Inter-m MEQ-2000 Operating Manual

24/96 Multimode Equalizer

MEQ-2000

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

Contents

Welcome ..................................................................................................................................... 5

Unpacking ......................................................................................................................................6

Warnings .........................................................................................................................................6

Operation .......................................................................................................................................7

Features ....................................................................................................................................... 8

OVERVIEW – Front Panel Controls .............................................................................................. 9

OVERVIEW – Rear Panel Controls............................................................................................. 11

OVERVIEW – Signal Flow Diagram ........................................................................................... 12

OVERVIEW – Operating Modes................................................................................................ 13

SETUP MENU – Device Status .................................................................................................... 14

Setup Menu Structure .................................................................................................................15

SETUP MENU – Setup Screen..................................................................................................... 16

Parameter Wheel ........................................................................................................................17

SETUP MENU – Parametric Equalizer (PEQ).............................................................................. 18

Parameter Window.....................................................................................................................18

PEQ MODE Screen ......................................................................................................................19

SETUP MENU – Graphic Equalizer (GEQ).................................................................................. 20

Parameter Window.....................................................................................................................20

GEQ MODE Screen .....................................................................................................................21

SETUP MENU – Notch and Cut Filters (CUT).............................................................................. 22

Parameter Window.....................................................................................................................22

CUT MODE Screen.......................................................................................................................23

SETUP MENU – Delay ................................................................................................................. 24

Parameter Window.....................................................................................................................24

DELAY MODE Screen ..................................................................................................................25

SETUP MENU – Compressor/Limiter (COM/LIM) ...................................................................... 26

Parameter Window.....................................................................................................................26

COM/LIM MODE Screen ............................................................................................................28

SETUP MENU – Limiter ................................................................................................................ 29

Parameter Window.....................................................................................................................29

LIMITER MODE Screen .................................................................................................................30

SETUP MENU – Real Time Analyzer (RTA)................................................................................. 31

Parameter Window.....................................................................................................................31

RTA MODE Screen .......................................................................................................................32

SETUP MENU – Level Adjustment (LEVELS) ............................................................................... 33

Parameter Window.....................................................................................................................33

LEVELS MODE Screen..................................................................................................................34

SETUP MENU – Reference Generator (GEN)............................................................................ 35

Parameter Window.....................................................................................................................35

LEVELS MODE Screen..................................................................................................................36

UTILITY MENU – Device Status................................................................................................... 38

UTILITY MENU – System Configuration (CONFIG).................................................................... 39

Parameter Window.....................................................................................................................40

Typical Digital Interconnections.............................................................................................. 42

UTILITY MENU – Remote Control ............................................................................................... 43

UTILITY MENU – ADC Calibration .............................................................................................. 44

UTILITY MENU – Device Security Lock...................................................................................... 45

UTILITY MENU – Device ID Numbers......................................................................................... 46

UTILITY MENU – Auxiliary Functions.......................................................................................... 47

UTILITY MENU – Software Update.............................................................................................. 48

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

UTILITY MENU STRUCTURE........................................................................................................... 49

MEMORY MENU ......................................................................................................................... 50

Technical Specifications .......................................................................................................... 53

Block Diagram .......................................................................................................................... 56

APPENDIX I – SYSEX (System-Exclusive) Message Definitions............................................... 57

Appendix II - Jumpers.............................................................................................................. 77

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of the MEQ-2000, a state-of-the-art digital multimode equalizer with extended frequency range. The MEQ-2000 is the result of a professional collaboration between two audio industry leaders: Inter-M, known for a wide range of high-quality professional audio equipment, and Algorithmix, one of the foremost developers of signal processing and DSP hardware.

Thanks to high-quality AD/DA converters, a constant internal sampling rate of 96kHz and precision ultra-low-noise digital filters, the MEQ-2000 delivers warm analog sound with the benefits of a digital feature set.

A personal welcome to you from the management and employees of Inter-M

All of us here at Inter-M are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality products and the best value.

We sincerely trust this product will provide you with years of satisfactory service. If anything is not to your complete satisfaction, we will endeavor to make things right.

Welcome to Inter-M, and thank you for becoming a part of our worldwide extended family!

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

Unpacking

Your MEQ-2000 is a feature-rich, professional device. We strongly recommend you take the time to read this comprehensive manual and familiarize yourself with the important information regarding product features, setup and operation.

As with most electronic devices, we strongly recommend you retain the original packaging. In the unlikely event the product must be returned for servicing, the original packaging (or reasonable equivalent) is required.

Warnings

Environment

Never place this product in an environment that could alter its performance or reduce its service life. Such environments are usually characterized by high levels of heat, dust, moisture, or vibration.

Safety

1. Read these instructions carefully.

2. Follow all instructions.

3. Keep all warnings.

4. Do not operate this apparatus near water.

5. Clean only with a damp cloth.

6. Do not block any of the ventilation openings.

7. Install only in accordance with the instructions in this manual.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other devices (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding type plug. A polarized plug has two blades, with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where it is attached to the apparatus.

11. Use only the attachments/accessories specified.

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid overturning.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when it will be unused for a long period of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

Operation

Make certain that speakers and input sources are properly connected before switching on.

Keep volume levels turned down before switching on.

NOTE: The system’s operation is delayed by approximately three seconds after pressing the power switch. This is due to the built-in protection circuitry, designed to protect speakers and other system components.

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

Features

• Traditional warm analog sound coupled with state-of-the-art digital signal processing.

• Digital I/O on AES/EBU or S/PDIF with comprehensive Sample Rate Conversion: Input

rates of 20-100kHz, Output rates of 32, 44.1, 48, 64, 88.2 and 96 kHz.

• High-end 24-bit 96kHz A/D and D/A converters.

• 40-bit internal signal path for maximum headroom.

• Inherent system delay of less than 1 ms.

• Extended frequency bandwidth of up to 31.5 kHz.

• Eight band fully parametric equalizer with six bell-type filters, low and high shelving.

• Low-cut and high-cut filters with switchable slopes.

• Six-band notch filters for feedback suppression.

• 31-band graphic equalizer.

• Mastering quality Compressor/Limiter with adaptive knee and auto-release.

• Intuitive programming and real-time navigation interface.

• 64 factory and 128 user presets.

• Unique parameter wheel with built-in dynamic behavior for convenient parameter

entry.

• Remote control via MIDI or RS-232.

• Software update via Internet or RS-232.

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

OVERVIEW – Front Panel Controls

1. Input Levels

Two analog input level controls with ±12dB range.

2. Input Level Meters

Two eight-segment LED level meters with Clip indicators.

3. LCD Display

Blue backlit LCD 240 X 64 display provides instant parameter readouts.

4. Soft Keys F1 ~ F6

These soft keys perform a variety of functions based on the currently selected software parameter. Their function will always be shown directly above the keys on the LCD display (3).

5. Display Mode Keys

These keys are used to select the current display mode. Options are Setup, Utility and Memory. The current selection is shown by the keys’ integrated LEDs.

6. Function Keys

These keys are used to select the current function mode. Options are Mute, Bypass, Preset 1 and Preset 2. The current selection is shown by the keys’ integrated LEDs.

7. Cursor Keys

These four keys (Up, Down, Right and Left) are used in conjunction with the Parameter Wheel (8) to navigate the on-screen menu functions.

8. Parameter Wheel

This wheel is used in conjunction with the Cursor Keys (7) to navigate the onscreen menu functions.

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

9. Power Switch

This switch is used to switch the unit on and off. When the unit is on, the integrated Power Indicator LED is lit.

10. LCD Contrast Adjustment

This knob adjusts the contrast of the LCD display, for better readability at different angles and in varied lighting.

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

OVERVIEW – Rear Panel Controls

1. Analog Inputs

Analog audio inputs on balanced three-pin female XLR connectors.

2. Analog Outputs

Analog audio outputs on balanced three-pin male XLR connectors.

3. Digital Inputs

Digital audio inputs: AES/EBU on XLR connector, S/PDIF coaxial on RCA connector, and S/PDIF optical on TOSLINK connector.

4. Digital Outputs

Digital audio outputs: AES/EBU on XLR connector, S/PDIF coaxial on RCA connector, and S/PDIF optical on TOSLINK connector.

5. Remote Connectors

Remote In and Thru on RS-232 (9-pin D-Sub) connectors.

6. MIDI Connections

MIDI In, Out and Thru on standard 5-pin DIN connectors.

7. AC Power Input

Connect a standard three-pin AC cable to this connector. This connector also contains the fuse holder and voltage switch.

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

OVERVIEW – Signal Flow Diagram

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

OVERVIEW – Operating Modes

The MEQ-2000 can function as a valuable tool for a number of different applications, including:

• Recording

• Mixing

• Mastering

• Sound Reinforcement

• Acoustical Measurements

The MEQ-2000’s internal algorithms consist of a number of complex modules, capable of multiple operations. The Configuration function (see Page 38), found under the Utility menu, allows various module configurations, each of which is optimized for one of the above applications. All the MEQ-2000’s modules can be used simultaneously. The MEQ-2000 may be used in various mono modes, or in dual-channel mode. In dualchannel mode, the unit can function as two independent channels, or coupled as a stereo unit.

The following chapters outline each of the MEQ-2000’s menus and its various functions.

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

SETUP MENU – Device Status

Pressing the Setup Button to the right of the LCD display opens the DEVICE STATUS menu, displaying the unit’s configuration, audio inputs and outputs. The screen reads DEVICE STATUS, and the soft keys display the setup menu options.

The DEVICE STATUS screen displays a number of important function parameters:

INPUT Displays the current input, as selected in the CONFIG menu. If one of the

digital inputs has been selected and the unit is receiving valid digital input, the format is shown in parentheses: Professional (PRO) or consumer (CON).

FSI/WLI If one of the digital inputs has been selected and the unit is receiving valid

digital input, the sampling frequency (FSI) and word length (WLI) are displayed here.

SRCI Indicates whether the input sampling rate converter is active.

OUTPUT Displays the current output, as selected in the CONFIG menu. If one of the

digital outputs has been selected, the chosen format is shown in parentheses: Professional (PRO) or consumer (CON).

FSO/WLO If one of the digital outputs has been selected, the sampling frequency

(FSO) and word length (WLO) as selected in the CONFIG menu are displayed here.

SRCO Indicates whether the output sampling rate converter is active.

CONFIG Indicates the selected module configuration.

LOCK Displays the locked or unlocked status of the buttons and parameter

wheel, as selected in the DEVICE LOCK menu.

REMOTE Indicates the remote status (RS-232, MIDI or OFF), as selected in the

REMOTE menu.

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

FS INTERNAL Indicates the internal sampling frequency. This should always read 96kHz.

FSI MEASURED Displays the actual sampling frequency of the signal at the selected

digital input.

Setup Menu Structure

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

SETUP MENU – Setup Screen

The Setup Screen performs a number of functions, depending on which modules are selected. When the Setup Screen is first called up, the Status Screen displays the unit’s hardware setup (see previous section). The Soft Keys at the bottom of the screen bring up the unit’s various processing functions.

In Setup mode, the Soft Keys are labeled as follows:

F1 – PEQ Enters the eight-band parametric equalizer menu.

F2 – GEQ Enters the 31-band graphic equalizer menu.

F3 – CUT Enters the CUT Filter menu (high-cut, low-cut and six notch filters).

F4 – DELAY Enters the DELAY menu, offering two 1.3 second delay lines.

F5 – LIM In RE-1 and RE-3 Configuration modes, enters Peak Limiter mode. In MA-1 and MA-2 Mastering modes, enters the compressor/limiter menu.

F6 – MORE Opens Page 2 for further options. To return to Page 1, press F6 again. If no

more buttons are pushed for 10 seconds, the display will return to Page 1 automatically.

On Page 2 the Soft Keys are labeled as follows:

F1 – RTA Opens the Real Time Spectrum Analyzer.

F2 – LEVELS Enters the menu for adjusting digital levels.

F3 – GEN Only functions in ME-1 or ME-2 Configuration modes. Opens the

Reference Generator.

F6 – MORE Switches back to Page 1.

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

Every processing function selected by the Soft Keys brings up an application-specific menu, assigning new labels to the Soft Keys. The illustration below shows the Graphic Equalizer (GEQ) screen:

The PARAMETER WINDOW on the left side of the display shows the current module’s

parameters. These parameters can be selected by the cursor keys

and adjusted

with the Parameter Wheel.

At the bottom of the Parameter Window is the Module Activity Status line. This shows which modules have been chosen in the current processing setup, and which are active. The active modules are highlighted. In the example above, five modules are selected: Delay (DE), Cut (CU), Parametric EQ (PE), Graphic EQ (GE) and Limiter (LI). Delay, Cut and PEQ are active; GEQ and Limiter are inactive.

Four Soft Keys function the same in every processing mode:

F1 – ON Switches the selected function ON or OFF. ON status is indicated by an

inverted button. (In the example above, GEQ is off).

F2 – CH Is active only in dual-channel mode. If both channels are linked or in

mono mode, the button’s display is empty.

F5 – MODE Brings up the advanced setup options.

F6 – EXIT Returns the screen to the main SETUP window.

The upper status line displays the name of the selected processing function, the channel number (CH1, CH2, or CH1+2 if the channels are linked), the overflow warning field (OVF), the digital input warning field, and the preset number.

If you have selected a digital input in the CONFIG menu, and a valid digital signal is not seen at the selected input, the upper status line will flash with an UNLOCKED message, and the input will be muted.

Parameter Wheel

The increment and decrement value of a selected parameter may be adjusted with the parameter wheel. Rotating the wheel quickly will adjust the value quickly and in coarse steps, while rotating the wheel slowly will adjust the value slowly and in fine steps.

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

SETUP MENU – Parametric Equalizer (PEQ)

The Parametric Equalizer (PEQ) offers eight high-precision digital filters: six constant-Q bell filters, a low shelving and high shelving filter. A Master Gain parameter is provided to compensate for gain changes after equalization.

There are five active buttons in PEQ mode:

F1 – ON Switches the PEQ module on or off.

F2 – CH Toggles between CH1 and CH2 setup (only active if CH LINK is off).

F3 – FLAT Sets the equalizer to flat and changes to UNDO unless a parameter is

changed (useful for comparing EQ’ed and flat responses).

F5 – MODE Switches to MODE menu for advanced options.

F6 – EXIT Switches to main SETUP menu.

Parameter Window

The PEQ parameters can be selected using the parameter wheel. The

selected band is displayed in the FILT field, and indicated by a flashing arrow over the filter’s characteristic.

FILT displays the filter band or master gain, as selected by the

FREQ displays the center frequency (bell filters) or corner frequency (for shelving

filters) in 1/12 octave steps through the frequency range of 10Hz – 25kHz.

GAIN displays the cut or boost value for the selected filter or master gain. Two

amplitude ranges are available: ±8dB with 0.125dB/step, or ±16dB with

0.25 dB/step.

BW or Q selects the filter bandwidth of the active filter, within a range of 1/12

octave to 2 octaves (or if in Q mode, from 17.31 to 0.667).

cursor keys allow for fast selection of filter bands. The

cursor keys, and changed with the

cursor keys.

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

SLP appears instead of BW or Q when LS or HS (shelving) is chosen in the FILT

menu. It selects the shelving slope of 3, 6, or 9dB per octave.

PEQ MODE Screen

By pressing the MODE button you can access the PEQ MODE screen, which allows for global setup changes in the PEQ module.

In this screen, parameters are selected with the

cursor keys and adjusted with the parameter wheel. After every change, ENTER appears at the F5 key, and must be pressed to confirm the change. Default settings can be selected with the F1 (DEF) key. Pressing the F6 (EXIT) key returns to the PEQ screen.

Global parameters available in the PEQ MODE screen are:

CH LINK determines the channel coupling status: OFF selects dual channel mode, with two independent channels. CH1→2 couples the channels with CH1 slaved to CH2. CH2→1 couples the channels with CH2 slaved to CH1.

RANGE selects the adjustment range of the PEQ module: ±8dB with 0.125dB/steps, or ±16dB with 0.25 dB/steps.

BW UNIT selects units for bandwidth menu: octave or Q.

The default values are CH1→2, ±8dB, OCT.

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

SETUP MENU – Graphic Equalizer (GEQ)

The Graphic Equalizer (GEQ) offers 31 bands of 1/3-octave equalization over a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz.

There are five active buttons in GEQ mode:

F1 – ON Switches the GEQ module on or off.

F2 – CH Toggles between CH1 and CH2 setup (only active if CH LINK is off).

F3 – FLAT Sets the equalizer to flat and changes to UNDO unless a parameter is

changed (useful for comparing EQ’ed and flat responses).

F5 – MODE Switches to Mode menu for advanced options.

F6 – EXIT Switches to main SETUP menu.

Parameter Window

The Parameter Window displays the setup for the selected band: Band number (BAND),

center frequency (FREQ), GAIN, and TYPE. The can be used to adjust the gain of the selected frequency band, which is indicated by a flashing arrow in the main window.

The following parameters can be viewed and/or adjusted:

BAND displays the active filter band.

FREQ displays the center frequency of the selected band.

GAIN displays the boost or cut value of the selected band. Two amplitude

ranges can be selected in the MODE menu by pressing F5: ±8dB with

0.125dB/steps, or ±16dB with 0.25 dB/steps.

TYPE displays the type of filter bank used: asymmetrical, analog-style parallel

structure (PARALLEL) or interpolating filter bank (INTERP).

cursor keys or the parameter wheel

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

GEQ MODE Screen

By pressing the MODE button you can access the GEQ MODE screen, which allows for global setup changes in the GEQ module.

In this screen, parameters are selected with the

and cursor keys and adjusted with the parameter wheel. After every change, ENTER appears at the F5 key, and must be pressed to confirm the change. Default settings can be selected with the F1 (DEF) key. Pressing the F6 (EXIT) key returns to the GEQ screen.

Global parameters available in the GEQ MODE screen are:

RANGE selects the adjustment range of the GEQ module: ±8dB with 0.125dB/steps, or ±16dB with 0.25 dB/steps.

TYPE selects the type of GEQ filter bank (PARALLEL or INTERP).

DISPLAY selects the type of GEQ display (beams or faders).

WEIGHT selects the GEQ reference according to a normalized spectrum envelope

(RTA) stored in the RTA MODE screen (see RTA module section, page 31), to another GEQ setting stored as reference in GEQ MODE screen(see below), or switches it off (no reference). It is not active in ME-1 or ME-2 measurement modes.

REFERENCE selects whether to SHOW or HIDE the reference characteristics selected in

the WEIGHT menu. If SHOW is selected, the reference is added to the display parameter. It is not active in ME-1 or ME-2 measurement modes.

After pressing the F3 (GREF) key, the current GEQ setup is stored for reference in the REFERENCE parameter. This is useful for base room equalization reference, or for compensation of system measurement characteristics.

The default values are CH1→2, ±8dB, INTERP, BEAMS, OFF, HIDE.

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

SETUP MENU – Notch and Cut Filters (CUT)

Notch and High/Low Cut filter module (CUT) offers effective feedback or hum suppression

through six very narrow, adjustable notch filters.

There are six active buttons in CUT mode:

F1 – ON Switches the CUT module on or off.

F2 – CH Toggles between CH1 and CH2 setup (only active if CH LINK is off).

F3 – FLAT Sets all filters to flat and changes to UNDO unless a parameter is changed

(useful for comparing filtered and flat responses).

F4 – FINE Selects adjustment steps to coarse or fine.

F5 – MODE Switches to MODE menu for advanced options.

F6 – EXIT Switches to main SETUP menu.

Parameter Window

The Parameter Window displays the setup for the selected filter. The be used to highlight the selected parameter, and the parameter wheel can be used to

change its value. The indicated by a flashing arrow over the filter characteristic.

The following parameters can be viewed and/or adjusted:

FILT selects the active filter: Low-Cut (LC), Notch (N1-N6), High-Cut (HC).

FREQ selects the center frequency (NOTCH) or the corner frequency (LC, HC), in

1/12 octave steps or 1Hz resolution in FINE mode. Ranges are:

cursor keys allow for quick filter band selection, which is

LC: 3Hz to 3kHz HC: 20Hz to 20kHz NOTCH: 300Hz to 30kHz

cursor keys can

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

GAIN selects boost or cut value (Notch filter only) over a range of 0 to –24dB in

1dB increments. For manual feedback search, notch filters can also be adjusted to a positive gain of up to +8dB.

BW or Q selects the filter bandwidth of the active Notch filter. Options are: Octave: 1/48; 1/24 ; 1/12 ; 1/6 or Q: 69.3; 34.6; 17.3; 8.65

SLP appears instead of BW or Q when LC or HC is selected in FILT menu. This

selects the shelving slope. Options are OFF, 6, 12, or 18db/octave.

CUT MODE Screen

Pressing the MODE key accesses the CUT MODE screen, which allows for global setups for the CUT module.

In this screen, parameters are selected with the with the parameter wheel. After every change, ENTER appears at the F5 key, and must be pressed to confirm the change. Default settings can be selected with the F1 (DEF) key. Pressing the F6 (EXIT) key returns to the CUT screen.

Global parameters available in the CUT mode screen are:

BW UNIT selects the units for bandwidth – Octave or Q.

LC TYPE selects the low-cut filter characteristic: Butterworth or Bessel.

HC TYPE selects the high-cut filter characteristic: Butterworth or Bessel.

Default values are CH1→2, OCT, BUTTER, BUTTER.

and cursor keys and adjusted

MEQ-2000 24/96 Multimode Equalizer

SETUP MENU – Delay

The DELAY module provides delays for different loudspeakers or microphone positions, for use in large-scale sound reinforcement.

There are six active buttons in DELAY mode:

F1 – ON Switches the DELAY module on or off.

F2 – LINK Couples CH1 and CH2. INPUT 1+2 appears in the CH field.

F3 – RESET Sets the delay to 0 ms and changes to UNDO unless a parameter is

changed.

F4 – FINE Selects adjustment steps to coarse or fine.

When LENGTH is highlighted, delay increment/decrement is in 1 ms steps (COARSE) or 0.01 ms steps (FINE).

When DIST is highlighted, the distance increment is calculated to the adjusted environment temperature in the TEMP field.

F5 – MODE Switches to MODE menu for advanced options.

F6 – EXIT Switches to main SETUP menu.

Parameter Window

The

parameter wheel can be used to change its value. The toggling between channels (only if LINK is active).

The following parameters can be viewed and/or adjusted:

CH selects active channel (if LINK is off). Can also be selected with the

cursor keys can be used to highlight the selected parameter, and the

cursor keys allow for quick

cursor keys.

+ 54 hidden pages

Inter-m MEQ-2000 Operating Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual