Trident A-Range - A-Range Unit Overview; Connecting the A-Range Unit

Trident A-RANGE Owners Manual5
Trident A-RANGE Description
Operating the Equalizer
Set the ‘Input Level’ in accordance with the procedures detailed in the ‘Input Section’ section of this manual. Begin
with all boost/cut faders set to their mid way (‘0’) positions. Adjust the low and high mid frequency controls to
their minimum positions (fully clockwise). The high and low pass filter switches should be in their out positions.
Set the frequency select switches controlling the high and low shelving sections, to 150Hz and 12kHz respectively.
Lastly, set the ‘EQ’ switch to the ‘IN’ position (the associated LED will illuminate).
Moving any one or more of the four faders next to their associated frequency select switches to the right of cen-
tre, will result in the chosen frequency being increased in level. Moving the faders to the left of centre will result
in the chosen frequency being attenuated. Operating the frequency select switch in the high section (8kHz to
15kHz shelving) will introduce a subtle change of emphasis of the high frequencies being aected. Operating the
frequency select switch in the upper mid section (3kHz to 9kHz peaking) will introduce a distinct dierence ac-
cording to the frequency selected, since it is now peaking rather than shelving and also due to the characteristics
of the inductor-based topology. Operating the frequency select switch in the ‘lower mid’ section, 250Hz - 2kHz
peaking, will also introduce a distinct dierence according to the frequency selected, again because of its peaking
nature and the use of inductors in this part of the circuit. Operating the frequency select switch in the low section,
80Hz - 150Hz shelving, will introduce an eective change of emphasis to the low frequencies, according to the
switch setting.
Finally, the three shelving ‘low-pass’ and ‘high-pass’ filter sections are employed to introduce a roll-o of either
high frequencies or low frequencies respectively, according to which of the three push buttons are selected in
each section. The high-pass filters are useful for the minimization of extraneous low frequency ‘rumble’ caused,
for example, by someone’s feet moving about near a microphone stand, nearby trac noise, AC systems, etc. Ad-
ditionally, a high-pass filter can be used eectively during recording to reduce the accumulation of low frequency
sounds that can adversely aect a mix. The three high-pass corner frequencies are 25Hz, 50Hz and 100Hz. The
low-pass filters are used to minimize high frequency noise that may cause ‘harshness’ in a vocal, or to tame the
output of a violin or guitar amplifier, etc. Low-pass filtering is often employed on kick and snare drums and bass
guitars, as well as a means of reducing ‘hiss’. The three low-pass filter frequencies on the A-Range® are 9k, 12k and
15k. Filters can also be used in combination for greater eect.
The amount of boost (accentuation) or cut (attenuation) that is applied to the audio signal is entirely depen-
dent on the programme content and it is not our intention to advise on this. Application of equalisation is a very
subjective matter and is best learned by trial and error. The equaliser bypass switch ‘EQ IN’ is a useful facility for
comparing the signal before and after equalisation.
Insert In and Insert Pre
These two switches are very useful when the unit is used as two independent ‘channel strips’. The ‘pre/post’ facil-
ity allows the user to choose at which point an external signal processing device (such as a compressor/limiter) is
inserted into the signal chain and the ‘bypass’ facility makes it possible to compare the unprocessed signal with
the processed signal by the touch of a single button.
The ‘Insert In’ button enables the unbalanced Insert Send and Return points, which are accessible via ¼” jacks on
the rear of the unit. When ‘Pre EQ’ is selected, the ‘Insert’ point is located between the output of the Mic/Line am-
plifier and the input of the equaliser. In ‘post’ mode, the ‘Insert’ point is instead placed after the equaliser section
and before the final output amplifier.
The ability to bypass the Insert makes it easy to compare the signal with and without the external processing
device, with no need to unplug it from the Send and Return jacks on the rear of the unit. Without this function it
would either be necessary to disconnect the external processor, or operate its controls separately. Because it is
still connected (even when bypassed), it is possible adjust the external device (eg: to set the correct level) before
it is switched into the A-Range® signal path.