SABINE Power-Q Operating Information Manual

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CURVE

TURB -

Automatic Room Flattening EQ

Program Shaping EQ

FBX Feedback Exterminator

Parametric EQ

Real-Time Analyzer

Compressor/Limiter

Downward Expander/Gate

Digital Delay

Program Memory

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Summary of Contents for SABINE Power-Q

Page 1 CURVE TURB - Automatic Room Flattening EQ Automatic Room Flattening EQ Program Shaping EQ Program Shaping EQ FBX Feedback Exterminator FBX Feedback Exterminator Parametric EQ Parametric EQ Real-Time Analyzer Real-Time Analyzer Compressor/Limiter Compressor/Limiter Downward Expander/Gate Downward Expander/Gate Digital Delay Digital Delay Digital Delay Digital Delay Program Memory...
Page 2 6.0 Overview and Philosophy ................... 10 6.1 Quest for loudness 6.2 Quest for clarity 7.0 Optimizing the Sound System and the Room with the POWER-Q: Five Steps ... 12 7.1 Step One: The physical space 7.2 Step Two: Time alignment of speakers 7.3 Step Three: Setting the system and room to a “flat”...
Page 3 13.0 Using the POWER-Q Real-Time Analyzer ..............39 13.1 Using a real-time analyzer 13.2 POWER-Q RTA adjustments 13.3 Using the POWER-Q RTA and digital delay settings to minimize comb filters 13.4 Using the POWER-Q RTA during performance 14.0 Using the POWER-Q Compressor/Limiter ..............42 14.1 Compressor/limiter applications and use...
Page 4 Congratulations and welcome to the new digital equalization and signal processing power of the Sabine POWER-Q ADF-4000, two whole racks' worth of power in a single 2-U unit. Patch the POWER-Q between the output of your mixer and the input to your crossover or power amp, and you’re ready to harness the power of an arsenal of digital signal processing.
Page 5 The POWER-Q ground lift switch isolates the AC ground from the chassis when in the extended position.) as of this publication, MIDI control of the POWER-Q is not yet implemented.
Page 7 The configuration looks like this: The POWER-Q may also be used at a mixer insert point, either for a single input channel, or for a group or bus insert point. This will dedicate all of the features of the POWER-Q to a pair of single channel inputs on your mixer or to a subgroup of inputs (for example, all the drums in your mix).
Page 8 POWER-Q. These plugs are for balanced line level inputs, not microphones. ·Do not use the POWER-Q in an effects or auxiliary loop. Since such a patch is designed for mixing processed (wet) and unprocessed (dry) signals together in a variable proportion, the processing of the POWER-Q will be mixed with the unprocessed signal.
Page 9 2. If you are using your POWER-Q in a 2 channel system, turn the power amp to zero gain for one channel. This will allow you to set FBX Filters for the other channel.
Page 10 A graphic EQ is great to shape the overall sound of your mix (and that’s why we’ve loaded your POWER-Q with two), but when you use it to control feedback by pulling down EQ sliders, you’re also pulling out a big chunk of audio that is NOT feedback.
Page 11 (Our congratulations to those architects who DO pay attention to room acoustics.) The good news is that in addition to all the graphic, parametric, and FBX control in your POWER-Q, you are also the proud possessor of a full-blown Real-Time Analyzer. You can generate pink noise...
Page 12 To go beyond the limitations inherent in a less-than-desirable acous- tical space, you’ll have to call in the artillery (electronics and equalization) to optimize your sound system. This is why a device like the POWER-Q is worth every cent (and then some) of its very reasonable price.
Page 13 POWER-Q’s graphic equalizer section to produce the desired frequency response. Note that the POWER-Q allows you to see both your equalization faders and the RTA response in the same window, which spares you the cumbersome task of scrolling from one window to another while you make adjustments.
Page 14 0.9 and 5 milliseconds. You will notice that Sabine delays always display the processing delay as the smallest possible delay value. For the POWER-Q, the processing delay is 1.38 milliseconds. You can bypass the unit for 0 seconds delay.
Page 15 Center cluster speakers offer several advantages over systems that have speakers mounted on the sides. The most obvious advantage is that the distance to the closest and most distant locations in the audience is often almost equal, so most listeners hear about the same level. Center clusters also offer two other advantages regarding visual imaging.
Page 16 The frequencies of the reinforcements and cancellations depend on the delay time (the time difference between the arrival time of the original signal and the delayed signal). The frequency of the first cancellation occurs at 1/(2t) Hz, where t = the delay time in seconds. The cancellations are separated by (1/ t) Hz.
Page 17 Stack two identical full-range loudspeakers as shown in Fig. 12. Carefully align the HF horns and wire the speakers in mono. Stand in front while listening to your favorite full-spectrum CD. Ask a friend to move the top speaker slowly away from you. The degradation in sound quality you hear is caused by comb filters.
Page 18 There must be thousands of installations throughout the world like this that "get by" without digital delays. But with the POWER-Q, you can improve the intelligibility and add a new quality without ringing up any significant costs. Use the POWER-Q in this situation to align the visual image with the acoustic image.
Page 19 Delay them so that their sound arrives 5 to 8 milliseconds after the direct sound from the performer. Experiment by bypassing the POWER-Q in and out to hear how the source of the sound seems to move from the loudspeakers to the performer and back. Now your ears have the same directional information as your eyes, so the performance will sound more natural and exciting.
Page 20 Automatic Delay Alignment. If you have positioned a reference microphone for RTA analysis, or Automatic Room EQ, the same microphone can be used by the POWER-Q to measure the distance from the speaker to the microphone. (The qualities of the microphone are not an impor- tant consideration for delay alignment, although they are for EQ adjustments).
Page 21 Check your connections and signal path, and repeat the procedure. If the POWER-Q detects the presence of a signal at its two inputs, it will automatically play a 1 Khz test signal, first to calibrate the sensitivity of the reference microphone, and, second, to measure the time the signal takes to reach the microphone after it is generated by the POWER-Q.
Page 22 You may need to turn up your system gain downstream from the POWER-Q. Check your micro- phone and connections, and repeat the procedure as needed. Note that the POWER-Q will automatically turn on or off the 20dB mic reference mic pad, as needed.
Page 23 Sabine’s unique AUTOMATIC ROOM EQ feature is simply a means of fast, automatic equalization, calculated by the POWER-Q on the basis of measurement of acoustic energy heard at a reference microphone, and designed to provide a neutral, repeat- able “starting point” for additional program equalization and signal processing. The EQ curve calculated is designed to make the response curve heard at the microphone as flat as possible, compensating for room acoustics and the frequency response of the sound system components.
Page 24 The Sabine SQ-1000 is a free-field, exceptionally flat microphone, specially calibrated for use with the Sabine POWER-Q and REAL-Q2. It is available from authorized Sabine dealers.
Page 25 You may run the Automatic Room EQ analysis for either the A channel alone, the B channel alone, or both channels in sequence depending on your application of the POWER-Q. Select “INIT A,” “INIT B,” or “INIT A&B” using the left/right arrow keys before hitting the “ENTER” button to begin the analysis. NOTE: Any time you run the Automatic Room EQ for a given channel, it will erase and replace the previous analysis for the channel(s) chosen.
Page 26 If there is no signal in channel A or B, either your connections to the POWER-Q are bad, the POWER-Q may be in bypass (“BPASS” will flash in the upper right of your screen. Turn it off in the “GLOBAL PARAMETERS”...
Page 27 6 of the menu. The POWER-Q plays a burst of pink noise for a few seconds, measures energy per octave as heard at the reference mic input, and performs thousands of calculations to adjust its graphic EQ filters to make this response as flat as possible.
Page 28 Important: Note that the AUTOMATIC ROOM EQ function will NOT add more than 6 dB boost to any EQ slider. Also, note that the Graphic EQ screen on the POWER-Q will NOT show any boost or cut of sliders after the Automatic Room EQ function is completed. The Auto Room EQ settings are shown only as a superimposed response curve, leaving the EQ sliders free for you to make additional changes to the EQ (what we call Program EQ).
Page 29 NOT change, though the EQ shown will not be in the signal path. Only the Program EQ will be saved and recalled by the POWER-Q. The Room EQ will be stored in memory (even after the unit is turned off) as the default Room EQ, and will remain in the signal path unless it is bypassed (Section 22), reset (Section 10.2), or until another Automatic Room EQ...
Page 30 99 POWER-Q memories) your favorite Program EQ. The POWER-Q allows you to develop and save Program EQs and load them into the POWER-Q graphic EQ with the touch of a button. An engineer who works with a variety of acts that each require a specific program curve will be able to customize an EQ curve for each act and name, save, and recall each curve quickly.
Page 31 Curve Display and Bypass. The curve displayed combines all the EQ and filtering active in the POWER-Q signal path. If either the Program EQ or Room EQ is bypassed (or if both are bypassed, as described in Section 22), the curve display will reflect the bypass.
Page 32 You can adjust the tracking values in the GLOBAL PARAMETERS menu. If the P.A. system is moved from the original setup, the POWER-Q must be “retaught” where to place filters to eliminate feedback. To reset, press the “MORE” button until the option “RESET”...
Page 33 A fixed or dynamic FBX filter that has been set by the POWER-Q can be “frozen” by moving to the appropriate type field and changing it to “PARAM.” At this point, the filter can be left as is or edited further.
Page 34 8. Auto Turbo Setup stops when the POWER-Q has automatically raised gain and set filters until either all the filters, or the first dynamic filter, have been engaged.
Page 35 POWER-Q will blink, and the soft key will change to indicate "Turb+". Auto Turbo setup will add gain to the POWER-Q’s output, to a maximum of 20 dB, or until the first dynamic filter is set. If the 20 dB maximum is achieved, it’s likely that your sound system gain structure should be reconfigured.
Page 36 The POWER-Q provides up to 12 filters per channel for parametric equalization or feedback control. Each of these 12 filters can be set to any of the three types of filters: paramet- ric, FBX fixed or FBX dynamic. Only six of the filters are displayed at a time; the remaining six will be displayed when the arrow keys are used to scroll “above”...
Page 37 If you’re concerned about the potential feedback problems that may arise in the very unlikely event of a POWER-Q failure during a performance, you can relieve your concerns by programming a 10dB boost into the output signal path (see Section 17).
Page 38 Using The POWER-Q High & Low Pass Filters The HIGH and LOW PASS FILTER controls are accessed via the “Parametric and FBX Filters” menu selection (option #3). Pressing the down arrow key repeatedly (while in the LIST mode, or under “TYPE” in CURVE mode) through all 12 filters ultimately shows the HIGH and LOW PASS FILTER menu.
Page 39 These controls allow you to choose the type of noise generated at either or both channel outputs of the POWER-Q, and to set the level of the noise with the data wheel. Make sure you set the noise level before you press ENTER. The noise level defaults to -50 dBu. (The noise level can still be adjusted after ENTER is pressed and noise operation begins.) When you have selected the...
Page 40 (displays the response you choose under soft key #4). Pressing the NOISE soft key once more turns off the noise generator. The fourth soft key chooses either the A or B channel input or output response of the POWER-Q, or the frequency response of the program heard at the reference microphone (“REF”).
Page 41 You can experiment with the digital delays in the POWER-Q while analyzing pink noise as heard at the reference microphone, and observe the results. Here’s a step by step guide to this comb-filter minimization procedure: •...
Page 42 COMPRESSOR/LIMITER settings, so it can serve as an output level control for the POWER-Q. Exercise caution when raising the output level of the POWER-Q, as this may have consequences for the equipment downstream in the signal chain.
Page 43 The compressor/limiter functions can be adjusted individually for channels A and B, using the selector knob to toggle between them. The front panel of the POWER-Q has a yellow LED (marked "LIMIT") for each channel that will illuminate when the compressor is engaged (when the input threshold is crossed for a knee setting of “1,”...
Page 44 For this reason, you must exercise care in the setting of the gate’s threshold, knee, attack and release parameters. If you are using the POWER-Q as an insert point of a mixer channel, the settings may be less critical than for using the POWER-Q between a mixer and an amplifier, where you run the risk of abruptly turning off low level portions of your mix via poor gate settings.
Page 45 The expander/gate functions are separately adjustable for channels A and B. When expansion or gating is engaged (i.e., when the threshold is crossed for a low KNEE value or above the threshold for softer KNEE settings), the red LED (“GATE”) on the POWER-Q front panel will illuminate.
Page 46 Room EQ calculated using the Automatic Room EQ analysis (see Section 9.2). Only one Room EQ is stored in the POWER-Q memory at a time, and it can only be changed (by performing a new Automatic Room EQ), bypassed or reset, but cannot be otherwise stored and recalled.
Page 47 The left margin of the “STORED CONFIGURATIONS” window will indicate the most recent memory loaded and saved. Note that when the POWER-Q is turned off, or if the electrical service is interrupted, the unit will return to all its most recent settings upon power-up.
Page 48 (with Sabine’s patent pending ClipGuard™). ClipGuard™ works transparently to optimize the dynamic range of the A/D converter, preserves unity gain and increases the effective dynamic range of the POWER-Q to over 110 dB. We highly recommend leaving the CLIP ADJUST control set to CLIPGUARD.
Page 49 Higher values of PERSISTENCE require more time for the POWER-Q to decide whether a given signal is feedback. For musical styles that may feature long sustained notes or tones (e.g., classical), set the PERSISTENCE value high (4 or 5, for example) to minimize the chance of mistaking the long sustain for real feedback.
Page 50 HELP button). The POWER-Q will continue to operate and process audio using the parameters that were programmed in when the POWER-Q was turned off. You will be unable to change any of the settings until you enter the correct password.
Page 51 For connecting up to eight POWER-Qs, use standard 9-pin to 9-pin connectors described above. POWER-Q input is labeled SERIAL and the output is labeled NETWORK. It is not neces- sary to connect the last unit in the chain back to the computer.
Page 52 You can also use the feature icons or the Function keys to select various POWER-Q features. 5. You may regain front-panel control of any POWER-Q in the system by entering the password with the data wheel and arrow keys. The remote software disconnects all units in the chain whenever front-panel control is regained on any unit.
Page 53 Copyright 1998, Sabine, Inc. In order for computer to “talk” to the Power-Q, it connects via the standard communications port or “COMM PORT” of your PC. There is no additional hardware to install. Simply select which communica- tion port your computer should use to communicate with your Power-Q. The POWER-Q Remote Control Program is set to default to COMM PORT 1.
Page 54 POWER-Q unit itself. The icons across the top of the screen represent the functions of the Power-Q. These functions can be selected by one of three methods: a mouse click on the icon, click and release pull down from the Main Menu or by pressing the Function keys of your computer keyboard.
Page 55 Master Noise Off. The master noise off button appears to the right of the top tool bar anytime noise is being generated in any POWER-Q (otherwise it is invisible) and will turn off noise in all POWER-Qs. The DELETE button on your computer keyboard will do the same.
Page 56 In other words, Relative Mode should only be put in place after individual adjustment of each POWER-Q unit in the network, and will be used to adjust Linked units in equal increments from each unit's unique baseline.
Page 57 POWER-Q in the network. Simply click in the field below each POWER-Q icon displayed on the screen, and type in your chosen name for each unit. Each name or ID may have up to 8 characters.
Page 58 (Figure 70): Select the parameters you desire. Depending on your selection, various parameters will be copied from your source POWER-Q. The numbered clickable buttons in the screen below (Figure 73) correspond to the numbered functions listed below: COPY ALL PARAMETERS, 31 Band EQ, High/Low pass Filter and FBX Filters...
Page 59 In order to avoid possible conflicts that could be created by attempted (intentional or accidental) simultaneous control of a POWER-Q from both the unit’s front panel and the remote software, the following priority of control has been established: When the Sabine Remote Software is first launched, control of all connected POWER-Qs is given to the software.
Page 60 To enable your POWER-Q Digital I/O option, your POWER-Q must have firmware 2.1 or higher, and must be equipped with the optional D-I/O board. If your unit is so equipped the POWER-Q back panel will feature AES/EBU digital in/out connectors. These are used to connect to other digital equipment in your signal path.
Page 61 POWER-Q circuitry. This hardware bypass is also automatically engaged if electrical power to the POWER-Q fails. Care must be taken in placing the unit in HARDWARE bypass after setting FBX filters, as the feedback you’ve been eliminating may pay you an instant unwelcome visit.
Page 62 I was introduced to the Sabine line of “feedback eliminators” a few years ago when I was working on Ann-Margret’s stage show with my friend John Reed. He had found that the FBX-900 afforded him a good deal more gain before feedback on Ann-Margret’s mic than what he had been able to...
Page 63 “D” for the show, to catch feedback that may occur under performance conditions. The beauty of the Sabine FBX filters is how well they detect feedback even when music is playing! After I’ve completed the ringing out process, I’ll try and use the ADF’s integral delay and gate to further assist me in achieving the greatest gain before feedback.
Page 64 POWER-Q. ment at (904) 418- 2000, Monday POWER-Q APPEARS TO BE See Section 7.2. If you have the POWER-Q patched in an through Friday, CATCHING FEEDBACK, BUT effects or auxiliary loop, you will only catch the feedback in 9:30 a.m to 5:30 FEEDBACK STILL PRESENT the effects loop, and not the mixer input channel.
Page 65 Knee: 1 (hardest) to 40 (softest) Attack: 1.0 to 99 msec in 1 msec steps Release: .05 to 5 sec in .05 sec steps The POWER-Q ADF-4000 is compliant with all Year 2000 Y2K standards. Expander/Noise Gate Threshold: -20dBu to -90.0dBu in 0.5dB steps Ratio: 1:1, 1.4, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 32, infinite...
Page 66 Attention! Cet appareil doit être relié à la terre. Attention! Risque de choc électrique; ne pas ouvrir. The POWER-Q is supplied with one of the following AC power Attention! Risque de choc; ne pas oter les capots. Aucune pièce acces- cords: sible à...
Page 67 Sabine will provide the necessary warranty service to repair or replace REGISTRATION CARD, you should notify Sabine of the change of address so as to facilitate your the product and will return it, FREIGHT COLLECT, to you, the purchaser.

SABINE Power-Q Operating Information Manual

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