SUMMARY OF FEATURES Summary of Features GRQ3121 (1U, single channel, one input, two outputs) GRQ3122 (2U, dual channel, one input & output per channel) GRQ3121-S (1U, blank front panel slave, single channel, one input, two outputs) GRQ3122-S (1U, blank front panel slave, dual channel, one input & output per channel) GRQ2 Remote for WindowsTM Software included with every unit; runs up to 8 Graphi-Q2s per COM port (maximum of 2 COM ports) • All front panel controls are analog-style; signal path is digital
DECLARATION OF C ONFORMITY EC - DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY CE MARKING We, the Manufacturer SABINE, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Summary of Features ......................................................................................................................................................... 1 Section One: Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 4 Section Two: Analog vs. Digital Signal Processing (DSP) .....................................................................................
SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION Section One: Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the Sabine Graphi-Q2. This product represents our latest breakthrough in our never-ending quest to improve the world’s sound. Aside from the powerful array of features packed into a single unit (graphic EQ, FBX filters, parametric filters, high and low cut filters, delay, compression, and limiting), the Graphi-Q2 also offers a choice of user interfaces. Computer control: learn to love it.
SECTION TWO: ANALOG VS. DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING Section Two: Analog vs. Digital Signal Processing (DSP) The ongoing debate continues: what sounds better, digital or analog signal processing? Audio engineers ALL have an opinion on this, but the lack of documented research on the topic makes conclusions tentative.
SECTION THREE: FRONT AND BACK P ANEL VIEWS Digital Delay / Tweek-n-Peek Display Digital delay time value displayed. Also momentarily displays current firmware at power up, or value of any front panel control altered.
SECTION THREE: FRONT AND BACK PANEL VIEWS G R Q3 122 Front Panel Q3122 G R Q3 122 Bac k Panel Q3122 Back G R Q3 122-S Front Panel Q3122-S G R Q3 122-S Bac k Panel Q3122-S Back 7 B1-GRQ-2-OpGuide-v1-060519.
SECTION FOUR: BLOCK DIAGRAM/INTERNAL SIGNAL PATH Section Four: Block Diagram/Internal Signal Path 8
Section Five: Installation Section Five: Installation The Graphi-Q2 should be placed in a well-ventilated, well-grounded equipment rack, preferably within easy reach of the sound engineer. Graphi-Q2 slave units need not be as immediately accessible, since control is through a computer interface. 5.1. BETWEEN MIXER OUTPUT AND POWER AMPLIFIER The most common placement of the Graphi-Q2 in a sound system is between the output of a mixing console and the input to a power amplifier.
SECTION FIVE: INSTALLATION 5.3. USE WITH A POWERED MIXER With a powered mixer, the Graphi-Q2 must be inserted between the “Line Out” jack(s) (line level output, before the signal goes through the amplifier) and the “Amplifier In” jack(s), as shown below: NOTE: Not all powered mixers will offer such patch points, or they may label them differently. When in doubt consult the manual of the console manufacturer. 5.4.
SECTION FIVE: INSTALLATION 5.5. SINGLE CHANNEL GRAPHI-Q2: ONE INPUT - TWO OUTPUTS The single channel Graphi-Q2 also offers a unique setup option, since it offers two parallel outputs. Using the Graphi-Q2 software, it is possible to separately assign the settings for graphic EQ filters, FBX/ parametric filters, high/low pass filters, compressor/limiter, and digital delay to either or both outputs.
SECTION SIX: USING GRAPHI-Q2 CONTROLS Section Six: Using Graphi-Q2 Front Panel Controls Many Graphi-Q2 owners will be immediately familiar with the simple operation of the front panel controls. Operation of these controls will be very similar when using an RS-232 connection to control Graphi-Q2 functions from a Windows-based computer platform (see Section Eight).
SECTION SIX : USING GRAPHI -Q2 CONTROLS 6.2.2. Linking Channel Controls (Two-channel Units) Two channel Graphi-Q2 units offer a useful and unique feature for linking channel controls. Pulling all the A channel EQ sliders to the bottom defeats these controls, and applies the B channel settings to the A channel as well. Now the B channel sliders act as master control for both channels.
SECTION SIX: USING GRAPHI-Q2 CONTROLS • An FBX FILTER is essentially an automatically placed, narrowly attenuated parametric filter, with the center point of its narrow cut tuned to a precise frequency that feeds back when a sound system amplifies one or more microphones to a sufficient volume. The Graphi-Q2 will automatically place up to 12 FBX filters in the signal path, corresponding to 12 distinct frequencies of feedback. • A FIXED FBX FILTER will not change the frequency of the filter notch.
SECTION SIX : USING GRAPHI -Q2 CONTROLS 6.4.2. Front Panel Control of FBX filters Note: Most of the front panel and GRQ-Remote control operation of the FBX section of the Graphi-Q2 is similar, except that the remote control replaces your fingers with a mouse. In addition, there are some controls offered only with GRQ-Remote software. These features are summarized in Section Eight. Controls for the patented FBX Feedback Exterminator are located immediately to the right of the HIGH and LOW CUT FILTERS. 6.4.2.
SECTION SIX: USING GRAPHI-Q2 CONTROLS STEP FIVE: SET FIXED FILTERS (Optional) If you want to change the factory default setting of nine Fixed and three Dynamic FBX filters, press and hold the SET FIXED button. The corresponding LEDs for all filters set to FIXED will come on, then all filter LEDs will flash, then each filter LED will begin to light in sequence. Continue to hold the button -- when the LED corresponding to the desired number of fixed filters lights, release the SET FIXED button.
SECTION SIX : USING GRAPHI -Q2 CONTROLS 6.4.3. Adjustments Available Only with Remote Control In addition to FBX, graphic, and high and low cut filters, your Graphi-Q2 can provide fully programmable parametric filters. These filters are accessible only through GRQ-Remote software. Each channel of your Graphi-Q2 can have up to 12 total filters, which can be configured as any combination of parametric, fixed FBX, or dynamic FBX filters. See Section Eight for a complete look at GRQ Remote Control Software. 6.
SECTION SIX: USING GRAPHI-Q2 CONTROLS 6.8. FRONT PANEL DEFAULT SETTINGS ADJUSTABLE ONLY BY SOFTWARE Graphi-Q2 models GRQ3121 and GRQ3122 allow adjustment of most, but not all parameters from the front panel. Aside from control of parametric filters and the crossover, which can only be adjusted using the GRQ2 Remote software (see Section 8.4), the few parameters which cannot be front panel controlled include: 1. Compressor attack, release, knee, and (for GRQ3122) True Stereo/Dual Mono option 2.
SECTION SIX : USING GRAPHI -Q2 CONTROLS Section Seven: GRQ2 Remote Software Installation The Graphi-Q2 models GRQ3121 and GRQ3122 are designed with easy-to-use, familiar, analog-style front panel controls on the one hand, and computer-based, software driven control on the other. In order for you to experience the full impressive capability of the Graphi-Q2, however, we recommend using the GRQ-Remote Software, which opens up a whole new level of programmability.
SECTION SEVEN: GRQ2 REMOTE SOFTWARE INSTALLATION You may connect and control up to eight Graphi-Q2s from one COM port. If your computer offers two COM ports, you may set up two distinct Graphi-Q2 networks of up to eight units each—one for each port. Simply connect units in series from the SERIAL OUT jack of the previous unit to the SERIAL IN jack of the next in line. There is no need to complete a connection loop from the last unit in the chain, back to the computer.
SECTION EIGHT: USING GRQ2 R EMOTE SOFTWARE Section Eight: Using GRQ2 Remote Software 8.1. WELCOME SCREEN/NETWORK CHAIN SCREEN Refer to Section Seven for instructions about installing the software and connecting your computer to up to eight Graphi-Qs, or 16 channels of audio. You can mix the original Graphi-Qs with the new GraphiQ2s in a network, but the older Graphi-Qs must come after the Graphi-Q2s in the chain.
SECTION EIGHT: U SING GRQ2 REMOTE SOFTWARE or more Graphi-Qs in your serial chain, the following screen (Network Chain) will appear: This screen shows all of the Graphi-Q units connected to your computer via serial connections from the designated COM port. (Remember the software will allow two separate chains of connected Graphi-Qs, using two different COM ports.) It will also display the serial number of each unit, the model number, and a user-assignable name (Mains, Monitors, etc.).
SECTION EIGHT: USING GRQ2 R EMOTE SOFTWARE cut filters by clicking on the slope indicators, located between the two horizontal scroll bars. Filter slope can be either 12 or 24 dB per octave. 8.2.3. Response Curve Display The gray field below the graphic EQ controls is the Response Curve Display.
SECTION EIGHT: U SING GRQ2 REMOTE SOFTWARE MAIN GRQ REMOTE SCREEN Click to toggle EQ boost/cut range between ± 6 dB and ± 12 dB. Response Curve Display Shows response curve of all EQ filters Low Cut Slider Graphic EQ link indicator: 1 line = Relative Link 2 lines = Absolute Link High Cut Slider Click to open screens for these parameters.
SECTION EIGHT: USING GRQ2 R EMOTE SOFTWARE 8.2.5.1. Setting FBX Filters with Graphi-Q Remote Software The Remote Software offers an additional method for setting FBX filters. The new software option is called Auto Setup Mode. See Section 6.4.1 for more information about feedback filter and terminology. Also please read Section 6.4 for a more complete discussion of Setup Mode.
SECTION EIGHT: U SING GRQ2 REMOTE SOFTWARE for the second channel, or exiting to normal operation. 8.2.5.3. Two Cautions When Using Setup Mode 1. Do not use turbo during a performance. It is a setup tool only. If you play audio through the GraphiQ while it is in Setup Mode (Manual or Auto), the audio may sound distorted, and FBX filters will set inappropriately. 2. Setup works best in a quiet environment.
SECTION EIGHT: USING GRQ2 R EMOTE SOFTWARE 8.2.7. Compressor/Limiter Adjustments Control Tip You can always rightclick any control knob to reveal the keyboard entry window for any parameter. Compressor/limiter controls are located below the EQ curve display on the main Graphi-Q remote screen. You may adjust settings by clicking (left button) on a virtual knob or control and moving your mouse, or by clicking with the right mouse button and typing in a value.
SECTION EIGHT: U SING GRQ2 REMOTE SOFTWARE required to synchronize the arrival of multiple sound sources (all at different positions) to a listener will vary as a function of temperature. The temperature gauge allows you to measure the distance you are compensating for, and to adjust the corresponding delays as a function of ambient temperature.
SECTION EIGHT: USING GRQ2 R EMOTE SOFTWARE 8.3. LINKING PARAMETERS AND CONTROL WITH THE GRQ-REMOTE SOFTWARE One of the most powerful features of the Graphi-Q2 Remote Software is its capability to control multiple units from a single central computer. Up to two sets of eight units can be linked via serial cables and controlled from a single laptop computer.
SECTION EIGHT: U SING GRQ2 REMOTE SOFTWARE RANGE LIMITS If changing cell values within a REL group causes some or all of the linked cell values to reach and exceed the limits of available range, the initial offset will be reduced due to a “ceiling” (or “floor”) effect. Once all REL cells reach their limit, all initial differences will disappear, and the group will effectively act as an ABS group from that time forward. 8.3.1. How To Set Linked Groups Use F11 or the Options Menu to access the Link Table.
SECTION EIGHT: USING GRQ2 R EMOTE SOFTWARE 8.3.2.5. Compressor Linking Options for GRQ3122 and GRQ3122-S Models Just as with any other parameter setting, you may link compressor channels, left or right, within the same unit, or between multiple units, in either ABS or REL linked networks. The procedure for this is identical as it is for other parameters. However, for stereo programs, simply linking compressor settings of the left and right channels to be identical may not be appropriate.
SECTION EIGHT: U SING GRQ2 REMOTE SOFTWARE If you elect to continue, the value your loaded memory puts into any linked cell on the chosen GraphiQ 2 will affect all other linked values as well. If you don’t want this to happen, you must open the Link Table and remove the appropriate linking. Loading a preset that changes a linked parametric or sets an FBX filter back to an unset FBX filter will NOT load a corresponding filter change to linked channels.
SECTION EIGHT: USING GRQ R EMOTE SOFTWARE command execution for a large network of Graphi-Qs for units near the end of the chain. Most of this delay is a reporting delay; the command will be executed quickly, but the computer screen indication of the implemented change may take up to a few seconds. Speed is dependent on several factors: 1. How “busy” each Graphi-Q is. Eliminating feedback, for example, is very processor-intensive and will delay speed. 2. The number of units in your serial network.
SECTION EIGHT: U SING GRQ2 REMOTE SOFTWARE 2. Accessing the Stored Presets screen. This will allow up to 20 additional user-specified memory configurations to be stored. To open this screen, press F6 on your keyboard, or select Stored Presets from the Options Menu. The Stored Presets window will open (See top of page 33). Preset 0 will always be the system default settings, effectively a blank template with all parameters set to “off” or zero.
SECTION EIGHT: USING GRQ R EMOTE SOFTWARE THERE IS NOT A BIG DIFFERENCE IN DELAY SETTINGS FROM ONE MEMORY TO THE NEXT. Loading a new preset with a different delay setting will cause a temporary pitch shift in the audio program if the change is made during program. 6. An X will appear to indicate last saved and last loaded presets. Clicking in the program name region will allow you to type in any name for your memory, up to 14 characters long.
SECTION EIGHT: U SING GRQ2 REMOTE SOFTWARE 8.6.2.2. Assigning Contact Closure Choose ASSIGN CONTACT CLOSURE from the Options Menu, or press key F7. The screen at right will appear. The far right column allows you to assign stored preset numbers to each contact closure switch combination. The switch diagram at the bottom of the screen displays the wiring combination that will load the corresponding Graphi-Q2 memory when the switch is changed to the corresponding position.
SECTION EIGHT: USING GRQ2 R EMOTE SOFTWARE 8.8. PASSWORD PROTECTION WITH GRQ2 REMOTE SOFTWARE 8.8.1. Password Levels The Graphi-Q2 Remote Software offers 4 levels of security access to its controls, as follows: ADMINISTRATOR. This is the highest level of security access, allowing full control over all Graphi-Q2 parameters, and the important unique ability to set passwords for access to all security levels. Separate passwords can be set for ADMINISTRATOR, ENGINEER, and TECHNICIAN access. ENGINEER.
SECTION EIGHT: U SING GRQ2 REMOTE SOFTWARE 8.8.5. Passwords For Multiple Units In a multiple unit serial chain, any PASSWORDS saved will apply to the first unit, and will be copied to all units downstream in the serial chain. Any units that are separated from the serial chain in place at the time of saving passwords, will retain the same passwords in a new setup.
SECTION NINE: SUGGESTIONS FOR OPTIMAL U SE OF THE GRAPHI-Q2 Section Nine: Suggestions for Optimal Use of the Graphi-Q Like any powerful tool, the Graphi-Q offers an infinite number of possible control configurations, and the choices may at times appear overwhelming. Here are some helpful considerations for maximizing the audio quality of your sound system by taking advantage of the many powerful features of your GraphiQ. 9.1.
SECTION NINE: S UGGESTIONS FOR OPTIMAL USE OF THE GRAPHI-Q2 9.2. WIDE & NARROW FILTERS: GRAPHIC, PARAMETRIC, AND FBX Here’s a trick question: how wide are the filters in a 1/3 octave graphic equalizer? The answer to this question is not as obvious as the term “1/3 octave” would suggest. Much confusion stems from the fact that “1/3” refers to the center points of the frequencies on a graphic equalizer, NOT the width of the filters.
SECTION NINE: SUGGESTIONS FOR OPTIMAL USE OF THE GRAPHI-Q2 9.3. RECOMMENDED EQ USAGE 9.3.1. Set the Graphic EQ First Because of the considerations discussed above, Sabine recommends first adjusting graphic equalization settings, before addressing use of FBX or parametric filters. Graphic EQ filters will compensate for uneven system frequency response that arises from room acoustics and system components, with the ultimate goal of producing a balanced sound.
SECTION NINE: S UGGESTIONS FOR OPTIMAL USE OF THE GRAPHI-Q2 9.4. USING DIGITAL DELAY This section goes beyond the typical operating guide that only explains the front and back panel adjustments of a piece of equipment. Instead, we discuss the basic acoustical concepts needed to get the most out of the use of digital delay in sound systems. If you are familiar with these principles, feel free to skip ahead. Some principles may require additional delay channels and options available with the Sabine SDA102.
SECTION NINE: SUGGESTIONS FOR OPTIMAL USE OF THE GRAPHI-Q2 9.4.1.3. Center Cluster Speakers Center cluster speakers offer several advantages over systems that have speakers mounted on the sides. The most obvious advantage is that the distance to the closest and most distant locations in the audience is often almost equal, so most listeners hear about the same level. Center clusters also offer two other advantages regarding visual imaging.
SECTION NINE: S UGGESTIONS FOR OPTIMAL USE OF THE GRAPHI-Q2 9.4.2.1. Calculating Comb Filter Frequencies The frequencies of the reinforcements and cancellations depend on the delay time (the time difference between the arrival time of the original signal and the delayed signal). The frequency of the first cancellation occurs at 1/(2t) Hz, where t = the delay time in seconds. The cancellations are separated by (1/ t) Hz. Delay Fig. 3 shows how the comb filters change with the delay time.
SECTION NINE: SUGGESTIONS FOR OPTIMAL USE OF THE GRAPHI-Q2 Increasing the loudness more than this, or increasing the delay somewhat more than 35 milliseconds, makes the delayed signal sound like an echo. The phenomenon describing how the acoustic image follows the signal we hear first is called the Precedence Effect. The phenomenon that makes two distinct sounds heard less than 35 msec. apart seem like only one sound is call the Haas Effect.
SECTION NINE: S UGGESTIONS FOR OPTIMAL USE OF THE GRAPHI-Q2 Find a central place in the audience where the center cluster is 6 to 8 dB louder than the direct sound from the performer. Delay them so that their sound arrives 5 to 8 milliseconds after the direct sound from the performer. Experiment by bypassing the Graphi-Q in and out to hear how the source of the sound seems to move from the loudspeakers to the performer and back.
SECTION NINE: SUGGESTIONS FOR OPTIMAL USE OF THE GRAPHI-Q2 9.5. USING THE COMPRESSOR/LIMITER The dynamic range (how loud we can hear to how quiet a sound we can detect) of the human ear is far greater than the capacity of sound systems to reproduce. Although some of this equipment limitation is at the upper extreme of the dynamic range (where too loud a signal will produce distortion), much of the restriction occurs at the low level end, where the signal disappears below the “noise floor” of the circuitry.
SECTION NINE: S UGGESTIONS FOR OPTIMAL USE OF THE GRAPHI-Q2 9.5.2. Compressor/Limiter Adjustments Output Output allows you to vary the signal gain after it has been compressed. Without this control, the output signal level would fall below the input, since the function of the compressor is to restrict the increase in gain of signals louder than a userdefined threshold. In effect, Output lets you make up the gain (and then some) lost by compressing the signal.
SECTION NINE: SUGGESTIONS FOR OPTIMAL USE OF THE GRAPHI-Q2 Limit Limit sets an absolute output gain level. Peak input signals rising above the threshold value set with this parameter will be compressed so extremely as to reflect no additional gain at the output stage. Note that the Limit threshold and the compressor threshold (Thresh) can be set independently, allowing both a mild degree of compression and brick wall peak limiting.
SECTION NINE: SUGGESTIONS FOR OPTIMAL U SE OF THE GRAPHI-Q2 9.5.3. Suggested Compressor Settings VOCAL COMPRESSION The renowned expressiveness of the human voice is due in large part to its dynamics. A vocal that varies from a whisper to a scream has a strong emotional impact, but those same dynamics present a challenge to the sound engineer. Ideal vocal compression maintains some dynamic range while keeping the vocal the focal point of the mix.
SECTION NINE: SUGGESTIONS FOR OPTIMAL USE OF THE GRAPHI-Q2 Section Ten: Troubleshooting Tips In the unlikely event you should experience trouble with the unit, here are some suggestions about what might be wrong. Some of these are pretty obvious, but so sometimes are the solutions! For additional assistance, call the Sabine Customer Service Department at (386) 418-2000, Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern.
SECTION TEN: TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS PROBLEM NOISY AUDIO Bypass the Graphi-Q. If noise is still there, it’s not the GraphiQ. If noise goes away, check your gain structure. Make sure the input level to the Graphi-Q is robust. Turn down gain downstream. FRONT PANEL CONTROLS Either your unit is (or was) connected to GRQ2 Remote or switched via contact closure, and the front panel is disabled. Resume control via GRQ2 Remote or contact switch.
SECTION ELEVEN : ENGINEERING S PECS Section Eleven: Graphi-Q2 Engineering Specifications DIGITAL PROCESSING SAVE & RECALL CONFIGURATIONS¹ 24 bit A/D and D/A 20 user defined 32-bit DSP 1 factory default GRAPHIC EQUALIZER 31 digital filters on 1/3-octave ISO center frequencies, width adjustable from 0.5 to 1.0 octave in .
SECTION TWELVE: CAUTIONS AND WARRANTIES Section Twelve: Cautions & Warranty Warning! This equipment must be earthed. Caution! Risk of electric shock. Do not open. Caution! Shock hazard. Do not remove covers. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. Warning! To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or moisture. Attention! Cet appareil doit être relié à la terre. Attention! Risque de choc électrique; ne pas ouvrir.
SECTION TWELVE: CAUTIONS EXPOSURE TO EXTREMELY HIGH NOISE LEVELS MAY CAUSE A PERMANENT HEARING LOSS. INDIVIDUALS VARY CONSIDERABLY IN SUSCEPTIBILITY TO NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS, BUT NEARLY EVERYONE WILL LOSE SOME HEARING IF EXPOSED TO SUFFICIENTLY INTENSE NOISE FOR A SUFFICIENT TIME. THE U.S.
INDEX Symb ols Symbols Filters (High & Low Cut) 13 Output Level (& Reset Parameters) 32 25-pin connector 19 Firmware (Recalibrating Front Panel after Upgrade) 12 Firmware (Upgrading) 38, 19 P A Acoustic Image 42, 44, 45 Amplifier 26, 35, 40, 50, 9, 10, 15, 16 Applications for Digital Delay 42, 45 B Bypass (& FBX Auto Setup) 25 Bypass (& Digital Delay) 42 Bypass (& GRQ Remote Control Software) 27 Bypass (& Linking 2-channel Units) 13 Bypass Controls 6, 17 Bypass Settings (and GRQ-3101) 34 Bypass Setti