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
© April 2000-01 Symetrix, Inc.
All rights re served.
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
528E
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
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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
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Front panel
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Rear panel
1
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
528E
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
2
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
3
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.
528E
4
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.
528E
5
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