Graphic Equalizer
User Guide
and
Reference
Manual
EQA215
EQA131
EQA231
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Precautions ………………………………………………………………………………………………i
Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………………………………1
General Description …………………………………………………………………………………2-3
Features …………………………………………………………………………………………………2
Controls/Connections ………………………………………………………………………………3-5
Specifications …………………………………………………………………………………………6
Service …………………………………………………………………………………………………7
Maintenance ……………………………………………………………………………………………7
Warranty Information …………………………………………………………………………………7
Congratulations on your purchase of the BBE Graphic Equalizer!
IMPORTANT
Before you begin, please check the contents within this box to insure that included are:
1. The BBE EQA215, EQA131 or EQA231 Graphic Equalizer.
2. The Graphic Equalizer User's manual.
3. Power cord.
4. Warranty Registration card.
If any of these items are found to be missing, immediately contact the BBE dealer from whom the
unit was purchased.
WARNING! To prevent possible speaker or amplifier damage,
always power-up peripheral devices first, wait 10 seconds, and then
turn on the power amplifier. Turn off power amplifier first, then
power-down peripheral devices.
1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
EQA231 is a two channel 31 band 1/3 octave graphic equalizer. The EQA231 incorporates
Constant-Q circuitry with a 5% center frequency accuracy. Special features include variable
Low and High pass filters, selectable range ±6dB or ±12dB, balanced and unbalanced
input/output connectors, RFI filters, variable level control, passive bypass switch, PEAK LED,
ground lift switch.
EQA131 is a single channel 31 band 1/3 octave graphic equalizer. The EQA131 incorporates
Constant-Q circuitry with a 5% center frequency accuracy. Special features include variable
Low and High pass filters, selectable range ±6dB or ±12dB, balanced and unbalanced
input/output connectors, RFI filters, variable level control, passive bypass switch, PEAK LED,
ground lift switch.
EQA215 is a two channel 15 band 2/3 octave graphic equalizer. The EQA215 incorporates
Constant-Q circuitry with a 5% center frequency accuracy. Special features include selectable
range ±6dB or ±12dB, balanced and unbalanced input / output connectors, RFI filters, variable level control, passive bypass switch, PEAK LED, ground lift switch.
FEATURES APPLICATIONS
• Constant-Q performance
• LPF/HPF filters (EQA231 and
• Cinema sound systems
• Live sound systems
EQA131)
• Night clubs
• Boost/Cut range switchable
6dB or 12dB
• Balanced and unbalanced
input/output connectors
• RFI filters
• Variable Level control
• Passive bypass switch
• Ground lift switch
• Churches
• Auditoriums
• Sports arenas
• Theaters
• Hotels
• Convention centers
• Karaoke sounds
• Recording studios
• Home sound systems
2
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Only for EQA131 and EQA 231
The EQA231, EQA131 and EQA215 all offer the same high quality Constant-Q performance.
Constant-Q graphic equalizers were developed to fill the sound professional’s need for greater
control over sound shaping with less interaction between sliders. Truth in slider position
became a requirement. The curve traced out by the slider positions on Constant-Q designs
indeed represent the actual change to the frequency response. On conventional designs they
do not.
FRONT AND REAR PANELS
EQA231
3
FRONT AND REAR PANELS
EQA215
EQA131
1. Power Switch
2. Filter Level Controls
3. Filter Range Switch & Indicators
4. Bypass Switch
5. HPF Frequency Control
6. LPF Frequency Control
7. Level Control
8. Bypass Indicator
9. Peak Indicator
10. Input & Output Connectors
11. Voltage selector
12. Ground-Lift Switch
13. Socket with fuse holder
4
FRONT AND REAR PANEL CONTROLS
1. Power Switch
This switch is pressed to turn power ON, pressing the switch again turns the power off.
Always turn on your equalizer BEFORE your power amplifiers are turned on, and always turn
off equalizer AFTER your power amplifiers have been turned off.
2. Filter Level Controls
Each of these sliders control the output level of each of the 31 (or 15) bandpass filters.
Center detent position is grounded for guaranteed flat response.
3. Filter Range Switch & Indicators
The gain range of the filter sliders is switchable (as a group) from +/-6dB to +/-12dB for
maximum boost/cut capability. When this switch is in the "OUT MOST" position, at 6dB, the
green LED will illuminate. When it is in the "IN MOST" position, at 12dB, the yellow LED will
illuminate.
4. Bypass Switch
When it is the "IN MOST" position, equalizer is bypassed. Its associated LED indicates status.
(See 8. Bypass indicator)
5. HPF Frequency Control (EQA 231 and EQA131)
To cut down unwanted signal, this control determines the roll-off frequency of the High-Pass
Filter. The roll-off frequency can be adjusted from 10Hz to 250Hz by turning this knob.
Because of its high roll-off slope, the HPF can be efficiently used to cut down the "HUM"
from preceding instruments, or to prevent low-frequency resonance.
6. LPF Frequency Control (EQA 231 and EQA131)
To cut down unwanted signal this control determines the roll-off frequency of the Low-pass
filter. The roll-off frequency can be adjusted from 3KHz to 40KHz by turning the knob.
Because of its high roll-off slope, this LPF can be efficiently used to cut down the highfrequency noise from preceding instruments, or especially used to roll-off high-frequency
sound to obtain a more natural sound in acoustic situations.
7. Level Control
This controls the level of the incoming signal. Turn this control down if the PEAK LED
illuminates steadily. Unity gain can be set by turning this knob its center detent position.
8. Bypass Indicator
When the green LED is illuminated this indicates that the unit or channel is in the bypass
mode. Signal is routed directly from the input to the output without passing through any circuit
(often referred to as "hard-wire bypass").
5
Specifications
Equalizer:
EQA231 ……………………………1/3-Octave ISO Spacing From 20Hz to 20KHz
EQA131 ……………………………1/3-Octave ISO Spacing From 20Hz to 20KHz
EQA215 ……………………………2/3-Octave ISO Spacing From 25Hz to 16KHz
Type ………………………………Constant Q (Accuracy 5% Center Frequency)
Range ……………………………±6dB or ±12dB (Switch Selectable)
Inputs:
Connectors ………………………XLR 3Pin, 1/4" TRS
Impedance ………………………20K Ohms Bal; 15K Ohms
Maximum Level …………………+24dBu (Bal) +18dBu (Unbal)
Outputs:
Connectors ………………………XLR-3Pin, 1/4" TRS
Impedance ………………………Typ. <150 Ohms
Maximum Level …………………+24dB Bal; +18dB Unbal (2K Ohms)
+18dB Bal; +12dB Unbal (600 Ohms)
Overall Gain Range ………………Off to 3dB ( Unbal Out ) Sliders Centered
Off to 9dB ( Bal Out ) Sliders Centered
PEAK LED …………………………Threshold 5dB ( Below Clipping)
Frequency Response ……………20~20KHz +0, -2dB
HPF Filter …………………………10~250Hz, 12dB/Oct
LPF Filter …………………………3K~40KHz, 12dB/Oct
THD + Noise ………………………0.05% (1KHz +3dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio ……………96dB below Max. Level (A weighting)
Equivalent Input Noise …………-81dB (0dB=0.775V)
Line Voltage
………………………95~130VAC, 50/60Hz 190~250VAC, 50Hz
EQA231— Input AC Power: 12W
EQA131— Input AC Power: 7W
EQA215— Input AC Power: 7W
Unit:
Construction ……………………All Steel
Size: ……EQA231 ………………3.5"H x 19''W x 8.5"D ( 2U ) ( 8.9cm x 48.3cm x 21.6cm)
EQA131/EQA215 ……1.75"H x 19''W x 8.5"D ( 1U ) ( 4.45cm 48.3cm x 21.6cm)
Weight: EQA231 ………………9 Ibs ( 4.1Kg)
EQA131/EQA215 ……4.5 Ibs( 2.05Kg)
6
Service
We recommend that if at all possible, a BBE GRAPHIC EQUALIZER which requires service be sent to our facility in
Huntington Beach, California. We request that a “RETURN AUTHORIZATION” be issued by the dealer from whom you
purchased the unit. If this is not possible, call BBE Sound, Inc. directly at (714) 897-6766, extension 116 to obtain a
“RETURN AUTHORIZATION”. Include a copy of the bill of sale with the unit when it is shipped to BBE Sound, Inc. so
that the service can be expedited.
As the repair turnaround time is minimal, we request that the unit be sent to BBE Sound, Inc. We also need to add reliability data to our files so that future revisions may be undertaken, if necessary, to improve the product. If unit has been
purchased outside the US, please contact your national distributor.
Warranty
Warranty registration of the unit to BBE Sound, Inc. is not necessary. It is strongly recommended that you retain a copy
of the bill of sale for future reference.
IT IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE END USER TO PROVIDE THE BILL OF SALE OR OTHER MEANS OF
PROOF OF PURCHASE TO VALIDATE THE WARRANTY IF WARRANTY SERVICE IS REQUESTED.
The BBE GRAPHIC EQUALIZER is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years
from date of purchase from BBE Sound Inc. or from an authorized dealer. During this period, we will repair units free of
charge providing that they are shipped prepaid to BBE Sound, Inc., 5381 Production Drive,
Huntington Beach, CA 92649. We will pay return UPS shipping charges within the USA. All charges related to non-UPS
shipping, including customs clearance, will be billed. The warranty will be honored for the longer of either 90 days from
the date of any service or the remainder of the original 2 Year factory warranty.
This warranty will be consider null and void by BBE Sound, Inc. if any of the following is found:
1. The equipment has been physically damaged.
2. The equipment shows signs of abuse.
3. The equipment has been electrically damaged by improper connection or attempted repair by the customer or a third party.
4. The equipment has been modified without authorization.
5. The bill of sales indicates that the purchase date of the equipment
is not within the warranty period.
All non-warranty repairs are warranted for a period of 90 days from the date of service.
BBE Sound, Inc. is NOT LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Should the unit fail to operate for any reason, our
sole obligation is to repair it as described above.
DO NOT RETURN ANY PRODUCT TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS WITHOUT INSTRUCTIONS AND AUTHORIZA
TION ISSUED BY THE ABOVE LOCATION.
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Maintenance
Maintenance of the BBE GRAPHIC EQUALIZER is limited to proper cleaning of the unit with mild household cleaner
such as Formula 409™ or Windex™. The chassis and cover ar
ont panel is an anodized aluminum extrusion.
the fr
There are no user replaceable parts and the unit should not be opened for any reason unless you are a qualified technician. Calibration should be performed if parts are replaced or if a performance check-out indicates a problem with calibration. Long term use has shown that over the life of this unit there is little or no drift of the components in the BBE
GRAPHIC EQUALIZER which would cause a change in calibration. A very conservative design philosophy has resulted
in a piece of equipment which runs very cool and should give years of trouble-free service.
e steel finished with a durable polyurethane paint, while
7
5381 Production Drive
®
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
714-897-6766 • FAX 714-896-0736
www.bbesound.com
BBE is the registered trademark of BBE Sound, Inc.
rev. 1 5/2005
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