Tapco SQ2 User Manual

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CAUTION AVIS

pag

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

NE PAS OUVRIR

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC

ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUN

ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER. CONFIER

L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.

AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU

D'ELECTROCUTION, N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE

A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral
triangle is 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.
Le symbole éclair avec point de flèche à l'intérieur d'un triangle
équilatéral est utilisé pour alerter l'utilisateur de la présence à
l'intérieur du coffret de “voltage dangereux” non isolé d'ampleur
suffisante pour constituer un risque d'éléctrocution.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Le point d'exclamation à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est
employé pour alerter les utilisateurs de la présence d'instructions
importantes pour le fonctionnement et l'entretien (service) dans le
livret d'instruction accom

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operation instructions

should be read before this product is operated.

2. Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions
should be kept for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on this product and in these
operating instructions should be followed.

4. Follow Instructions — All operating and other instructions
should be followed.

5. Water and Moisture — This product should not be used near
water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink,
laundry tub, in a wet basement, near a swimming pool, etc.

6. Cleaning — Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Ventilation — This product should be situated so that its location

or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For
example, the Component should not be situated on a bed,
sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block any ventilation
openings, or placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase
or cabinet that may impede the fl ow of air through ventilation
openings.

nant l'appareil.

8. Heat — This product should be situated away from heat
sources such as radiators, or other devices which produce
heat.

9. Power Sources — This product should be connected to a
power supply only of the type described in these operation
instructions or as marked on this product.

10. Power Cord Protection — Power supply cords should be routed
so that they are not likely to be walked upon or pinched
by items placed upon or against them, paying particular
attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and
the point where they exit this product.

11. Object and Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so that
objects do not fall on, and liquids are not spilled into, this
product.

12. Damage Requiring Service — This product should be serviced
only by qualifi ed service personnel when:

A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into this product; or
C. This product has been exposed to rain; or
D. This product does not appear to operate normally or

exhibits a marked change in performance; or

E. This product has been dropped, or its chassis damaged.

13. Servicing — The user should not attempt to service this
product beyond those means described in this operating
manual. All other servicing should be referred to the Tapco
Service Department.

14. To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized plug with
an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the
blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.

Pour préevenir les chocs électriques ne pas utiliser cette fi che polariseé avec
un prolongateur, un prise de courant ou une autre sortie de courant, sauf si les
lames peuvent être insérées à fond sans laisser aucune pariie à découvert.

15. Grounding or Polarization — Precautions should be taken so
that the grounding or polarization means of this product is not
defeated.

16. Power Precaution — Unplug this product during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods of time.

17. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B
(whichever is applicable) limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference
regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

ATTENTION —Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques
dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils numériques de class A/de class B
(selon le cas) prescrites dans le règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté
par les ministere des communications du Canada.

PORTABLE CART WARNING

2

Carts and stands - The
Component should be used
only with a cart or stand
that is recommended by
the manufacturer.
A Component and cart
combination should be
moved with care. Quick
stops, excessive force, and
uneven surfaces may cause
the Component and cart
combination to overturn.

WARNING — To reduce

the risk of fi re or electric

shock, do not expose

this appliance to rain or

moisture.

18. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent
hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to
noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some
hearing if exposed to suffi ciently intense noise for a period of
time. The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) has specifi ed the permissible noise
level exposures shown in the following chart.

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

8 90 Packed garage concert

6 92

4 95 VW Bus Peace Train

3 97

2 100 Cranked psychedelic tunes

1.5 102

1 105 High speed chase on C.H.I.P.s

0.5 110

0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a Heavy Metal concert

According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these permissible limits
could result in some hearing loss. 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
use hearing protectors while the equipment is in operation. Ear plugs or
protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating
the equipment in order to prevent permanent hearing loss if exposure is in
excess of the limits set forth here.

What me, read a manual?

Before you begin, please make sure you read the Safety Instructions on page 2 and

Getting Started on page 4.

Your new TAPCO
often seen as a sign of weakness to read a manual, along with asking for directions when
lost, but maybe you can read the rest when nobody is looking.

It is important to keep your receipt in a safe place, and not a bad idea to write your
product information here for future reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support, return
authorization, etc.).

Date of purchase:

Part No. 0009426 Rev. A 1/04
©2004 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

®

SQ•2 is designed to set up quickly and operate easily. We know it’s

Product Serial #:

Purchased at:

3

Getting Started

The following steps will help you set up your SQ•2, and get the
levels just right.

SETTINGS:

1. Be sure the SQ•2’s POWER switch is off.

Turn all the controls to their center positions (12 o’clock)

2.

and set all the switches out.

CONNECTIONS:

1. Using balanced or unbalanced cables, connect

your mixer’s main outputs to the SQ•2’s inputs, and
the SQ•2’s outputs to your amplifi er’s (or powered
speakers’) inputs.

If you are using the SQ•2 in a channel’s insert,

connect your mixer’s channel insert to the SQ•2’s
INPUTs and OUTPUTs.

Refer to page 11 to learn how to connect and use

the SIDE CHAIN feature.

LOOK

CLOSER

device where the processed signal is mixed back
with the unprocessed signal, like a reverb or echo.

2. Connect the cables using either XLR or 1/4” TRS

connectors (balanced), or 1/4” TS connectors
(unbalanced).

• The XLR and TRS inputs for each channel are

wired in parallel. Use only one input per channel.

• The XLR and TRS outputs for each channel are

wired in parallel.

• The balanced XLR connectors are wired as

follows:

Pin 1 = shield (ground)

Pin 2 = hot (+)
Pin 3 = cold (–)

• The 1/4” TRS connectors are wired as follows:

Tip = hot (+)

Ring = cold (–)
Sleeve = shield (ground)

3. Plug all the sound system components into suitable

AC outlets, properly grounded and capable of
delivering adequate current.

4. Turn all the equipment on. If you are monitoring the

signal through speakers, turn the power amplifi er
on last to avoid running any pops or thumps
through your speakers.

Note: The SQ•2 Compressor/
Limiter/Gate is designed to be
inserted “in-line” with the signal as
a serial device. This means that the
entire signal is routed through the
processor, in contrast to a parallel

SET THE CONTROLS:

1. Make sure your signal source is turned up and

delivering signal to the SQ•2. The signal should
pass through the SQ•2 unaffected because the
CHAN 1 and 2 IN/OUT buttons are out and the
signal processing circuitry is bypassed.

2. Push in the CHAN 1 and 2 IN/OUT buttons to
enable the gate and compressor circuits. If the
input signal is above –10 dBu, the compressor/
limiter will begin working on the signal because
the THRESHOLD control is set at –10 dBu (center
position). You should see the GAIN REDUCTION
meters indicating the amount of gain reduction
being applied to the signal. Turn down the
THRESHOLD control to see more compression.

3.

If the input signal is below –30 dBu, the gate will

close and attenuate the signal because the
THRESHOLD control is set at –30 dBu (center). Turn
down the GATE THRESHOLD control until the gate
opens (the CLOSE LED will turn off).

4.

Read on to learn how to set each individual

control to get the best performance from your
SQ•2.

Things To Remember:

• When you shut down your
equipment, turn off the amplifi ers
fi rst. When powering up, turn on the
amplifi ers last.

• Save the shipping box and
packing material! You may need it
someday.

4

Contents

Safety Instructions................................................................2

Getting Started....................................................................4

Introduction..........................................................................6

Hookup Diagrams................................................................8

Typical Hookup: In-line with Main Outputs
Alternate Hookup: Individual Channel or Main Inserts

SQ•2 Features .....................................................................9

FRONT PANEL FEATURES .................................................9

REAR PANEL FEATURES..................................................10

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS .....11

Appendix A: Service Information ....................................12

Warranty Service..........................................................12

Troubleshooting............................................................12

Repair ............................................................................13

Appendix B: Connections ................................................14

Appendix C: Technical Info..............................................15

SQ•2 Specifi cations ....................................................15

SQ•2 Block Diagram....................................................16

TAPCO LIMITED WARRANTY...............................................19

.....................8

..8

GATE ...........................................................................9

1. THRESHOLD.......................................................9

2. CLOSE LED .......................................................9

COMPRESSOR/LIMITER..............................................9

3. THRESHOLD.......................................................9

4. RATIO.................................................................9

5. ATTACK..............................................................9

6. RELEASE ............................................................9

7. AUTO IN/OUT....................................................9

8. OUTPUT..............................................................9

9. CHAN IN/OUT...................................................9

AIR Filter ...................................................................10

10. LEVEL.............................................................10

11. GAIN REDUCTION Meters.................................10

12. POWER Switch...................................................10

13. Line Cord Socket and Fuse..............................10

14. AC Select Switch ..............................................10

15. OUTPUT...............................................................11

16. INPUT ..................................................................11

17. SIDE CHAIN .......................................................11

Rack Mounting........................................................11

Thermal Considerations .........................................11

AC Power Considerations......................................11

Don’t forget to visit our website at www.tapcogear.com

for more information about this and other TAPCO products.

5

Introduction

Thank you for choosing a TAPCO® Squeez™ dynamics processor
by Mackie
Corporation, Greg Mackie’s fi rst company. TAPCO revolutionized
the audio industry back in 1969 with the very fi rst 6-channel mixer
specifi cally designed for keyboards and rock ‘N’ roll PA.

In essence, TAPCO redefi ned the price performance ratio and made
high-quality professional audio mixers accessible to virtually anyone.
Today, TAPCO is reborn with the same ideals and is backed by the
world-class engineering and manufacturing horsepower of Mackie. The
TAPCO SQ•2 is the fi rst compressor/limiter/gate processor in the TAPCO
by Mackie

®

. The TAPCO product line hails back to the days of TAPCO

®

family.

TAPCO version of Greg

About Dynamic Processing

The human ear has an incredible dynamic range (the difference between the softest
and the loudest sounds) and can detect anything from the sound of a butterfl y sneeze
(0 dB SPL, the threshold of hearing) to the sound of the space shuttle taking off (140 dB
SPL, very painful without hearing protection). Audio electronics would like to be able to
duplicate this dynamic range, but current technology falls somewhat short.

Audio electronics introduces another limitation to dynamic range: noise. Even the best
designed audio circuits produce noise due to the physics of electrons moving through
conductors and resistors. It’s called thermal noise, and produces that low level hiss you hear
when you turn the volume controls all the way up on a mixer or on your stereo system at
home.

An experienced sound engineer knows that the louder the mix, the less perceptible the
noise fl oor, because the louder sounds mask the noise. However, mixing at loud levels brings
the signal closer to the point of clipping, where the signal can go no larger. Ideally, you
would like to provide 10 to 20 dB of headroom between the nominal operating level and
the clipping point, to provide a cushion for transient peaks (bass drum beats and cymbal
crashes, for example) to get through without clipping. But then the soft passages may
become too quiet and the noise fl oor becomes a factor. Enter dynamic processing.

The Compressor/Limiter

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could have a hand on the faders and be able to quickly
reduce the volume on the bass drum and cymbals every time they approached clipping,
then quickly return them to their normal levels? A compressor does exactly that. Set the
threshold control to the point where you want the signal to stop getting any louder, and
set the ratio control to regulate the amount of attenuation applied to the signal when it
goes above the threshold. When the ratio control is turned all the way up, it becomes a
limiter and the signal stops getting any louder when it reaches the threshold. The attack
and release controls are used to control how fast the compressor kicks in when the signal
crosses the threshold and how fast it stops acting on the signal when it drops below the
threshold. You can experiment with these controls to get the most natural sound, or simply
push in the AUTO button and the SQ•2 automatically adjusts the attack and release
according to the dynamics of the signal.

TAPCO van (a.k.a. micro bus)

6