the factory unless you have been given specific instructions to do so Internet Address Important information and advice is available on our web site http www alesis com Email may be addressed to Support alesis com Troubleshooting This page intentionally left blank Specifications DEQ230D Analog 1 0 switchable 2 balanced 1 4 TRS jacks 2 balanced 1 4 TRS jacks Input connectors Output Connectors Switch set to 4 Nominal input level Maximum input level 4dBu 15dBFS 19dBu 6 9 Vrms Nominal Output Level Maximum Output Level 4dBu 15dBFS 19dBu 6 9 Vrms Switch set to 10 Nominal input level Maximum input level 104BV 16dBFS 6dBV 2 0 Vrms Nominal Output Level Maximum Output Level 104BV 16dBFS 6dBV 2 0 Vrms Input impedance 10kQ Output Impedance 2200 DEQ230 2 balanced 1 4 TRS jacks 2 impedance balanced 1 4 TRS jacks Input connectors Output Connectots 104BV 18dBFS 8dBV 2 5 Vrms Nominal input level Maximum input level Nominal Output Level Maximum Output Level 104BV 18dBFS 8dBV 2 5 Vrms Input impedance 10kQ Output Impedance 2200 Audio Perfor
66. ommandations du constructeur Ne pas installer proximil de sources de chaleur comme radiateurs cuisiniere 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 troisi rme reli e la terre Cette derni re est pr sente pour votre s curit Si le cordon secteur ne rentre pas dans la prise de courant demandez un lectricien qualifi 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 ou il sor de l appareil N utilisez que des accessoires sp cifi s par le constructeur Suite de la page suivante 12 15 16 17 18 N utilisez qu avec un stand ou table concus pour l utilisation d audio professionnel ou instruments de musique Dans toute installation veillez de ne rien endommager cause de c bles qui tirent sut des appareils et leur support D branchez l appareil lors d un orage ou lorsqu il n est pas utilis pendant longtemps Faites r parer par un personnel qualifi Une r paration est n cessaire lorsque l appareil a t endommag de quelque sorte que ce soit par exemple losrque le cordon secteur ou la prise sont endommag s si du liquide a coul ou des objets se sont introduits dans l appareil si celui ci a t expos la pluie ou l humidit ne fonctionne pas normalemen
67. or below the DEQ230 However if your environment is unusually warm and not air conditioned space between units will help the units run cooler Connections AC Power Hookup The DEQ230D has what s known as a switching power supply This means it will detect any standard line voltage from 90 to 230 volts 50 60 Hz and adapt itself to that All you need is the proper A C cable for the country in which you find yourself Just plug the female end of the power cable into the DEQ230D s POWER receptacle and the male end into a good quality noise free A C power source The DEQ230 will work with any standard line voltage from 100 to 240 volts as long as the appropriate detachable power supply adapter is used The DEQ230 has been shipped with the suitable adapter for the line voltage in your area Plug the batrel end of an approved power supply adapter into the DEQ230 s POWER 9V AC jack and the transformer end into good quality noise free AC power source of the proper rating To use the DEQ230 in another country Your DEQ230 was supplied with the correct power supply adapter for your countty or local area If you plan to travel with it to another country obtain an Alesis AC power supply adapter compatible with the outlets used in the other country and use it in place of the supplied adapter These can be obtained through your Alesis dealer or through the Alesis Parts department The DEQ230 is specifically designed to be
68. ot a drum machine or drum mix that calls for woof and hot treble send it through this curve Reduce any live drum bleed through and emphasize the cymbals place at the high end of the mix Remember when you were kid and you had a friend speak to you through a cardboatd tube This is a variant on the comb filter effect that is not as drastic as some of the other comb filter presets This setting is meant to emphasize 125Hz and all its harmonics such as 250Hz 500Hz 1kHz 2kHz etc Program Charts 11kHz Sample Rate If you want to digitize your signal at a very low sample rate like 11kHz for effect bandlimiting it to half the sample rate approximately 5kHz will help you avoid some nasty sounding artifacts of the sampling process Next Door Neighbor This is what it sounds like when there s a party going on next door Note for programs 47 49 These three following programs are for DJ s to squash the response of the music in order to create a temporary effect or to announce over This response boosts the frequencies that most mix or live sound engineers cut because these are the frequencies that are hollow and honking Program Charts Proximity Effect This curve is meant to mimic the physics phenomenon that the closer your ear or a microphone gets to a sound soutce the more the bass is emphasized Presence This curve gives the signal a little more life when you want to get the listener s attention Dist
69. r a more detailed explanation of the Release Edit Group be sure to store it to one function see pages 44 and 45 the User locations For instructions on how to do this turn to page 38 Basics of Equalization Basic operation Store mode Once you have created a program you would like to save press the STORE button to enter Store mode This will cause the Numeric LED Display to blink with the number of the current program If you were on a Preset program while editing you will not be able to store the program until you select one of the 30 User program locations as its destination To do this use the DOWN UP buttons If you press the UP button first you will see the Numeric LED Display jump to User program 30 which is the first available User program location If you press the DOWN button first you will see the Numeric LED Display jump to User program 59 which is the highest numbered User program location available If you were already on User program when you entered Store mode then using the DOWN UP buttons will call up the next User program Once you are in the User program area inside Store mode pressing the DOWN UP buttons allows you to choose a program number between 30 59 as the destination for your edited program Pressing and holding one of these buttons will cause the unit to scroll progressively faster through the available choices If you re holding the DOWN button when the unit reaches U
70. rd RESET in large letters over the BAND SELECT buttons you may let go of the DOWN UP buttons After a couple of seconds the DEQ230 will return to Program mode Line Conditioners and Protectors Although the DEQ230 is designed to tolerate typical voltage variations in today s world the voltage coming from the AC line may contain spikes or transients These can cause audible noises and they can stress your gear and over time possibly cause a failure There are three main ways to protect against this listed in ascending otder of cost and complexity Line spike surge protectors Relatively inexpensive these are designed to protect against strong surges and spikes acting somewhat like fuses in that they need to be replaced if they ve been hit by an extremely strong spike e Line filters These generally combine spike surge protection with filters that remove some line noise dimmer hash transients from other appliances etc A good example is the Isobar series from Tripp Lite Care and Maintenance Cleaning Disconnect the AC power supply then use a damp cloth to clean the DEQ230 s metal and plastic surfaces For heavy dirt use a non abrasive household cleaner such as Formula 409 or Pantastik DO NOT SPRAY THE CLEANER DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRONT OF THE UNIT AS IT MAY DESTROY THE LUBRICANTS USED IN THE SWITCHES AND CONTROLS Spray onto a cloth and then use the cloth to clean the unit
71. rd 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 out 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 yout investment will bring you many years of creative enjoyment and help you achieve yout goals For more effective Sincerely service and product The people of Alesis update notices pleas register your DEQ23 online at http www alesis con support warranty htn DEQ230 Key Features 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
72. re you ve read the manual Customers inthe USA and Canada If the problem persists contact Alesis and request the Technical Support department Make sure you have the unit s serial number with you Talk the problem over with one of our technicians if necessary you will be given a return authorization RA number and instructions on how to return the unit All units must be shipped prepaid and COD shipments will not be accepted For prompt setvice indicate the RA number on the shipping label Units without an RA will not be accepted If you do not have the otiginal packing ship the unit in a sturdy carton with shock absorbing materials such as Styrofoam pellets the kind without CFCs please or bubble pack surrounding the unit Shipping damage caused by inadequate packing is not covered by the Alesis warranty Tape a note to the top of the unit describing the problem including 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 terms of this warranty Next day service is available for a surcharge Field repairs are not authorized during the warranty period and repair attempts by unqualified personnel may invalidate the warranty Customers outside the USA and Canada Contact your local Alesis distributor for any warranty assistance The Alesis Limited Warra
73. rnal conductor and a low resistance shield Although quality cables cost mote they do make a difference Route cables to the DEQ230 correctly by observing the following precautions Do not bundle audio cables with AC power cords Avoid running audio cables near sources of electromagnetic interference such as transformers monitors computers etc Do not place cables where they can be stepped on Stepping on a cable may not cause immediate damage but it can compress the insulation between the center conductor and shield degrading the cable s performance or reduce the cable s reliability Avoid twisting the cable or having it make sharp right angle turns Nevet unplug a cable by pulling on the wire itself Always unplug by grasping the body of the plug firmly and pulling directly outwatd And most importantly keep connectors clean Every few months unplug them and wipe off oxidation with a clean cloth soaked in alcohol or contact cleaner Insert the plugs in the jacks a few times to clean the internal jack contacts Although Alesis does not endorse any specific product chemicals such as Tweek also known as Stabilant and Cramolin when applied to electrical connectors are claimed to improve the electrical contact between connectors Connections This page intentionally left blank Basics of Equalization This section will explain how equalization works and explain the functions of the DEQ230 s controls W
74. s 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 tty to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures Reotient 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 This page intentionally left blank Quick Start Guide If you can t wait to get started The Alesis DEQ230 is a unique product but its basic hookup a
75. s to add air to the vocal This 15 an especially popular effect on ballads sung by R amp B divas This effect is achieved by boosting the high frequencies Boost 16 kHz by 6dB Boost 20 kHz by 6dB Tape Hiss Removal If a recording has a lot of tape hiss such as one transferred from cassette you can usually get of it by dropping the high frequencies a bit Select all frequencies from 8kHz up and cut them by 6dB Adjust the gain of different bands to compromise between keeping the high end of the recording and eliminating tape hiss Applications Eliminating Feedback During a live performance you may experience feedback if a microphone is placed too close to a monitor However this feedback often occuts at one frequency before it happens at others You can ring out the monitor by using EQ to cut the frequency that s feeding back The following is best to try when the band and audience are not present 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 down but not off 3 Select a band that is near where you think the feedback is occurring For example if you re getting high frequency feedback try 6 3 kHz 4 Slowly raise the 6 3 kHz Band Gain level while listening for
76. ser program 30 it will wrap around to number 59 and continue scrolling downwatd Pressing and holding the UP button will cause the numbers to scroll in the opposite direction wrapping from program 59 to program 30 and continuing upwatd As in Program mode there s an even faster way to select the destination program location If you press and hold the DOWN button and then push the UP button the unit will jump to Program 30 If you continue pressing the UP button the DEQ230 will jump forward through the User locations in increments of 10 40 50 30 40 50 etc Similarly if you press and hold the UP button and then push the DOWN button the unit will jump to Program 30 If you continue pressing the DOWN button the DEQ230 will jump backward through the User locations in increments of 10 50 40 30 50 40 30 etc Once you have chosen the location you want press the STORE button again This will store the program into the user location you selected Remember if at any time you decide you do not want to save the edited program simply press the LINK EXTT button to return to Program mode Your edited program will still be there as evidenced by the dot on the right side of the Numeric LED Display The destination program will not have been overwritten Basics of Equalization Channel Copy You can use the Link function while editing to help set up identical curves on both channels But at some point the
77. t ou est tomb Puisque son fonctionement normale g n re de la chaleur placez cet appareil au moins 15cm des quipments p ripheriques et assurez que l emplacement permet la circulation de l air Ce produit utilis avec un amplificateur et un casque ou des enceintes est capable de produite des niveaux sonores pouvant engendrer une perte permanente de l ouie Ne l utilisez pas pendant longtemps un niveau sonore lev ou un niveau non confortable Si vous remarquez une perte de l ou e ou un bourdonnement dans les oreilles consultez un sp cialiste N exposez pas l appareil l goutture ou l claboussement Ne placez pas les objets remplis de liquides vases fleur boites de boisson non alcoolique tasses de caf sur l appareil AVERTISSEMENT Pour r duire le risque du feu ou de d charge lectrique n exposez pas cet appareil la pluie ou l humidit N Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise German Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesem Produkt AN Dieses Symbol alarmiert den Benutzer da es wichtige Funktionieren und Wartung Anweisungen in der Literatur gibt die diese Ma einheit begleitet AN Dieses Symbol warnt den Benutzer der nicht isolierten Spannung innerhalb der Ma einheit die gef hrliche elektrische Schl ge verursachen kann h Dieses Symbol warnt den Benutzer dem Ausgabestecker Spannungen enthalten die gef hrlichen elektrischen Schlag verursachen k nnen
78. the receiving device You may ptefer to record the output of the DEQ230D at either 44 1k or 48k Use the setting of this function to set the internal clock to the desired sample rate Button 12 Force Analog Input Auto Analog There may be times when you want the DEQ230D to ignore an incoming digital signal but you don t want to have to reach around to the back of the rack and unplug the cable going into the S PDIF input This function will help prevent that tangled spaghetti mess of cables where no one knows whether the other end is actually hooked up to anything Auto is the default value To force the DEQ230D to listen only to the balanced inputs switch this setting from Auto to Analog Basics of Equalization Button combinations Here is a list of the combinations of buttons that are possible in the DEQ230 and what they do Hold Press Result DOWN UP LINK EXIT STORE LINK EXIT Channel Copy 16 k Ch A 20 k Ch A Channel Level 25 Hz Ch B 31 5 Hz 0 B 25 Hz Ch A 31 5 Hz RTA mode DEQ230D only Power up button combinations Power Basics of Equalization Equalization Artifacts 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 too many frequencies too high you will distort the output If
79. tory text This symbol indicates that this information is vital whe operating the DEQ230 This page intentionally left blank 1111 241 UCLLLU VALU vy Instructions Important Safety Instructions English Safety symbols used in this product A This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit AN This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks 7 This symbol warns the user that output connectors contain voltages that can cause dangerous electrical shock Please follow these precautions when using this product 10 11 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
80. u a 16 Chapter Two Connections 19 Unpacking and Inspection 19 Installing in Rack 2 ee nee Leere er 19 Thermal Considerations in Rack Mounting 19 AC Power rn 20 To use the DEQ230 in anothet COUDttys en a 20 Connecting Inputs and Outputs ecce eere eee eene eee nenne 21 Connecting to the Channel or Main Inserts of a mixing E TOR 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 DEG emat aa 23 About Audio Cables nee nenn 25 Chapter Three Basics of Equalization 27 What is equalization saute 27 Description of the Controls sssssssssssssosseoossesssoosesosseosssosseoosso 28 Description of the Basic Modes eee eee eee ee eene nnne 29 Basic operation Program mode 31 Basic operation Edit mode 32 Basic operation Store mode ccccccccsscccessccsescccesscccsscccessceeecs 38 Channel Copy a itecto tu nue Diet 39 Basic operation Audition mode c 40 Basic operation Channel Level mode 42 The Hidden Modes 43 Demonstration etie eb tica a tei in Ra e ts 43 Real time Analys
81. up for 30 seconds the DEQ230 will exit automatically to Program mode We have included this feature so the DEQ230 can mold itself as seamlessly as possible into your working style If you prefer not to have the unit continue reminding you it 1s still in Edit mode by blinking its LEDs vying for your attention as it were with the VU meters on your mixer then Edit Time Out is a feature you will appreciate On the other hand if you prefer to have the DEQ230 remain in Edit mode so you will not lose your chosen Edit Group when the unit returns to Program mode you may want to turn the Edit Time Out function off The default setting for this function is Off to enable it press one of the DOWN UP buttons Button 5 Lock on off This function enables you to choose a particular program as the only one that can be selected once the DEQ230 is powered on After this has been done pressing any button besides the POWER button will cause the Numetic LED Display to show Lo for locked This is handy for environments in which the DEQ230 is used for tuning a room for example or whenever you don t want someone calling up a different program editing the Basics of Equalization current program and or storing a different program on top of the one you have created for a particular application Before you try this feature make sure you re happy with the program you had selected prior to turning the unit off It will be the progra
82. up functior see page 45 For informatio on the Edit Time Out featur see page 46 For informatio on the Relative Gain Displa see page 34 For informatio on Proportional Gain Memory see page 34 If the Numeric LED Displa shows Li when you pres BAND SELECT buttons Channel B it means the channels are linked Either make the edits on Channel or return to Program mode and press LINK EXIT to unlink the channels Basics of Equalization The Hidden Modes There are several sub levels of operation that can be accessed from Program mode by pressing different buttons We covered Channel Level mode and Audition mode on the preceding pages here are two more hidden modes Demonstration mode Sometimes it s fun to have a lot of little lights flashing from the stage or in the studio The DEQ230 has a special key combination that will activate a light show for the entertainment of your clients audience or children To begin the pyrotechnics first make sure you are in Program mode Once you are hold down the LINK EXIT button and press the UP button To exit Demonstration mode press the LINK EXTT button Real time Analysis mode DEQ23OD only The DEQ230D is capable of another light show that is far more than entertaining Real time analysis mode uses the Band Gain LEDs to show you exactly which frequencies are present in the audio signal that is passing through the DEQ230D This is an extremely
83. useful tool that has been a mainstay of serious sound reinforcement engineers for decades To enter RTA mode press the two leftmost BAND SELECT buttons on Channel A 25 Hz and 31 Hz Immediately the DEQ230D will start giving you visual feedback as to what is going on with the instrument ot mix that is being processed RTA mode monitors the outputs of the DEQ230D so when you press the BYPASS button you will be seeing what you are hearing the unprocessed signal Metering modes Like any professional audio product the DEQ230D allows you to configure the response of the Band Gain LEDs while in RTA mode Use the DOWN and UP buttons to select between the fout different settings No Peak Hold Peaks are not held Momentary 1 Peaks ate held for one second Momentary 2 Peaks are held for two seconds de qo dS T Continuous Peaks are held until the metering mode is switched to another setting or until you exit RTA mode If you want to reset the peaks while they are being held in Momentary 1 Momentary 2 or Continuous settings press the DOWN and UP buttons at the same time Being in Demonstration mo is something like being in Audition mode the DEO23 will cycle automatically through all 60 programs on after the other The main difference is that while in Demonstration mode the audio signal is bypassed There are two ways to get o of RTA mode pressing the 25 Hz and 31 5Hz buttons Channel A simultaneously
84. ve Pattern I Mostly for show but because Channel A amp B are not linked there can be some happy accidents in terms of how these programs affect your signals Note for programs 30 59 The following 30 programs reside in the User program area They can be overwritten with your own programs Naturally if you have done that the following diagrams no longer apply We suggest that you try these before storing a new program in their place though you might find some of them useful as a starting point for some of your own programs It is possible to recall all 30 of these at once sce page 71 for details But be forewarned doing so will erase any programs you have stored Vinyl Warmth This simulation mimics the frequency response of common phono players Program Charts Tape Hiss Reduction This is a way to deal with noisy source material that originates from magnetic media If you want to make your audio sound as if it s coming from one of those portable televisions try this one A simulation of the general emphasis of certain bass and treble frequencies found across modern R amp B radio stations Acoustic Guitar Air Try putting two mics pointing at different areas of an acoustic guitar and running it through this program Electric Guitar Bandlimit Mild Comb Program Charts Very often a really hot guitar track has to find a place in a crowded mix This is one place to start looking for that special fit If you ve g
85. we suggest writing that numbet in the square above that band which most closely approximates the actual value 4 Don t forget to record the Channel Level settings and the Link status 5 Aren t we thoughtful to have included this chart We re sure you ll want to convey your gratitude by buying another Alesis product soon And we ll convey our gratitude back to you by making something really cool that you would ve wanted to buy anyway Program Charts DEQ230 Settings Chart Tape Te E Lu Cu a puueq fon Tos E3 oe we T 3U2UJUJO sdum gt s OAT puueyy joo os ov else pg ge uer 3 a ug ss ON SX SPUUEUD yur JAIN Program Charts This page intentionally left blank Troubleshooting Restoring the Factory Programs amp Defaults There is power up button combination that will restore the DEQ230 s User programs to the factory default programs This same combination of buttons will reset all of the Setup functions to their default values This procedure is called reinitializing To reinitialize the DEQ230 follow these steps 1 Make sure you really want to erase every program you have stored That is what reinitializing the unit does 2 If you haven t already done so turn off the DEQ230 3 Turn the unit on while pressing the DOWN UP buttons 4 When you see the wo
86. ys of the DEQ230 then conne this won t damage the DEQ230 the outputs of the equalizer the inputs of your mixdown recorder or amplified monitoring system Connections Mono connections This example shows how to connect the DEQ230 to mono source You can use this method to connect two mono sources or one stereo source to the DEQ230 You would need two insert cables to make both of these connections Stereo connections Use two insert cables to connect the DEQ230 to the main L R bus in the same way you would connect it to a pair of channel inserts Simply connect one insert cable to the left main insert of the mixer and connect the two mono jacks to the CHAN A INPUT and OUTPUT of the DEQ230 Use another insert cable to connect the right main insert to the CHAN B INPUT and OUTPUT of the DEQ230 You can also simply connect the balanced main outputs of the mixer to the inputs of the DEQ230 then connect the outputs of the equalizer to the inputs of your mixdown recorder monitor system etc Balanced 1 0 Some recording consoles have separate balanced jacks for the sends and returns instead of a single TRS jack If your recording console has these connections use a balanced TRS cable to connect the insert send to the INPUT of the equalizer and another balanced TRS cable to connect the equalizer OUTPUT to the insert return Operating Levels The DEQ230D can operate in either a 4dBu or 10d

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