Allen&Heath XONE 464 - Manual (Page 23)

XONE:464 User Guide 23
EQUALISER The EQ on a DJ mixer provides a very different function to
that on any other mixing console. As most music sources are pre-recorded
corrective EQ as found on the microphone channels is not required. Instead,
the EQ is used by the DJ to creatively shape the sound during live performance.
It is important that a wide range of control is available without danger of signal
overload during over-zealous performance.
The XONE:464 stereo equaliser is a unique 4 band asymmetric design. It is
known as ‘asymmetric’ because the amount of boost and cut is not the same.
Boost is restricted to a safe +6dB to highlight selected sounds while preventing
signal overload and resultant distortion. Cut is increased to a massive –26dB
which completely sucks out the affected frequencies dramatically changing the
effect of the sound. This is almost twice as much cut as found on conventional
mixers.
Large, clearly spaced, soft touch knobs are provided for these important
performance controls. They are centre detented so that the middle ‘flat’ position
can be quickly found.
HI Turn this control clockwise to boost and anticlockwise to cut the high
(treble) frequencies. This has a shelving response with all frequencies above
the 10kHz turning point affected. Note that frequencies below 10kHz are
affected by a decreasing amount. Use HI to highlight or remove sounds such
as cymbals or strings, or add sparkle to vocals.
MID 1 This has a bell shaped peak/dip response that affects the mid
frequencies centred around 1kHz. It is most effective in highlighting or
removing the intelligibility of vocals, lead synth, the warmth of strings and so on.
MID 2 This is similar to MID 1 but affects the lower mid frequencies centred
around 250Hz. It can drastically alter the ‘texture’ of the bass sound. Boost
gives a hard edge to bass frequencies, useful for Techno style music. Cut gives
a soft deep Dub sound bass, great for Garage or Drum and Bass. Cutting HI,
MID 1 and MID 2 together leaves just the bass line.
LO Turn this control clockwise to boost and anticlockwise to cut the low (bass)
frequencies. This has a shelving response with all frequencies below the
100Hz turning point affected. Note that frequencies above 100Hz are affected
but by a decreasing amount. Use LO boost to enhance low end punch, and cut
to completely remove all low bass. Use with MID 2 to alter the bass sound of a
track.
EQ ON Press to route the signal through the stereo equaliser. The switch cap
illuminates to show EQ active. This provides a useful performance tool to
punch an EQ effect in or out.
CUE Press the large CUE switch to listen to the pre-fader channel signal using
the headphones or local monitor. This does not affect the main outputs and lets
you audition the signal to cue a track before you raise the fader and introduce it
into the mix. The signal level is also displayed on the console monitor meters
so that GAIN can be accurately set to achieve the correct operating levels. The
switch cap illuminates so that you can see at a glance which channel is cued.
METER A 4 led meter bar always shows the presence of pre-fader signal on
the stereo channel. Adjust the GAIN control for normal music levels averaging
0dB with loudest moments reaching +6. Reduce gain if the red PEAK! Led
flashes.
FADER A 60mm stereo fader adjusts the level of the channel signal and
provides a clear visual indication of its contribution to the mix. It does not affect
the pre-fade AUX sends. The ‘0’ mark at the top of its travel indicates normal
operating position.