Symetrix 528E User Manual

528E Voice Processor

User’s Guide

528E

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction 1

Chapter 2 Operator Safety Summary 2

Chapter 3 Fast Setup 3

Chapter 4 Front Panel Overview 4

Chapter 5 Rear Panel Overview 8

Chapter 6 Voice Processing Tutorial 10

Chapter 7 Using the 528E 20

Chapter 8 Applications 28

Chapter 9 Technical Tutorial 32

Chapter 10 Troubleshooting 36

Chapter 11 Speciﬁ cations 37

Chapter 12 Warranty & Service 39

Appendix A Disassembly Instructions 41

and Output Level Switch

Appendix B Declaration of Conformity 42

Symetrix Part Number 53528-0F00

The information in this guide is subject to change without notice. Symetrix, Inc. shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein; nor is it liable for incidental or con se quen tial damages resulting from the furnishing, per for mance, or use of this material.

Mention of third-party products is for in for ma tion al purposes only and constitutes neither an en dorse ment nor a recommendation. Symetrix assumes no re spon si bil i ty with regard to the performance or use of these products.

Under copyright laws, no part of this user guide may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or me chan i cal, without

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permission in writing from Symetrix, Inc. If, however, your only means of access is elec tron ic, permission to print one copy is hereby granted.

14926 35th Ave. West

Lynnwood, WA 98037 USA

Tel (425) 787-3222

Fax (425) 787-3211

www.symetrixaudio.com

IntroductionChapter 1

800

BYPASS

+20

500

9201636

+15

6.3K

+15

160.315

680

+15

+15-15

OUT

BANDWIDTH

OUT

)

OUT

528E

SSOR

OUTPUT S

OUTPUT

The Symetrix 528E is a single-channel Voice Processor intended for use in voice-over studios, broad cast studios, sound-reinforcement, music and speech recording, and post-production. Simply stated, the 528E consists of a high-quality microphone preamp coupled to a three-band parametric equalizer, a de-esser, and a dynamic range processor. It is everything you would have at your disposal in a world-class mixing console. The 528E accepts both mic and line inputs. Of course, while we use the term “Voice Processor” for the 528E, it is perfectly at home with any signal, vocal or not.

The microphone input uses a balanced-transformerless design using an integrated circuit spe ciﬁ cal ly developed for this application. The 528E’s microphone input works with any phantom-powered condenser microphone or any low-impedance microphone having a balanced, ﬂ oating output. The line input uses a balanced transformerless design. The line input’s design uses matched resistors to attain a high, wideband, CMRR (common-mode rejection ratio) and multistage RFI ﬁ lters to prevent Radio Frequency interference problems.

The de-esser operates by selectively removing the high frequencies from the input signal when sibilant sounds are present and exceed the threshold level. The ﬁ lter frequency can be varied over a wide range to accommodate different speakers and languages.

The dynamic range processor combines an interactive compressor/limiter and a downward ex pand er. Typically, the downward expander helps reduce studio noise as well as the artifacts of close miking. The compressor/limiter gives you overall control over the dynamic range of the output signal and helps maintain a high overall signal level. The three-band parametric equalizer is a reciprocal-curve design. An unusual leapfrog topology minimizes the number of ampliﬁ ers in the signal path while ensuring that each frequency band interacts with its neighbor in a desirable and musical fashion.

The 528E’s output section can drive balanced loads at line or mic levels. A line-level unbalanced output is also provided. For broadcast applications, a switchable voice symmetry circuit helps make speech waveforms more symmetrical, which makes better use of the transmitter’s output power.

Each of the dynamics processors have individual six-segment LED displays and an eight-segment display monitors the overall output level. All inputs and outputs are available via XLR connectors and the connection points between the individual processors can be accessed via TRS phone jacks. The interstage patching may be used to change the insertion order of the processors or to insert additional processing.

We recommend that you read this manual from cover to cover. Somewhere between the conﬁ nes of the two covers you should ﬁ nd the answers to most (98%) of your questions, both technical as well as musical. Should you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the numbers/addresses below. Your calls are always wel come.

Phone: (425) 787 -3222

Fax: (425) 787 -3211

Email: symetrix@symetrixaudio.com

Web site: www.symetrixaudio.com

IGH E

CUT/BOOS

-2

GAIN (dB

POWE

VOI PROCE

PHANT

-15 PA NOR

FREQUENCYTHRESHOLDEXP THRE

MP THRE

FREQUENC

LOW E

CUT/BOOSTFREQUENC

201

MP RATI

MID E

CUT/BOOS

Front panel

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MANUFACTURED IN THE USA B

THIS UNIT CONTAINS N

ER SERVICEABLE PART

FABRI

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POWE

BALANCED OUTP

NBALANCE

LINE INP

EQUALIZE

TAG

INP

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INP

IDECHAI

TIP=RETUR RING=SEN

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MIC INP

PHANT

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528E

Rear panel

Operator Safety Summary Chapter 2

Equipment Markings

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR

WARNING:

AVIS:

SEE OWNERS MANUAL. VOIR CAHIER D’INSTRUCTIONS.

No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

Il ne se trouve a l’interieur aucune piece pourvant entre reparée l’usager.

The light ning ﬂ ash with ar row head sym bol with in an equi lat er al tri an gle is in tend ed to alert the user of the pres ence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” with in the prod uct's en clo sure that may be of sufﬁ cient mag ni tude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The ex cla ma tion point with in an equi lat er al tri an gle is in tend ed to alert the user of the pres ence of im por tant op er at ing and main te nance (servicing) instructions in the lit er a ture ac com pa ny ing the product (i.e. this manual).

Caution To prevent electric shock, do not use the

polarized plug supplied with the unit with any extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted.

ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

S’adresser a un reparateur compétent.

Terms

Several notational con ven tions are used in this manual. Some paragraphs may use Note or Warning as a heading. Certain typefaces and cap i tal i za tion are used to identify certain words. These are:

, Caution,

Note Identiﬁ es information that needs

extra emphasis. A Note supplies extra information to help you to better use the 528E.

generally

Caution Identiﬁ es information that, if not

heeded, may cause damage to the 528E or other equipment in your system.

Warning Iden ti ﬁ es in for ma tion that, if

ignored, may be hazardous to your health or that of others.

CAPITALS Controls, switches or other markings

on the 528E’s chassis.

Boldface Strong emphasis.

Important Safety Instructions

Please read and keep these instructions. Heed and follow all warnings and instructions. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s in struc tions.

Power Source This product is intended to operate from a power source that does not apply more than

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250 V rms between the power supply conductors or between either power supply con duc tor and ground. A protective ground con nec tion, by way of the ground ing conductor in the power cord, is es sen tial

for safe operation.

Grounding The chassis of this product is grounded

through the grounding conductor of the power cord. To avoid electric shock, plug the power cord into a properly wired receptacle before making any con nec tions to the product. A pro tec tive ground con nec tion, by way of the grounding conductor in the power cord, is essential for safe op er a tion. Do

not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding plug. The grounding plug has two blades and a third

ground ing prong. The third prong is provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not ﬁ t your outlet, consult an elec tri cian for re place ment of the obsolete outlet.

Danger from Loss of Ground If the protective ground connection is lost, all accessible con duc tive parts, including knobs and controls that may appear to be insulated, can render an electric shock.

Proper Power Cord Use only the power cord and connector speciﬁ ed for the product and your operating locale. Use only a cord that is in good condition.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, par tic u lar ly at plugs, convenience re cep ta cles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

Phantom Power To prevent hazard or damage ensure that only microphone cables and microphones designed to IEC-268-15A are connected.

Proper Fuse The user accessible fuse is a part of the IEC AC inlet connector. The fuseholder accepts 5 x 20 mm diameter fuses. For 117 VAC operation, the correct value is 0.25A, 250 VAC, standard. For 230 VAC operation, the correct value is 0.125A, 250 VAC, standard.

Operating Location Do not operate this equip- ment under any of the following con di tions: ex-

plosive at mo spheres, in wet lo ca tions, in inclement weather, improper or un known AC mains voltage, or if im prop er ly fused. Do not install near any heat source such as ra di a tors, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including am pli ﬁ ers) that produce heat. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

Stay Out of the Box To avoid personal injury (or worse), do not remove the product covers or panels. Do not operate the product without the covers and panels properly installed. Only use ac ces so ries speciﬁ ed by the manufacturer. Clean only with a damp cloth.

User-serviceable parts There are no user ser vice able parts inside the 421m. In case of failure, refer all servicing to the factory. Ser vic ing is required when the 421m has been damaged in any way, such as when a power supply cord or plug is dam aged, 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.

Chapter 3

Fast Setup

Follow these instructions to get your 528E up-and-running as quickly as possible. The intent of this section is fast setup. If you need something clar i ﬁ ed, then you’ll ﬁ nd the answer elsewhere in this manual.

Connections

Connect your input source to the appropriate XLR connector. Connect the 528E’s output to linelevel input using the XLR output connector. If you need to feed a mic-level input, refer to Ap pen dix A before proceeding further. Ignore the interstage patching for now (details in Chapter 7 and 8).

If you are using a condenser microphone, refer to “Phantom Powering Condenser Microphones” in Chapter 9 before depressing the PHANTOM POWER switch.

Caution Failure to connect the 528E to the proper AC mains voltage may cause ﬁ re and/or internal damage. There are no user serviceable parts inside the chassis. Refer all service to qualiﬁ ed service personnel or to the factory.

Warning Lethal voltages are present inside the chassis. There are no user serviceable parts inside the chassis. Refer all service to qualiﬁ ed service personnel or to the factory.

Connect the AC input to an AC power source of the proper voltage and frequency, as marked on the rear of the unit.

Fast Setup

Settings

Set the controls and switches on the front and rear panel as follows:

Front Panel Control Setting Front Panel Control Setting

MIC / LINE As required LOW EQ FRE-

QUENCY

-15 PAD Out LOW EQ BANDWIDTH

MIC GAIN 12 o’clock LOW EQ CUT/

BOOST

DE-ESS FREQUENCY 3K (12 o’clock) MID EQ FRE-

QUENCY

DE-ESS THRESHOLD 0 (Full CW) MID EQ BAND-

WIDTH

DE-ESS IN / OUT Out MID EQ CUT/

BOOST

DOWNWARD EXPANDER EXP THRES

COMPRESSOR COMP THRES

COMPRESSOR COMP RATIO

EXP/COMP IN / OUT Out EQ IN / OUT Out

VOICE SYMMETRY IN / OUT

BYPASS (Full CCW) HIGH EQ FRE-

QUENCY

+20 (Full CW) HIGH EQ BAND-

WIDTH

2 (12 o’clock) HIGH EQ CUT/

BOOST

Out GAIN 0 (12 o’clock)

160 Hz (12 o’clock)

1.5 octaves (12 o’clock)

0 (12 o’clock)

2.5K (12 o’clock)

1.5 octaves (12 o’clock)

0 (12 o’clock)

6.8K (12 o’clock)

1.5 octaves (12 o’clock)

0 (12 o’clock)

528E

Initial Setup

The 528E’s controls and switches are now set ac cord ing to the preceding section. All con nec tions listed in Section 6.1 are now made. The 528E should now pass signal. The OUTPUT LEVEL LED display and the POWER LED should be illuminated. Depending upon the signal levels, the com pres sor’s gain-reduction display may be illuminated.

Reﬁ ning Your Settings

At this point, the 528E should pass signal. There should be some activity on some of the LED displays.

Mic Preamp Gain

Temporarily put the De-ess, Exp/Comp, and EQ sections into bypass mode, set the MIC GAIN control so that the OUTPUT LED display indicates a signal level between -10 and 0 VU. The CLIP LED should almost never illuminate.

De-Esser Settings

Use the de-esser to reduce the level of sibilant sounds (S and T sounds) if they are ob jec tion able. Set the THRESHOLD control so that the de-esser gain-reduction display shows about 12 dB of gain- reduction. Now “tune” the FREQUENCY control for maximum sibilance reduction. Finally, reduce the setting of the THRESHOLD control until you reduce the sibilance to a tolerable level. Try to use the lowest setting of the FREQUENCY control that gets the job done.

Rear Panel Setting

Output Connect to input of

console, tape recorder, etc.

Line Input Connect line-level

source here.

Mic Input Connect microphone

here

Phantom Power

Depress if mic requires phatntom powering.

Downward Expander Settings

Use the downward expander to reduce room noise and/or mouth noises. Set the THRESHOLD control to allow low level speech sounds to pass while still blocking the room sound.

Compressor Settings

Use the threshold control to vary the amount of gain reduction, as indicated on the compressor’s gain-reduction display. Generally, 3 to 6 dB is sufﬁ cient, unless you are using a low compression ratio (below 2:1), or you want a special effect. Pick a ratio suited to the task at hand: low ratios and low thresholds for unobtrusive level control, medium ratios for overall level control and con sis ten cy, high ratios (> 8:1) for limiting or in-your-face sorts of sounds.

Equalizer Settings

The settings given will work well with male voices. For women, the low-EQ range shifts up to 200 or 300Hz, the mid-EQ range shifts up to 3-5 kHz.

If you are using a microphone that exhibits proximity effect when you close-talk it, then you’ll probably need to reduce (cut) the bass (low) response somewhat. 3-6 dB should be ﬁ ne (don’t do this if you want a big, ballsy sound). A bit of mid-EQ will help make voices cut and seem loud. The high-EQ adds brightness and intimacy.

If you are using a microphone that has no proximity effect (like the ElectroVoice RE-20), then you’ll probably need to increase (boost) the bass response somewhat. 3 to 6 dB should do the job. The same mid- and high- EQ recommendations given previously still apply. A thorough discussion of equalization may be found in Chapter 6.

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Output Settings

For many applications, setting the output GAIN control at 0 dB (12:00 o’clock) works ﬁ ne. If you are adding a bunch of EQ (which tends to cause an overall level increase), then you may need to decrease the GAIN setting. On the other hand, if you are using a fair amount of com pres sion, you may need to add some gain to compensate for the level lost in compression. Pick a setting that gives you enough signal downstream, yet still keeps the CLIP LED from illuminating. The output display is peak re spond ing, so you can’t quite set levels as if it were a VU meter.

The output CLIP LED monitors both the equalizer and the output stage. Large amounts of boost and/ or high signal levels can cause CLIP in di ca tions. If this occurs, lower the signal level via the GAIN control. It is also possible for the output stage to clip if a processor, inserted via the output stage access jacks, is con trib ut ing gain to the overall signal path. In this case, either lower the gain of the insert processor or reduce the setting of the GAIN control.

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