SoundCraft 4 manual Insert, Equaliser, Hf Eq, Mid Eq, EQ Switch, AUX Liary Sends

INSERT

The pre-EQ Insert is a break point in the channel signal path. It allows the signal to be taken out of the mixer, through an external piece of equipment and then back into the mixer to continue through to the final output. The Insert is a 3-pole ‘A’ gauge jack socket, which is normally bypassed. When a jack is inserted, the signal path is broken at a point just after the Hi-Pass Filter, but before the EQ section. The signal from the channel appears on the TIP of the plug and is returned on the RING. The insert point allows limiters, compressors and other signal processing units to be added as required to particular channels and, because it is located pre-EQ, noise generated by the external equipment may be reduced by a small amount of H.F. cut in the Equaliser.

Signal Send

Signal Return

Gnd/Screen

Tip

Ring Sleeve

	dB	TYPICAL EQUALISER RESPONSE
EQUALISER	20.0
	BOOST LF		SWEPT MID		HF
The Equaliser (EQ) allows precise manipulation of the sound,	15.0
	10.0
particularly to improve the sound in live PA applications where the	5.0
original signal is often far from ideal due to poor acoustics or	0.0
restrictions on where to place microphones and where slight	-5.0
boosting or cutting of particular voice frequencies can really make a	-10.0
difference to clarity. The EQ allows enough control to improve, for	-15.0
instance, bad recordings or the precision to gently enhance vocal	CUT
	-20.0
or live instrument tracks. There are three sections, HF, MID and LF	20	100	1k	10k	20k
			Frequency/Hz

giving the sort of control usually only found on much larger mixers. The EQ knobs can have a dramatic effect, so use them sparingly

and listen carefully as you change any settings so that you get to know how they affect the sound.

HF EQ

Turn to the right to boost high (treble) frequencies by up to 15dB at 12kHz, adding crispness to cymbals, vocals and electronic instruments. Turn to the left to cut these frequencies by up to 15dB, reducing hiss or other unwanted high-frequency components in the signal, which can be emphasised by certain types of microphone. Set the knob in the centre-detented position when a flat response is required.

MID EQ

There are two knobs which work together to form a SWEPT MID EQ. The lower knob provides 15dB of boost and cut, just like the HF EQ knob, but the frequency at which this occurs can be set by the upper knob over a range of 250Hz to 6kHz. This allows some truly creative improvement of the signal in live situations, because this mid band covers the range of most vocals. Listen carefully as you use these controls together to find how particular characteristics of a vocal signal can be enhanced or reduced. Set the lower knob to the centre-detented position

when not required.

SPIRITFOLIOLF EQ4

Turn to the right to boost low (bass) frequencies by up to 15dB at 60Hz, adding warmth to vocals or extra punch to synths, guitars and drums. Turn to the left to cut low frequencies by up to 15dB for reducing hum, stage rumble or to improve a mushy sound. Set the knob to the centre-detented position when not required.

EQ SWITCH

The EQ switch bypasses the Equalisation section when released and places it into the channel path when pressed. It would typically be used for simple comparison of the equalised and unequalised signal.

AUX LIARY SENDS

14