Alesis DEQ224 Reference Manual
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Alesis DEQ224 Reference Manual

Alesis DEQ224 Reference Manual

Alesis deq224 audio-recording: reference manual
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Summary of Contents for Alesis DEQ224

  • Page 1 Reference Manual...
  • Page 2 This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Installing in a Rack ... 19 Thermal Considerations in Rack Mounting ... 19 AC Power Hookup... 20 To use the DEQ224 in another country: ... 20 Connecting Inputs and Outputs ... 21 Connecting to the Channel or Main Inserts of a mixing console: ...
  • Page 4 Line Conditioners and Protectors ... 59 Care and Maintenance... 59 Troubleshooting Index ... 60 Specifications...63 Audio Input ... 63 Audio Output ... 63 Audio Performance ... 63 Mechanical: ... 63 Warranty/Contact Alesis ...65 Alesis Limited Warranty... 65 Alesis Contact Information... 66...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    One of Alesis' goals is to make high-quality music technology available to everyone. This Reference Manual is an important part of that, because in it we try to present the DEQ224’s features in a way that is easy to understand and remember. But even beyond...

  • Page 6: Deq224 Key Features

    8. Constant Q technology allows finer control between bands than conventional graphic equalizers 9. LOCK function allows the DEQ224 to be used in "set and forget" situations, such as control room tuning, main live mixes, monitor mixes, etc., without fear of accidental reprogramming 10.

  • Page 7: How To Use This Manual

    How to Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions of and applications for the DEQ224. While it's a good idea to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about audio equipment should use the table of contents to look up specific functions.
  • Page 8 Introduction This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 9: Important Safety Instructions

    Important Safety Instructions Important Safety Instructions (English) Safety symbols used in this product This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit. This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks.
  • Page 10 Important Safety Instructions 12. Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or table designed for use with professional audio or music equipment. In any installation, make sure that injury or damage will not result from cables pulling on the apparatus and its mounting. If a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

  • Page 11: Instructions De Sécurité Importantes (French)

    Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) Symboles utilisés dans ce produit Ce symbole alèrte l’utilisateur qu’il existe des instructions de fonctionnement et de maintenance dans la documentation jointe avec ce produit. Ce symbole avertit l’utilisateur de la présence d’une tension non isolée à l’intérieur de l’appareil pouvant engendrer des chocs électriques.
  • Page 12 Important Safety Instructions 12. N’utilisez qu’avec un stand, ou table conçus pour l’utilisation d’audio professionnel ou instruments de musique. Dans toute installation, veillez de ne rien endommager à cause de câbles qui tirent sur des appareils et leur support. 13. Débranchez l’appareil lors d’un orage ou lorsqu’il n’est pas utilisé...

  • Page 13: Lesen Sie Bitte Die Folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German)

    Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German) Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesem Produkt Dieses Symbol alarmiert den Benutzer, daß es wichtige Funktionieren und Wartung Anweisungen in der Literatur gibt, die diese Maßeinheit begleitet. Dieses Symbol warnt den Benutzer der nicht isolierten Spannung innerhalb der Maßeinheit, die gefährliche elektrische Schläge verursachen kann.
  • Page 14 Important Safety Instructions 12. Verwenden Sie ausschließlich Wagen, Ständer, oder Tische, die speziell für professionelle Audio- und Musikinstrumente geeignet sind. Achten Sie immer darauf, daß die jeweiligen Geräte sicher installiert sind, um Schäden und Verletzungen zu vermeiden. Wenn Sie einen Rollwagen benutzen, achten Sie darauf, das dieser nicht umkippt, um Verletzungen auszuschließen.

  • Page 15: Ce Declaration Of Conformity

    Important Safety Instructions CE Declaration Of Conformity See our website at: http://www.alesis.com FCC Compliance Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
  • Page 16 Important Safety Instructions This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 17: Chapter One: Quick Start Guide

    – we’ll cover everything in greater detail in later chapters. Step 1: Hook it up to a mixer 1. Plug the POWER jack on the back of the DEQ224 into a grounded AC power source with the supplied power adapter.

  • Page 18: Step 2: Try Some Equalization

    1. Put the mixer’s main faders all the way down so you don’t distort the unit by sending it too much signal. 2. Select program 00 on the DEQ224. The fastest way to do this is to press the [DOWN] and [UP] buttons at the same time.

  • Page 19: Step 4: Store The Program

    3. Use the [DOWN] BUTTON to reduce all of these frequencies until their LEDs are at -12 dB. 4. Select all of the unedited frequencies and boost them as high as you can without clipping the signal. 5. Be sure to toggle the [BYPASS] button to compare the result with the original.
  • Page 20 Quick Start Guide...

  • Page 21: Chapter Two: Connections

    • This instruction manual Installing in a Rack The DEQ224 may be simply set on a table, or you can use a universal rack adapter to install one or two units in a standard 19" audio equipment rack. There are many companies that make rack adapters or rack utility shelves.

  • Page 22: Ac Power Hookup

    Connections AC Power Hookup The DEQ224 works with any standard line voltage from 100 to 240 volts as long as the appropriate detachable power supply adapter is used. The DEQ224 has been shipped with the suitable adapter for the line voltage in your area.

  • Page 23: Connecting Inputs And Outputs

    These are typically Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) jacks with the send and return on the same jack. To use the DEQ224 as an effects insert device, you will need an insert cable (not included). This cable splits the TRS insert jack into two unbalanced mono connectors.
  • Page 24 Stereo connections Use two insert cables to connect the DEQ224 to the main L/R bus in the same way you would connect it to a pair of channel inserts. Simply connect one insert cable to the left main insert of the mixer, and connect the two mono jacks to the CHAN A INPUT and OUTPUT of the DEQ224.

  • Page 25: Connecting To The Inserts On An Instrument Amplifier

    Connecting to equipment with XLR inputs and outputs: If you are connecting the DEQ224 to a product with XLR balanced inputs and outputs, you will need to convert this signal to a TRS balanced connector. Make sure that Pin 2 of the XLR connector is connected to the Tip of the TRS adapter, and Pin 3 is connected to the Sleeve.

  • Page 26: About Audio Cables

    Connections About Audio Cables The connections between the DEQ224 and your studio are your music’s lifeline, so use only high quality cables. These should be low-capacitance shielded cables with a stranded (not solid) internal conductor and a low-resistance shield. Although quality cables cost more, they do make a difference.

  • Page 27: Chapter Three: Basics Of Equalization

    DEQ224’s controls. What is equalization? An equalizer boosts or cuts a frequency range. The DEQ224 is a graphic equalizer, which means it has many fixed frequency bands that can be cut or boosted. The term "graphic" is appropriate because the combined settings of the bands often resemble a curve, or a "graph."...

  • Page 28: Description Of The Controls

    [BYPASS] When this button is first pressed, a red LED will light. This means the DEQ224 is in Bypass mode. As long as this LED is lit, incoming audio will pass through the unit without being affected by the DEQ224. This is useful for comparing the "equalized"...

  • Page 29: Description Of The Basic Modes

    30 User Programs will become the new location for the edited program. You may also instruct the DEQ224 to copy the settings from Channel A to Channel B during the Store process. For information on how to perform either of these procedures, see page 36.

  • Page 30: Bypass Mode

    Bypass mode This mode is nearly as simple as it sounds: push the [BYPASS] button and the DEQ224 will let you hear the non-equalized audio. But there’s a bit more to it than that. There are also two gain adjustment stages that can be used to compensate for a reduction or increase in signal level caused by the equalization curve being used.

  • Page 31: Basic Operation: Program Mode

    Program mode is where to be if you want to call up another program, or if you just want to know the number of the program you are using. The DEQ224 has 60 programs in all: 30 Preset programs and 30 User programs. The Preset programs are the ones numbered 00-29, while the User programs are numbered 30- 59.

  • Page 32: Basic Operation: Edit Mode

    0dB. There is an overall range of +/- 12 dB of gain change available. Band Solo The DEQ224 has a handy feature called Band Solo that allows you to “isolate” a given frequency while you are editing. This can help you determine exactly which band you need to highlight or de- emphasize.

  • Page 33: Basics Of Equalization

    To exit Edit mode, press the [CHANNEL/EXIT] button. This will return the DEQ224 to Program mode. The same thing will happen if you de-select the single band you have selected. Band Gain Cut/Boost Ranges Whether you are cutting or boosting a band, the first 10 dB of change happens in 0.5 dB increments.
  • Page 34 Basics of Equalization Multiple Band Edit Selecting an Edit Group Pressing a [BAND SELECT] button puts the DEQ224 into Edit mode. And until you press one of the [DOWN/UP] buttons, you can keep pressing [BAND SELECT] buttons until you have several of them selected simultaneously.
  • Page 35 But what about the band that was set to 0 dB originally...was it boosted to +24 dB? The answer is, "Yes and no." It was, in the sense that the DEQ224 keeps track of the proportional values of the bands, even if they exceed the +/-12 dB limit of gain change for a frequency.
  • Page 36 24. This is because the DEQ224 takes into account the gain setting of all of the bands when an Edit Group is formed. If the highest gain setting of any band in the Edit Group is + 6 dB, then from there down to -12 dB is only 18 dB.
  • Page 37 18. The Release Edit Group function Once you have changed the value of the Edit Group, the DEQ224 will react one of two ways to further presses of the [BAND SELECT] buttons. To decide which option suits your working method or circumstance, experiment with the setting for the Release Edit Group function in Setup Mode.

  • Page 38: Basic Operation: Store Mode

    [UP] button, the unit will jump to Program 30. If you continue pressing the [UP] button, the DEQ224 will jump forward through the User locations in increments of 10 (40, 50, 30, 40, 50, etc.). Similarly, if you press and hold the [UP] button and then push the [DOWN] button, the unit will jump to Program 30.

  • Page 39: Channel Copy

    Channel Copy You can use the Link function while editing to help set up identical curves on both channels. But at some point the curves may need to diverge slightly (or significantly). Rather than unlinking the channels and starting all over again on Channel B, we have included a handy feature called Channel Copy as a subset of Store mode.

  • Page 40: Basic Operation: Channel Level Mode

    Channel Level mode--you may have entered Band Edit mode by mistake. Once the DEQ224 is in Channel Level mode, you will see the Band Gain LEDs go completely dark except for the ones over the buttons mentioned in the two steps above.

  • Page 41: The "Hidden" Modes

    To access Setup mode, first you must turn off the DEQ224. Then turn the unit back on, wait until you see the letters “DEQ224” in the display, and then hold down the [STORE] button. After a couple of seconds you will see the word "SETUP" appear in large letters above the [BAND SELECT] buttons.
  • Page 42 DEQ224 from clipping. When a hot line level signal comes in, the DEQ224 has plenty of headroom to deal with it. But if you perform some radical...
  • Page 43 Edit Time Out is a feature you will appreciate. On the other hand, if you prefer to have the DEQ224 remain in Edit mode so you will not lose your chosen Edit Group when the unit returns to Program mode, you may want to turn the Edit Time Out function off.

  • Page 44: Button Combinations

    Basics of Equalization LEDs over the Band Gain buttons change from "OFF" to "ON." Then turn the unit off and on again. Your DEQ224 is now locked. (No fair using this knowledge to play tricks on your salesperson!) It's simple to restore the DEQ224 to full functionality (i.e., "unlock"...

  • Page 45: Equalization Artifacts

    If you boost too many frequencies too high, you will distort the output. If this happens, the red CLIP LED will light. To avoid this, turn down the signal being sent to the DEQ224. Other options include adjusting the Channel Level settings in Edit mode, or adjusting the Master Level setting in Setup mode.

  • Page 46: Constant Q Vs. Variable Q

    What makes the DEQ224 unique? At their inception, graphic equalizers relied solely on a form of equalization known as "Variable Q." The DEQ224, on the other hand, is what is known as a "Constant Q" equalizer. This method of equalization is a relatively recent development in the history of sound reinforcement and recording technology.
  • Page 47 Basics of Equalization In the next illustration, the difference between a narrow Q and a wide Q is seen: Variable Q Now we're ready for a visual definition of the term Variable Q. In the next illustration, the wider and more gradual curve represents a lower gain setting for a variable Q equalizer.
  • Page 48 Basics of Equalization Multi-band application and results So far we have only dealt with cutting or boosting single frequency bands. The differences between the constant Q and variable Q methods become more "graphic," if you will, when adjacent frequency bands are involved. In this example, three adjacent bands are used.
  • Page 49 Q equalizers out of hand; in some applications either would do the job nicely. But when a greater degree of control over the program material is needed, a constant Q equalizer like the DEQ224 offers a significant advantage.
  • Page 50 Basics of Equalization This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 51: Chapter Four: Applications

    Applications This section is designed to get you started with the DEQ224 by giving some sample settings. These are merely suggested settings; experiment and find your own once you begin to hear what the DEQ224 does to your sound. In a way, it’s absurd to suggest EQ settings without knowing what the source sounds like.

  • Page 52: Eliminating Feedback

    Applications Eliminating Feedback During a live performance, you may experience feedback if a microphone is placed too close to a monitor. However, this feedback often occurs at one frequency before it happens at others. You can "ring out" the monitor by using EQ to cut the frequency that’s feeding back.

  • Page 53: Chapter Five: Program Charts

    Link function is active. Programs that are not linked have a different curve for each channel, so there will be two charts for that program (e.g., 9a “Kick” and 9b “Snare”). Title Flat The DEQ224 will not affect the signal; the output signal will sound the same as the input signal. Smile...
  • Page 54 Program Charts Techno This setting emphasizes the extremes to get the dancing bodies really moving. Proximity Effect This curve mimics the aural phenomenon that the closer a listener is to a sound source, the more the bass is emphasized. Note for programs 9-12 The next four programs have the Link function turned off, so each channel is doing something different.
  • Page 55 Send the signal you want to equalize through Narrow Boosts 1-5 to find the frequency that may be most objectionable. Take note of that frequency for further editing or just set the DEQ224 to the Narrow Cut 1-5 program that matches the Boost program that emphasized the frequency range in question.
  • Page 56 Program Charts Narrow Boost 2 (255Hz) See note for programs 16-20 and 22-26 Narrow Boost 3 (810Hz) See note for programs 16-20 and 22-26 Narrow Boost 4 (2.6kHz) See note for programs 16-20 and 22-26 Narrow Boost 5 (8.2kHz) See note for programs 16-20 and 22-26 Low Shelf Eliminates low rumble, leaving...
  • Page 57 Narrow Cut 5 (8.2kHz) See note for programs 16-20 and 22-26 High Shelf Eliminates high end, leaving everything else untouched (corner frequency is approximately 8kHz). Note for programs 28 and 29 These two programs are mirrored. The setting for Channel A on program 28 is the same as the setting for Channel B on program 29.
  • Page 58 Program Charts Mini TV If you’re looking for that sound you get with one of those portable televisions, try this one. Megaphone Bandlimit Sounds like what the name implies. Air Boost Just the opposite of the high shelf curve. AM Radio Another band-limiting curve for using as an effect.
  • Page 59 Sizzle Cymbals Reduce any live drum bleed-through and emphasize the cymbals' place at the high end of the mix. Cardboard Tube Remember when you were a kid and you had a friend speak to you through a cardboard tube? Bathtub Do you like the sound of singing in the shower? Presence...
  • Page 60 Program Charts Note for programs 47-49 The following three programs are for DJs to “squash” the response of the music in order to create a temporary effect or to make an announcement. High DJ Isolation See note for programs 47-49 Mid DJ Isolation See note for programs 47-49 Low DJ Isolation...

  • Page 61: Chapter Six: Troubleshooting

    1. Make sure you really want to erase every program you have stored. That is what reinitializing the unit does. 2. If you haven't already done so, turn off the DEQ224. 3. Turn the unit on and press the [DOWN/UP] buttons during the “splash screen.”...

  • Page 62: Troubleshooting Index

    Reduce channel levels of that program. Reduce Master Level in Setup mode. Unlock DEQ224 in Setup mode. Refer to page 41. Unlock DEQ224 in Setup mode. Refer to page 41. Set Release Edit Group function to On in Setup mode.

  • Page 63: Refer All Servicing To Alesis

    Troubleshooting Refer All Servicing to Alesis We believe that the DEQ224 is one of the best signal processors that can be made using current technology, and should provide years of trouble-free use. However, should problems occur, DO NOT attempt to service the unit yourself unless you have training and experience.
  • Page 64 Troubleshooting This page intentionally left blank...

  • Page 65: Specifications

    Specifications Audio Input Input Connectors: Nominal Input Level: Maximum Input Level: Input Impedance: Audio Output Output Connectors: Nominal Output Level: Maximum Output Level: Output Impedance: Audio Performance Signal To Noise Ratio: THD+N: Frequency Response: Power Consumption: Mechanical: Size: Rack Spaces: Weight: 2 Impedance-Balanced 1/4”...
  • Page 66 Specifications This page intentionally left blank...

  • Page 67: Warranty/Contact Alesis

    For the most effective service, the purchaser should register the purchase on the ALESIS website at http://www.alesis.com/support/warranty.htm. During the warranty period ALESIS shall, at its sole and absolute option, either repair or replace free of charge any product that proves to be defective on inspection by ALESIS or its authorized service representative.

  • Page 68: Alesis Contact Information

    Alesis DEQ224 Reference Manual Revision A by Randy Lee and Brooks Bruner Copyright 2003, Alesis Distribution, LLC. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. “DEQ224” is a trademark of Alesis Distribution, LLC. Specifications subject to change without notice.

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