Alesis PEQ-450 manual Rock Kick Drum, Vocal Air

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Chapter 4

Applications

This section is designed to get you started with the PEQ-450 by giving some sample settings. These are merely suggested settings, experiment and find your own once you begin to hear what the PEQ-450 does to your sound.

In a way, it’s absurd to suggest EQ settings without knowing what the source sounds like. EQ is a tool that’s used to change the timbre of a sound, and it’s impossible to suggest an EQ setting that, for example, will make all guitars sound better. So the goal of this section is to give you some ideas for using EQ on your own tracks.

Rock Kick Drum

A rock and roll kick drum is usually EQed quite a bit to make it sound the way it does on the radio. Usually an engineer will choose to cut some of the woofy low-midrange, while boosting the high-end "slap" and maybe even some of the lows. Here is a setting to try on a close-miked kick drum:

Band 1 set to Low Shelf, boost +3dB at 80Hz

Band 2 set to cut –8dB at 500Hz, Q set at 12 o’clock

Band 5 set to High Shelf, boost +4dB at 6kHz

You may also want to apply some compression and gating with the Alesis CLX-440.

Vocal Air

A popular effect on vocals is to boost the high frequencies to add "air" to the vocal. This is an especially popular effect on ballads sung by R&B divas. This effect is achieved by boosting the high frequencies.

• Band 1 set to High Shelf, boost +6dB at 15kHz

PEQ-450 Reference Manual

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Contents Reference Manual PEQ-450 Manual Contents Troubleshooting PEQ-450 Manual Welcome How to Use This Manual Please follow these precautions when using this product Important Safety InstructionsPEQ-450 Manual Instructions de Sécurité Importantes French PEQ-450 Manual PEQ-450 Manual CE Declaration of Conformity Instructions to the User FCC Notice Hook it up to a mixer If you cant wait to get startedTry some equalization Play some signal into the unitTry some filtering Find a peaky signalRear Panel Diagram Front Panel DiagramInstalling in a Rack Unpacking and InspectionThermal Considerations in Rack Mounting Power AC Power HookupAC Grounding Connections To use the PEQ-450 in another countryConnecting to the Channel Inserts of a mixing console Connecting inputs and outputsBalanced I/O Connecting to the Main Inserts of a mixing consoleConnecting to the inserts on an instrument amplifier Dual Channel Operation Connecting to equipment with XLR inputs and outputsAbout Audio Cables Basics of Equalization What is equalization?Description of Controls GainFrequency Basics of equalization HPF Output InputDistortion Equalization ArtifiactsNoise PhasingVocal Air Rock Kick DrumHum Removal Tape hiss removalEliminating feedback Applications Applications chapter Troubleshooting Index TroubleshootingAvoiding ground loop noise Keep Audio Wiring AS FAR Away from AC Wiring AS PossibleTo Eliminate HUM if the Above has Failed Line Conditioners and ProtectorsCleaning Care and MaintenanceObtaining Repair Service Refer All Servicing to AlesisCustomers outside the USA and Canada Audio Input SpecificationsAlesis Limited Warranty Alesis

PEQ-450 specifications

The Alesis PEQ-450 is a powerful equalizer that caters to both professional sound engineers and audiophiles seeking to enhance the sonic quality of their audio tracks. This innovative piece of equipment incorporates advanced features and technologies that set it apart in the crowded market of audio processing gear.

One of the hallmark features of the Alesis PEQ-450 is its dual-channel 31-band graphic equalizer, allowing users to precisely fine-tune their audio output across a wide frequency spectrum. Each channel operates independently, making it an ideal solution for stereo applications where distinct control over left and right channels is essential. The equalizer covers a frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring that both low-end and high-end frequencies are addressed, thus delivering a rich and balanced audio experience.

Another notable characteristic of the PEQ-450 is its user-friendly interface, featuring an intuitive layout of sliders that clearly indicate gain adjustments per frequency band. The visual representation of frequency bands allows sound engineers to make quick and effective adjustments in live sound environments, where precision is paramount. Additionally, the unit includes bypass switches for each channel, enabling users to easily compare adjusted sound with the original signal.

In terms of technology, the Alesis PEQ-450 employs high-quality components that contribute to a low-noise operation and a high signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring that your audio remains pristine. The unit also includes a built-in limiter for each channel, protecting against signal clipping and distortion, which is crucial when working with loud audio sources.

The rack-mountable design of the PEQ-450 enhances its usability in studio and live settings alike, making it a versatile tool for audio professionals. The durable construction ensures reliability even in demanding environments, while its lightweight nature adds to its portability.

For connectivity, the Alesis PEQ-450 supports both balanced XLR and TRS inputs and outputs, making it compatible with a wide range of audio equipment. This flexibility allows for easy integration into existing setups, whether it be for live performances, broadcasting, or studio recordings.

In summary, the Alesis PEQ-450 is a feature-rich and technologically advanced equalizer that stands out for its precision, ease of use, and versatility. Whether you are an experienced engineer or a new enthusiast, the PEQ-450 offers the tools needed to achieve exceptional sound quality.