PPM608

Master Controls

20

32

37

45

47

46

33

34

38

39

50

35

40

48

49

31

36

As with the channel EQ, just take it easy.

There is a large amount of adjustment, and if you are not careful, you can upset the delicate balance of nature. Although it may not seem cool to actually turn down controls, with EQ it is often your best option. Turn down the offending frequency range, rather than boost the wanted range. You can reduce the level of some frequency bands where feedback occurs.

41

42

43

44

With this constant–Q graphic

EQ, the bandwidth (and Q) of a frequency band doesn't vary with the amount of boost or cut, and it has minimal effect on adjacent bands for all settings of the slider levels. (There's always some effect on adjacent bands to avoid too much variation or ripple between bands, but the constant-Q design keeps this fairly constant for all settings.) The position of the sliders gives a good indication of the frequency response across the audio band.

Non-constant types of EQ (on other mixers) give a wider bandwidth for lower levels of boost or cut, and narrows as the level goes up or down. For example, if you're boosting

500 Hz and 2 kHz slightly, the 1 kHz band will also be boosted, even though the 1 kHz slider is in the flat position.

31. POWER LED

This LED comes on when the powered mixer is plugged into the correct-voltage AC mains supply, and the rear panel power switch [2] is on.

If the LED does not turn on, make sure the AC power is live, both ends of the power cord are correctly inserted, your electricity bill has been paid, the lights in town are on.

32. MAIN MASTER GRAPHIC EQ

This 7-band graphic equalizer adjusts the main mix output. It affects the line-level outputs [19], as well as the main speaker-level outputs if the internal amplifiers are playing the main mix.

Each slider allows you to adjust the level of its frequency band, with up to 15 dB of boost or cut, and no change in level at the center (0 dB) position. The frequency bands are: 125, 250, 500, 1k, 2k, 4k, and 8kHz.

The EQ section comes after the main level [34], and just before the main meters [36]. Therefore, as you adjust the EQ, you can keep an eye on the meters in case you over-do it and take the levels into overload.

33. FX TO MAIN

This knob lets you adjust the level of the internal effects being added to the main mix. It is a stereo control, as the output from the internal effects processor is stereo and is added to the left and right main mix.

Adjust the FX level being added, compared to the other channels playing in the main mix.

At the fully-down position, no effects are added, the center U mark is unity gain, and 10 dB of effects gain is available at the fully clockwise position.

34. MAIN LEVEL

This knob controls the level of the main mix, and affects the meters [36], main line-level outputs [19], main sub out [18], and the main speaker-level outputs if the internal power amplifiers are playing the main mix. The level adjustment occurs before the EQ [32].

This gives you ultimate control over your audience.

Adjust it carefully, with your good eye on the meters to check against overloading, and your good ear on the levels to make sure your audience is happy.

PPM608