True to the Music
Radial Engineering Ltd.
PZ-Pre
™
User Guide
13
The MID control is very important to getting your sound right.
Each instrument tends to work within a given sonic range. For
instance, a violin’s range is much higher than that of a cello or
double bass. However, the character of the instrument is usually in
the mid range. This is also where human hearing is most effi cient.
The PZ-Pre has a semi-parametric mid-range EQ with one knob
that adjusts the center frequency (FREQ) and another that controls
the intensity (MID). You can cut or boost any frequency within
the controls' range of 82Hz to 5.6kHz. This is also where most
folks get into trouble. Because human ears are most sensitive to
mid-range, we tend to naturally cut it back. Now if you take out
the very essence of the instrument before it gets to the PA, what
do you expect the audience to hear? This is why we included a
separate Pre-EQ output for the front of house PA system. The
Pre-EQ output will give the house engineer a full-range signal to
mix with while the PZ-Pre EQ controls can be adjusted to suit you.
However, in any case be careful not to over-EQ your tone!
The sweep function of the FREQ control is designed to fi nd the
range best suited to your instrument’s natural tone. Start by setting
the MID control at 2 o’clock and then sweep the FREQ control
until you fi nd the spot where your instrument seems to resonate
at an unpleasant frequency. Then back-off the MID control to
approximately 10 o’clock and listen. Try playing at soft and then
louder volumes to see what happens. Then try fi ne tuning the
FREQ control to see where it sounds best. Setting an EQ is more
of an art than a science but you can not go wrong if you follow
EQ rule number 1:
Less is Best!
TIP: The twelve o'clock position is neutral, or zero
boost/cut, for the BASS, TREBLE, and MID controls.
Turning these controls clockwise will increase, or
boost the amplitude while turning counter-clockwise
will decrease, or cut.
Set the MID control to a boost or cut position in order
to hear the sweep of the FREQ control.
Boost
Cut
0 dB
