Peavey RQ 4300 Series Operating Manual page 9

AUX SENDS
(21) LEVEL
This control sets the output level of the various AUX mixes and is adjustable from no output
(– ∞) to +10 dB.
(22) MUTE SWITCH/MUTE-CLIP LED
This switch mutes the output signal from the respective AUX SEND. Illumination of the
corresponding red LED signifies this status. When the MUTE switch is disengaged, the LED
functions as a clip (PK) indicator that will illuminate at 2 dB below clipping.
(23) AFL SWITCH/AFL-SIGNAL LED
This switch directs the post-fader (AFL) signal to the HEADPHONE output (39), and activates
the AFL/PFL LED display. An adjacent LED illuminates to signify this selection. If AFL is
not selected, the LED will blink as an indication of signal presence (-20 dBu). Selecting AFL
allows monitoring of AUX SENDS with the full AFL/PFL LEVEL DISPLAY (45), as well as
allowing the operator to hear the output.
COMPRESSORS
The compressors on the RQ Series function similarly to automatic volume controls. In other words,
they put signals into a more controllable dynamic range. For example, suppose a singer sings too
softly and gets buried in the mix on certain parts of a song, yet sings really loudly on other parts. To
control this problem, the operator must "ride gain" (turn the volume up and down to achieve a
constant level), but these dynamic changes may be hard to anticipate. Using a compressor
eliminates this problem. The RQ's compressors are factory set at a ratio of 4 to 1, meaning that for
every 4 dB of change in input signal, the output changes 1 dB. Compression takes place once the
level determined by the THRESHOLD (28) is reached. A high setting, rotating the control clockwise,
will result in only the louder notes being compressed; a low setting, rotating the control
counterclockwise, will compress a broader range of notes.
(24) COMPRESSOR I/O
This switch determines if the compressor will be used on the SUB mix or will be patched to
another channel or other external location. The corresponding yellow LED illuminates when
the compressor is being patched externally. This switch can also be used to perform the
bypass function. When the compressor is assigned to the SUB group, the I/O jack (53) is
bypassed. Similarly, when the compressor is being patched externally, the SUB group is
bypassed. Engaging the I/O switch allows the operator to hear the difference between the
compressed and noncompressed signal when the compressor is being used on the SUB
group.
(25) GAIN
This control sets the output level of the compressor and allows recovery of gain lost by
compression. The amount of gain being lost will be represented on the GAIN REDUCTION
LEDs (27), and a similar setting on the GAIN control will approximate pre-compression levels.
(26) LINK
This switch allows the compressor in SUB group 1 (or 3) to be linked with the compressor in
SUB group 2 (or 4). This is useful if the two SUB groups are being used to create a stereo
image. When they are linked, the RMS detector voltages are summed together for an
accurate representation of the two levels. This locks the compressors together to maintains
the stereo image during compression. While linked, the controls in the first of the two linked
groups affect both channels. The compressor controls in the second group are disabled. The
gain reduction meter for the first group is accurate for both groups and should be used to
monitor compressor activity. When the link is enabled the yellow LED will illuminate.
MASTER SECTION FEATURES AND CONTROLS
9