Using The Channel Equalizers; Using The Digital Signal Processor - Yamaha EMX3500 Operation Manual

should never read levels higher than about 0 VU. If they
do, then the mixer levels are too high and the power
amplifier may be overloaded, causing distortion.
It is generally best to use the master stereo faders when
making small adjustments to the overall output level. But if
these faders must be set to extremely low or high positions
(lower than about "20" or higher than "5" on their scales),
then the overall mix should be re-adjusted using the input
channel faders so that the VU meters show a proper level
when the master stereos are set within the range de-
scribed above.

Using the Channel Equalizers

Each of the EMX3500's input channels has four equalizer
(EQ) controls that make it possible to independently
equalize the channel's signal to some degree. The rule of
thumb, however, is that equalization should not be used
unless it is absolutely necessary. Always put some effort
into proper microphone selection, careful microphone
placement, and fine adjustment of source instrument
controls before resorting to equalization. Settle for this
option only if you have set everything up as best you can
and are still not satisfied with the sound.
Channel equalization can be most useful in tonally sepa-
rating one sound from another, or from a group of sounds.
Slightly boosting the high frequency of a guitar sound, for
example, can give it the extra bite it needs to stand out
more clearly from the background. Vocals tend to stand
out better if given a bit of boost in the middle range.
Speech generally benefits from a reduction in the low
frequencies, to prevent the "boomy" sound that occurs
when the speaker gets too close to the microphone.
Experimentation and experience will tell you how much of
what type of equalization is appropriate for different sound
sources.
Also keep in mind the fact that the channel's PEAK LED
indicator is post-EQ. Excessive boosting of a signal
frequency may cause the PEAK LED to light more than
briefly, indicating that you need to either reduce the input
gain or reduce the amount of boost being applied.

Using the Digital Signal Processor

The EMX3500's built-in digital signal processor (DSP)
features 15 top-quality digital effects. Each effect program
12
has one parameter that can be edited to modify the sound
of the effect. The table below lists the programmable
parameter and its possible values for each program.
Program Param
VOCAL ECHO 1 Delay
VOCAL ECHO 2 Delay
VOCAL REVERB 1 Reverb
VOCAL REVERB 2 Reverb
REVERB & ECHO 1 Delay
REVERB & ECHO 2 Delay
LARGE HALL Reverb
SMALL HALL Reverb
CHURCH Reverb
ROOM Size
SNARE GATE Delay
SNARE REVERB Reverb
DELAY L, R Delay
SHORT DELAY Delay
PITCH CHORUS Detune
Use the ON switch in the DIGITAL EFFECT section to turn
the internal DSP on and off. The EFFECT RETURN 2
controls will adjust the level of the signal output by the
internal DSP, and any input signals to the EFFECT
RETURN 2 jacks will be ignored.
The PEAK LED indicator to the right of the ON switch will
light if the input signal to the DSP's analog-to-digital
converter reaches a level 3 dB below the clipping level. If
the PEAK indicator lights more than just briefly on transient
peaks, you should reduce the EFFECT SEND 2 fader
setting to avoid distortion of the effect signal.
The current program selection is indicated by the bank of
LED indicators at the top of the DIGITAL EFFECT section.
(When the POWER switch of the EMX3500 is turned on,
the internal DSP will automatically select the program that
was selected when the power was last turned off.) To
change the program selection, simply turn the PROGRAM
control.
The three-digit 7-segment LED display shows the current
setting of the programmable parameter for the selected
program. Turn the PARAMETER control to change this
value. The PRESET indicator will light when the displayed
Range Preset
1–370 ms 125
1–370 ms 125
0.3–10 s 3.2
0.3–10 s 2.2
1–300 ms 174
1–300 ms 125
0.3–10 s 2.4
0.3–10 s 2.6
0.3–10 s 2.6
0.1–10 1.8
1–350 ms 100
0.3–10 s 1.2
1–740 ms 147
0.1–99.9 ms 80
0–100 12