Practical Application; Functioning Of The Unit; Application Examples; Series Cable Connection (Insert Mode) - Behringer SONIC EXCITER SX3040 User Manual

3. PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The SX3040 is classified as a psychoacoustic processor. These
devices improve sound with sophisticated signal modifications
which are subjectively perceived as clearer and more sonically
pleasing. Algorithms based on the human sense of hearing
influence the quality and the time-based progression of the audio
signals without changing the level ratio. The sound is thereby
perceived to be more contoured and voluminous. Use the
SX3040 for mastering in the studio, for live sound to improve
the reproduction quality of PA systems, as a link between
instruments and amplifiers or between playback and recording
devices for restoring old recordings.
3.1 Two separate unit functions
The SX3040 has two different processing sections for each
channel: a BASS PROCESSOR and a HARMONIC EXCITER.
The advantage is that the output level is not changed with
SX3040 processing. Hence, overloading of loudspeakers and
other devices is avoided. Moreover, the sound modification is
not static, but dynamic and adapts automatically to different
signals.
The BASS PROCESSOR works like a frequency-selective
compressor. Depending on the signal dynamics, an adjustable
frequency range is compressed, shifted in phase and mixed
with the original signal. During the compression, peak levels
are temporally extended and hence perceived to be more
intense. The phase shift enhances the bass similarly to a chorus
effect.
Exciter-enhanced sound has been a significant part of high-
quality commercial productions for decades. The HARMONIC
EXCITER enhances the audio material with additional harmonics
in dependence of frequency. In instruments the harmonic
structure determines the character of the sound as well as the
presence and hence the punch. The more harmonics an exciter
adds to the original signal and the higher their levels, the more
pronounced the signal character.

3.2 Application examples

The SX3040 can be incorporated into a set-up in two different
ways:
Series cable connection
Parallel cable connection
In the following sections the two variants are described in greater
detail.

3.2.1 Series cable connection (Insert mode)

The simplest form of series connection consists of a signal chain
in which several devices are connected in a row, e.g. keyboard
effects unit (SX3040) amplifier. An input signal is fed into
the effects unit (SX3040) and a mixed signal consisting of an
input signal and a processed effect signal is sent to an amplifier
or a recording device (MD recorder, computer etc.) for
reproduction.
Another type of series connection can be made by using the
Insert point of a mixing console or instrument amplifier. In this
configuration the signal is sent out from the mixer channel via a
special Y-lead and a mixed signal (dry and effect signals) is
routed from the outputs of the effects unit (SX3040) back to the
mixer channel.
With series connection the dry/wet mix is set with the
MIX controls on the effects unit (SX3040).

3.2.2 Parallel cable connection (Aux Send mode)

Parallel connection can be made via the Aux path of a mixing
console. A parallel decoupled pure effect signal from the effects
unit is mixed with the unmodified dry signal via this separate
effects bus. Mixing of dry and effect signals occurs on the mixing
console.
With parallel connection the portion of the effect signal
that should be added to the original signal is defined
with the Aux Return controls on the mixing console.
The MIX control on the effects unit (SX3040) must be
set to "MAX" for this.
The SX3040 is ideally suited for use with live sound systems in
clubs, discos, live concerts and public performances. Here the
unit not only can considerably improve the signal quality, but
also can compensate for the inadequacies of small or weak PA
systems.
For this application the unit is ideally employed between the
mixing console mix output and the amplifier input. If a graphic
equalizer is also used, it should be positioned after the SX3040.
Channels 1 and 2 must have the same setting since this
application involves stereo processing. Otherwise, the original
stereo image will be distorted.
With the MIX controls you define the portion of the
processed signal that should be mixed with the original
signal separately for the BASS PROCESSOR and
SONIC EXCITER sections.
Figure 3.1: Use of the SX3040 with live sound systems
3. PRACTICAL APPLICATION
SONIC EXCITER SX3040

3.2.3 Live sound

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