Harman 1210KA manual Using Your EFX or EPM Console, Microphone Placement, Initial Setup

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USING YOUR EFX OR EPM CONSOLE

The final output from your sound system can only ever be as good as the weakest link in the chain, and especially important is the quality of the source signal be- cause this is the starting point of the chain. Just as you need to become familiar with the control functions of your mixer, so you must recognise the importance of correct choice of inputs, microphone placement and input channel settings. However, no amount of careful setting up can take account of the spontaneity and unpredictability of live performance. The mixer must be set up to provide “spare” control range to compensate for changing microphone position and the absorption effect of a large audience (different acoustic characteristics from soundcheck to show).

MICROPHONE PLACEMENT

Careful microphone placement and the choice of a suitable type of microphone for the job is one of the essentials of successful sound reinforcement. The dia- grams on the left show the different pick-up patterns for the most common types of microphone. Cardioid microphones are most sensitive to sound coming from in front, and hypercardioid microphones offer even greater directivity, with a small amount of pickup behind the microphone. These types are ideal for recording vocalists or instruments, where rejection of unwanted sounds and elimination of feedback is important. The aim should be to place the microphone as close as physically possible to the source, to cut out unwanted surrounding sounds, allow a lower gain setting on the mixer and avoid feedback. Also a well chosen and well placed microphone should not need any appreciable equalisation.

There are no exact rules - let your ears be the judge. In the end, the position that gives the desired effect is the correct position!

INITIAL SETUP

Once you have connected up your system (see the sections on connection and wiring earlier in this manual for guidance) you are ready to set initial positions for the controls on your mixer.

Set up individual input channel as follows:

•Connect your sources (microphone, keyboard etc.) to the required in- puts.

WARNING: Phantom powered mics should be connected before the +48V is switched on. Ensure the PA system is OFF when switching phantom power on or off.

•Set Master faders at 0, input faders at 0, and set power amplifier levels to about 70%.

•Provide a typical performance level signal and press the PFL button on the first channel, monitoring the level on the bargraph meters.

•Adjust the input gain until the meter display is in the amber section, with occasional peaks to the first red LED at a typical maximum source level. This allows sufficient headroom to accommodate peaks and establishes the maximum level for normal operation (but see note below).

•Repeat this procedure on other channels as required. As more channels are added to the mix, the meters may move into the red section. Adjust the overall level using the Master Faders if necessary.

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Soundcraft EFX/EPM User Guide Issue 1210

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Page 37 Page 39
Contents User Guide Soundcraft EFX/EPM User Guide Issue User Guide EPM Models Contents Safety Symbol Guide Important Safety Instructions Neutral Blue US White Live Hot Brown US Black Advice for Those WHO Push the Boundaries IntroductionOverview 60-SECOND Guide EFXMaster Faders Phantom PowerPeak LED Main MetersPFL 60-SECOND Guide EPMAUX 1/2 Sends 23 2-TRACK Controls Mono OUT ¼ Jack22 2-TRACK Inputs Line Input Wiring UPMic Input Insert PointMix Outputs Stereo Inputs Stereo 1/2 and StereoMix Inserts Aux & FX Bus OutputsGrounding and Shielding HeadphonesPolarity Phase If in doubt please contact Soundcraft customer support Problem SolvingProducts Under Warranty OUT-OF-WARRANTY Products Block Diagram Soundcraft EFX Block Diagram Soundcraft EPM Mono Input Channel EFX shown GainLF EQ HF EQMID EQ Mute Aux 2 Send EPM onlyPAN Input Channel FaderGain Gain control sets the level of the channel signalInputs Stereo 1/2 MF EQChannel Peak LED BalanceFader Soundcraft EFX/EPM User Guide Issue MIX OUTPUTS, Inserts & Mono Output Power IndicatorMaster Section EFX Bargraph MetersTrack Headphones JackAUX 1 PRE/POST Switch and AUX 2 on EPM Track to MIXStereo Return Inputs EFX only Footswitch EFX onlyFX BUS Output EFX only Aux 2 on EPM Stereo Return Level EFX onlySet Audio Levels FX OperationSelect and Load a Program FX Processor Controls EFX only Reverbs Reverb Controls KaraokeDelays Delay Controls Modulated EffectsTremelo/Pan PhaserFlanger VibratoFactory Reset Effects Data Chart EFX only Initial Setup Using Your EFX or EPM ConsoleMicrophone Placement Page Applications Application 3 Places of Worship using EFX Application 4 Recording Soundcraft EFX/EPM User Guide Issue Glossary Peaking Distort the signalPhase BandTypical Connecting Leads Soundcraft EFX/EPM User Guide Issue Soundcraft EFX/EPM User Guide Issue Karaoke MARK-UP Sheets EPM Soundcraft EFX/EPM User Guide Issue Fitting Optional Rackmount Ears Part numbers for the kits areSoundcraft EFX/EPM User Guide Issue EPM/EFX Typical Specifications Soundcraft EFX/EPM User Guide Issue Warranty Benefit of this Warranty may not be assigned by the End UserSoundcraft EFX/EPM User Guide Issue Soundcraft EFX/EPM User Guide Issue Page Soundcraft Soundcraft USA Balboa Boulevard
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