SoundCraft EFX12, User Manual

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any background hiss will be more noticeable and you may not be able to
get enough signal level to the output of the mixer.
Note that some sound equipment, particularly that intended for domes-
tic use, operates at a lower level (-10dBV) than professional equipment
and will therefore need a higher gain setting to give the same output
level.
See “Initial Setup” on page 31 to learn how to set GAIN correctly.
5 Equaliser
The Equaliser (EQ) allows fine manipulation of the sound, particularly to
improve the sound in live PA applications where the original signal is
often far from ideal and where slight boosting or cutting of particular
voice frequencies can really make a difference to clarity. There are three
sections giving the sort of control usually only found on much larger mix-
ers. The EQ knobs can have a dramatic effect, so use them sparingly and
listen carefully as you change any settings so that you get to know how
they affect the sound.
HF EQ
Turn to the right to boost high (treble) frequencies above 12kHz by up to
15dB, adding crispness to cymbals, vocals and electronic instruments.
Turn to the left to cut by up to 15dB, reducing hiss or excessive sibilance
which can occur with certain types of microphone. Set the knob in the
centre-detented position when not required.
MID EQ
There are two knobs which work together to form a SWEPT MID EQ. The
lower knob provides 15dB of boost and cut, just like the HF EQ knob, but
the frequency at which this occurs can be set by the upper knob over a
range of 150Hz to 3.5kHz. This allows some truly creative improvement
of the signal in live situations, because this mid band covers the range of
most vocals. Listen carefully as you use these controls together to find
how particular characteristics of a vocal signal can be enhanced or re-
duced. Set the lower knob to the centre-detented position when not
required.
LF EQ
Turn to the right to boost low (bass) frequencies below 80Hz by up to
15dB, adding warmth to vocals or extra punch to synths, guitars and
drums. Turn to the left to cut low frequencies by up to 15dB for reducing
hum, stage rumble or to improve a mushy sound. Set the knob to the
centre-detented position when not required.
6 Aux 1 Send
This is used to set up a separate mix for FOLDBACK or recording, and the
combination of each Aux Send is mixed to the Aux1 Output. For recording
it is useful for the signal to fade up and down with the fader (this is called
POST-FADE), but for Foldback or Monitor feeds it is important for the
send to be independent of the fader (this is called PRE-FADE).
AUX 1 SEND is globally switchable between pre and post-fade (see mas-
ter section on page 20/21).