FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION
1. MASTER OVERLOAD INDICATOR.
This red OL LED monitors the input, output and all filter stages for excessive
signal levels. It lights whenever these levels exceed 4dB below clipping. Occasional flickering is normal; however, it
should not be allowed to light steadily.
2. OVERALL BYPASS SWITCH & INDICATOR.
This pushbutton switch activates the “hard-wire” bypass function.
When engaged (red BYPASS LED on), all three pins of the input connectors directly connect to the same pins on the
output connectors (hard-wired). Engaging this switch converts the MQ 15/MQ 30 into a relatively expensive patch cord,
but one with pretty lights.
3. INPUT AND OUTPUT GAIN CONTROLS.
These slide controls set the relative IN and OUT gain structures. The range
of each control is ±12dB; however, note they are labelled opposite to each other, i.e., the top of the IN control reads
+12dB while the top of the OUT controls reads -12dB. Configured this way, whenever they are held and moved together
the overall gain through the MQ 15/MQ 30 stays at unity. Positioning these controls (together) as far toward the top of
the panel as possible (without lighting the OL indicator) yields the best signal-to-noise performance.
4. FILTER LEVEL CONTROLS.
These slide controls set the individual levels of the interpolating constant-Q filters. Their
range is selectable between 6dB (use bottom or right-hand scale) and 12dB (use top or left-hand scale). The grounded
center-detent design of these sliders ensures all filters are off when positioned to their centers.
5. FILTER RANGE SWITCH.
Sets the overall range of all sliders between 6dB and 12dB.
6. POWER INDICATOR.
This yellow LED lights any time remote power is supplied from either a RS 1 single
power supply or a RAP 10 multiple power supply. Note that this indicator is electrical, not political.
SYSTEM CONNECTION (continued)
EXPANDING.
Expanding and/or daisychaining the inputs and outputs normally uses the 1/4" jacks. Three parallel input
connectors allows driving a second signal processor or amplifier without special cabling.
PATCH I/O.
The PATCH I/O (Input/Output) jack makes connection to mixer Effects Loop insert points very simple.
Just connect a shielded stereo tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) cable between the PATCH I/O jack and the TRS Effects Loop insert on
your console. (Your mixer must use the tip=send, ring=return Effects Loop wiring convention.)
SIGNAL LEVELS.
The MQ 15/MQ 30 is designed for all line-level signals. Signal levels from -10dBV to +4dBu are
considered normal and within range (at least 16dB of headroom exists above these levels). Do not directly connect micro-
phones into the MQ 15/MQ 30. Use a mic preamp (e.g., Rane model MS 1) first.
