Rane PEQ 55 Operator's Manual

Quick Start

Everyone knows how to use a parametric equalizer, right?
You set the filter GAIN to its maximum and turn the FRE-
QUENCY control until you find a pesky resonance that, when
excited by a few extra dB, fries your speaker or causes hearing
damage. There, problem solved. What did you say?
Connect the PEQ's Inputs and Outputs to virtually any type
of audio device using XLR, ¼" TRS or Euroblock connectors.
You may use any combination of Outputs simultaneously if
desired, but don't try to save a few bucks by plugging multiple
sources into the Inputs and expecting them to mix - they
won't. It will simply sound bad and no amount of EQ will fix
it. Polarity convention on the XLR jacks is pin 2 positive, pin 3
negative and pin 1 shield (chassis ground).
With the wiring out of the way it's time to polish your
golden ears and start making adjustments. Fire up some music
and adjust the input and output LEVELs for good headroom
and optimum signal-to-noise. Always heed the OL (overload)
indicator! And check to make sure the channel BYPASS/EQ and
individual filter BYPASS switches are properly engaged, and that
the FREQUENCY multiplier switch (x0.1, x1, x10) is in the
desired position.
Filter bands A1 and B1 feature a switchable LOW SHELF
response. Bands A5 and B5 feature a switchable HIGH SHELF
Contents
Quick Start ................................................................................................................................................................1
Controls and Operation ...........................................................................................................................................2
Rear Panel Connections ...........................................................................................................................................4
Applications ..............................................................................................................................................................4
Dual Mono 5-Band Operation ..............................................................................................................................4
Linked Stereo 5-Band Operation .........................................................................................................................5
Mono or Linked Stereo 10-Band Operation ........................................................................................................5
Inserting the PEQ 55 on an Instrument Channel or Group Output ...................................................................6
Using the A / B Controls to Switch Between Two Different EQ Settings ...........................................................6
PEQ 55 Settings Templates ......................................................................................................................................7
Additional Resources ...............................................................................................................................................8
WEAR PARTS: This product contains no wear parts.
OPERATORS MANUAL

PARAMETRIC EQUALIZER

response. Further flavor the mix using the channel TONE con-
trols and CUT FILTERS.
The PEQ's A/B switches are an especially unique feature.
Understand their use and you'll unlock some of the device's ana-
log-controlled digital magic. Misunderstand their use and you're
in for a few surprises. Repeat after me: either audio channel can
follow either set of filters, as set by the A/B switch.
For example, in normal dual 5-BAND mode set the top row
switch to A (the Left channel), and the bottom row switch to B
(the Right channel). These switches also affect the CUT FIL-
TERS, TONE controls and LEVELS.
Or perhaps you want to equalize both sides of a stereo system
identically using one set of controls. Set both switches to A and
now the top row of filters controls both audio channels. Set both
switches to B and use the bottom row of filters to create a totally
different EQ curve. Do an A/B comparison of the two curves by
toggling the (you guessed it) A/B switches. Try doing that with
an analog EQ.
Need more filters? Switch to 10-BAND mode and you now
have ten fully overlapping filters to use on a stereo or mono
source. The outputs mute momentarily when switching between
5- and 10-BAND modes.
PEQ 55
Manual-1