SYMETRIX 528E
Quick Start

Quick Start Guide
528E Voice Processor
Re�ning Your Settings
Mic Preamp Gain Settings

To download the full 528E User Guide, go to the 528E product page on www.symetrixaudio.com.

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Set the MIC GAIN control so that the OUTPUT LEVEL LED display indicates a signal between -10 and 0 VU. The CLIP LED should almost never light. If it does, decrease the MIC GAIN control until it does not. Any loss in gain can be made up for later in the signal chain.

De-Esser Settings

The De-Esser is used to reduce the level of objectionable sibilant sounds (S and T sounds). Engage the De-Esser by pressing the DE-ESS IN / OUT button IN. Set the THRESHOLD control so that the de-esser gain reduction LED display shows about 12 dB of reduction. Now, �tune� the FREQUENCY control for the maximum sibilance reduction. Finally, reduce the setting of the THRESHOLD control until you reduce the sibilance to a tolerable level without harming the quality of the audio signal.

Downward Expander Settings

Use the Expander to reduce room noise or other low level or background noise. Set the THRESHOLD control to allow low level speech sounds to pass while still blocking out room sound or noise.

Compressor Settings

Use the COMP THRES control to determine the level at which the compressor starts to work. As the sound level increases above the set threshold, you will see the gain reduction LED display start to work indicating the amount of gain reduction taking place. Generally 3 to 6 dB is suf�cient, unless you are using a low compression ratio (below 2:1), or you want a special effect. Pick a ratio suited to the task at hand: low ratios and low thresholds for unobtrusive level control, medium ratios for overall level control and consistency, high ratios (greater than 8:1) for limiting or in-your-face sorts of sounds.

Equalizer Settings

Equalization is entirely dependent upon many factors and should generally be used to correct or enhance the frequency content of the signal. For example, the default settings should be close for the male voice. For female voices, the LOW EQ range shifts up to 200 or 300 Hz and the MID EQ range shifts up to 3-5 kHz. If you are using a microphone that exhibits proximity effect, then you�ll probably need to reduce (cut) the bass (LOW EQ) response somewhat. 3-6 dB should be �ne, but you�ll have to compromise between a big full sound and the overbearing low frequency content. A bit of MID EQ will help make voices cut through and seem louder. The HIGH EQ can add brightness and intimacy. It will take some tuning and experimentation based on the signal source, microphone used and personal taste.

Output Settings

For many applications, setting the output GAIN control to 0 dB works �ne. If you are adding a lot of EQ, this will tend to cause an overall level increase. Thus, you may need to lower the output GAIN appropriately. Likewise, if you are using a fair amount of compression, you may need to add some gain to compensate for the gain reduction in the compressor section. You should adjust the output GAIN control so that it provides enough signal level to your connections downstream, yet still prevents the CLIP LED from illuminating. The output CLIP LED monitors both the equalizer and the output stage. Large amounts of EQ boost and/or high signal levels can cause CLIP indications. If this occurs, lower the signal level via the GAIN control. It is also possible for the output stage to clip if a processor, inserted via the OUTPUT STAGE INPUT jack, is contributing gain to the overall signal path. In this case, either lower the gain of the inserted processor or reduce the setting of the output GAIN control.