Peavey RQ 4300 Series Master Section Features and Controls AUX Sends, Mute SWITCH/MUTE-CLIP LED

MASTER SECTION FEATURES AND CONTROLS

AUX SENDS

(21)LEVEL

This control sets the output level of the various AUX mixes and is adjustable from no output (– ∞) to +10 dB.

(22)MUTE SWITCH/MUTE-CLIP LED

This switch mutes the output signal from the respective AUX SEND. Illumination of the corresponding red LED signifies this status. When the MUTE switch is disengaged, the LED functions as a clip (PK) indicator that will illuminate at 2 dB below clipping.

(23)AFL SWITCH/AFL-SIGNAL LED

This switch directs the post-fader (AFL) signal to the HEADPHONE output (39), and activates the AFL/PFL LED display. An adjacent LED illuminates to signify this selection. If AFL is

not selected, the LED will blink as an indication of signal presence (-20 dBu). Selecting AFL allows monitoring of AUX SENDS with the full AFL/PFL LEVEL DISPLAY (45), as well as allowing the operator to hear the output.

COMPRESSORS

The compressors on the RQ Series function similarly to automatic volume controls. In other words, they put signals into a more controllable dynamic range. For example, suppose a singer sings too softly and gets buried in the mix on certain parts of a song, yet sings really loudly on other parts. To control this problem, the operator must “ride gain” (turn the volume up and down to achieve a constant level), but these dynamic changes may be hard to anticipate. Using a compressor eliminates this problem. The RQ’s compressors are factory set at a ratio of 4 to 1, meaning that for every 4 dB of change in input signal, the output changes 1 dB. Compression takes place once the level determined by the THRESHOLD (28) is reached. A high setting, rotating the control clockwise, will result in only the louder notes being compressed; a low setting, rotating the control counterclockwise, will compress a broader range of notes.

(24)COMPRESSOR I/O

This switch determines if the compressor will be used on the SUB mix or will be patched to another channel or other external location. The corresponding yellow LED illuminates when the compressor is being patched externally. This switch can also be used to perform the bypass function. When the compressor is assigned to the SUB group, the I/O jack (53) is bypassed. Similarly, when the compressor is being patched externally, the SUB group is bypassed. Engaging the I/O switch allows the operator to hear the difference between the compressed and noncompressed signal when the compressor is being used on the SUB group.

(25)GAIN

This control sets the output level of the compressor and allows recovery of gain lost by compression. The amount of gain being lost will be represented on the GAIN REDUCTION LEDs (27), and a similar setting on the GAIN control will approximate pre-compression levels.

(26)LINK

This switch allows the compressor in SUB group 1 (or 3) to be linked with the compressor in SUB group 2 (or 4). This is useful if the two SUB groups are being used to create a stereo image. When they are linked, the RMS detector voltages are summed together for an accurate representation of the two levels. This locks the compressors together to maintains the stereo image during compression. While linked, the controls in the first of the two linked groups affect both channels. The compressor controls in the second group are disabled. The gain reduction meter for the first group is accurate for both groups and should be used to monitor compressor activity. When the link is enabled the yellow LED will illuminate.

9