Peavey AQ 12 Operating Manual page 10

E. When installing or de-installing the speaker on the stand, it is a good practice to have a helper if possible,
it can be hard to "thread the needle" and mate the stand cup to the stand pole while holding the AQ™12 speaker
system at arm's length. It is also helpful if someone holds the speaker stand and pole down while the AQ™12 is
removed from the stand pole, this prevents the AQ™12 from pulling the pole up with it.
F. When using stands outdoors, never attach banners or flags to the stands or the AQ™12 speaker system,
strong winds may cause the speaker to blow over. If there is a possibility of windy conditions, then it may be
prudent to consider weighting or locking down the stand legs to prevent the AQ™12 speaker system from being
blown over.
Use of the AQ™12 with an PVs™15 Sub or PVs™18 Sub
The PVs™15 Sub or PVs™18 Sub can be used with a AQ™12 using the threaded 1 3/8" diameter pole supplied with
the Sub. All the precautions stated for use of the AQ™12 with a speaker stand should be applied as appropriate to
use of the AQ™12 with a PVs™15 Sub or PVs™18 Sub. That would be primarily items B, D, E and F.
Information about the adjustment of levels and polarity settings is contained in the PVs™15 Sub and PVs™18 Sub
Owner's Manuals.
Connecting a Signal to the AQ™12
There are a variety of ways to input a signal to the AQ™12.
The input (5) provides either a balanced mic- or line-level input, allowing the use of a 1/4" TRS (ring-tip-sleeve)
type phone plug or a male XLR plug.
Do not connect cables to the jacks while the unit is ON and the Gain knob is turned up! While a standard
single-ended 1/4" phone plug-equipped cable will work well and the balanced input circuitry will provide some
interference rejection, a balanced cable using either the balanced TRS 1/4" phone plug or the XLR plug will pro-
vide superior interference rejection and performance.
Sometimes, with difficult interference problems, it will be helpful to lift the shield ground ( Pin #1 of an XLR)
of a balanced cable at the AQ™12 end. Check any input changes carefully, always turning the level control down
before plugging and unplugging cables, or lifting the ground.
Use of high quality, premium cables is recommended for the AQ™12, as these usually have better shielding and
materials and will provide greater long-term reliability. The best option is a shielded balanced cable no longer
than necessary to reach the AQ™12. It is usually a good idea to leave some slack at the input to the AQ™12 and
also to tape the cables down or run them under a cable guard to avoid anyone tripping over them or pulling the
AQ™12 over when stand mounted..
Level Control Adjustment
The AQ™12 is equipped with a level control (4) on the input to facilitate use in many different applications.
With the Level control adjusted fully clockwise, gain is at maximum and the input sensitivity is 0.50 V RMS for
full-rated output with the line level position of the Mic/Line Switch (7). When driving the AQ™12 from a mix-
er, it may be advantageous to reduce the input sensitivity by turning the level control to the halfway point. The
AQ™12 will now more closely match a typical power amp.
If the mixing board indicates clipping of its output signals, then all of the AQ™12 power capability is not being
utilized cleanly. Clipping the signal before it gets to the AQ™12 is not optimal. Reduce the mixer output Gain
and turn up the level control on the AQ™12.
The amplifiers in the AQ™12 are fed by a signal that has a "Soft Limiting" and Compression system applied, and
the LED indicator will show when this circuitry has engaged. If the sound seems heavily compressed, check
these indicators; if it is blinking RED more than occasionally, then the drive level from the mixer (or the level