EQUALISER
The Equaliser (EQ) allows precise manipulation of the sound, particularly to improve the sound in live PA applications
where the original signal is often far from ideal due to poor acoustics or restrictions on where to place microphones and
where slight boosting or cutting of particular voice frequencies can really make a difference to clarity. The EQ allows
enough control to improve, for instance, bad recordings or the precision to gently enhance vocal or live instrument
tracks. There are three sections, HF, MID and LF giving the sort of control usually only found on much larger mixers.
The EQ knobs can have a dramatic effect, so use them sparingly and listen carefully as you change any settings so that
you get to know how they affect the sound.
HF EQ
Turn to the right to boost high (treble) frequencies by up to 15dB, adding
crispness to cymbals, vocals and electronic instruments. Turn to the left
to cut these frequencies by up to 15dB, reducing hiss or over-emphasis
of high-frequency consonants, which can occur with certain types of
microphone. Set the knob in the centre-detented position when a flat
response is required.
MID EQ
There are two knobs which work together to form a SWEPT MID EQ. The lower knob provides 15dB of boost and cut,
just like the HF EQ knob, but the frequency at which this occurs can be set by the upper knob over a range of 250Hz to
6kHz. This allows some truly creative improvement of the signal in live situations, because this mid band covers the
range of most vocals. Listen carefully as you use these controls together to find how particular characteristics of a vocal
signal can be enhanced or reduced. Set the lower knob to the centre-detented position when not required.
LF EQ
Turn to the right to boost low (bass) frequencies by up to 15dB, adding warmth to vocals or extra punch to synths, guitars
and drums. Turn to the left to cut low frequencies by up to 15dB for reducing hum, stage rumble or to improve a mushy
sound. Set the knob to the centre-detented position when not required.
AUX SEND 1
This is used to set up a separate mix for FOLDBACK, EFFECTS or recording, and the combination of all the Aux 1 Sends
is mixed to the Aux 1 Output at the rear of the mixer. The controls are specially chosen to give a particularly smooth
control range at the lower end of the scale where it is most needed - quite unique on a mixer of this type. For Effects
it is useful for the Aux Send to fade up and down with the fader (this is called POST-FADE), but for Foldback or Monitor
feeds it is important for the send to be independent of the fader so that, for instance, the mix to artists headphones is
not affected by changes in fader level (this is called PRE-FADE). The Master Section AUX1 PRE switch allows you to
switch from pre- to post-fade across the whole mixer as required. Leave the knob turned down when not in use.
AUX SEND 2
This is similar to the Aux Send 1 control, but is always POST-FADE.
PAN
This control sets the amount of the channel signal feeding the Right and Left MIX outputs, allowing you to move the source
smoothly across the stereo image. When the control is turned fully right or left you are able to place the signal at unity
gain to either left or right of the output.
FADER
The linear FADER gives you smooth control of the overall signal level in the channel strip, allowing precise balancing of
the various source signals being mixed to the Master Section. You get most control when the input GAIN is set up
correctly, giving a normal fader position around the 0 mark, generous control range below and some gain in hand
above the mark when you need that little bit extra. See the Initial Setting Up section on page 10 for help in setting a
suitable signal level.
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
-5.0
-10.0
-15.0
-20.0
20
1k
10k
20k
100
dB
Frequency/Hz
TYPICAL EQUALISER RESPONSE
LF
SWEPT MID
HF
BOOST
CUT
12
SPIRIT FOLIO
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com
