Sound Performance Lab Musical Instrument PQ Mastering Equalizer User Manual

> PQ Mastering Equalizer  
Owner‘s Manual  
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Content  
Introduction  
3
Installation  
4
Technology  
5
Key Functions  
6
Channel Control Elements  
Technical Specifications  
Warranty  
8
10  
11  
Introduction  
Key features  
Dear customer,  
• Pure analog, discrete Class A equalization circuitry  
thanks for using the PQ Mastering Equalizer. We wish you have as much fun working  
with it as we had during the development of this extraordinary equalizer.  
• Digital storability and total recall with motorized controls and 800 presets  
• Constant Q and proportional Q modes, selectable per filter band  
• 124V internal operating voltage for clean, consistent audio  
• Discrete SPL SUPRA op-amps with 150dB dynamic range  
• Channel link mode for stereo applications  
Supplied parts  
• PQ Mastering Equalizer  
• Externalpower supply transformator including both power cords  
• Owner’s Manual  
• Master/slave unit link mode for surround applications or subgroup processing  
allows remote control of up to four PQs via optional remote unit (still in  
development)  
• As with all SPL products, the PQ is conceived, designed and hand-built in Germany  
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Installation  
BEFORE SWITCHING ON POWER SUPPLY AND PQ, THE PQ MUST BE CONNECTED TO  
THE POWER SUPPLY WITH THE SUPPLIED MULTICORE LEAD. PAY ATTENTION TO A  
SECURE CONNECTION.  
Setting the appropriate supply voltage  
The appropriate supply voltage (115V/230V) must be set on the rear panel of the  
external power supply. The fuse block (left from the power cord socket) can be  
inserted in two positions to meet your country‘s power requirements. Refer to the  
marks on the fuse block (triangles for both voltages) and insert the block with the  
appropriate triangle pointing to the white line on the fuse block case.  
The PQ and the external power supply should be situated away from heat sources  
and direct sunlight. PQ and power supply need sufficient air circulation. Avoid instal-  
lation in environments exposed to vibrations, dust, heat, cold, moisture or electrical  
and magnetic fields.  
The power supply is fitted with 3,5 A fuses, slow blow.  
Do not install the unit in proximity to power amplifiers or digital processors. You  
may consider placing it in a rack containing other analog gear. Such placement can  
prevent interference from Word Clock, Smpte, MIDI, etc.  
Power-up sequence  
It takes about four seconds until the power-up sequence is completed. During this  
procedure, all potentiometers will move to the center (12 o’clock) position and a test  
routine checks all 32 relays (you will notice 32 clearly audible relay clicks), while the  
display indicates “SETP” (“setup”).  
• Do not open the case. You may risk electric shock and may damage your equip-  
ment.  
• Leave repairs and maintenance to a qualified service technician. Should foreign  
objects fall inside the case, contact your authorized dealer or support person.  
After finishing the power-up sequence the display shows A000 and the unit is ready  
• To avoid electric shock or fire hazards do not expose your unit to rain or damp-  
ness.  
to operate.  
• In case of lightning unplug the power supply. Please unplug the cable by pulling on  
the plug only; never pull on the cable.  
Ground Lift switch  
A switch labelled „GND LIFT“ is placed on the rear panel of the power supply. It serves  
to eliminate hum problems. This switch physically separates chassis ground from AC  
ground; GND LIFT is activated (=chassis ground separated) when the switch points  
downwards.  
• Never force a switch or knob.  
• To clean the case use a lint-free cloth. Avoid cleaning agents as they may damage  
the chassis.  
• Please support the back of the unit whenever it is being mounted into a 19 inch  
rack (especially important when touring).  
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Technology  
SPL High Gain Technology  
Additional construction features  
SPL is constantly pushing analog signal processing to its limits by combining the best  
possible components with perfectly optimized circuit design. As our latest achieve-  
ment in this ongoing process, SPL‘s High Gain Series surpasses the hitherto accepted  
limits of audio signal processing and combines truly unparalleled analog sound  
quality with the control and convenience of digital units.  
All crucial resistors in the I/O and filter circuits are subject to ultra-tight tolerances of  
0.001% to ensure clean and accurate amplifier stage performance. All circuit board  
tracksaredouble-width(1mm)anddouble-thickness(70micrometers), guaranteeing  
stable high-gain operation with minimum resistivity. A separate grounding track is  
placed between signal track pairs, virtually eliminating crosstalk for maximum signal  
separation.  
The first High Gain Series product, the parametric equalizer PQ, was introduced  
at the AES Convention 2001 in Amsterdam and will be available in summer 2002.  
Further High Gain projects are in planning, including a microphone preamplifier and  
a compressor, although no availability projections can be made for these currently.  
The individually switchable filter bands are self-contained on separate circuit boards.  
Contrary to most conventional equalizers, the bands are not summed via a central  
stage, so that the signal passes only through those filter stages which are activated.  
The PQ is a fully parametric, dual-channel 5-band equalizer. As with all SPL High Gain  
units, the PQ has an operating voltage of 124 V and is constructed with the best  
analog components available.  
Power for sound: SPL SUPRA components  
The central component of the PQ is a fundamentally new amplification design:  
discrete, custom made Class A audio operational amplifiers which run on a 120V  
operating voltage (+/- 60 V). This amounts to over three times the operating voltage  
found in most high quality audio gear (+/- 15-20 V) and about twice as much as the  
highest voltages used in the best units currently available.  
This extremely high voltage allows the circuitry to process an astonishing dynamic  
range of ca. 150 dB and an amazing +34 dB of headroom, virtually eliminating  
overloading of individual filter stages—even when processing extremely high-level  
signals.  
For the first time, transistor circuits with such an impressive degree of stability and  
freedom from harmonic distortion can be realized. After the revival of tube units in  
the early ‘90s, we feel that the time may be ripe for a revival of the „transistor sound“  
in the near future.  
5
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Key Functions  
Master/Slave (unit link) mode  
Constant Q and proportional Q modes  
ThePQoffersaMaster/Slavemodeforsurroundapplicationsorsubgroupprocessing,  
in which the settings on the master unit are precisely duplicated on the slave units.  
Thus the PQ is the first EQ system that provides up to eight channels for coherent  
analog equalization of surround recordings.  
Each frequency band consists essentially of two fully parametric equalizers: one for  
constant Q mode and one for proportional (or variable) Q mode, selectable per band.  
The PQ is the first equalizer to offer both modes, endowing it with double equaliza-  
tion power for demanding corrective and creative applications.  
In constant Q mode, the selected bandwidth remains unaffected by the amplitude  
setting, making it the best choice for corrective applications (e.g. to eliminate  
unwanted frequencies). In proportional Q mode, the amplitude is reduced as the  
bandwidth is raised and vice versa. With the smallest bandwidth setting, the  
maximum amplitude reaches +/- 11.5dB, while it is reduced to +/- 2.5dB with the  
broadest bandwidth setting. The Proportional Q mode is better suited for creative,  
sound-shaping applications, as a bandwidth-related amplitude allows for sensible,  
musically suggestive operation – with raising bandwidths, higher amplitudes are  
increasingly less useful.  
Remote Control Unit  
SPL offers a remote control unit with an identical user interface to the PQ, which will  
be able to control up to four units—individually or in common.  
Display  
A central display clearly indicates all information relating to preset, storage and  
control functions. The control logic is clear and intuitive without menu layers, guar-  
anteeing quick and easy operation and a minimal learning curve.  
Controls  
All variable controls are motorized and all keys are digitally controlled to provide the  
same programmability and repeatability of digital units. Individual settings can be  
stored in up to 800 presets.  
Link mode  
Channel 1 and 2 can be linked for coherent stereo operation and either channel can  
be designated as master. In link mode, coupled bands can be activated/deactivated  
simultaneously, while single bands may also be released from link mode if required  
for individual adjustment.  
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Key Functions  
Motorized potentiometers  
Bandwidth  
All of the PQ‘s potentiometers are motorized to accommodate the channel link and  
unit link functions. The adjustment range of the Frequency, Bandwidth and Amplitude  
potentiometers is evenly dispersed throughout the 300-degree movement area,  
ensuring smooth and continuous adjustments and extreme operational security.  
The high resolution of each respective value (e.g. Q from 0.1-3.7, evenly distributed  
over 300 degrees) allows extremely precise adjustments as well as accurate repeat-  
ability.  
Bandwidth is adjustable between 0.1 and 3.7 Q in proportional Q mode and between  
0.9 and 15 Q in constant Q mode. The extremely high maximum bandwidth in constant  
Q mode enables tight, selective control in precision applications.  
Illuminated keys  
The PQ features illuminated keys that illuminate brightly when activated. The final  
software version will provide dimly lit keys (25% brightness) when deactivated for  
ease and security of operation. The current software version (240H) switches illumi-  
nation off when keys are deactivated.  
We intentionally avoided unnecessary or confusing functions such as frequency  
range switching or frequency, bandwidth or amplitude multiplicators.  
Important note: The motorized potentiometers should NEVER be manually moved or  
held while being controlled by the motors, e.g. in channel or unit link mode.  
LF, LMF, MF, HMF and HF keys  
These keys activate (key lamps lit) or deactivate (lamps off) the 10 filter bands.  
Amplitude  
Amplitude settings are freely adjustable from -11.5 to + 11.5 dB. The lower range  
between 0 and 2.5 dB offers extremely high resolution, allowing delicate adjust-  
ments with maximum precision.  
Con. Q key  
This key switches the 10 filter bands between proportional Q mode (lamps off) and  
constant Q mode (lamps off).  
Frequency  
Please note: It is impossible to activate the “ON” for a specific band and the Con. Q  
button simultaneously. Please always press one of these buttons after another.  
Each channel provides five fully parametric frequency bands covering 10 Hz to 28  
kHz. Each band overlaps its neighbor by one octave and can be independently acti-  
vated and deactivated.  
The following frequency bands are provided:  
LF (Low Frequencies):  
LMF (Low Mid Frequencies):  
MF (Mid Frequencies):  
10 Hz - 235 Hz  
35 Hz - 720 Hz  
330 Hz - 7.1 kHz  
HMF (High Mid Frequencies): 670 Hz - 16 kHz  
HF (High Frequencies): 1.2 kHz - 28 kHz  
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Channel Control Elements  
SLAVE FUNCTION  
LINK FUNCTION  
The slave function allows up to four PQs to be remote controlled by an optional  
remote unit (still in development) with an identical user interface. In order to activate  
the slave function, a Sub-D cable must be connected to the appropriate connector on  
the rear panel (Multi-Channel Link 1 & 2 / REMOTE) and recognized by the operating  
software.  
The link function couples the two channels for stereo applications. In link mode, one  
channel‘s controls will control both channels simultaneously.  
Note: The link function is not available in slave mode (unit link). If slave mode is acti-  
vated, the link key is disabled and the Link LED is dark.  
Master and slave channel  
MEMORY  
In the default state, the left channel acts as master in link mode. When the Link key is  
depressed (LED fully lit), the <On key blinks rapidly for about one second and then  
stays lit to indicate that the link function is activated with the left channel as master.  
In addition, the right channel‘s keys go dark, showing that it is being controlled by  
the left channel and its keys have no function.  
The PQ provides 800 memory locations (presets). The presets are displayed as  
A000-A800.  
Presets are selected via the Up/Down keys:  
• Pressing the Up or Down key once steps through the presets in the respective  
direction.  
To select the right channel as master, press and hold the Link key for two seconds.  
The Link, <On and On> keys blink rapidly, indicating that an entry is expected.  
Pressing the On> key at this time selects the right channel as master. Similarly,  
pressing the <On key selects the left channel. Once a channel is selected, the keys  
stop blinking, the Link key illuminates and the slave channel‘s keys go dark.  
• Holding the Up or Down key steps through the presets quickly in steps of ten.  
When a preset is selected, the display indicates whether it is stored (contains data)  
or is empty. If an empty preset is selected, the letter „A“ in the display blinks; if a  
stored preset is selected, the letter A“ does not blink:  
The <On and On> keys also allow you to bypass (or reactivate) the channels for  
monitoring purposes.  
• Preset A001 is empty: display shows A001“, „ A“ blinks  
• Preset A002 contains data: display shows A002“, „ A“ does not blink  
The currently active preset remains active until a newly selected preset is recalled  
(Recall key) or stored (Save key).  
Releasing individual filter bands from channel link mode  
In some cases it may be desirable to not link all filter bands, for example when  
processing individual stereo signals such as a wide stereo guitar signal. In such  
cases you may need to make separate adjustments of particular frequencies on  
each channel, necessitating the release of individual filter bands from link mode.  
To release a filter band, simply press and hold the respective filter band key on the  
„slave“ channel for approximately one second until the key illuminates. The filter  
band is now active and can be independently adjusted. To return the band to link  
mode, press the key again for approximately one second until it goes dark. The  
band will automatically assume the settings from the respective band in the master  
channel; any individual adjustments will be lost.  
Storing your settings in an empty preset  
1. Select an empty preset, e.g. A002 („A“ blinks)  
2. Press the Save key. The display shows „SAVE“ for approximately one second  
3. The preset is now stored. The display shows A002“ („A“ no longer blinks)  
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Channel Control Elements/Connectors  
CONNECTORS (rear panel)  
Overwriting a written preset  
Audio inputs and outputs are provided as balanced XLR connectors.  
1. Select a written preset you wish to overwrite, e.g. A003 („A“ does not blink)  
2. Press the Save key. The display shows OVER“, prompting you to confirm overwrite  
3. Press the Save key again. The display shows „SAVE“ for approximately one second  
4. The preset is now stored. The display shows A003“ („A“ does not blink)  
Connect the included external power supply to the multi-pin socket in the upper left  
corner, ensuring that the connection is secure.  
The Multi-Channel Link 1/2 connectors are used to interconnect up to four PQ‘s,  
which are then remote controlled via an optional „master“ remote unit (still in devel-  
opment). The latter is connected to the Remote connector of the first „slave“ PQ.  
Overwriting the current preset  
Please note: To ensure secure connections, stable operation and optimal audio  
quality, always use professional-grade cables and connectors.  
In order to facilitate ease of operation, there is no prompt for confirmation when  
overwriting the currently active preset. We suggest that you select either an empty  
preset or one you wish to overwrite before beginning with complex adjustments.  
Alternatively, you may store your settings in a new preset at an early stage and  
continue adjustments in that preset, storing as you go. As long as you store in the  
same „working“ preset, the prompt will be skipped and the store command will be  
executed immediately.  
Recalling a preset  
1. Select the desired preset, e.g. A002 (Up/Down buttons). The display shows A002“  
(„A“ does not blink).  
2. Press the Recall key. The display shows RCL“.  
3. While switching from one preset to another, the PQ switches to a bypass mode.  
During this procedure, only the (bypassed) PQ input signal is audible. Depending  
on the recalled preset, switches and controls change status accordingly and the  
preset display changes to the chosen number A002“ („A“ does not blink) when  
the recall procedure is finished.  
Note: The motorized potentiometers may automatically move to adapt to the stored  
parameters. NEVER manually move or hold the potentiometers while recalling a preset.  
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Technical Specifications  
Input impedance (balanced):  
(Welwyn precision resistors;  
transformerless)  
20 kOhm  
External power supply  
The PQ comes with an external linear power supply featuring a toroidal transformer for  
optimal audio quality and dramatically reduced inductive disturbance/interference.  
Output impedance (balanced):  
(CMR trimmers, transformerless)  
‹ 600 Ohm  
+34 dB  
Input voltage:  
Noise:  
110-120V/60Hz or 220-240V/50Hz  
› -100 dBu (@ +/- 60 V)  
Overload resistance:  
(Band 1-5 = ON, B/C = 0)  
Dimensions:  
Width: 15 cm (5 9/10 inch)  
Depth: 24,5 cm (24 1/2 inch)  
Height: 7 cm (2 3/4 inch)  
Harmonic distortion:  
@-30 dBu:  
@-20 dBu:  
@0 dBu:  
0.2%  
0.05%  
0.01%  
0.002%  
Weight:  
4,2 kg (9,24 lbs)  
@+10 dBu:  
@+30 dBu: 0.0005%  
S/N:  
-90 dBu (A-weighted; -88 dBu w/o Filter)  
(Band 1-5 ON, B/C = 0, each Q = Q1,  
Band 1 = 10 Hz, Band 2 = 100 Hz,  
Band 3 = 1 kHz, Band 4 = 10 kHz,  
Band 5 = 28 kHz)  
Transmission bandwidth:  
(-3 dB, Band 1-5 = ON, B/C = 0)  
10 Hz-100 kHz  
10 Hz-28 kHz  
Processed frequency range:  
Phase:  
@ 10 Hz:  
@ 1 kHz:  
@ 10 kHz:  
+5.5°  
0°  
-1.23°  
@ 100 kHz: -8.8°  
@ 200 kHz: -11.25°  
CMRR:  
› 75 dB @ 1 kHz  
(Max. Gain +34 dBu, Band 1-5 ON,  
B/C = 0)  
Housing & mounting dimensions:  
Standard EIA 19 inch rack chassis, 4 units  
482 x 176 x 390 mm W x H x D  
ca. 189 3/4 x 69 3/10 x 153 1/2 inch W x H x D  
Weight:  
18,25 kg/40,15 lbs  
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Warranty  
SPL electronics GmbH (hereafter called SPL) products are warranted only in the  
country where purchased, through the authorized SPL distributor in that country,  
against defects in material or workmanship. The specific period of this limited  
warranty shall be that which is described to the original retail purchaser by the  
authorized SPL dealer or distributor at the time of purchase.  
All remedies and the measure of damages are limited to the above services. It is  
possible that economic loss or injury to person or property may result from the failure  
of the product; however, even if SPL has been advised of this possibility, this limited  
warranty does not cover any such consequential or incidental damages. Some states  
or countries do not allow the limitations or exclusion of incidental or consequential  
damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you.  
Any and all warranties, express or implied, arising by law, course of dealing, course  
of performance, usage of trade, or otherwise, including but not limited to implied  
warranties of merchantability and fitness for particular, are limited to a period of 1  
(one) year from either the date of manufacture. Some states or countries do not allow  
limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not  
apply to you.  
SPL does not, however, warrant its products against any and all defects:  
1) arising out of materials or workmanship not provided or furnished by SPL, or  
2) resulting from abnormal use of the product or use in violation of instructions, or  
3) in products repaired or serviced by other than authorized SPL repair facilities, or  
4) in products with removed or defaced serial numbers, or 5) in components or parts  
or products expressly warranted by another manufacturer.  
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other  
rights which vary from state to state, country to country.  
SPL agrees, through the applicable authorized distributor, to repair or replace defects  
covered by this limited warranty with parts or products of original or improved  
design, at its option in each respect, if the defective product is shipped prior to the  
end of the warranty period to the designated authorized SPL warranty repair facility  
in the country where purchased, or to the SPL factory in Germany, in the original  
packaging or a replacement supplied by SPL, with all transportation costs and full  
insurance paid each way by the purchaser or owner.  
SPL electronics GmbH, 41372 Niederkruechten, Germany  
11  
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> PQ Mastering Equalizer, Owner‘s Manual  
All you need is imagination, good ears and three letters:  
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