Gain Setting Procedure
Ok, you now have your KQ30 mounted and wired...ready for action. We now need to adjust the input gain and
output level controls on the unit before we proceed with equalization. The whole purpose to level setting is to get
as much signal as possible both into and out of a unit without clipping the signal. If these settings are not adjusted
properly you can suffer from lack of output, poor signal to noise ratio which results in a lot of audible hissing or
even clipping which cause your music to sound harsh and un-natural. Proper level setting will avoid all these pitfalls
while giving you the highest performance possible from your system.
This may seem like a difficult process with lots of steps but it is very easy. Just follow the steps one at a time and
you will be a level setting pro in no time.
Adjusting Equalizer Controls
Step 33
Step 55
Step 77
Step 88
Step 99
Step 110
1.
Turn the gain controls on your amplifier(s) all the way down.
2.
Disconnect the remote turn-on lead(s) from your amplifier(s). Be ssure
to iinsulate tthe eexposed ccopper w
wire w
with eelectrical ttape tto pprevent aacci-
dental ddamage tto yyour ssource uunit’s rremote tturn-oon llead ooutput.. (Step
2a) OR As an alternative, you could disconnect the RCA inputs to your
amplifiers and insulate them with electrical tape. (Step 2b) If you choose
to disconnect the RCA leads be sure to do this with your system off.
3.
Set all the equalization controls on the KQ30 to their center detent (0
dB) position.
4.
Set the Input Gain controls on the KQ30 at their minimum (fully counter
clock-wise) position.
5.
Set the Output Level controls on the KQ30 at their minimum (fully
counter clock-wise) position.
6.
Using a well recorded CD with a strong signal or better yet a continu-
ous 1KHz tone recorded at 0 dB (track 10 from AutoSound 2000 CD 104),
turn your source unit up to 90% of it’s maximum output.
7.
Turn the KQ30 Left channel Input Gain control up until the Left channel
input clipping LED starts to flash.
8.
Adjust the KQ30 Right channel Input Gain control to match the Left.
9.
Turn the KQ30 Left channel Output Level control up until the Left chan-
nel output clipping LED starts to flash.
10.
Adjust the KQ30 Right channel Output Level control to match the Left.
11.
Turn the source unit down and shut off the system.
12.
Re-connect the remote turn-on leads to your amplifier(s). (Step 12a)
OR RCA cables. (Step 12b)
*
Relax...the initial level setting is now complete. Find a cold beverage and
then move on the the next page.
Step 44
Amplifier(s) Input Gain
Step 11
Amplifier(s) Remote Lead
Electrical
Tape
TAPE
Step 22a
Amplifier(s) Remote Lead
Electrical
Tape
Removed
TAPE
Step 112a
TAPE
TAPE
AMPLIFIER
R
L
Step 22b
AMPLIFIER
R
L
Tape
Removed
TAPE
TAPE
Step 112b
SOURCE UNIT
Volume Down
System Off
0
10
Step 111
SOURCE UNIT
Volume to 90%
System On
0
10
Step 66
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 15
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