TUBE EQ PROFESSIONAL TUBE PARAMETRIC EQUALIZER USER’S GUIDE
Table of Contents Introduction Features Registration Overview EQ Tips Unpacking AC Power Hookup Audio Connections Installation Safety Precautions Powering Up Front Panel Controls and Indicators Bypass Switch Gain Control Clip Indicator Output Level Control Instruments and the Audio Spectrum Low Frequency Control Low Shift Switch Lo-Mid Frequency Control Low-Mid Shift x10 Switch Hi-Mid Frequency Control Hi-Mid Shift x10 Switch High Frequency Control High Shift Switch Rear Panel Connections Power Switch Input
128-5004-101 Introduction Thank you for purchasing Applied Research and Technology’s Tube EQ. The Tube EQ may be used anywhere you need equalization or frequency adjustments. Offering a superb level of sound quality, the Tube EQ will enhance the sonic textures of your audio system for years to come. Features The Tube EQ is a unique product. While every EQ gives you the ability to alter the frequency characteristics of a signal, very few sound really good when doing so.
- Detented rotary controls >90dB dynamic range Internal power supply One year warranty Designed and manufactured in the USA Registration If you haven’t done so already, please take the time to fill out the User Registration Card for your purchase. Having you in our database allows us to keep you informed of updates, application notes, and new product introductions. It only takes a moment, and it will ensure that you are constantly up to date with your purchase.
musical instruments. The two sweepable bands overlap themselves and the high and low shelving bands, providing you with the ultimate in flexibility. The Tube EQ gives you all the control you need to effectively alter and dial in great sounds from even the poorest of sources. EQ Tips Why use an external EQ? The shortest signal path is the best way to get a signal to tape. In most cases, the shortest path is: mic to preamp to compressor to EQ to tape deck.
Why should I use a parametric EQ instead of a graphic EQ? Every EQ has its place. As a general rule of thumb, parametric EQs are used for individual instruments (or tracks) and graphic EQs are used for mixed material and for playback systems. Parametric EQs give you more control over a signal -- they can provide subtle or drastic results because they can be tuned to specific frequencies.
the mid bands. Slowly sweep through the frequency range. When the really nasty sound jumps out at you (you’ll know it when it happens) turn the boost back to “0” (12 o’clock). Now put the track back into the mix and cut the frequency. You’ll have to adjust the level of the instrument depending on how much you cut, but you should find that with the “problem area” pulled out, the instrument works better in the mix.
carton was designed to protect it during initial shipment. Please retain this carton for use in transporting the Tube EQ, or in the unlikely event that you need to return your Tube EQ for servicing. AC Power Hookup The Tube EQ has an internal power supply designed to operate at 100 to 125VAC, 50 to 60Hz. Units manufactured for use outside of the United States of America have been modified to comply with the required electrical specifications. Under no circumstances should the power cable be altered.
voltages. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Note: If your power cord becomes damaged and must be replaced, always replace it with the proper type (3 prong). POWERING UP When the rear panel power switch is turned on, the power indicator LED will illuminate. It is important to remember to turn the Tube EQ on before any monitoring levels or power amps are turned on. The Tube EQ has the ability to add gain to its input signal.
position, signal is allowed to pass from the input to the output with no equalization. The green power LED will glow red when Bypass is engaged. In its “out” position, the EQ is active. Use the Bypass switch when setting the Tube EQ’s input and output levels to achieve unity (no boost or cut) gain. Unity gain is achieved when the active level is the same as the bypassed level. Gain Control The Gain control sets the amount of input gain to the Tube EQ.
level control. If you are cutting EQ bands (decreasing gain), you’ll have to turn up the output level control. Note: Using the Tube EQ for adding gain will not damage the unit. The only thing that will suffer will be the signal to noise ratio (meaning that if you use the Tube EQ as a distortion box, it will probably be noisy). However, use caution and observe the input levels of the equipment that the Tube EQ is plugged into to be sure you are not overdriving it.
the corner frequency when applying boost or cut. In other words, cutting at 40Hz also cuts 30Hz, 20Hz, etc. The Low Frequency control has as range of +/- 12dB. Two ranges are selected with the Low Shift Switch: 40Hz or 120Hz. 40Hz is great for enhancing sub-low frequencies such as those in bass guitars and kick drums. Cutting 40Hz can also help to “clean up” mixes that sound muddy or “loose” in the low end. 120Hz is generally the low-end for vocals, guitars and toms.
Hi-Mid Frequency Control The Hi-Mid control is a dual concentric pot (meaning there are two controls - one outer and one inner). The outer control is used to select a frequency while the inner control is used to apply +/-12dB of gain. The Hi-Mid control can cover two frequency ranges depending on the position of the Shift x 10 switch. These ranges are 200Hz to 2KHz and 2KHz to 20KHz.
to as the “air” band. While there aren’t very many instruments that contain 18KHz information directly, many instruments and mixes contain upper harmonics which can add extra definition and “space” when boosted. Cutting at 18KHz can decrease hiss and noise. High Shift Switch The High Shift switch selects the corner frequency of the High Frequency control. In the “out” position the corner is 18KHz. In the “in” position the corner is 6KHz.
Input One input jack per channel should be used at a time. Because of its design, the Tube EQ can be hard-wired without having to disconnect the XLR inputs when using the 1/4” jacks. In this case, if no load is placed on the XLR input (no instrument or line-level source connected) the 1/4” jack will function as if there was nothing connected to the XLR input. However, the inverse is NOT true. If you are using the XLR input, you should not have anything plugged into the 1/4” jack.
ing sound quality. They may sound better, they may sound worse. The choice is yours. Please realize that unauthorized alterations to the Tube EQ will void the warranty. APPLICATIONS The Tube EQ is intended for use with line level sources. The proper placement of the Tube EQ in a signal chain is: after a mic/line preamplifier, after a direct output or bus output from a console, after the output of a tape deck, or in the insert point of a mixer.
A R T Tube EQ Specifications Dimensions: Weight: Frequency Bands: Low Shelf: Low-Mid Sweepable: High-Mid Sweepable: High Shelf: Gain/Frequency Band: Dynamic Range: Input Impedance: Output Impedance: Maximum Input Level: Maximum Output Level: Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): Tube: Power Requirements: 5.25"D x 8.5"W x 1.65"H 5.
Look for the A R T supported area in the MIDI Forum B area on CompuServe (Go MIDI). CompuServe address: 76702,3700. Email us at artroch@cis.compuserve.com WARRANTY AND SERVICE INFORMATION Limited Warranty Warranty service for this unit will be provided by Applied Research and Technology, Inc. in accordance with the following warranty statement. Applied Research and Technology, Inc.
SERVICE The following information is provided in the unlikely event that your unit requires service. Use this procedure to return units in the United States only. For service outside the United States, please contact your authorized A R T distributor. 1) Be sure the unit is the cause of the problem. Check to make sure the unit has power supplied, all cables are connected correctly, and the cables themselves are in working condition.
