6SONIC EXCITER SX3040 User Manual

SONIC EXCITER

(4)TUNE: Sets the cut-off frequency at which the harmonic exciter starts working. The control range is from 1.3 kHz (MIN) to 10 kHz (MAX).

(5)HARMONICS: This control is used to set the number of harmonics that should be added to the signal. This parameter has a direct influence on the detail reproduction and the quality of the sound. Use the “MIN” setting for critical signals, e.g. voice, and “MAX” for extreme processing, e.g. for drums.

(6)MIX: Defines the portion of the harmonic exciter signal that should be mixed with the original signal.

(7)IN/OUT: Activates and deactivates signal processing. The LED lights up in the active operating mode.

(8)POWER: Use the POWER switch to put the unit into operation. The POWER switch should be in the “Off” position when you connect the unit to the power feed (mains).

To disconnect the unit from the mains, pull out the power plug.

When switching on the unit ensure that the power plug is easily accessible. To mount the unit in a rack ensure that the unit can easily be disconnected from the mains by means of a plug or an all-pole mains switch on the back side.

◊Please note: Switching the POWER switch off does not disconnect the unit completely from the mains. For this reason you should unplug the power cord if the unit is not going to be used for prolonged periods of time.

2.2 Rear panel

FUSE VALUE

POWER SOURCE/

 

(10)

ALL INPUTS & OUTPUTS

 

ALL INPUTS & OUTPUTS

FULLY BALANCED

 

FULLY BALANCED

TIP/PIN 2

 

TIP/PIN 2

RING/PIN 3

 

RING/PIN 3

SLEEVE/PIN 1

 

SLEEVE/PIN 1

(9)

Fig. 2.2: Control elements on the rear panel

(9)FUSE HOLDER / IEC POWER SOCKET: The mains connection is made via an IEC main socket. It complies with relevant safety regulations. A suitable power cord is included. Replace the fuse with a fuse of the same type.

(10)OUTPUTS 1: Balanced XLR sockets and ¼" jacks. These are used to connect amplifiers as well as further signal processors and recording devices.

The jacks and XLR sockets can be used in parallel when two outputs are required.

(11)INPUTS 1: Balanced XLR sockets and ¼" jacks. These are used to connect line-level signal sources (e.g. a mixing console). To avoid interference, use only the jacks or the XLR sockets, not both at once.

SERIAL NUMBER: The serial number can be found on the back right side of the unit. It is needed for online registration.

3. Practical Application

The SX3040 is classified as a psychoacoustic processor. These devices improve sound with sophisticated signal modifications which are subjectively perceived as clearer and more sonically pleasing. Algorithms based on the human sense of hearing influence the quality and the time-based progression of the audio signals without changing the level ratio. The sound is thereby perceived to be more contoured and voluminous. Use the SX3040 for mastering in the studio, for live sound to improve the reproduction quality of PA systems, as a link between instruments and amplifiers or between playback and recording devices for restoring old recordings.

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3.1 Two separate unit functions

The SX3040 has two different processing sections for each channel: a BASS PROCESSOR and a HARMONIC EXCITER. The advantage is that the output level is not changed with SX3040 processing. Hence, overloading of loudspeakers and other devices is avoided. Moreover, the sound modification is not static, but dynamic and adapts automatically to different signals.

The BASS PROCESSOR works like a frequency-selective compressor. Depending on the signal dynamics, an adjustable frequency range is compressed, shifted in phase and mixed with the original signal. During the compression, peak levels are temporally extended and hence perceived to be more intense. The phase shift enhances the bass similarly to a chorus effect.

Exciter-enhanced sound has been a significant part of high-quality commercial productions for decades. The HARMONIC EXCITER enhances the audio material with additional harmonics in dependence of frequency. In instruments the harmonic structure determines the character of the sound as well as the presence and hence the punch. The more harmonics an exciter adds to the original signal and the higher their levels, the more pronounced the signal character.

3.2 Application examples

The SX3040 can be incorporated into a set-up in two different ways:

•Series cable connection

•Parallel cable connection

In the following sections the two variants are described in greater detail.