User's Manual
ALTO Q
5-BAND PARAMETRIC EQUALIZER
R
LTO
www.altoproaudio.com
Version 2.1 Dec. 2002
English
SAFETY RELATED SYMBOLS
CAUTION
RISK OFELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOTOPEN
This symbol, wherever used, alerts you to the presence of un-insulated and dangerous voltages within the product enclosure. These are voltages that
may be sufficient to constitute the risk of electric
shock or death.
This symbol, wherever used, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions.
Please read.
Protective Ground Terminal
AC mains (Alternating Current)
Hazardous Live Terminal
ON: Denotes the product is turned on.
OFF: Denotes the product is turned off.
WARNING
Describes precautions that should be observed to
prevent the possibility of death or injury to the user.
CAUTION
Describes precautions that should be observed to
prevent damage to the product.
WARNING
Power Supply
Ensure that the mains source voltage (AC outlet) matches
the voltage rating of the product. Failure to do so could
result in damage to the product and possibly the user.
Unplug the product before electrical storms occur and
when unused for long periods of time to reduce the risk of
electric shock or fire.
External Connection
Always use proper ready-made insulated mains
cabling (power cord). Failure to do so could result
in shock/death or fire. If in doubt, seek advice from
a registered electrician.
the recommended fuse type as indicated in this manual.
Do not short-circuit the fuse holder. Before replacing the
fuse, make sure that the product is OFF and disconnected
from the AC outlet.
Protective Ground
Before turning the product ON, make sure that it is
connected to Ground. This is to prevent the risk of
electric shock.
Never cut internal or external Ground wires. Likewise,
never remove Ground wiring from the Protective Ground
Terminal.
Operating Conditions
Always install in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
To avoid the risk of electric shock and damage, do not
subject this product to any liquid/rain or moisture. Do
not use this product when in close proximity to water.
Do not install this product near any direct heat source.
Do not block areas of ventilation. Failure to do so could
result in fire.
Keep product away from naked flames.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read these instructions
Follow all instructions
Keep these instructions. Do not discard.
Heed all warnings.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
Power Cord and Plug
Do not tamper with the power cord or plug. These are
designed for your safety.
Do not remove Ground connections!
If the plug does not fit your AC outlet seek advice from a
qualified electrician.
Protect the power cord and plug from any physical
stress to avoid risk of electric shock.
Do not place heavy objects on the power cord. This
could cause electric shock or fire.
Do Not Remove Any Covers
Within the product are areas where high voltages may
present. To reduce the risk of electric shock do not remove
any covers unless the AC mains power cord is removed.
Covers should be removed by qualified service
personnel only.
No user serviceable parts inside.
Fuse
To prevent fire and damage to the product, use only
Cleaning
When required, either blow off dust from the product or
use a dry cloth.
Do not use any solvents such as Benzol or Alcohol.
For safety, keep product clean and free from dust.
Servicing
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel only. Do
not perform any servicing other than those instructions
contained within the User's Manual.
11
PREFACE
Dear Customer:
Thanks for choosing LTO-Q and thanks for choosing one of the results of LTO5-Band Parametric Equalizer
AUDIO TEAM job and researches.
For our LTO AUDIO TEAM, music and sound are more than a job...are first of all passion and let us say...our
obsession!
We have been designing professional audio products for a long time in cooperation with some of the major brands
in the world in the audio field.
The line presents unparalleled analogue and digital products made by Musicians for Musicians in our R&DLTO
Centr s in Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom and Taiwan. The core of our digital audio products is a sophisticatede
DSP (Digital sound processor) and a large range of state of the art algorithms which have been developed by our
Software Team for the last 7 years.
Because we are convinced you are the most important member of LTO AUDIO TEAM and the one confirming
the quality of our job, we would like to share with you our work and our dreams, pay attention to your suggestions
and your comments.
Following this idea we create our products and we will create the new ones! From our side, we guarantee you
and we will guarantee you also in future the best quality, and the best fruits of our continuous researches and the
best prices.
Our LTO is the result of many hours of listening and tests involving common5-Band Parametric Equalizer
people, area experts, musicians and technicians.
The results of this effort is a high-end which will provide a permanent precise equ-5-Band Parametric Equalizer
alization to the musician, performer, studio engineer and sound contractor.
Nothing else to add, but that we would like to thank all the people that made the LTO 5-Band Parametric
Equalizer a reality available to our customers, thank our designers and all LTO staff, there to make possible the
realization of products containing our idea of music and sound and there to support you, our customers, in the
best way, conscious that you are our best richness.
Thank you very much.
LTO AUDIO TEAM
2
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................4
2. FEATURES ............................................................................................................................................4
3. CONTROLS ..............................................................ELEMENT ................. ...........................................4
3.1 The Front Panel
3.2 The Rear Panel
4. INSTALLATION & CONNECTION .........................................................................................................6
4.1 Mains Connection
4.2 Audio Connection
- Wiring Configuration
- In Line Connection
- Insert Points Connection
4.3 Rack Mounting
5. APPLICATION ............................................................................................. ..............................................8
5.1 The Frequency Range of music Instruments
5.2 Using your -Q in a sound reinforcement system
LTO
5.3 Application on single instrument
5.4 Application on main MIX
6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ...........................................................................................................10
7. WARRANTY ........... ............................................................................................ ...................................11
3
1. INTRODUCTION
With -Q you have acquired an indispensable toll to add clarity and flexibility to your music. The -Q 5 bandsLTO LTO
parametric equaliser will provide precise audio signal control to fixed sound installation, live performance and studio
applications. Thanks to the use of selected and expensive components the performances of -Q are worth muchLTO
more than its price: Variable Q controls allow you to notch out unwanted frequencies while sweepable frequency control
add maximum flexibility to your mix.
2.FEATURES
Mountable in one standard rack unit 19"
1/4" TRS type jack and balanced XLR connectors available
Led Meter (12 LED) to read input and output
Low cut and high cut filters available to cancel unwanted frequencies
Bypass function to connect automatically input and output
Optimum transparency of the audio signal and minimum phase shift insured by the parallel architecture of the filters
Switch-on button on every single band
Constant Q principle combination
5 bands of equalisation fully parametric (gain, frequency, Q) for studio and live applications
The frequency range of the single 5 bands is overlapping. This will allow extreme boost or attenuation
3.ELEMENT CONTROLS
3.1 The Front Panel
BAND1 BAND2
IN OUT/ IN OUT/ IN OUT/ IN OUT/ IN OUT/
20Hz- 400Hz
45
R
LTO
20 400
FREQUENCY FREQUENCY FREQUENCY FREQUENCY FREQUENCY
OUT
IN
1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
110
150
25030
0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03
1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6
OCTAVE OCTAVE OCTAVE OCTAVE OCTAVE
Hz
BANDWIDTH BANDWIDTH BANDWIDTH BANDWIDTH BANDWIDTH
Your -Q includes 5 channels of equalisation. 3 rotary controls and 1 switch are present in each channel. TheLTO
Master Section includes the power switch, 2 push-on switches, 3 rotary controls and 12 LED's.
1.POWER switch
When you set this switch in ON position (green light on) the unit will be turned on. When you set this switch in
OFF position (green light off) the unit will be turned off.
2.The INPUT/OUTPUT control
With this control in ON position, the Led Meter will read the output level. With this control in OFF position, the Led
Meter will read the input level.
60Hz- 1KHz
00000
120 360
-5 -5 -5 -5 -5
+5 +5 +5 +5 +5
+10
70
-10
-15 -15 -15 -15 -15+15 +15 +15 +15 +15
dB dB dB dB dB
OUT
IN
260
60
Hz Hz
-10 -10 -10 -10
600
1K
BAND3
150Hz- 2.5KHz
350
+10 +10 +10
200
150 2.5K
OUT
IN
720
1K
1.6K
BAND4
500Hz- 8KHz
1.0
0.5 8.0
OUT
IN
2.3
3.1
4.80.6
KHz
11 4 2
BAND5
1KHz- 20KHz
2.2
1.0
OUT
IN
5.1
7.0
121.3
20
KHz
-30 -24 -18 -12 -6 -3 0 +3 +6 +9 +12 +18
50 110
25 200
+10
LOWCUT
LEVELLEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL
8910
75
Hz
7
INPUT/ OUTPUT LEVEL (dB)
10
7
3.5
40010
2.5 30
KHz
HIGHCUT
I/ O METER
OUTPUT
INPUT
0
+5
-5
15
+10
22
AUDIO
-10
-15 +15
dB
INPUT
56
OUT
IN
POWER
3
1
5-BAND PARAMETRIC
ON
EQUALIZER
OFF
Q
3.The AUDIO IN/OUT control
The input jack of your -Q is directly connected to the output jack when this control is OFF or if the unit is notLTO
connected to the AC socket. It is used to cause a "hard-bypass" and disable the equalisation process in the signal
path.
4.The INPUT/OUTPUT LEVEL
The readable range of this 12 segments LED display is -30dB to +18dB. As mentioned before it will read either the
INPUT or the OUTPUT level depending on the position of the switch (2).
4
5.The INPUT control
You can control the amount of the audio signal fed into your -Q via this control. The range goes from -15dBLTO
to +15dB.
6.The HIGH CUT control
This control, when activated will cut the high frequencies with a slope of 12dB per octave in a range of 2.5 kHz to
30 kHz. So if you set this control at the maximum position of 30 kHz, the audio signal will pass through without
alteration.
7.The LOW CUT control
This control, when activated will cut the low frequencies with a slope of 12dB per octave in a range of 10 Hz to
400 Hz. So if you set this control at the minimum position of 10 Hz, the audio signal will pass through without
alteration.
8.The LEVEL control
The level boost or attenuation is set with this control. The adjusting range goes from -15dB to +15dB.
9.The BANDWIDHT control
This control adjusts the width and can be set from a minimum of 0.03 octaves to a maximum of 1.6 octaves.
10.The FREQUENCY control
This control set the center frequency point of the filter.
11.IN/OUT switch
It activates/disactivates the correspondent band.
3.2 The Rear Panel
12
220-240V
AC INPUT
95-120V /210-240V 60-50Hz
RatedPower Consumption 9W
FUSE:
210-240V:T200mAL 250VAC
95-120V:T315mA 250VAC
REPLACEFUSE WITH CORRECT TYPE ONLY
Apparaten skall anslutas till
jordat uttag nar den ansluts
till ett natverk
TIP/ PIN 2
RING/ PIN3
SLEEVE/ PIN 1
110-120V
220-240V
OUTPUT
15
NEW TIDE
3
21
NEW TIDE
3
21
INPUT
14
TIP/ PIN 2
RING/ PIN3
SLEEVE/ PIN 1
220-240V
110-120V
110-120V
A101
13
12.Voltage Selector and Fuse Holder
You must be sure of the Voltage available in your Country because this is a Dual Voltage Unit. Voltage operation
can be changed through the fuse protecting the power supply but this operation must be performed by a qualified
Engineer.
THIS IS SET FOR
110V AC TO 120V
AC OPERATION
THIS IS SET FOR
220V AC TO 240V
AC OPERATION
Please note the triangular markers on both sides of the fuse holder (See figure above), To change the voltage pull
the fuse holder out, rotate it 180 and push it back again. The operating voltage will be indicated by one of the two
triangular markers.
55
13.AC Inlet
After the correct voltage has been set you can connect the AC plug to the unit and in the AC power socket.
14.Input Connectors
Both XLR and 1/4" TRS jack input connectors are supplied in your -Q for maximum flexibility.LTO
15.Output Connector
Both XLR and 1/4" TRS jack output connectors are supplied in your -Q for maximum flexibility.LTO
4. INSTALLATION & CONNECTION
4.1 Mains Connection
A Main AC cable that meets all the international safety regulations is supplied with your -Q. Please makeLTO
sure of the supply voltage available in your Country before plugging in the power cord into the AC socket.
4.2 Audio Connection
Both XLR and 1/4" TRS connectors are available on your -Q. In this way you can interface your -Q inLTO LTO
several different ways without experiencing any noise or signal loss. You can use your -Q with single instrumentsLTO
using the mixers main insert or on the complete mix connecting the -Q in between the mixer and the power amp-LTO
lifier.
- Wiring Configuration
Either the 1/4" TRS phone jack or the XLR connector can be wired in balanced and unbalanced modes, which will
be determined by the actual application status, please wire your system as the following wiring examples:
For 1/4" Phone jack
Tip
Sleeve
TS Type Unbalanced
For XLR connector
Pin1 ( )
+
Pin2 (+)
Pin3 (-)
(Linked to Pin1 manually, )
Ring
TRS Type Balanced
Tip
Sleeve
+
+
-
Ring
TRS Type Unbalanced
Pin3 (-)
Pin1 ( )
Tip
Sleeve
Pin2 (+)
XLR Type Unbalanced XLR Type alancedB
- In Line Connection
For these applications the 5-Band Parametric Equalizer provides 1/4" TRS connectors and XLR connectors to
easily interface with most any professional audio device. Follow the configuration examples below for your particular connection.
6
Balanced
TIPRING SLEEVE
1
3
2
TIPRING SLEEVE
SLEEVE RINGTIP
3
3
Tip
Ring
1
2
1
2
Sleeve
Ring
Sleeve
1
2
3
Tip
Tip
Ring
Sleeve
1
2
3
1
2
3
Unbalanced
TIPRING SLEEVE
TIPSLEEVE
1
3
2
TIPSLEEVE
TIPRING SLEEVE
TIPSLEEVE
TIPRING SLEEVE
1
3
2
3
3
SLEEVETIP
SLEEVE RINGTIP
3
1
2
1
2
Ring
Sleeve
Sleeve
Tip
Tip
1
2
3
Tip
Sleeve
Tip
Ring
Sleeve
Tip
Sleeve
Tip
Ring
Sleeve
1
2
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Cent er
Screen
Tip
Sleeve
Tip
Ring
Sleeve
Cent er
Screen
Centre
Screen
1
2
3
- Insert Points Connection
If you are connecting to a mixing console's main inserts, you may have a single TRS jack for Send & Return, in
this case, use an insert "Y" cable that configured like the examples below.
1/4" TRS insert
Send
Return
Ring
Tip
Sleeve
Insert Leads
Tip (Send)
Sleeve
Tip (Return)
Sleeve
1
2 (Send)
3
1
2 (Return)
3
Centre (Send)
Screen
Centre (Return)
Screen
TIP RING SLEEVE
TIP RING SLEEVE
TIP RING SLEEVE
SLEEVE TIP
SLEEVE RING TIP
1
3
2
21
3
Ring
Sleeve
Ring
Sleeve
Ring
Sleeve
Tip
Tip
Tip
4.3 Rack Mounting
The most secure mounting is on a universal rack shelf available from various rack manufactures or your music
dealer. The 5-Band Parametric Equalizer fit into one standard 19" rack unit of space. Be sure that there is enough
air space around the unit for sufficient ventilation and please do not place the 5-Band Parametric Equalizer on high
temperature devices such as power amplifiers etc. to avoid overheating.
7
5. APPLICATION
5.1 The Frequency Range of music Instruments
Please look at the following table. It gives you an idea of the frequency coverage of the main musical instruments and the human voice. Select a specific instrument and start to "play" with your -Q applying theLTO
five bands available on the covered frequencies. Adjust GAIN first and then FREQUENCY and finally Q.
See how much control your -Q will give you allowing a perfect contour of your sound.
CDEFGABCDEFGABCDEFGABCDEFGABCDEFGABCDEFGABCDEFGABCDEFGABCDEFGABC
25 31 40 50 6 2 8 0 10 0 1 25 1 60 2 00 2 50 3 20 4 00 5 00 6 40 8 00 1K 1.3 K 1.6K 2 K 2.5K 3.1K 4K 5K 6 .2 K 8K 10K 13K 16K 20K
25 31 40 50 6280100 125 160 200 250 320 400 500 640
LTO
Mid C
800
1.3K1.6K2K2.5K 3.1K
1K
5K
6.2K8K10K 13K 16K 20K
4K
Human hearing range
VOCAL
Soprano
Contralto
Baritone
Bass
WOODWIND
Piccolo
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet in B flat or A
Clarinet in E flat
Bass Clarinet
Basset Hom
Cor Anglais
Bassoon
Double Bassoon
BRASS
Soprano Saxophone
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Bass Saxophone
Trumpet in C
Trumpet in F
Alto Trombone
Tenor Trombone
Bass Trombone
Tuba
Valve Hom
STRINGS
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Guitar
KEYBOARDS
Pianoforte
Organ
PERCUSSION
Celesta
Timpani
Xylophone
FREQUENCY
8
5.2 Using your -Q in a sound reinforcement systemLTO
You can successfully use your -Q in a sound reinforcement system in order to:
Cut out undesirable frequencies such as tape hiss and/or floor rumble.
Create sounds effects enlarging the stereo image.
Eliminate feedback using very sharp Q control on selected frequencies.
Overboost or overattenuate selected frequencies thanks to the overlapping frequency range of the five bands
available.
LTO
5.3 Application on single instrument
If you wish to use your -Q as an "in line" processor and use it for single instrument equalisation, you mustLTO
connect the output of the instrument to the input of your -Q and the output of the -Q to the input ofLTO LTO
an amplifier.
ACINPUT
110-120V
95-120V /210-240V 60-50Hz
RatedPower Consumption 9W
220-240V
FUSE:
210-240V:T200mAL 250VAC
95-120V:T315mA 250VAC
REPLACEFUSE WITH CORRECT TYPE ONLY
Apparatenskall anslutas till
A101
jordatuttag nar den ansluts
tillett natverk
TIP/ PIN2
RING/ PIN3
SLEEVE/ PIN1
OUTPUT
NEW TIDE
3
21
MIC level signal
NEW TIDE
3
21
TIP/ PIN2
RING/ PIN3
SLEEVE/ PIN1
INPUT
Main OutputInput
Stereo Program Source
5.4 Application on main MIX
Follow this chart and you will use the total flexibility of your -Q on the Main Mix.LTO
ACINPUT
110-120V
95-120V /210-240V 60-50Hz
RatedPower Consumption 9W
220-240V
FUSE:
210-240V:T200mAL 250VAC
95-120V:T315mA 250VAC
REPLACEFUSE WITH CORRECT TYPE ONLY
Apparatenskall anslutas till
A101
jordatuttag nar den ansluts
tillett natverk
TIP/ PIN2
RING/ PIN3
SLEEVE/ PIN1
OUTPUT
NEW TIDE
3
21
MIC level signal
NEW TIDE
21
Insert
TIP/ PIN2
RING/ PIN3
SLEEVE/ PIN1
3
INPUT
Main Output
9
6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
AUDIO INPUT
Type
Impedance
Operating level
Maximum input level
CMRR
AUDIO OUTPUT
Type
Impedance
Maximum output level
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
Bandwidth
THD+N%
IMD
Noise
Frequency response
Low cut
High cut
PARAMETRIC FILTER
Level
Frequency
Bandwidth
FUNCTION SWITCHES
Audio IN/OUT
I/O meter IN/OUT
IN/OUT
INDICATORS
Input/output level
Function switch
POWER SUPPLY
Main voltages
Power consumption
Fuse
PHYSICAL
Dimension
Weight
Active balanced XLR and 1/4" JACK
Balanced: 50kOhm Unbalanced: 25kOhm
+4dBu/ 10dBV
Balanced and Unbalanced: +18dBV
>55dB @1kHz
XLR and 1/4" JACK
Balanced: 60Ohm Unbalanced: 30Ohm
+18dBV
18Hz to 30kHz at 3dBV
0.02% typ. 1kHz, @+4dBu
0.04% typ. 1kHz, @ 10dBu
0.01% typ
>-92dBr unweighted 22Hz to 22kHz
18Hz to 28kHz, 3dB
Variable (10Hz to 400Hz)
Variable ( kHz to kHz)2.5 30
Variable ( 15dB)
Band1: 20Hz to 400Hz
Band2: 60Hz to 1kHz
Band3: 150Hz to 2.5kHz
Band4: 500Hz to 8kHz
Band5: 1kHz to 20kHz
Variable (0.03 to 1.6 octaves)
Relay controlled hard bypass
Switches the meter display from input to output
Activates each filter band
12-segment LED display:
-30/-24/-18/-12/-6/-3/0/+3/+6/+9/+12/+18dB
LED indicator of every switch
AC: 210 240VAC~50Hz
AC: 95 120VAC~60Hz
9watts
210 240V: T200mAL 250VAC
95 120V: T315mA 250VAC
483(W) 194.1(D) 44(H)mm
3.23kg
10
7. WARRANTY
1. WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD
To obtain Warranty Service, the buyer should first fill out and return the enclosed Warranty Registration Card within
10 days of the Purchase Date.
All the information presented in this Warranty Registration Card gives the manufacturer a better understanding of
the sales status, so as to purport a more effective and efficient after-sales warranty service.
Please fill out all the information carefully and genuinely, miswriting or absence of this card will void your warranty
service.
2. RETURN NOTICE
2.1 In case of return for any warranty service, please make sure that the product is well packed in its original shipping
carton, and it can protect your unit from any other extra damage.
2.2 Please provide a copy of your sales receipt or other proof of purchase with the returned machine, and give detail
information about your return address and contact telephone number.
2.3 A brief description of the defect will be appreciated.
2.4 Please prepay all the costs involved in the return shipping, handling and insurance.
3. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
3.1 warrants that this product will be free from any defects in materials and/or workmanship for a period
LTO
of 1 year from the purchase date if you have completed the Warranty Registration Card in time.
3.2 The warranty service is only available to the original consumer, who purchased this product directly from the
retail dealer, and it can not be transferred.
3.3 During the warranty service, may repair or replace this product at its own option at no charge to you for
LTO
parts or for labor in accordance with the right side of this limited warranty.
3.4 This warranty does not apply to the damages to this product that occurred as the following conditions:
Instead of operating in accordance with the user's manual thoroughly, any abuse or misuse of this product.
Normal tear and wear.
The product has been altered or modified in any way.
Damage which may have been caused either directly or indirectly by another product / force / etc.
Abnormal service or repairing by anyone other than the qualified personnel or technician.
And in such cases, all the expenses will be charged to the buyer.
3.5 In no event shall be liable for any incidental or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclu-
LTO
sion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion or limitation may not apply to you.
3.6 This warranty gives you the specific rights, and these rights are compatible with the state laws, you may also
have other statutory rights that may vary from state to state.
11
SEIKAKU TECHNICAL GROUP LIMITED
No. 1, Lane 17, Sec. 2, Han Shi W. Road, Taichung, 401 Taiwan
http://www.altomobile.com Tel: 886-4-22313737
email: info@altomobile.com Fax: 886-4-22346757
All rights reserved to ALTO Mobile. Due to continued development in response to
customer feedback, product features, specifications and/or internal/external design may be
changed without prior notice. No photocopying, translation or reproduction of any part of this user
manual is allowed without prior written permission.Copyright 2004 Seikaku Technical Group Limited.
c
NF00961-1.0
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