4 Applications

Eliminating Feedback

During a live performance, you may experience feedback if a microphone is placed too close to a monitor. However, this feedback often occurs at one frequency before it happens at others. You can "ring out" the monitor by using EQ to cut the frequency that’s feeding back. The following is best to try when the band and audience are not present:

1.Insert the EQ between the mixer’s monitor output and the monitor amplifier.

2.Slowly and carefully raise the monitor level to the point of feedback. Notice that it always feeds back at the same frequency unless the mic is moved a lot. As soon as you hear feedback, turn the monitor level down, but not off.

3.Select a band that is near where you think the feedback is occurring. For example, if you’re getting high-frequency feedback, try 6.3 kHz.

4.Slowly raise the 6.3 kHz Band Gain level while listening for feedback. If you hear feedback, cut that frequency because you guessed right.

5.If you don’t hear feedback, return that band to “0” and repeat this procedure with another frequency band. Once you hear feedback, cut that frequency.

If you don’t hear feedback at any frequency using this method, try boosting the monitor level a little more.

Filtering effects

The answering machine

A popular vocal effect is to filter the voice to a limited frequency range. This “telephone” effect can be used on any instrument or mix. Here’s how to get that sound on the DEQ830:

1.Press all of the [BAND SELECT] buttons in the ranges from 25 Hz to 630 Hz and from 6.3 kHz to 20 kHz on the channel you are using. Or you can hold down a [BAND SELECT] button and turn the [VALUE] encoder to select these frequency ranges.

2.Use the [VALUE] encoder to reduce all of these frequencies until their LEDs are at -12 dB.

3.Select all of the unedited frequencies and boost them as high as you can without clipping the signal.

4.Be sure to toggle the [BYPASS] button to compare the result with the original.

This procedure can be an effective tool in isolating and eliminating feedback in the main or house system as well.

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Alesis DEQ830 manual Filtering effects, Eliminating Feedback, Answering machine