Sabine FBX SOLO SM-820 User Manual

OPERATING

GUIDE

FBX-SOLO Model SL820

FBX-SOLO Model SM820

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Front Panel Description 5

• Back Panel Descriptions 6 - 7

• Applications for Use 8 - 9

• Before you Begin... 10 - 13

• Operating Instructions 13

• FBX Setup Instructions 14 - 18

• Trouble Shooting Tips 18 - 19

• Product Specifications 20 - 21

• Warranty & Cautions 22 - 23

QUICK START OPERATION

For best results, read all operating instructions
before using the FBX-SOLO (pages 12-19).

1. Patch in the SOLO where appropriate
for your model, and select the input/
output level on the back.

2. With gain down on the input channel,
put the SOLO in Active mode (green
bypass LED), then slowly raise the
channel gain to the point of feedback.

3. Raise the gain slowly until 7 FBX filters
are set, then reduce gain slightly.

4. Adjust the Clip Level on the SOLO, and
you're ready to go.

© 2003 Sabine, Inc.

CONGRATULATIONS!

You now have the state-of-the-art in feedback con­trol. The Sabine FBX-SOLO gives you automatic
real-time feedback control for any channel of your
mix. In setup and during the performance, it gives
you more gain and increases the clarity of your
mains and monitors. It's the affordable solution to
feedback problems, perfect for wireless mics, moni­tors, acoustic/electric instruments, harmonica mics,
multi-mic locations like conference rooms and court­houses — wherever there's an open microphone.
The FBX-SOLO
and digital signal processing technology. It auto­matically senses feedback in a sound system and
determines its pitch. It then places one of its eight
constant "Q" micro-filters on the resonating fre­quency and eliminates the feedback in typically less
than one second.

Special features of the SL820 and SM820:

• New ultra fast Turbo Setup Mode grabs

feedback at very low levels.

• The SL820 has 1/4" in/out connectors
and input/output level switches for any
combination of ins and outs. The SL is for
use with acoustic/electric guitars and gui­tar amplifiers, mixer insert points, powered
mixer patch points and high impedance
mics.

• The SM820, with selectable phantom
power, has XLR in/out connectors for

use with balanced microphones.

• Both models offer standard FBX features
like switchable filter widths and lock-

able fixed filters.

• New improved performance - 20 bit A/D
conversion, expanded dynamic range &
up to 8 FBX filters.

incorporates the latest in design

HOW CAN THE SOLO BE USED?

Assign a SOLO to any specific mixer channel. You
can also use the SM820 to connect a phantom­powered mic to a non-phantom-powered mixer.

See SOLO Applications on page 8 & 9.

2

THE BEST FEEDBACK CONTROLLER

Before the invention of the FBX, the most common
device for controlling feedback was the 31-band
graphic EQ. However, the FBX has three distinct
advantages. The most obvious is the FBX functions
automatically, even during the program. Another is
the FBX micro-filters are precisely placed while EQ
filters are fixed; FBX filters can be placed between
predetermined graphic filters. The difference: FBX
filters do not have to be as deep, so there is more
system gain. The final and most important advan­tage is that FBX micro-filters are ten times narrower
than 31-band EQ filters. FBX micro-filters return up
to 90 percent of the power removed by EQ filters.
Over the years, engineers stopped using 12-band
EQs in favor of the narrower-filter 31-band EQ for
controlling feedback. The FBX represents the next
step. An EQ would need more than 10,000 sliders
to be equivalent to your FBX. With the SOLO, your
monitors will finally sound loud enough, everyone in
the audience will understand each word, and the
mains will sound natural and transparent.

WHO NEEDS THE FBX?

Virtually every sound system will be improved with
the FBX. Small bands that do not have sound
technicians can now increase their monitor volumes
so they can hear themselves clearly and with full
fidelity, without worrying if the program is going to be
ruined by feedback.
Auditoriums and churches of all sizes will enjoy
reliable feedback control. Hotels and conference
centers around the world can offer meeting rooms
with sound systems that won’t howl during pro­grams. The SOLO can be installed in theaters,
schools, sports arenas, courtrooms — anywhere
multiple microphones are used. It can also be used
for teleconferencing, intercoms or interactive re­mote classrooms.

WHY THE FBX?

The simple beauty of the FBX is its ability to quickly
and effectively eliminate feedback with narrower
filters than ever before possible. The FBX delivers
superior sound quality automatically.

3

A DIRECT HIT ON FEEDBACK! The FBX-SOLO

targets feedback without taking a big chunk out of
your sound. Tests prove that a single 1/3-octave EQ
slider pulled down 12 dB removes almost half the
power going to the speakers over a two-octave
range. And, as the illustration above shows, you
can't place a graphic EQ filter precisely on the
ringing frequency. When you pull down multiple
sliders in a normal setup (below), you end up with
giant holes in your sound. On the other hand, FBX
constant "Q" micro-filters are 10 times narrower ­you get back up to 90% of the power you lose with
a graphic EQ! That means more gain before feed­back and no loss in sound quality.

FREQUENCY RESPONSE TEST: Full Set-Up FBX
vs. 1/3-Octave Graphic Equalizer. Test procedure: A

PA system was set up using a microphone, mixer, FBX,
power amp and two speakers. The system's gain was
raised until the FBX removed six feedback points. Next,
the FBX was replaced with a 1/3-octave graphic EQ.
The EQ was adjusted while the input was raised to the
same level achieved with the FBX. The frequency
response curves of each device were then plotted.

What this means to you: Doubling the cost of your
microphones, speakers and power amp probably would
not improve your system's frequency response as much
as replacing your EQ with an FBX for chasing feed-

back.

4

SL820 & SM820 FRONT PANELS

POWER

The On/Off power switch is a two-position push
button switch. The LEDs corresponding to all active
filters will blink on power-up.

ACTIVE/BYPASS

In Active mode, the unit controls feedback auto­matically. The two-color "BY" LED lights green
when the unit is in Active mode and lights red when
in Bypass mode. The mic preamp remains active in
Bypass mode; only the FBX function is bypassed.

DUAL-FUNCTION RESET

To reset only the dynamic filters, press and hold the
reset button. The LEDs will flash 3 times and then
the LEDs that indicate current Dynamic filter place­ment will shut off (fixed filter LEDs will remain on).
To reset ALL filters, hold the reset button until all
LEDs go off (approximately 7 flashes).

LOCK FIXED FILTERS

When the "Lock Fixed" button is pressed, its LED
will light to indicate that the FBX is in Lock Fixed
mode. Lock Fixed mode can be activated at any

after system setup and will stay on until the

time
button is pressed again and the LED turns off. The
dynamic filters are not affected (see p.10 for de­tails).

CLIP LEVEL ADJUST

The front panel clip level adjust knob has two
functions, and its use will depend on the setting of
the output switch on the back panel. When the
output is set to Unity: the Clip Level Adjust allows
you to set the optimal clip level for the input signal,
in order to optimize the dynamic range while main­taining unity gain. Higher input levels will require the
Clip Level Adjust to be turned more counterclock­wise to avoid distortion; lower input levels will re­quire the knob to be turned clockwise, to minimize
noise.

5

Recommended setting of the Clip Level Adjust: the
clip LED should blink intermittently. Regardless of
the Clip Level Adjust, setting Unity on the back panel
will maintain unity gain (no net gain or loss of signal
level).
When the back panel output is set to Line, the SOLO
acts as a preamplifier, and the Clip Level Adjust
knob becomes a gain control (see SL820 & SM820
Input Low/High Switch sections below).

SIGNAL LEVEL/TURBO INDICATOR

The LED ladder indicates the signal strength relative
to the SOLO's input level. Clip LED flashes indepen­dently to indicate when the SOLO is in Turbo Setup
mode.

FILTER ACTIVITY

When one of the unit’s constant "Q" filters is activat­ed, the corresponding LED lights. A blinking LED
indicates the filter that was most recently activated.
All filter LEDs cycle to indicate Turbo Mode is about
to disengage.

FILTER WIDTH SWITCH

Switch to narrow 1/10-octave filters for music appli­cations or to wider 1/5-octave filters for spoken word
applications. The change takes effect only on power
up. Selecting a new width has no effect unless you
power down and then power up again.

12 VOLT DC ADAPTOR

The FBX external power supply (single unit power
supply; model # SPSPOWR) is included with the
unit. Use of any other power supplies may cause
permanent damage to the unit and WILL VOID THE
WARRANTY.

SL820 BACK PANEL ONLY

INPUT LOW/HIGH SWITCH

Switch to Low for instru­ment or (high impedance
microphone) IN. Use with
low level inputs such as
piezo mic pick ups — this provides a 30 dB boost in
the FBX's input gain structure. Switch to High for
insert or line IN: use with high level output instru­ments and signal processors.

6

OUTPUT UNITY/LINE SWITCH

Switch to Unity (for level in = level out) for use with
amplifiers that accept low level signals, such as
guitar amps. In the Unity setting, the SL820 input
level equals the output level. Switch to Line (for line
level out) if your signal needs pre-amplification. In
the Line setting the gain is adjusted between 0 and
+35 dB (High IN); +30 to +65 dB (LOW IN) via the clip
level adjust.

INPUTS & OUTPUTS

The connector labeled IN/OUT serves as both the
unit's input (tip) and output (ring) when used with a
single TRS plug. When used with a Y-cord, use the
IN/OUT as the input and the OUTPUT as the output
(for channel insert configurations).

SM820 ONLY BACK PANEL

OUTPUT LO/HI SWITCH

In the LO setting, the
SM820 has unity gain (in­put = output); use LO for
mic level. In the HI setting,
gain is adjustable between

-15 dB and +20 dB using
the clip level adjust; use HI for line level, or when you
need to preamp the signal.

PHANTOM POWER ON/OFF SWITCH

The SM820 is set to "Phantom Power - OFF" at the
factory. If you wish to use phantom power, move the
switch to "ON." NOTE: The SM820 will not pass
phantom power from your mixer.

INPUT

The input accepts balanced XLR-3 (PIN 2 high)
plugs.

OUTPUT

Use balanced XLR-3 plugs (PIN 2 high) for balanced
mixer line inputs. NOTE: the output impedance of

the SM820 is unbalanced.

7

APPLICATIONS

SL820: You can use the SL820 with

acoustic/electric guitars and guitar
amplifiers, mixer insert points, pow­ered mixer patch points and high
impedance mics. Use the following
wiring diagrams as guides for setup:

NOTE: For Configurations 1-4, the output control on the
back panel of the SL820 may actually be set to either
Unity or Line. In the Unity setting the output level will
equal the input level, and, since the input level to the
SL820 in such a setup is already line level, the output will
be line level as well. When the output setting is switched
to Line, the front panel knob becomes a gain control,
and it is possible to add additional gain to your signal
path, if needed. Care should be taken in this situation
to avoid overdriving your mixer channel.

1. Mixer Channel Insert with TRS/TRS Cable

NOTE: Use a TRS
connector at both
ends of cable.

SL820

2. Mixer Channel Insert w/ Insert "Y" Cable

NOTE: Use a
TRS connector
only at the mixer
insert point.

3. Mixer Channel HI Impedance Mic on Line Input

8

4. Instrument IN for Amp

NOTE: an SL820 can be inserted at line level after
the mixer and before the power amp on smaller
systems.

Note for SM820: Use the SM820
with balanced microphones.

SM820

5. Mic Input to Mixer Line Input

6. Mic Input to Mixer Mic Input

9

BEFORE YOU BEGIN...

The FBX automatic feedback controller improves
any sound reinforcement system. By following these
simple instructions, you will be assured of the most
benefit from your FBX and sound system. The
instructions presume that you are familiar with the
fundamentals of sound reinforcement. If any of the
terms are not clear, or if the system does not perform
as expected, contact your local Sabine dealer for
further information. Read on for a basic explanation
of FBX features you should understand before using
your FBX.

POWERING UP

When connecting the
power supply to the
FBX-SOLO, angle the
connector down, then
push the connector up into the input gently, with the
lip facing up as shown. Do not force the connector
into or out of the FBX.

UNDERSTANDING FIXED & DYNAMIC FILTERS

The FBX has two types of constant “Q” filters: Fixed
and Dynamic. Both filters are placed the same way:
feedback is detected and the filter is placed just
deep enough to eliminate it. The difference between
Fixed and Dynamic comes after the filter is placed.
Fixed filters are set automatically during the initial
setup and remain on the initially detected feedback
frequency — they do not move. The system’s gain
before feedback is provided by the Fixed filters; i.e.,
increasing the number of Fixed filters increases the
system’s allowable gain before feedback.
The FBX’s Dynamic filters control intermittent feed-
back that occurs during the program.

NOTE: Dynamic filters release only when
necessary, i.e., after all filters have set, but a
new feedback frequency has been detected.
These filters will not "gradually release" as
they might in other feedback controllers —
leaving you unprotected and at risk of feed­back. Sabine's Dynamic filters allow for adap­tive, safe, continuous feedback control during
the performance.

If Lock Fixed is not engaged, the Fixed filters will
control feedback during performance on their as-

10

signed frequencies (configured during setup). In­creased activity at one of those frequencies may
cause the filter to go deeper (e.g.., deepen from -12
dB to -15 dB). Activating the Lock Fix function
prevents the Fixed filters from going deeper at their
assigned frequencies.

FIXED & DYNAMIC FILTER CONFIGURATION

The filters can be reconfigured easily from the
factory default setting (six fixed and two Dynamic) to
any combination of Fixed and Dynamic filters. For
example, the following procedure will set three filters
Fixed and five Dynamic:

1. Place the unit in Bypass mode.

2. Power down the SOLO.

3. While depressing the Reset button, power up
the unit.

4. Release the Reset button. The Filter Indicator
LEDs will now light in sequence.

5. When the third LED is lit, press the Reset button.

6. Notice that the first three LEDs flash three times
to verify that they are now the Fixed filters.
Filters which do not flash are Dynamic filters.

NOTE: The Fixed filters flash three times whenever
the FBX is powered up.

RESET OPTIONS

The Reset button has two functions: You can reset
all the FBX filters, or just the Dynamic filters. Hold
the Reset button in and all the filter LEDs will begin
flashing. To clear only the Dynamic filters, release
the Reset button when the Dynamic filter LEDs go
off (after three flashes). To clear all the filters, do not
release the Reset button until

all the filters LEDs go

off (approximately 7 flashes). A full reset is recom-

mended whenever you change speaker or mi­crophone positions. NOTE: Factory default is 6

Fixed and 2 Dynamic filters, so if you reset Dynam­ics only those two lights will go out during reset. And
remember, whenever you perform a full reset you
will automatically be in Turbo mode.

WARNING: Do not reset all filters

during the

program. This releases all the feedback you elimi-

nated during setup. Use extreme caution when
resetting the Dynamic filters, because you may need
those filters at that moment during the show.

11

TURBO MODE SETUP

The FBX-SOLO incorporates Turbo Mode setup,

which is indicated by a flashing red Clip LED. This
lightning-quick setup feature cuts the time for FBX
filter initialization to just a few seconds.
NOTE: The SOLO is set in Turbo Mode at the factory
and automatically engages every time you reset
filters. The SOLO automatically returns to normal
program mode when the first dynamic filter is set, or
when you press the front panel Lock Fixed button. All
the filter LEDs will cycle to indicate that Turbo Mode
is about to disengage.

WARNING: Turbo Mode will cause distortion in
your audio program — it is for setup only. You

must follow the setup procedure outlined in the next
section, and do not play program during Turbo
Setup Mode. Otherwise the FBX-SOLO will clip, and
filters may be set improperly. (Clip level is set to the
lowest level so the feedback clips quickly; therefore,
your program will also be clipped in Turbo Mode. Be
sure a Dynamic filter is set, and if one isn’t, press the
Lock Fixed button before your program begins.)

You’ll know the FBX-SOLO is in Turbo Mode if
the red Clip LED flashes and when no other
signal level LEDs are lit. You can manually over-

ride Turbo mode if necessary: Press Lock Fixed
(the Lock Fixed light will turn on), then press it again.
(Lock Fixed light will go out).

MOBILE vs. STATIONARY MICROPHONES

One significant advantage offered by the Sabine
family of FBX Feedback Exterminator products is
their ability to adapt to changing acoustical relation­ships involving sound system components and vari­ous user applications. One major source of poten­tial feedback problems arises in situations with
wireless microphones, when the user of the wireless
mic is moving around the stage/auditorium. As a
microphone moves in a sound space, with varying
degrees of proximity to the speakers and varying
acoustic responses, feedback frequencies may shift.
In such a situation, feedback-free mobility may be
more important a concern than maximum system
gain.
One method of setting FBX filters with mobile micro­phones is to turn a microphone on and walk around
to the various possible microphone locations. At the

12

same time, raise the system gain and set the FBX
filters one at a time.
In some situations, raising the number of dynamic
filters (versus fixed FBX filters) may allow a second
layer of defense against new feedback from new
locations. However, in many mobile microphone set
ups, fixed FBX filters will protect against feedback
across the range of microphone mobility.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPERATION

SL820 SYSTEM INITIALIZING PROCEDURE

Choose the input level. Switch to LO for instrument

or microphone in (use with low level inputs such as
piezo mics); this provides a 30 dB boost in the FBX’s
input gain structure. Switch to HI for insert or line in
(use with high level output instruments and signal
processors).

Choose the output level. Switch to Unity when you
want level in to equal level out. In the Unity setting the
SL820 has a system gain of 1 (input = output level).
Switch to Line (for line level out) if your signal needs
pre-amplification. In the Line setting the gain is ad­justed between 0 and +35 dB via the clip level adjust.

SM820 SYSTEM INITIALIZING PROCEDURE

Select Phantom Power ON/OFF. Your SM820 is

delivered from the factory with the phantom power
function disabled. If you wish to use phantom power,
you may enable the function by switching to “Phan-
tom Power - ON” on the back panel.

The majority of

low impedance balanced non-phantom-powered
mics are wired to ignore phantom power. Check your
microphone owner’s manual for verification to avoid
damage. The SM820 will not pass phantom power
from the mixer to your mic channel and is for pre­fader channel input only.

SL820 & SM820 SETUP INSTRUCTIONS

Follow these steps to obtain the maximum gain
before feedback without changing the tonal quality
of your program. Set up only one SOLO at a time.
The following instructions are for using the SOLO on
a channel insert. For use with monitors, substitute
monitor send and master monitor control for input
channel level fader and mixer master output. Be
sure to turn off the mains when initializing the SOLO
in your monitor system.

13

FBX SETUP INSTRUCTIONS

Place the speakers and micro-

1

phones in the positions where they
will be used during the program.
Avoid placing microphones di­rectly in front of speakers. If you
are using a graphic EQ, adjust it
only for the desired tonal quali­ties. DO NOT NOTCH FOR
FEEDBACK.

Set the mixer master output, all

2

channel level faders, and the
monitors to minimum.

.

Turn on the SOLO

3

mixer, any signal processing
equipment, and finally the power
amp. NOTE:

SOLO signal path should be off
during this procedure.

Turn on the

compressors in the

OUTPUT,

INPUT &

MONITOR

LEVELS

Press and hold the SOLO’s Reset

4

button (see page 8 for more de­tails on the reset function) until
the LEDs stop flashing to clear
out all filters set previously.

NOTE: You are now in Turbo
Mode (see page 9 for details). Be
sure the “BY” LED is green to
indicate the SOLO is not in by­pass mode (red).

Turn the SOLO’s clip level adjust

5

to the two o’clock position.

Set the mixer master output to a

6

nominal level.

14

MIXER MASTER

Slowly raise the in-

7

put channel level
fader for the channel
being set until feed­back occurs. The
SOLO should quickly
remove the feedback.

The first Filter LED will then
blink to indicate a filter has
been set.

Keep raising the level slowly

8

until all Fixed Filters and one
dynamic filter is set.

Turbo Setup
Mode goes OFF automatically
when the first Dynamic filter is
initialized. Any un-initialized dy­namic filters will be set later if
feedback occurs during the pro­gram.

Now lower the channel level
fader slightly so that the system
is not on the verge of another
feedback point. This is the maxi­mum volume level that the FBX-
SOLO will be able to provide.
Higher levels will cause uncon­trollable feedback.

CHANNEL

INPUT
LEVEL

FIRST

FEEDBACK

TONE

CHANNEL

INPUT
LEVEL

CHANNEL

INPUT
LEVEL

Finally, during sound check, ad-

9

just the Clip Level Adjust so that
the red Clip LED blinks intermit­tently, as you would adjust the
recording level of a tape re­corder. The unit will clip and
distort the program if the Clip
Level Adjust is set too high. If it
is set too low, the signal-to-noise
ratio will degrade and the sys­tem may hiss.

IMPORTANT: Make sure Turbo mode
is OFF — Clip LED NOT flashing!

15

HOW TO USE THE "LOCK FIXED" FEATURE

In certain situations the FBX may mistake music for
feedback and drive the fixed filters deeper than
necessary, like in a church with a pipe organ or
during a performance with a great deal of intentional
sustained electric guitar feedback. You may pre­vent the fixed filters from deepening beyond their
initial depth by pressing the Lock Fixed button on the
front panel AFTER setting the fixed filters as de­scribed previously. The Lock Fixed LED will light to
indicate that the FBX is in Lock Fixed mode. The
fixed filters will stay locked until you press the Lock
Fixed button again. The dynamic filters are not
affected. In almost every situation, it is best to

lock the fixed filters right after the initial setup.

LIMITING TOTAL NUMBER OF ACTIVE FILTERS

You may choose to limit the total number of active
filters for each application by using the Lock Fixed
button. For example, if you wish to use only three
fixed and one dynamic filter, set the FBX so there are
seven fixed and one dynamic filter. Then during the
setup procedure, simply press the Lock Fixed button
after setting the first three fixed filters. The remain­ing four fixed filters will be locked in their zero
position.

SELECTING FILTER WIDTH

If the SOLO is to be used for a music application, 1/10­octave filters are most effective. However, in spoken
word applications, such as lectures or teleconferenc­ing, the wider 1/5-octave filters are recommended.
Select the filter width using the switch on the SOLO
back panel. The change takes effect only on power­up. Selecting a new width has no effect unless you
power down and then power up again.

ENGAGING THE NOISE GATE

One outstanding feature of your FBX-SOLO is a user­selectable noise gate. It acts as an automatic switch
that opens a microphone only when someone is
speaking directly into it. A noise gate is especially
useful in systems that have a number of open micro­phones, such as courtrooms, conference rooms, or
parliament buildings. Gating microphones greatly
reduces the number of possible feedback points in
the room and allows for more system gain.

16

The level that turns
the noise gate on and
off is called the
threshold. If the level
coming into the gate
is greater than the
threshold, the noise
gate opens, and the
mic is turned on. If it
is less than the
threshold, the noise
gate closes, and the mic is turned off.
You can adjust your SOLO to four different threshold
levels (see diagram at left), or turn it off. To select the
threshold, power down the SOLO. Hold in the Lock
Fixed button, and power up the SOLO. The clip level
LEDs will light in sequence. Select the threshold
level by pressing the Lock Fixed button again when
the clip LED lights at the corresponding threshold
level. The noise gate is now enabled, indicated by a
flashing level LED on power-up. Pressing the Lock

Fixed button with no clip LEDs lighted turns off
the noise gate. If no lights flash on power-up, the
noise gate is not engaged. When the SOLO's

noise gate is enabled, it will not become engaged
until after you've set all fixed filters and one dynamic
filter (if the SOLO is configured for any).

USING SABINE'S OPTIONAL SOLO ACCESSORIES

1-U rack tray (model # SL6RACK): An optional 1-

U rack tray holds up to six SOLOs (and/or Sabine's
SDA102 digital delays). Mount the SL820s, SM820s,
or a combination of both side by side on the tray.

Use
only Sabine supplied screws; use of any other
screws may damage the SOLO and void the war­ranty.

IMPORTANT OPERATING CONSIDERATIONS

MEMORY: The FBX stores the positions and depths

of the filters in nonvolatile internal memory when the
unit is turned off or during a power failure. The unit
will return all filters to their previous frequencies and
depths when it is turned back on.

BYPASS MODE: Placing the FBX-SOLO in bypass
mode only shuts down the FBX function; the micro-

17

phone preamp still functions when the unit is in
bypass mode. The SOLO will not pass signal if the
power is off in either active or bypass mode.

RESETTING THE FILTERS: You must reset the
FBX if the microphones or speakers are moved
significantly.

To reset ALL filters: press and hold the reset
button until the filter LEDs flash about 7 times, or

all filter LEDs turn off.

until

To reset only the dynamic filters: press and hold
the reset button for 3 flashes and let go. The LEDs
that indicate
off, and the fixed filter LEDs will remain on.

current dynamic filter placement will be

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

Q. Can I patch the SOLO SL820 after the mixer and

before the power amp?

A. Yes, but only in cases where just eight feedback

filters are needed, such as on the monitors
alone. Eight FBX filters may not always provide
enough gain before feedback for your entire mix.

Q. Sometimes I don't get enough gain before feed-

back. Why?

A. Gain before feedback is determined by the num-

ber of fixed filters you set; increasing the number
of fixed filters during setup increases the system's
gain before feedback. Fixed filters are set
automatically during the initial setup and remain
on the initially detected feedback tone -- they do
not move. You can reconfigure the filters from
the factory default setting (six fixed and two
dynamic) to any combination of fixed and dy­namic filters. Review the procedure on page 10,
UNDERSTANDING FIXED AND DYNAMIC FIL­TERS of this operating guide.

Q. The Clip Level LEDs do not light. The unit will not

catch feedback. Why?

A. The unit is not in the signal path. Check the

connections.

Q. Why does one of the Filter Activity LEDs blink?
A. The last filter to be automatically updated blinks.

During normal operation, the blinking will move
from filter to filter as the SOLO finds new feed­back points. This gives the user a visual confir­mation that the unit is functioning properly.

18

Q. Why does my SOLO set filters when music is

played through it?

A. Make sure the FBX’s Turbo Mode has turned off

before you program. Check the signal level
ladder. If the red Clip LED lights with no other
signal level LEDs lit, the FBX-SOLO is still in
Turbo Mode. Turbo Mode turns off automati­cally after the first dynamic filter is set, or you can
turn it off manually by pressing the Lock Fixed
button. Turbo Mode sets filters very quickly —
without analyzing the signal — and may not
distinguish feedback from music or audio signal.

Q. Why would the FBX cause a noticeable hum?
A. It may hum if the system is improperly grounded.

Check for bad grounds.

Q. Why does my system sound thin and muffled?
A. Place the SOLO in Bypass Mode. If the system

still sounds thin, your problem is probably with
improper use of a graphic EQ. If the problem
exists only with the SOLO in Active mode, verify
the clip level setting, reinitialize the system and
lock the fixed filters.

Q. With the SL820 in the insert point, I hear no

audio. Why?

A. Your insert point may be wired opposite to the

SOLO. Try reversing the tip and ring (in and out)
of your Y-cord. If you are using a single TRS
cable, you will have to reconfigure one end of it
to conform to your mixer insert point.

Q. Will the SOLO eliminate feedback in both mains

and monitors?

A. Yes, but for maximum gain you should set as

many fixed filters as possible on the system with
the most feedback problems. Choose which
system is more likely to have feedback, and
follow the system initializing procedure for either
mains or monitors. During program, the dy­namic filters will control feedback for both mains
and monitors if they are in use, but only on the
input channel the SOLO is patched into.

Q. The channel I have the SOLO in seems noisy.

What can I do?

A. If the noise floor is too high, you need to readjust

the gain structure of that channel. Follow the
SOLO initialization instructions in this guide.

19

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
FILTERS

Eight independent digital notch filters controlled
automatically from 40 Hz to 20 KHz
Filter width: 1/10 octave, typical, or 1/5-oct.
selectable; constant "Q"

Filter depth: DSP controlled, variable to -50 dB
Resolution: 1/50th octave
Time required to find and eliminate feedback:

0.4 sec., typical @ 1 KHz
Total number of combined filters active: User
selectable, from 1-8
Number of Dynamic vs. Fixed filters: User
selectable
Last configuration stored in memory

INPUT/OUTPUT - SL820 ONLY

I/O Connectors: 1/4" TRS; tip = input, ring =

output, sleeve = ground

Input Impedance: Unbalanced >1 meg Ohm
Output Impedance: Unbalanced 10 Ohms

nominal; Maximum load 2K Ohms

Maximum Input/Output Level at lowest gain:

+20 dBV
Gain Range (with line out selected): 0 to +35 dB
(high in), +30 to +65 dB (low in)

Input to Output Gain @ unity setting: +/- 0.5 dBV
Bypass: Digital

INPUT/OUTPUT - SM820 ONLY

I/O Connectors: XLR-3 PIN 2 high Balanced
Input Impedance: 1K Ohm nominal
Output Impedance: Unbalanced 10 Ohms

nominal; Maximum load 2K Ohms
Maximum Input/Output Level at lowest gain: -10
dBV**

Gain Range: -15 to +20 dB (at high output)
Input to Output Gain @ unity setting: +/- 0.5 dBV
Bypass: Digital
EIN: -105 dBm @ 150 Ohms, 20 Hz - 20 KHz or

better

Phantom Power: 48V switch selectable

20

PERFORMANCE***

Frequency Response: < +0.75 dB, 20 Hz to 20

KHz

Signal to Noise Ratio: >94 dB typical
Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.01% @ 1 KHz @

+15 dBV

Dynamic Range: >100 dB

NOISE GATE

Attack Time: Fixed (400 mS)
Threshold: Selectable (-24 dB, -36 dB, -48 dB, -60

dB)

POWER SUPPLY

8-20 VDC @ 400 mA

DIMENSIONS

1-U height, 1/6-RU width; 2.78 x 1.65 x 5.5 in. (6.95
x 4.13 x 13.75 cm)

WEIGHT

9 oz. (0.26 kg)

OPTIONS

SL6RACK Rack Tray (holds up to six units)

*Below approximately 200 Hz the feedback filters become
slightly wider to increase the capture speed of feedback and
rumble at these low frequencies.
**Note: Inputs may be balanced or unbalanced.
***Tests performed using an Audio Precision System One
model 322 or equal.

SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

21

EXPOSURE TO EXTREMELY HIGH NOISE LEVELS MAY CAUSE A PERMANENT HEARING

CAUTION

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 SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) HAS SPECIFIED THE FOLLOWING
PERMISSIBLE NOISE LEVEL EXPOSURES:

DURATION/DAY SOUND LEVEL IN dBA,
IN HOURS SLOW RESPONSE

890
692
495
397
2 100

ACCORDING TO OSHA, ANY EXPOSURE IN EXCESS OF THE ABOVE PERMISSIBLE LIMITS
COULD RESULT IN HEARING LOSS. EAR PLUGS OR PROTECTORS IN THE EAR CANALS OR
OVER THE EARS MUST BE WORN WHEN OPERATING THIS DEVICE 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 DEVICE BE
PROTECTED BY HEARING PROTECTORS WHILE THIS UNIT IS IN OPERATION.

1. Read all safety and operating instructions before using this product.

2. All safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

3. Obey all cautions in the operating instructions and on the unit.

4. All operating instructions should be followed.

5. Use only shielded audio and data cables.

6. This product should not be used in the presence of moisture or rain, or near any water, i.e., a
bathtub, sink, swimming pool, wet basement, etc.

7. This product should be located so that its position does not interfere with proper ventilation. Do
not use in direct sunlight. Do not place flat against a wall or in a built-in enclosure that will impede
the flow of cooling air.

8. This product should not be placed near a source of heat such as a stove or radiator.

9. Connect only to a power supply of the type marked on the unit adjacent to the power entry module.

10. Never break off the ground pin on the power supply cord.

11. Power supply cords should always be handled carefully. Never walk or place equipment on power
supply cords. Periodically check cords for cuts or signs of stress, especially at the plug and the
point where the cord exits the unit.

12. The power supply cord should be unplugged when the unit is to be unused for long periods of time.

13. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the unit through the
ventilation holes or any other openings.

14. This unit should be checked by a qualified service technician if:

15. The user should not attempt to service this equipment. All service work should be done by a

OSHA 2201; 1995 revised.

A. The power supply cord or plug has been damaged.
B. Anything has fallen or been spilled into the unit.
C. The unit does not operate correctly.
D. The unit has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.

qualified service technician.

FCC STATEMENT

Warning:

Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for

compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This device complies with Part 15, Class B, of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference; and (2) This device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruc­tions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is

connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communi­cations.

Le present appareil numerique n'emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites applicables
aux appareils numeriques de la class B prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique
edicte par le ministere des Communications du Canada.

Japanese EMI Statement:

DURATION/DAY SOUND LEVEL IN dBA,
IN HOURS SLOW RESPONSE

1-1/2 102

1 105

1/2 110

1/4 or less 115

22

Only when used with the following Sabine-supplied power modules:

AD 1280-100
AD 1280-120
AD 1280-230
AD 1280-240A
AD 1280-240U

ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY:

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY VALID ONLY WHEN PURCHASED AND REGISTERED IN THE
UNITED STATES OR CANADA. ALL EXPORTED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO WARRANTY
AND SERVICES TO BE SPECIFIED AND PROVIDED BY THE AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR FOR
EACH COUNTRY.

Ces clauses de garantie ne sont vaiables qu’aux Etats-Unis et au Canada. Dans tous les autres pays,
les clauses de garantie et de maintenance sont fixees par le distributeur national et assuree par lui
selon la legislation en vigueur.
Diese Garantie ist nur in den USA and Kanada gultig. Alle Export-Produkte sind der Garantie und dem
Service des Importeurs des jewelligen Landes untervorfen.
Esta garantia es valida solamente cuando el producto es comprado en E.U. continentales o en Canada.
Todos los productos que sean comprados en el extranjero, estan sujetos a las garantias y servicio que
cada distribuidor autorizado determine y otrezca en los diterentes paises.

ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY/REMEDY

SABINE, INC. (“SABINE”) warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship
for a period of one (1) year from date of purchase PROVlDED, however, that this limited warranty is
extended only to the original retail purchaser and is subject to the conditions, exclusions and limita­tions hereinafter set forth:

CONDITIONS, EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS OF LIMITED WARRANTIES

These limited warranties shall be void and of no effect if:

a. The first purchase of the product is for the purpose of resale; or
b. The original retail purchase is not made from an AUTHORIZED SABINE DEALER; or
c. The product has been damaged by accident or unreasonable use, neglect, improper service or

maintenance, or other causes not arising out of defects in material or workmanship; or

d. The serial number affixed to the product is altered, defaced or removed; or
e. The power supply grounding pin is removed or otherwise defeated. In the event of a defect in

material and/or workmanship covered by this limited warranty, Sabine will repair the defect in material
or workmanship or replace the product, at Sabine’s option; and provided, however, that, in any case,
all costs of shipping, if necessary, are paid by you, the purchaser.
THE WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD SHOULD BE ACCURATELY COMPLETED, MAILED TO
AND RECEIVED BY SABINE WITHIN FOURTEEN (14) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF YOUR
PURCHASE.
In order to obtain service under these warranties, you must:
a. Bring the defective item to any AUTHORlZED SABlNE DEALER and present therewith the ORIGI­NAL PROOF OF PURCHASE supplied to you by the AUTHORIZED SABINE DEALER in connection
with your purchase from him of this product. If the DEALER is unable to provide the necessary
warranty service, you will be directed to the nearest other SABINE AUTHORIZED DEALER which can
provide such service. OR
b. Call Sabine for a RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER and ship the defective item, prepaid, to:

including therewith a complete, detailed description of the problem, together with a legible copy of the
original PROOF OF PURCHASE and a complete return address. Upon Sabine’s receipt of these
items:
If the defect is remedial under the limited warranties and the other terms and conditions expressed
have been complied with, Sabine will provide the necessary warranty service to repair or replace the
product and will return it, FREIGHT COLLECT, to you, the purchaser.
Sabine’s liability to the purchaser for damages from any cause whatsoever and regardless of the form
of action, including negligence, is limited to the actual damages up to the greater of $500.00 or an
amount equal to the purchase price of the product that caused the damage or that is the subject of or
is directly related to the cause of action. Such purchase price will be that in effect for the specific
product when the cause of action arose. This limitation of liability will not apply to claims for personal
injury or damage to real property or tangible personal property allegedly caused by Sabine’s negli­gence. Sabine does not assume liability for personal injury or property damage arising out of or
caused by a non-Sabine alteration or attachment, nor does Sabine assume any responsibility for
damage to interconnected non-Sabine equipment that may result from the normal functioning and
maintenance of the Sabine equipment.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL SABINE BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST
SAVINGS, ANY INCIDENTAL DAMAGES OR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF
THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT, EVEN IF SABINE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
THESE LIMITED WARRANTIES ARE IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABIL­ITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT IF THE OTHER
TERMS AND CONDITIONS NECESSARY TO THE EXISTENCE OF THE EXPRESS LIMITED
WARRANTIES, AS HEREINABOVE STATED, HAVE BEEN COMPLIED WITH, IMPLIED WARRAN­TIES ARE NOT DISCLAIMED DURING THE APPLICABLE ONE-YEAR PERIOD FROM DATE OF
PURCHASE OF THIS PRODUCT.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATION ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS,
OR THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE
ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THESE LIMITED WARRAN­TIES GIVE YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH
MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
THESE LIMITED WARRANTIES ARE THE ONLY EXPRESS WARRANTIES ON THIS PRODUCT,
AND NO OTHER STATEMENT, REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY OR AGREEMENT BY ANY
PERSON SHALL BE VALID OR BINDING UPON SABINE.
In the event of any modification or disclaimer of express or implied warranties, or any limitation of
remedies, contained herein conflicts with applicable law, then such modification, disclaimer or limita­tion, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be modified to the extent necessary to comply with such
law.
Your remedies for breach of these warranties are limited to those remedies provided herein, and
Sabine gives this limited warranty only with respect to equipment purchased in the United States of
America.

INSTRUCTIONS-WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD

1. Mail the completed WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD to:

a. Keep the PROOF OF PURCHASE. In the event warranty service is required during the warranty
period, you will need this document. There will be no identification card issued by Sabine, Inc.

2. IMPORTANCE OF WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARDS AND NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES

OF ADDRESS:
a. Completion and mailing of WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARDS - Should notification become
necessary for any condition that may require correction, the REGISTRATION CARD will help ensure
that you are contacted and properly notified.
b. Notice of address changes - If you move from the address shown on the WARRANTY REGISTRA­TION CARD, you should notify Sabine of the change of address so as to facilitate your receipt of any
bulletins or other forms of notification which may become necessary in connection with any condition
that may require dissemination of information or correction.

3. You may contact Sabine directly by telephoning [phone].

4. Please have the Sabine product name and serial number available when communicating with

Sabine Customer Service.

SABINE, INC. 13301 HIGHWAY 441
ALACHUA, FL 32615-8544 USA

SABINE, INC. 13301 HighWAY 441
ALACHUA, FL 32615-8544 USA

23

REGISTER YOUR SABINE

PRODUCT ONLINE AT

WWW.SABINE.COM

Manufactured by: Sabine, Inc.

13301 NW US Highway 441

Alachua, Florida 32615-8544 USA

+USA [phone] • Fax: +USA [phone]

www.Sabine.com

FBX® and FBX Feedback Exterminator® are registered trade­marks of Sabine, Inc., and are the brand names of its line of
automatic feedback controllers. Covered by U.S. Patent No.
5,245,665, Australian Patent No. 653,736, Canadian Patent No.
2,066,624-2, German Patent No. 69118486.0, and British Patent
No. 0486679. Other patents pending.

© 2003 Sabine, Inc.

LITSOLO-OP-030725.pmd - hto