Q
Series
Gain Stage Adjustments:
• Plug the mic in and position the volume control at ´0´ (zero) dB. Keep the main output
volume down as well as the other components volume controls.
• Whilst watching the meters, speak or sing (it’s always good to warm up your voice) into
the mic in the same way as your performance and adjust the GAIN control, usually at the
top of the mixer channel near the mic input jack, to the point where the meters spend a
lot of time at or near the ´0dB´ (zero). An occasional red peak light is OK, just make sure
the meters are not in the red area very long.
• Next adjust the main output so that the meters are at the ´0´ (zero) position most of the
time, or at the loudest part of your performance. This takes time and practice to get the
best sound.
• The next stop is the EQ. The idea of all these adjustments is be sure you get the best
and cleanest signal going down the line. Start with the gain or volume control in the 0
position.
• The next step: Tuning the room (a/k/a ringing out the system). See page 9,10.
• In a simple system, the next component is the amplifier. Because your previous
adjustments have resulted in the cleanest, loudest sound coming from the mixer to the
EQ, it is not uncommon for the volume controls on the amplifier to be less than maximum
(a/k/a “11”). Don ’ t worry, this means you have plenty of room to get louder. If your
amplifier volume control is “max ’ d out” when you are at this point in the setup, you
have no place to go. You must add to your system; either more amps or more speakers.
• The bottom line is to keep watch over your meters, they will tell you if the sound levels
throughout the system are in keeping with good practices.
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