SoundCraft Spirit Folio Rac Pac - Manual (Page 9)

3 EQUALISER
The Equaliser (EQ) allows
precise manipulation of the
sound, particularly to
improve the sound of
microphone sources where
the original signal is often far
from ideal due to poor
acoustics or restrictions on
where to place microphones
and where slight boosting or
cutting of particular voice
frequencies can really make
a difference to clarity. The EQ allows enough control to improve, for instance, bad
recordings or the precision to gently enhance vocal or live instrument tracks. There are
three sections, HF, MID and LF giving the sort of control usually only found on much
larger mixers. The EQ knobs can have a dramatic effect, so use them sparingly and
listen carefully as you change any settings so that you get to know how they affect the
sound.
HF EQ
Turn to the right to boost high (treble) frequencies by up to 15dB at 12kHz, adding
crispness to cymbals, vocals and electronic instruments. Turn to the left to cut these
frequencies by up to 15dB, reducing hiss or over-emphasis of high-frequency
consonants, which can occur with certain types of microphone. Set the knob in the
centre-detented position when a flat response is required.
MID EQ
There are two knobs which work together to form a SWEPT MID EQ. The lower knob
provides 15dB of boost and cut, just like the HF EQ knob, but the frequency at which
this occurs can be set by the upper knob over a range of 250Hz to 6kHz. This allows
some truly creative improvement of the signal in live situations, because this mid band
covers the range of most vocals. Listen carefully as you use these controls together to
find how particular characteristics of a vocal signal can be enhanced or reduced. Set
the lower knob to the centre-detented position when not required.
LF EQ
Turn to the right to boost low (bass) frequencies by up to 15dB at 60Hz, adding warmth
to vocals or extra punch to synths, guitars and drums. Turn to the left to cut low
frequencies by up to 15dB for reducing hum, stage rumble or to improve a mushy sound.
Set the knob to the centre-detented position when not required.
4 AUX SENDS
These controls route the input channel signal to any one or more of six Auxiliary which
are used to set up separate mixes for FOLDBACK, EFFECTS or recording, and the
combination of all the Aux Sends is mixed to the corresponding Aux Output at the rear
of the mixer. The controls are specially chosen to give a particularly smooth and useful
control range all round the scale while still maintaining nearly 90dB cut-off when turned
anticlockwise.
Aux 1 is always PRE-FADE and pre-EQ which is ideal for Foldback or Monitor feeds
where the send needs to be independent of the fader so that, for instance, the mix to
artists headphones is not affected by changes in fader level.
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
-5.0
-10.0
-15.0
-20.0
20 1k 10k 20k 100
dB
Frequency/Hz
TYPICAL EQUALISER RESPONSE
LF SWEPT MID HF BOOST
CUT
8
SPIRIT FOLIO RAC PAC