GETTING CONNECTED
The figure shows the twinQ
2
being used instead of a mixing desk
in a recording setup:
• A microphone is connected to the Mic Input
• A guitar is connected to the Instrument Input
• The insert point is being used to divert the preamplified
signal through an external effects processor
• The XLR Output is connected to the recorder input
• The recorder output is connected to the Line Input for
playback. Previously recorded tracks may also be replayed
via the Line Input, to permit compression and equalization
POWER SUPPLY
Connect the twinQ
2
power cord to the AC connector on the rear
panel and switch on the mains supply. NB: ensure that the twinQ
2
is set to the correct mains voltage for your region either 115V or
230V. Orientate the fuse holder / mains voltage selector draw so
that the required voltage appears at the top. If in doubt consult a
competent engineer.
Turn the 'INPUT GAIN' control to minimum and connect the input
source. If you are using a condenser microphone, remember to
press the '48V' Phantom Power switch. Set the 'OUTPUT GAIN'
to "0dB". Turn up the 'INPUT GAIN' until the microphone sound
registers on the VU Meter, adjusting it so that the meter reads
between "0" and "+3" on sound peaks. When the red LED
(labeled 'PEAK') lights, the twinQ
2
is within 6dB of clipping.
Occasional flashes are OK but if it is on all the time, turn the
'INPUT GAIN' down! Remember you can check the preamp gain
at any time by pressing the 'METER PRE' switch.
Using the twinQ
2
Using the Preamp
Start with the Compressor and Meequalizer off and adjust
'INPUT GAIN' and 'OUTPUT GAIN' so that the VU Meter reads
around 0dB. Now switch the meter to read gain reduction using
the 'GR' switch.
Set 'COMPRESSION' and 'ATTACK' fully anti-clockwise, with
'SLOPE' and 'RELEASE' at mid-position. Press the Compressor
'ON' switch and turn up the 'COMPRESSION' control until the
compressor GR meter starts to read 3dB or 5dB on audio peaks.
You should now be able to hear the compressor working as the
volume diminishes. Use the 'MAKE UP GAIN' control to restore
the signal to its previous (uncompressed) level. Alter the 'SLOPE'
control and listen to how the severity of the gain reduction
changes. Try changing the 'ATTACK' control and listen for
percussive sounds getting louder. Reducing the Attack and
Release times should emphasise this even more and the
compressor should start to "pump" audibly.
The overall result of compression depends on the combined
settings of the 'COMPRESS', 'SLOPE', 'ATTACK' and
'RELEASE' controls. Experiment with different combinations to
discover what best suits the material you wish to compress.
Watch the GR meter and don't overdo things - it's possible to
apply 20dB of gain reduction before you realise it!
Use the Compressor 'ON' switch to make comparisons between
compressed and uncompressed signals.
Always start with the Meequalizer boost/cut controls ('LF', 'MID'
and 'HF') set to "0" (the control knobs set vertically, in their centre
notches). This setting is also known as "flat".
You need to be careful about too much boost or "lift", since
boosting takes the twinQ
2
closer to overload. The twinQ
2
has
generous overload margins but when a lot of boost is used, it may
be necessary to compensate by reducing the 'OUTPUT GAIN' or
the 'INPUT GAIN' controls (the latter could affect the
'COMPRESS' setting though).
Keep an eye on the VU Meter when adjusting the EQ. When the
red LED (labeled "PEAK FSD") lights, the twinQ
2
is within 6dB of
clipping. Occasional flashes are OK but if it is on all the time, turn
something down!
The way to use the 'MID' control, is to apply quite a lot of boost,
then sweep the frequency until you "tune in" to the sound you are
interested in. Once you find it, adjust the amount of boost or cut to
give the desired effect.
Experiment with combinations of settings of EQ and try to picture
how the audio signal is being affected. Use the EQ 'ON' switch to
make comparisons between EQ'd and non-EQ'd signals.
Using the Compressor
Using the Meequalizer
13
