applications • chapter 4

Hum Removal

You may need to use a recorded performance with ground hum present on the track. This hum can be decreased or even eliminated using EQ:

•Band 1 set for narrow Q, cutting –18dB at 60Hz

•Band 2 set for narrow Q, cutting –18dB at 120Hz

•Band 3 set for narrow Q, cutting –18dB at 180Hz

You may want to enable the HPF on Band 1, centered around 60Hz, to completely eliminate the hum, depending on how much this effects the source. However, hum is usually present at several frequencies at once.

Tip: To find the exact frequency where hum is present, set the EQ band to a narrow Q, boost that band, then sweep the frequency control up and down until you hear the hum. When you’ve found the frequency, cut it as much as you can.

Tape hiss removal

If a recording has a lot of tape hiss, such as one transferred from cassette, you can usually get rid of it using a bit of high shelving EQ.

• Band 5 set to High Shelf, cut –6dB at 8kHz

Adjust the frequency and gain controls to compromise between keeping the high end of the recording and eliminating tape hiss.

Eliminating feedback

During a live performance, you may experience feedback if a monitor is reproducing a microphone placed too close to that 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. This is best to try when there is not a band and audience present:

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PEQ-450 Reference Manual

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Alesis PEQ-450 manual Hum Removal, Tape hiss removal, Eliminating feedback
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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.
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