IV. OPERATING METHODS
Since the RE 27 and RE 14 feature a unique form of realtime analyzer, we highly recommend that you
read through this section before performing an alignment with pink noise. If you’ve never used an
analyzer before, use the step-by-step procedure on your first occasion--you’ll be delighted at how simple
it really is. For those more experienced we recommend a quick read-through of the Quickie Summary
section, which contains a few tips that could save you trial and error.
QUICKIE SUMMARY
1. FLAT IS NOT BEAUTIFUL:
Equalizers have two basic purposes: to correct and enhance. The Rane
analyzers will allow you to accurately
correct
system response to each location, a task very difficult to do
by ear. Once this is quickly done, then adjust for further sound quality
enhancement
by ear; only rarely
will a system be left in a ”flat” response condition.
2. USE MORE THAN ONE TEST MICROPHONE LOCATION:
Speaker dispersion characteristics vary
greatly, from beamy highs to boomy bass traps. While performing the pink noise test, try at least two
different test mic locations and average the two if they differ, so that you don’t favor one section of the
listening area.
3. USE ENOUGH PINK NOISE VOLUME TO OVERRIDE BACKGROUND NOISE:
There’s no need to run
deafening pink noise levels to EQ a system. Just be sure that no green/red LED respond when pink noise
is turned off (if they do, background noise is causing erroneous readings--pink noise should be turned up
higher).
4. USE ±3 dB DISPLAY SETTING FOR LOW FREQUENCY ADJUSTMENTS:
The crest factor (peak
response) of true pink noise causes considerable LED flutter in the ±1 dB mode, making it difficult to
adjust quickly. We recommend that the ±3 dB setting be used on frequencies below 500 Hz or so; use the
±1 dB on the more sensitive mids and highs.
5. THE ANALYZER SECTION CAN BE USED WITH ANY OTHER EQUALIZER:
The analyzer section of the
RE 27 and RE 14 will respond to whatever the microphone picks up. Simply run pink noise through the
desired equalizer (channel) and speaker and use the Rane analyzer to adjust that particular EQ.
6. MONITORING PROGRAM WITH ANALYZER DISPLAY:
When the front panel microphone is
unplugged, the analyzer display automatically monitors the output of the equalizer section (Channel 2
on the RE 14). Use this feature to identify specific feedback points by watching for red LEDs during the
performance; you can then apply EQ exactly where it’s needed very quickly.
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