ULTRACURVE PRO DEQ2496

4This symbol refers to an AUTO or SNGL filter (SNGL filter in LOCK mode), which is currently suppressing an identified feedback frequency.

<This symbol indicates that the AUTO and SNGL filters are in STOP mode. The settings already made remain active. However, “new” feedback frequencies are not eliminated.

=This symbol refers to the filter assigned to the last feedback frequency identified.

The selection and editing of parameters is largely the same as in the PEQ menu, one exception being the B key: With a long key press you can reset all filters (menu page 2) or just the AUTO filters (menu page 3).

3.3 WIDTH menu

The WIDTH function gives you a stereo imager for processing stereo signals and is active in stereo LINK mode only.

A signal whose stereo basis has been enlarged sounds much more interesting, because you can hear more pronounced differences between the two stereo sides. If used moderately, a stereo imager can clearly enhance the overall impression of your music.

On both pages of the WIDTH menu, the parameters to be edited appear on the right-hand side. On the left you’ll find the RESET IMAGE-function (B key), which allows you to undo the previously made entries by means of a long key press. In the center of the display, a diagram shows both the stereo width of the signal (triangle) and the mono signal (line).

Fig. 3.11: WIDTH menu (page 1)

The parameter STEREOWIDTH offers a setting range from 0 to 3.0 (large data wheel), and defines how clearly the two sides of the stereo image are separated from each other.

With the upper data wheel you can edit the ASYMMETRY parameter and thus the relative volume of the left and right stereo signal, within a range from -90 to 90°, but without affecting the center mono signal. At 90 or -90° the left and right stereo sides overlap the mono signal, which means the stereo signal becomes a mono signal, too.

Use the ROTATION parameter (lower data wheel) to position the entire signal (stereo and mono) in the stereo image, without modifying the relative proportion between mono and stereo signals. This is useful, for example to position a single stereo signal in the overall mix (“true stereo” panorama setting).

Fig. 3.12: WIDTH menu (page 2)

The second page of this menu provides functions for processing the sound of the signal. For example, SHUFFLE (lower data wheel) generates an additional stereowidth effect for the low-frequency range, because the signal separation between the left and right stereo sides is not so clearly audible in the bass as it is in the treble range. The spatial character of the sound becomes thus more intensive. The setting range is from 1.0 to 3.0.

BASS TRIM (upper data wheel) corrects the volume of the bass range by ±3 dB and thus makes up for the effect generated by the SHUFFLE function with regard to the perceivable volume of the bass frequencies.

The FREQUENCY parameter (large data wheel) determines the cut-off frequency below which the SHUFFLE function processes (350 to 1,400 Hz). For normal stereo operation settings between 600 and 700 Hz usually sound best.

The parameters ASYMMETRY, ROTATION and FREQUENCY provide optional fine or coarse adjustment facilities (available by pressing the corresponding data wheels).

3.4 DYN menu

Your DEQ2496 offers a comprehensive set of dynamics processors for the optimization of audio signals. Two pages are available, on which you can adjust compressor and expander settings. An additional LIMITER function allows you to suppress signal peaks.

Fig. 3.13: DYN menu (page 1)

On the first page the B key lets you alternate between the compressor and expander functions. As in the other menus, the A key is used to alternate between the left and right stereo sides. In Stereo LINK mode all edits refer to both stereo sides.

Explanation:

A compressor reduces the volume level above a selected threshold and thus gives the sound more density and punch.

An expander reduces the volume level below a selected threshold and thus also reduces the levels of interference, such as tape noise or crosstalk. Extreme settings make an expander act like a noise gate, cutting off signal levels below the threshold completely.

The display is very much the same as in the DEQ menu, because here, too, signal processing depends on the volume level. On the right you’ll find the edit parameters with the LEVEL meter for the DYN input signal next to them, the GAIN meter showing the amount of boost/cut applied and finally a graphic representation of the control curve.

The GAIN parameter (upper data wheel) corrects the volume of the compressed or expanded signal, within a range from -15 to +15 dB. As in the DEQ module, the THRESHOLD value (large data wheel) determines the point of onset, from which the compressor/expander starts processing the signal (0 to -60 dB). The RATIO parameter adjusts the amount of attenuation, once the signal exceeds or drops below the threshold (lower data wheel). The setting range is from 1:1.1 to 1:100.

Fig. 3.14: DYN menu (page 2)

The PAGE or DYN key takes you to the second menu page, where you can adjust additional compressor/expander parameters.

Similarly to the DEQs, the upper data wheel adjusts the ATTACK time from 0 to 200 ms. The RELEASE time (20 to 4.000 ms) is set with the lower data wheel. Press the respective control to select a coarse or fine adjustment scale.

3. MENU STRUCTURE AND EDITING

11