PEAVEY FEEDBACK FERRET User Manual

Feedback Ferret

™ Operation Manual

For more information on other great Peavey products, go to your local Peavey dealer or online at www.peavey.com

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Intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

Intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

CAUTION: Risk of electrical shock — DO NOT OPEN!
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover. No user serviceable parts inside.

Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

WARNING: To prevent electrical shock or fire hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
Before using this appliance, read the operating guide for further warnings.

Este símbolo tiene el propósito, de alertar al usuario de la presencia de “(voltaje) peligroso” sin
aislamiento dentro de la caja del producto y que puede tener una magnitud suficiente como para
constituir riesgo de descarga eléctrica.

Este símbolo tiene el propósito de alertar al usario de la presencia de instruccones importantes sobre la
operación y mantenimiento en la información que viene con el producto.

PRECAUCION: Riesgo de descarga eléctrica ¡NO ABRIR!
PRECAUCION: Para disminuír el riesgo de descarga eléctrica, no abra la cubierta. No hay piezas útiles

dentro. Deje todo mantenimiento en manos del personal técnico cualificado.

ADVERTENCIA: Para evitar descargas eléctricas o peligro de incendio, no deje expuesto a la lluvia o
humedad este aparato Antes de usar este aparato, Iea más advertencias en la guía de operación.

Ce symbole est utilisé dans ce manuel pour indiquer à l’utilisateur la présence d’une tension dangereuse
pouvant être d’amplitude suffisante pour constituer un risque de choc électrique.

Ce symbole est utilisé dans ce manuel pour indiquer à l’utilisateur qu’il ou qu’elle trouvera d’importantes
instructions concernant l’utilisation et l’entretien de l’appareil dans le paragraphe signalé.

ATTENTION: Risques de choc électrique — NE PAS OUVRIR!
ATTENTION: Afin de réduire le risque de choc électrique, ne pas enlever le couvercle. Il ne se trouve à

l’intérieur aucune pièce pouvant être reparée par l’utilisateur. Confiez I’entretien et la réparation de
l’appareil à un réparateur Peavey agréé.

AVERTISSEMENT: Afin de prévenir les risques de décharge électrique ou de feu, n’exposez pas cet
appareil à la pluie ou à l’humidité. Avant d’utiliser cet appareil, lisez attentivement les avertissements
supplémentaires de ce manuel.

Dieses Symbol soll den Anwender vor unisolierten gefährlichen Spannungen innerhalb des Gehäuses
warnen, die von Ausreichender Stärke sind, um einen elektrischen Schlag verursachen zu können.

Dieses Symbol soll den Benutzer auf wichtige Instruktionen in der Bedienungsanleitung aufmerksam
machen, die Handhabung und Wartung des Produkts betreffen.

VORSICHT: Risiko — Elektrischer Schlag! Nicht öffnen!
VORSICHT: Um das Risiko eines elektrischen Schlages zu vermeiden, nicht die Abdeckung enfernen. Es

befinden sich keine Teile darin, die vom Anwender repariert werden könnten. Reparaturen nur von
qualifiziertem Fachpersonal durchführen lassen.

ACHTUNG: Um einen elektrischen Schlag oder Feuergefahr zu vermeiden, sollte dieses Gerät nicht dem
Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt werden. Vor Inbetriebnahme unbedingt die Bedienungsanleitung lesen.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: When using electrical products, basic cautions should always be followed, including the following:

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (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 plug. The wide blade or 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 they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories provided by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When
a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods 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.

15. Never break off the ground pin. Write for our free booklet “Shock Hazard and Grounding.” Connect only to a power
supply of the type marked on the unit adjacent to the power supply cord.

16. If this product is to be mounted in an equipment rack, rear support should be provided.

17. 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. Government’s Occupational and Health Administration (OSHA) has
specified the following permissible noise level exposures:

Sound Duration Per Day In Hours Sound Level dBA, Slow Response

890
692
495
397
2100

1 1/2 102

1105

1/2 110

1/4 or less 115

According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. Ear plugs or protectors to the
ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating this amplification system in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss, if exposure
is in excess of the limits as set forth above. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is
recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels such as this amplification system be
protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in operation.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

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FFeeeeddbbaacckk FFeerrrreett

™™

pprreecciissiioonn ddiiggiittaall ddyynnaammiicc aannttii--ffeeeeddbbaacckk ffiilltteerr aarrrraayy

Features

◆ sophisticated seek & destroy algorithms find‚ lock and reduce offending frequencies

◆ 24-bit resolution provides the greatest dynamic range and best signal-to-noise ratio

◆ 16 digital dynamically controlled notch filters configured for 1/12 octave performance give the Ferret more feedback

control than any other unit on the market

◆ 4 preset locations allow you to store settings for your most common performance venues

◆ front panel disable button (located on rear panel) allows you to quickly disable the front panel once your settings are

made

◆ wide/narrow button enables you to change the width of filters (more on this later)

◆ reset button allows you to reset some or all of the filters

EENNGGLLIISSHH

Thank you for purchasing the Feedback Ferret™ by Peavey—the most cutting-edge feedback control system currently
on the market. The Ferret applies 16 digital dynamic filters at a resolution of 24-bits‚ automatically controlling
feedback without sacrificing volume or tone. The Ferret‚ armed with sophisticated algorithms‚ distinguishes between
music and feedback‚ seeking and destroying the feedback‚ leaving your music alone. Although there is no substitute
for a good soundman‚ the Ferret can greatly improve your sound application.

Please read this guide carefully to ensure your personal safety as well as the safety of your equipment.

QQUUIICCKK SSEETTUUPP

1. Turn off power to all units.

2. Connect the Ferret between your mixer and power amp. (Make sure your speakers are connected.) Connect the
main output or monitor output (depending on your application) on your mixer to the input on the Ferret. Connect
one of the Ferret’s outputs to the input on your power amp. Connect all microphones you plan on using.

3. Power up all units with the master volume completely down. (Remember: You should turn your power amp on

last and off first.) Make sure the Ferret is NOT set to Normal Mode (LED off). (Remember: you want a fairly quiet
room with no signal going through the system and the microphone levels up.)

4. Slowly bring up the master volume. As feedback occurs‚ the Ferret starts to work beginning with filter 16. As the
filters are needed‚ the associated LEDs will blink letting you know that a feedback frequency has been found and
the filter defined. Expect some LEDs to light solid as filters lock down on a problem!

5. Once the feedback is eliminated and filters are set‚ depress the Normal button on the front panel of the Ferret and
return the mixer gain to a normal level. That’s it! Your Ferret is working for you!

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE OPERATING GUIDE FOR THE BEST RESULTS.

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SSiiggnnaall
The Present LED lights when signal is present (40 dB down
from full scale). The Clip LED lights when the signal is 1/2 dB
down from clipping.

BByyppaassss
Press and hold to bypass filters. This takes the Ferret out of
the signal path completely. Use caution when engaging the
Bypass. Feedback could occur again—very loudly!

RReesseett
The reset button has two stages. By pressing and holding the
reset button‚ all filter LEDs will begin to flash. Filters 1–8
(dynamic) will clear first as indicated by their non-lit LEDs.
Releasing the button at this point will leave the static filters
(9–16) in their current state. Continuing to hold the rest button
will clear the remaining filters 9–16 (static).

WWiiddee
Engaging the Wide button increases the range of frequencies
that each filter affects. The LED lights when Wide is activated.

(Note: Feedback often occurs around a range of pitches or
frequencies‚ not necessarily a single pitch. By engaging this
button‚ the Ferret widens the effective range of each filter and
subsequently uses fewer filters to accomplish the same
result.)

PPaanniicc
Panic filters are a special class of filters designed to quickly
control sudden‚ extreme feedback. Panic is automatically
engaged when in Normal operating mode. The LED lights
when Panic is activated.

NNoorrmmaall
Activated after setting up for each venue. Automatically
engages the Panic filters. Deactivated when in Setup Mode.

PPrreesseett SSeelleecctt
4 presets and associated LEDs. Press and hold to store. Press
to recall. A preset stores all front panel information.

LLoocckk
Stops the Ferret from setting any new filters but keeps the
filters already defined and in place.

FFiilltteerrss
There are two sets of filters on the Ferret. Filters 9–16 are static
and always set before the dynamic filters. Once these static
filters are defined‚ they lock and maintain their status until
they are reset. The dynamic filters (1–8) are those filters that
change as input changes (i.e. volume changes‚ etc.).

PPoowweerr
The LED lights when AC power is supplied and the power
switch is on.

Ferret Front Panel Controls

AACC PPoowweerr
This is a standard IEC power connector. An AC mains cord
having the appropriate AC plug and ratings for the intended
operating voltage is included. The mains cord should be
connected to the unit before connecting to a suitable AC
outlet.

FFuussee
Domestic: 1A Slow-Blow
Export: 500 mA Time Delay

PPoowweerr SSwwiittcchh
This switch applies AC mains power to the internal power
supply. When the unit is functioning‚ the Power LED on the
front panel will illuminate.

FFrroonntt PPaanneell DDiissaabbllee SSwwiittcchh
When the Disable switch is engaged‚ all buttons on the front
of the unit are disabled. Use this switch after you’ve set up
your system. This will prevent any accidental changes to
your current settings.

PPoowweerr UUpp RReeccaallll
This button determines‚ upon power up‚ whether the unit
recalls the last settings used or preset 1.

OOuuttppuuttss
1/4" TRS balanced audio output. [tip = positive; ring =
negative; sleeve = ground]. XLR balanced audio output.
[pin 1 = ground; pin 2 = positive; pin 3 = negative]
unbalanced: [tip = positive; sleeve = ground]

IInnppuutt
XLR and 1/4" combo jack: 1/4" TRS balanced audio input.
[tip = positive; ring = negative; sleeve = ground]. XLR
balanced audio input. [pin 1 = ground; pin 2 = positive; pin
3 = negative] unbalanced: [tip = positive; sleeve = ground]

OOuuttppuutt LLeevveell
Sets the output level for +4 dBu (nominal) (+18 dBu max) or

-10 dBV (nominal) (+4 dBV max).
IInnppuutt LLeevveell

Sets the input level for +4 dBu (nominal) (+18 dBu max) or

-10 dBV (nominal) (+4 dBV max).

Ferret Back Panel

FUSE

FUSE

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Ferret™Hookup Diagrams

Ferret—Main PA

Ferret—Monitors

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Ferret—Channel Insert

Ferret—Sub Insert

Ferret—Instrument Amp

Ferret—Powered Mixer

8

Operating Instructions

Where To Put Your Ferret

™

The Feedback Ferret can be used in a variety of locations within a sound system. Place a Ferret at the input
insert of every microphone or you could process many microphones together by placing a single Ferret on
the output of a vocal subgroup. One of the most common connections is to install the Ferret between the
mixer’s output and the power amp’s input. This mixer output may be from the main output or the monitor
output‚ depending on your needs. You can also place the Ferret on a single channel’s insert to eliminate
feedback from a single microphone or instrument. Once the Ferret has determined the problem
frequencies for a particular setup‚ you can save that group of filter settings to one of the four preset
buttons for instant recall.

How Does It Work?

The Ferret includes a set of 16 digital notch filters that employ sophisticated algorithms that seek out and
destroy feedback‚ without destroying your tone. There are two sets of filters on the Ferret‚ static and
dynamic. Filters 9–16 are static and always set before the dynamic filters (1–8). Once these static filters are
set‚ they lock and maintain their status until they are reset by the user or a different preset is selected. The
dynamic filters (1–8) are those filters that change as your needs change. Any filter (static or dynamic) that
is set‚ but not locked (as indicated by blinking filter LED)‚ will slowly release and return to flat (0 dB) and
be available for further use.

When the Ferret locates an offending frequency (feedback)‚ it applies a filter‚ starting with filter 16. This
filter is centered at the feedback frequency and uses only as much attenuation as needed to remove the
feedback. If feedback continues‚ the filter depth is progressively increased until the feedback is gone. If the
feedback is momentary‚ such as a short squeal‚ the Ferret applies a filter but slowly releases it in .10 dB
steps until it is returned to flat (0 dB). If the same frequency causes feedback again‚ the same filter will be
reapplied. This process continues as additional filters are engaged‚ starting from the right side of the Ferret‚
until all feedback is gone. Monitoring continues as the Ferret attempts to release each active unlocked filter
.10 dB at a time. Once a filter reaches 0 dB‚ the Ferret returns the filter to the queue. The Feedback Ferret
continuously applies the least amount of attenuation required to eliminate feedback.

9

Setup

For best results‚ complete the Setup in a relatively quiet room. This allows the Ferret to find primary
acoustic feedback frequencies. Every room and setup has problem frequencies. This makes each room
different and creates different feedback problems. It is also important to understand that while in Setup
mode‚ the Ferret does not distinguish between feedback and music. If you play music through the system
while in Setup mode‚ the Ferret will try and eliminate it.

Step One

These instructions assume you have connected the Ferret from the mixer outputs and not from a single
channel insert. Make sure the Normal LED is off (this engages Setup mode) and that your microphone levels
are set. Slowly bring up the master level. You should see the filters begin to seek and lock as feedback
begins to occur. This will begin with filter 16 and progress from right to left automatically. You will notice
that each filter will begin by blinking and then light solidly when each frequency is locked down. This is
accomplished with the minimum amount of attenuation.

Step Two

Continue bringing the master level up until you’ve reached the required volume level. As you start to hear
feedback‚ momentarily stop adjusting the levels to allow the Ferret to complete the adjustment of its filter.
Normally‚ you should hear the onset of feedback before the Ferret takes control. In most applications‚ this
should give you plenty of gain and still leave additional filters open for later use. If all or most of the filters
are lit up‚ bring the master level back down‚ reset the filters and start over. But this time‚ hit the Wide button
on the front panel. The Wide button allows each filter to work on a wider range of frequencies thereby
freeing up additional filters for other use. (Note: If all or most of the filters light up it’s probably an

indication that it is a bad room‚ a bad system setup or you are just too loud!)

Step Four

Finally‚ put the unit in Normal mode. This mode automatically engages the Panic button. Your system
should be performance ready! At this point‚ it is advisable to engage the Front Panel Disable Switch to
minimize accidental changes. Once you are content with your settings‚ press and hold one of the preset
buttons (1–4) to save your filter settings.

Note: The Ferret is not a replacement for a good soundman. Good sound sytem performance starts with
good placement of the microphones and speakers.