PreSonus RC 500 - Manual (Page 8)

2.4 VU Meter and Controls
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High Band Shelf. By default, the high band of the EQ is a standard peak filter with a
fixed Q of 0.6. When the Shelf switch is engaged, the high band functions as a
shelving filter.
EQ In/Out. Bypasses the EQ circuit in the signal chain.
2.4 VU Meter and Controls
VU Meter. By default, the analog VU meter displays the RC 500’s output level.
Meter – GR. This switch changes the VU metering to display the compressor’s gain
reduction rather than the RC 500’s output level.
2.5 Master Control
Master Level. Adjusts the overall output volume of the RC 500 between -80 dB and
+10 dB.
2.6 Physical Connections
Instrument Input. The ¼” TS connector on the front panel is for use with a passive
instrument (guitar, bass, etc.). To use this input, turn the Source Select switch to the
Mic/Inst position.
Power User Tip: Passive instruments do not have an internal preamp and should
be plugged into an instrument input. Active instruments have an internal preamp
and a line-level output and should be plugged into a line input. Plugging a line-level
source into the instrument input on the front of the RC 500 risks damage to the circuit
and is likely to produce a very loud and distorted audio signal. So don’t do that!
Mic Input. The RC 500 mic preamp works great with all types of microphones,
including dynamic, ribbon, and condenser mics. To use this input, turn the Source
Select switch to the Mic/Inst position. As previously stated in Section 2.1, if both the
Mic and the Instrument inputs are connected, the Mic input will be bypassed, and
the Instrument input will be patched through the signal path.
Power User Tip: Dynamic microphones and ribbon microphones (which are a special
type of dynamic mic) are generally lower-output devices that, with few exceptions,
require no external power source. Sending phantom power to a ribbon mic that
doesn’t require it can cause severe damage to the mic—usually beyond repair.
Condenser microphones are generally more sensitive than dynamic and ribbon
microphones and typically require external +48V phantom power. Always review your
microphone’s documentation and follow its recommended operating practices.