Symetrix 258E, User Manual, Page: 27 / 46

528E
25
Tips and Techniques for Using the 528E
Following are some tips and techniques for using the 528E. You should consider any settings given
as starting points for developing your own settings. More general discussions of these topics may
also be found in Chapter 6 of this manual.
METERING
The 528E has several LED bargraphs that serve as gain reduction and output meters. The gain-
reduction meters indicate the change, from unity gain, for their respective function and the LEDs
read (and move) from right to left. When operating as a level meter, the LEDs read (and move)
from left to right. Each meter has its own scale markings, as shown on the front panel.
GAIN SETTING
There are two places to adjust the gain of the 528E: at the mic input, before any processing, and at
the output. An understanding of this topic is essential to getting the most from your 528E. A more
basic discussion can be found under the heading, “Gain Setting,” in Chapter 7.
First, the mic input gains. You make best use of the 528Es signal-to-noise ratio by ensuring that
your mic-level input signals are adjusted to fit within the headroom of the mic preamp. Doing so
ensures optimum dynamic range through the mic preamp and succeeding processors. With the De-
esser, Expander/Compressor, and EQ sections temporarily set to B
YPASS
and the O
UTPUT
G
AIN
control set to 0 dB (12:00 o’clock), set the M
IC
G
AIN
control so that the O
UTPUT
L
EVEL
display
indicates levels in the -10 to 0 VU range. The C
LIP
LED should never illuminate on signal peaks.
Remember to restore the settings of the various bypass switches.
Finally, the O
UTPUT
G
AIN
. After adjusting all of the other processors, set this control so that the 0
VU LED on the O
UTPUT
L
EVEL
meter illuminates. The red C
LIP
LED should never illuminate.
The output C
LIP
LED also monitors the EQ section. If the C
LIP
LED illuminates, reduce the O
UTPUT
G
AIN
control setting slightly. You may need to increase the gain of some device following the 528E
to achieve the same overall level.
EQUALIZATION
Bandwidth specs, in octaves, for some popular equalizers.
Name BW (min) BW (max)
API 550 1.6 n/a
Focusrite 0.6 1.8
Neve V3 0.2 3.0
SSL G 1.4 2.8
SSL E 0.5 2.5
The 528Es parametric equalizer has three overlapping bands. Each band can operate as a peaking
or dipping equalizer. The boost and cut range for each band is ±15 dB. The bandwidth may be
varied from 0.3 to 4-octaves wide.
Since the bands overlap, it is possible to apply equalization at the same frequency in two places.
Doing so could conceivably increase the signal level by 30 dB at one frequency. You may need to
reduce the I
NPUT
or O
UTPUT
G
AIN
to avoid distortion. Likewise, large amounts of boost in any one
band may require reducing the setting of the O
UTPUT
G
AIN
control to prevent overload. Let the
O
UTPUT
C
LIP
LED be your guide.
Electronic considerations aside, one of the contributing factors to an equalizer’s sound is its
bandwidth. The table above lists the bandwidths (octaves) for several (possibly) familiar equaliz-
ers, as found on their respective mixing consoles. While we make no promise that the 528E will
sound the same, these settings may be a good starting point if one of these equalizers is within your
frame of reference.