Symetrix 601 - User Manual

S
y
metrix Inc.
14926 35th Avenue West
L
y
nnwood, Washin
g
ton 98036
voice:
(
206
)
787-3222
(
800
)
288-8855
fax:
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787-3211
Owner’s Manual
Manual: Rev 2.2, 10/31/94
Software: Rev 2.03
Part number: 530204
Subject to change at our whim, and without notice.
Copyright (c) 1992-1994, Symetrix Inc. All rights reserved.
Batteries not included. Ground isn’t ground!
Available at finer studios everywhere.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any
information storage and retrieval system, without permission, in writing, from
the publisher.
Symetrix
601601
Digital Voice ProcessorDigital Voice Processor

Summary

1. Introduction

1.1 Manual Sections

Describes the manual's structure and chapter contents for user guidance.

1.2 Operator Safety Summary

Provides essential safety information for operating the equipment.

1.3 Other Safety Information

Details crucial safety aspects regarding power source, grounding, fuses, and operating location.

2. Basics

2.1 What Does the 601 Do?

Introduces the 601 as a combination of four digital signal processors.

2.2 Digital and Analog Differences

Discusses the distinction between digital and analog processing in audio devices.

2.3 Gain Setting

Explains signal levels, headroom, dynamic range, and setting gain for optimal audio performance.

2.4 Equalization

Details the function of equalization and its application in audio signal processing.

2.5 De-Essing

Describes the process of reducing sibilant sounds ("s" and "sh") in speech and singing.

2.6 Noise Reduction

Details single-ended noise reduction techniques for signal clarity.

2.7 Downward Expansion

Explains how downward expansion increases dynamic range and reduces noise.

2.8 Compression

Covers signal compression for managing dynamic range and creating audio effects.

2.9 AGC

Describes Automatic Gain Control (AGC) for maintaining consistent audio levels.

2.10 Delay

Introduces the concept of delay effects for adding space, time, and reflection to audio.

2.11 Modulated Delay

Explains how modulating delay time creates effects like flanging and chorus.

2.12 MIDI

Discusses MIDI control capabilities for parameters and remote operation.

2.13 Program Memory

Details the 601's program storage for user and factory presets.

3. Technical Tutorial

3.1 Matching Levels vs Matching Impedances

Explains the importance of matching signal levels and impedance relationships for audio systems.

3.2 Signal Levels

Defines and categorizes studio/professional line levels and microphone levels.

3.3 I;O Impedances

Details the input and output impedance specifications for interfacing with audio equipment.

3.4 Polarity Convention

Describes the standard polarity convention for audio signals, particularly pin 2 hot.

3.5 Input and Output Connections

Illustrates how to connect balanced and unbalanced analog sources and loads.

3.6 Digital I;O Considerations

Discusses digital I/O formats (AES/EBU, S/PDIF) and their interface characteristics.

3.7 MIDI I;O Considerations

Explains the MIDI connections and their functionality, including echo behavior.

4. Front Panel Overview

4.1 User Interface Summary

Provides an overview of the 601's intuitive interface, parameter adjustment, and switch functions.

4.3 Input Level Control Block

Covers controls and indicators for setting analog input levels and headroom.

4.4 Parametric EQ Block

Details the three-band parametric equalizer, including band equalization and control.

4.5 Dynamics Processing Block

Introduces the dynamics section, including de-esser, NR, expander, compressor, and AGC.

4.6 Delay Group

Introduces the dual-delay system with feedback, cross-coupling, and modulation capabilities.

4.7 Output Group

Covers switches affecting the 601's output, including bypass and gain/pan controls.

4.8 System Group

Details global system parameters like MIDI, stored in battery-backed memory.

4.9 Presets Group

Manages memory tasks, including saving, comparing, and loading programs.

4.10 Setting Scenarios

Provides practical scenarios for setting up the 601 with various analog and digital input signals.

4.11 Restoring Factory Presets

Details the procedure for reinitializing the 601 to its factory default settings, erasing user programs.

4.12 Disabling the Front Panel

Explains the security feature to disable front panel controls for operational security.

5. Rear Panel Overview

Serial Number

Section to record the unit's serial number for warranty purposes.

AC Power Input

Specifies the IEC power connector and the need for an appropriate AC source.

POWER switch

Describes the push-push switch for turning the unit on and off.

MIDI connectors

Identifies the 5-pin DIN connectors for MIDI input and output.

DIGITAL OUTPUT

Details the RCA and XLR connectors for S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital output.

DIGITAL INPUT

Details the RCA and XLR connectors for S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital input.

Outputs

Describes the balanced XLR connectors for analog audio output.

Inputs

Details the balanced XLR connectors for analog line and microphone level inputs.

Phantom Power

Explains the switch to enable/disable +48V phantom power for condenser microphones.

6. Fast First Time Setup

6.1 Connections

Guides on connecting analog and digital sources and destinations to the 601.

6.2 Settings for Analog Sources

Step-by-step instructions for configuring the 601's front panel controls for analog sources.

6.3 Settings for Digital Sources

Step-by-step instructions for configuring the 601's front panel controls for digital sources.

7. Using the 601

7.1 Installation

Covers mechanical, electrical, and connector requirements for installing the 601.

7.2 Operational Details

Provides details on the 601's signal flow, processing capabilities, and input/output handling.

7.3 Block Diagrams

Presents block diagrams illustrating the 601's internal signal processing architecture.

7.4 System Interface

Explores various ways to interface and use the 601 within different audio setups.

7.5 Tips and Techniques for Using the 601

Offers practical tips and techniques for optimizing the use of the 601.

8. Applications

8.1 Broadcast Voice Processing

Suggests using the 601 to create unique sounds for on-air personalities.

8.2 Voice-over Processing

Recommends storing settings for voice talents for quick recall.

8.3 Foley Processing

Suggests using the 601 for recording or processing foley effects.

8.4 Digital Mastering

Explains using the 601 for digital mastering tasks like compression and EQ.

8.5 Musical Applications

Highlights the 601's suitability as an instrument processor, especially for keyboards.

8.6 Sound Reinforcement Applications

Describes the 601 as an ultimate channel insert processor for live sound.

9. Troubleshooting Chart

10. 601 Digital Voice Processor Limited Warranty

Limitation of Liability

States limitations on Symetrix's total liability for claims related to the product.

11. Repair Information

11.1 Return Authorization

Details the process for obtaining a Return Authorization number before sending the unit for service.

11.2 In-Warranty Repairs

Guides on procedures for getting the unit repaired under warranty terms.

11.3 Out-of-Warranty Repairs

Explains the process and costs associated with out-of-warranty repairs.

12. Specifications

Input;Output

Lists the electrical and connector specifications for the unit's inputs and outputs.

Filter Block

Details the specifications of the three-band parametric equalizer.

Delay Block

Lists the specifications for the delay effects, including time and modulation.

Dynamics Block

Covers the specifications for de-essing, noise reduction, expansion, compression, and AGC.

Output Processing

Details the specifications for output level and panning functions.

Performance Data

Provides technical performance metrics such as frequency response, distortion, and dynamic range.

Midi Implementation

Outlines the MIDI features, accessible parameters, and connectors.

Physical

Lists the physical dimensions and weight of the unit.

Electrical

Specifies the power requirements for the unit.

A. Editing Realtime Midi Settings

B. Using the Lexicon MRC to Edit Realtime MIDI Settings

C. MIDI Implementation Notes

C.1 Overview

Introduces MIDI messages relevant to the 601, such as Control Change and Sysex.

C.1.1 Control Change (Bn)

Explains how Control Change messages affect parameters like volume and panning.

C.1.2 Realtime MIDI

Discusses Realtime MIDI setups, parameter mapping, scaling, and offsets.

C.1.3 Sysex Implementation (F0)

Details the format and usage of MIDI System Exclusive messages for controlling the 601.

C.1.4 Sysex Echo

Explains the conditions under which Sysex messages are echoed through the MIDI OUT connector.

C.1.5 Recognized MIDI Commands

Lists the MIDI sysex messages that the 601 recognizes.

C.1.6 Data Structure Per Program

Describes the data structure for program parameters within the Edit Buffer.

D. Glossary and Bibliography

D.1 Glossary

Defines technical terms used throughout the manual, with cross-references.

D.2 Bibliography

Provides a list of recommended books for further research on audio topics.

E. Architect’s and Engineer’s Specification

F. Disassembly Instructions

F.1 Top Cover Removal

Details the steps required to remove the unit's top cover.

F.2 Circuit Board Removal

Outlines procedures for removing the various circuit boards within the 601.

G. Presets and Other Stuff

G.3 Presets and Building Blocks

Lists factory preset programs and building-block programs for specialized functions.

MIDI Implementation Chart

Summarizes MIDI functions, recognized messages, and their corresponding remarks.

Symetrix 601 Specifications

General

Brand	Symetrix
Model	601
Category	Telephone Accessories
Language	English