Behringer Sonic Exciter SX3040 - Manual (Page 5)

5 SONIC EXCITER SX3040 User Manual
SONIC EXCITER
(4) TUNE: Sets the cut-off frequency at which the harmonic exciter starts
working. The control range is from 1.3 kHz (MIN) to 10 kHz (MAX).
(5) HARMONICS: This control is used to set the number of harmonics that
should be added to the signal. This parameter has a direct influence on the
detail reproduction and the quality of the sound. Use the “MIN” setting for
critical signals, e.g. voice, and “MAX” for extreme processing, e.g. for drums.
(6) MIX: Defines the portion of the harmonic exciter signal that should be mixed
with the original signal.
(7) IN/OUT: Activates and deactivates signal processing. The LED lights up in the
active operating mode.
(8) POWER: Use the POWER switch to put the unit into operation. The POWER
switch should be in the “Off” position when you connect the unit to the
power feed (mains).
To disconnect the unit from the mains, pull out the power plug.
When switching on the unit ensure that the power plug is easily accessible.
To mount the unit in a rack ensure that the unit can easily be disconnected
from the mains by means of a plug or an all-pole mains switch on the
back side.
◊ Please note: Switching the POWER switch off does not disconnect the
unit completely from the mains. For this reason you should unplug the
power cord if the unit is not going to be used for prolonged periods
of time.
2.2 Rear panel
ALL INPUTS & OUTPUTS
FULLY BALANCED
ALL INPUTS & OUTPUTS
FULLY BALANCED
TIP / PIN 2
RING / PIN 3
SLEEVE / PIN 1
TIP / PIN 2
RING / PIN 3
SLEEVE / PIN 1
POWER SOURCE/
FUSE VALUE
(9)
(10)
(11)
Fig. 2.2: Control elements on the rear panel
(9) FUSE HOLDER / IEC POWER SOCKET: The mains connection is made via
an IEC main socket. It complies with relevant safety regulations. A suitable
power cord is included. Replace the fuse with a fuse of the same type.
(10) OUTPUTS 1: Balanced XLR sockets and ¼" jacks. These are used to connect
amplifiers as well as further signal processors and recording devices.
The jacks and XLR sockets can be used in parallel when two outputs
are required.
(11) INPUTS 1: Balanced XLR sockets and ¼" jacks. These are used to connect
line-level signal sources (e.g. a mixing console). To avoid interference,
use only the jacks or the XLR sockets, not both at once.
SERIAL NUMBER: The serial number can be found on the back right side of
the unit. It is needed for online registration.
3. Practical Application
The SX3040 is classified as a psychoacoustic processor. These devices improve
sound with sophisticated signal modifications which are subjectively perceived
as clearer and more sonically pleasing. Algorithms based on the human sense of
hearing influence the quality and the time-based progression of the audio signals
without changing the level ratio. The sound is thereby perceived to be more
contoured and voluminous. Use the SX3040 for mastering in the studio, for live
sound to improve the reproduction quality of PA systems, as a link between
instruments and amplifiers or between playback and recording devices for
restoring old recordings.
3.1 Two separate unit functions
The SX3040 has two different processing sections for each channel: a BASS
PROCESSOR and a HARMONIC EXCITER. The advantage is that the output level
is not changed with SX3040 processing. Hence, overloading of loudspeakers
and other devices is avoided. Moreover, the sound modification is not static,
but dynamic and adapts automatically to different signals.
The BASS PROCESSOR works like a frequency-selective compressor. Depending on
the signal dynamics, an adjustable frequency range is compressed, shifted in
phase and mixed with the original signal. During the compression, peak levels
are temporally extended and hence perceived to be more intense. The phase shift
enhances the bass similarly to a chorus effect.
Exciter-enhanced sound has been a significant part of high-quality commercial
productions for decades. The HARMONIC EXCITER enhances the audio material
with additional harmonics in dependence of frequency. In instruments the
harmonic structure determines the character of the sound as well as the presence
and hence the punch. The more harmonics an exciter adds to the original signal
and the higher their levels, the more pronounced the signal character.
3.2 Application examples
The SX3040 can be incorporated into a set-up in two different ways:
• Series cable connection
• Parallel cable connection
In the following sections the two variants are described in greater detail.
3.2.1 Series cable connection (Insert mode)
The simplest form of series connection consists of a signal chain in which several
devices are connected in a row, e.g. keyboard  effects unit (SX3040) 
amplifier. An input signal is fed into the effects unit (SX3040) and a mixed signal
consisting of an input signal and a processed effect signal is sent to an amplifier
or a recording device (MD recorder, computer etc.) for reproduction.
Another type of series connection can be made by using the Insert point of a
mixing console or instrument amplifier. In this configuration the signal is sent
out from the mixer channel via a special Y-lead and a mixed signal (dry and
effect signals) is routed from the outputs of the effects unit (SX3040) back to the
mixer channel.
◊ With series connection the dry/wet mix is set with the MIX controls on
the effects unit (SX3040).