Alesis DEQ230 Reference Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Alesis Manuals
  4. Stereo Equalizer
  5. DEQ230
  6. Reference manual

Alesis DEQ230 Reference Manual

Alesis reference manual stereo equalizer deq230, deq230d
Hide thumbs Also See for DEQ230:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Reference Manual

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Alesis DEQ230

Summary of Contents for Alesis DEQ230

  • Page 1 Reference Manual...
  • Page 2 This page intentionally left blank 100%...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Installing in a Rack ... 19 Thermal Considerations in Rack Mounting ... 19 AC Power Hookup... 20 To use the DEQ230 in another country: ... 20 Connecting Inputs and Outputs ... 21 Connecting to the Channel or Main Inserts of a mixing console...
  • Page 4 Constant Q vs. Variable Q ... 51 Chapter Four: Applications...55 Filtering effects ... 56 Chapter Five: Program Charts ...59 DEQ230 Settings Chart ... 69 Chapter Six: Troubleshooting...71 Restoring the Factory Programs & Defaults ... 71 Line Conditioners and Protectors ... 71 Care and Maintenance...

  • 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 DEQ230’s features in a way that is easy to understand and remember. But even beyond...

  • Page 6: Deq230 Key Features

    Introduction DEQ230 Key Features Offers the best of digital technology and analog-style control: a graphic display with instant editing of any band or combination of bands, plus the ability to store programs 60 programs total: 30 preset and 30 user-programmable...

  • 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 DEQ230. 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

    If you're experienced with signal processors, this chapter is a “shorthand” guide for those who want to start using the DEQ230 right away. If you have questions about any of the features, don’t worry – we’ll cover everything in greater detail in later chapters.

  • 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 DEQ230. The fastest way to do this is to press the [DOWN] and [UP] buttons at the same time.
  • Page 19 Quick Start Guide...
  • Page 20 Quick Start Guide...

  • Page 21: Chapter Two: Connections

    • A/C power supply adapter (DEQ230 only) • A/C power cable (DEQ230D only) • This instruction manual Installing in a Rack The DEQ230 may be simply set on a table, or installed in a standard 19" audio equipment rack. Thermal Considerations in Rack Mounting The DEQ230 can be mounted in an equipment rack (occupying one rack space) or placed on a table or shelf.

  • Page 22: Ac Power Hookup

    “male” end into a good quality, noise-free A/C power source. The DEQ230 will work with any standard line voltage from 100 to 240 volts as long as the appropriate detachable power supply adapter is used. The DEQ230 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 DEQ230 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 DEQ230 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 DEQ230.

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

    Connecting to equipment with XLR inputs and outputs If you are connecting the DEQ230 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 Connections There are three ways to connect the DEQ230D with another digital audio device: Analog Signal In, Digital Signal Out A potential use for this setup would be if you are running your recorded tracks into a mixer that only has an analog output, but your mixdown deck has S/PDIF inputs.

  • Page 27: About Audio Cables

    About Audio Cables The connections between the DEQ230 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 28 Connections This page intentionally left blank...

  • Page 29: Chapter Three: Basics Of Equalization

    DEQ230’s controls. What is equalization? An equalizer boosts or cuts a frequency range. The DEQ230 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 30: Description Of The Controls

    [BYPASS] When this button is first pressed, a red LED will light. This means the DEQ230 is in Bypass mode. As long as this LED is lit, incoming audio will pass through the unit without being affected by the DEQ230. This is useful for comparing the "equalized"...

  • Page 31: Description Of The Basic Modes

    Program mode When this manual refers to Program mode, we mean the very top level of functionality of the DEQ230. Program mode is where you are when it is possible to use the [DOWN/UP] buttons to select between the different programs that reside in the unit. In this mode, you have access to the 30 Preset programs and 30 User programs.

  • Page 32: Bypass Mode

    Bypass mode This mode is nearly as simple as it sounds: push the [BYPASS] button and the DEQ230 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 33: 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 DEQ230 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 34: Basic Operation: Edit Mode

    0dB. There is an overall range of +/- 12 dB of gain change available. Band Solo The DEQ230 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 35: Basics Of Equalization

    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. The last 2 dB of change, going from +/-10 dB to +/-12 dB, happens in increments of 1.0 dB.
  • Page 36 Basics of Equalization Multiple Band Edit Selecting an Edit Group Pressing a [BAND SELECT] button puts the DEQ230 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 37 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 DEQ230 keeps track of the proportional values of the bands, even if they exceed the +/-12 dB limit of gain change for a frequency.
  • Page 38 24. This is because the DEQ230 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 39 18. The Release Edit Group function Once you have changed the value of the Edit Group, the DEQ230 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 40: Basic Operation: Store Mode

    [UP] button, the unit will jump to Program 30. If you continue pressing the [UP] button, the DEQ230 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 41: 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 42: Basic Operation: Audition Mode

    To enter Audition mode, first be sure the DEQ230 is in Program mode. After that, press and hold the [LINK/EXIT] button and then press the [DOWN] button.
  • Page 43 If you have a lot of programs in the Audition List, hold down one of those buttons and after a couple of seconds the DEQ230 will begin to scroll through them more quickly.

  • Page 44: Basic Operation: Channel Level Mode

    Channel Level mode--you may have entered Band Edit mode by mistake. Once the DEQ230 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 45: The "Hidden" Modes

    Demonstration mode Sometimes it’s fun to have a lot of little lights flashing from the stage or in the studio. The DEQ230 has a special key combination that will activate a “light show” for the entertainment of your clients, audience, or children. To begin the pyrotechnics, first make sure you are in Program mode.

  • Page 46: Setup Mode

    To access Setup mode, first you must turn off the DEQ230. Then turn the unit back on, wait until you see the letters “DEQ230” 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 Channel A‘s [BAND SELECT] buttons.
  • Page 47 DEQ230 from clipping. When a hot line level signal comes in, the DEQ230 has plenty of headroom to deal with it. But if you perform some radical...
  • Page 48 Edit Time Out is a feature you will appreciate. On the other hand, if you prefer to have the DEQ230 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 49 [DOWN/UP] buttons. You should see the LEDs over Channel B change from "OFF" to "ON." Then turn the unit off and on again. Your DEQ230 is now locked. (No fair using this knowledge to play tricks on your salesperson!) It's simple to restore the DEQ230 to full functionality (i.e.,...
  • Page 50 Basics of Equalization Button 9: System Exclusive Receive (Waiting) As long as this page is active, the DEQ230D will allow an external device such as a computer to transmit a new bank of 30 User programs into its User memory space. Once the external device begins sending the proper sys-ex data, the DEQ230D displays the message “Rcving,”...

  • Page 51: Button Combinations

    “Auto” is the default value. To force the DEQ230D to listen only to the balanced inputs, switch this setting from Auto to Analog. Button combinations Here is a list of the combinations of buttons that are possible in the DEQ230 and what they do: Hold: Press: [UP] (First press)

  • Page 52: 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 DEQ230. Other options include adjusting the Channel Level settings in Edit mode, or adjusting the Master Level setting in Setup mode.

  • Page 53: Constant Q Vs. Variable Q

    What makes the DEQ230 unique? At their inception, graphic equalizers relied solely on a form of equalization known as "Variable Q." The DEQ230, 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 54 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 55 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 56 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 DEQ230 offers a significant advantage.

  • Page 57: Chapter Four: Applications

    Applications This section is designed to get you started with the DEQ230 by giving some sample settings. These are merely suggested settings; experiment and find your own once you begin to hear what the DEQ230 does to your sound. In a way, it’s absurd to suggest EQ settings without knowing what the source sounds like.

  • Page 58: Filtering Effects

    This “telephone” effect is also called “futzing,” and can be used on any instrument or mix. Here’s how to get that sound on the DEQ230: 1. Follow the instructions for items 1 and 2 from Step 2. 2. Press all of the [BAND SELECT] buttons in the ranges from 25 Hz to 630 Hz and from 6.3 kHz to 20 kHz on the...
  • Page 59 Comb filtering You'll understand how this effect process got its name once you see the way it looks when recreated on the DEQ230: 1. Follow the instructions for items 1 and 2 from Step 2. 2. Starting from the far left of Channel A, press every other [BAND SELECT] button and take those bands all the way down to -12 dB.
  • Page 60 Applications This page intentionally left blank...

  • Page 61: Chapter Five: Program Charts

    Darken Speech Description The DEQ230 will not affect the signal; the output signal will sound the same as the input signal. The smile curve is a time-tested technique used by live sound engineers. No time for a sound check? Start here.
  • Page 62 Program Charts Loudness Plus Techno Comb Filter - 125 Hz A: Kick B: Snare A: Bass Guitar B: Acoustic Guitar A: Male Vocal B: Female Vocal This curve approximates what happens when you press the “Boost” button on some consumer-level stereo equipment. It makes for a nicely balanced sound when listening at low levels.
  • Page 63 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 DEQ230 to the Narrow Cut 1-5 program that matches the Boost program that emphasized the frequency range in question.
  • Page 64 Program Charts Narrow Boost 3 (800Hz) Narrow Boost 4 (2.5kHz) Narrow Boost 5 (8kHz) Low Shelf Narrow Cut 1 (80Hz) Narrow Cut 2 (250Hz) Narrow Cut 3 (800Hz) See note for programs 16-20 and 22-26 See note for programs 16-20 and 22-26 See note for programs 16-20 and 22-26 Use this to eliminate the low rumble and leave everything else untouched (corner frequency is approximately 75Hz).
  • Page 65 Narrow Cut 4 (2.5kHz) Narrow Cut 5 (8kHz) High Shelf Sine Wave Pattern I Sine Wave Pattern II Note for programs 30-59 The following 30 programs reside in the User program area. They can be overwritten with your own programs. (Naturally, if you have done that, the following diagrams no longer apply.) We suggest that you try these before storing a new program in their place, though;...
  • Page 66 Program Charts Tape Hiss Reduction Mini TV Megaphone Bandlimit Air Boost AM Radio R&B Radio Acoustic Guitar Air This is a way to deal with noisy source material that originates from magnetic media. If you want to make your audio sound as if it’s coming from one of those portable televisions, try this one.
  • Page 67 Electric Guitar Bandlimit Rap Drums Hype Sizzle Cymbals Cardboard Tube Bathtub Mild Comb Resonance (125Hz) Very often a really hot guitar track has to find a place in a crowded mix. This is one place to start looking for that special fit. If you've got a drum machine or drum mix that calls for woof and hot treble, send it through this curve.
  • Page 68 Program Charts 11kHz Sample Rate Next Door Neighbor Note for programs 47-49 These three following programs are for DJ's to squash the response of the music in order to create a temporary effect or to announce over. High DJ Isolation Mid DJ Isolation Low DJ Isolation Nasal...
  • Page 69 Proximity Effect Presence Distance Combfilter Combo Blank Blank This curve is meant to mimic the physics phenomenon that the closer your ear (or a microphone) gets to a sound source, the more the bass is emphasized. This curve gives the signal a little more life when you want to get the listener's attention.
  • Page 70 Thanks to the digital heart of the DEQ230, you can always get the program back exactly as it was.

  • Page 71: Deq230 Settings Chart

    Program Charts DEQ230 Settings Chart...
  • Page 72 Program Charts This page intentionally left blank...

  • Page 73: 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 DEQ230. 3. Turn the unit on while pressing the [DOWN/UP] buttons.

  • Page 74: Troubleshooting Index

    Reduce gain of problem bands within program. Reduce channel levels of that program. Reduce Master Level in Setup mode. Unlock DEQ230 in Setup mode. Refer to page 46. Edit Channel A Unlink the Channels to allow independent edits to Channel B.

  • Page 75: Refer All Servicing To Alesis

    Troubleshooting Refer All Servicing to Alesis We believe that the DEQ230 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 76 Troubleshooting This page intentionally left blank...

  • Page 77: Specifications

    Maximum Output Level: Switch set to –10: Nominal input level: Maximum input level: Nominal Output Level: Maximum Output Level: Input impedance: Output Impedance: DEQ230 Input connectors: Output Connectors: Nominal input level: Maximum input level: Nominal Output Level: Maximum Output Level: Input impedance:...
  • Page 78 Specifications This page intentionally left blank...

  • Page 79: 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 80: Alesis Contact Information

    Alesis DEQ230/DEQ230D Reference Manual Revision A by Randy Lee, with thanks to Mike Murphy Revision B by Randy Lee Copyright 2003, Alesis Distribution, LLC. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Specifications subject to change without notice.

This manual is also suitable for:

Deq230d

Table of Contents