Alesis DEQ230 manual The Hidden Modes, Basics of Equalization, Demonstration mode, Metering modes

Basics of Equalization 3

The "Hidden" Modes

There are several sub-levels of operation that can be accessed from Program mode by pressing different buttons. We covered Channel Level mode and Audition mode on the preceding pages; here are two more “hidden” modes:

Demonstration mode

Sometimes it’s fun to have a lot of little lights flashing from the stage or in the studio. The DEQ230 has a special key combination that will activate a “light show” for the entertainment of your clients, audience, or children. To begin the pyrotechnics, first make sure you are in Program mode. Once you are, hold down the [LINK/EXIT] button and press the [UP] button.

To exit Demonstration mode, press the [LINK/EXIT] button.

Being in Demonstration mode is something like being in Audition mode; the DEQ230 will cycle automatically through all 60 programs one after the other. The main difference is that while in Demonstration mode, the audio signal is bypassed.

Real-time Analysis mode (DEQ230D only):

The DEQ230D is capable of another “light show” that is even more useful than it is entertaining. Real-time analysis (RTA) mode uses the Band Gain LEDs to show you exactly which frequencies are present in the audio signal that is passing through the DEQ230D. This is an extremely useful tool that has been a mainstay of serious sound reinforcement engineers for decades.

To enter RTA mode, press the two leftmost [BAND SELECT] buttons on Channel A (25 Hz and 31 Hz). Immediately, the DEQ230D will start giving you visual feedback as to what is going on with the instrument or mix that is being processed. RTA mode monitors the outputs of the DEQ230D, so when you press the [BYPASS] button you will be seeing what you are hearing: the unprocessed signal.

Metering modes

Like any professional audio product, the DEQ230D allows you to configure the response of the Band Gain LEDs while in RTA mode. Use the [DOWN] and [UP] buttons to select between the four different settings:

00Peaks are not held.

01Peaks are held for one second.

02Peaks are held for two seconds.

OOPeaks are held until the metering mode is switched to another setting, or until you exit RTA mode.

If you want to reset the peaks while they are being held in Momentary 1, Momentary 2, or Continuous settings, press the [DOWN] and [UP] buttons at the same time.

There are two ways to get out of RTA mode: pressing the

25 Hz and 31.5Hz buttons on Channel A simultaneously, or by pressing the [LINK/EXIT] button.

Held peaks may be reset at any time by pressing the [DOWN] and [UP] buttons simultaneously.

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