Yamaha EMX3500, Operation Manual

12

should never read levels higher than about 0 VU. If they

do, then the mixer levels are too high and the power

amplifier may be overloaded, causing distortion.

It is generally best to use the master stereo faders when

making small adjustments to the overall output level. But if

these faders must be set to extremely low or high positions

(lower than about “20” or higher than “5” on their scales),

then the overall mix should be re-adjusted using the input

channel faders so that the VU meters show a proper level

when the master stereos are set within the range de-

scribed above.

Using the Channel Equalizers

Each of the EMX3500’s input channels has four equalizer

(EQ) controls that make it possible to independently

equalize the channel’s signal to some degree. The rule of

thumb, however, is that equalization should not be used

unless it is absolutely necessary. Always put some effort

into proper microphone selection, careful microphone

placement, and fine adjustment of source instrument

controls before resorting to equalization. Settle for this

option only if you have set everything up as best you can

and are still not satisfied with the sound.

Channel equalization can be most useful in tonally sepa-

rating one sound from another, or from a group of sounds.

Slightly boosting the high frequency of a guitar sound, for

example, can give it the extra bite it needs to stand out

more clearly from the background. Vocals tend to stand

out better if given a bit of boost in the middle range.

Speech generally benefits from a reduction in the low

frequencies, to prevent the “boomy” sound that occurs

when the speaker gets too close to the microphone.

Experimentation and experience will tell you how much of

what type of equalization is appropriate for different sound

sources.

Also keep in mind the fact that the channel’s PEAK LED

indicator is post-EQ. Excessive boosting of a signal

frequency may cause the PEAK LED to light more than

briefly, indicating that you need to either reduce the input

gain or reduce the amount of boost being applied.

Using the Digital Signal Processor

The EMX3500’s built-in digital signal processor (DSP)

features 15 top-quality digital effects. Each effect program

has one parameter that can be edited to modify the sound

of the effect. The table below lists the programmable

parameter and its possible values for each program.

Program

Param

Range

Preset

VOCAL ECHO 1

Delay

1–370 ms

125

VOCAL ECHO 2

Delay

1–370 ms

125

VOCAL REVERB 1

Reverb

0.3–10 s

3.2

VOCAL REVERB 2

Reverb

0.3–10 s

2.2

REVERB & ECHO 1

Delay

1–300 ms

174

REVERB & ECHO 2

Delay

1–300 ms

125

LARGE HALL

Reverb

0.3–10 s

2.4

SMALL HALL

Reverb

0.3–10 s

2.6

CHURCH

Reverb

0.3–10 s

2.6

ROOM

Size

0.1–10

1.8

SNARE GATE

Delay

1–350 ms

100

SNARE REVERB

Reverb

0.3–10 s

1.2

DELAY L, R

Delay

1–740 ms

147

SHORT DELAY

Delay

0.1–99.9 ms

80

PITCH CHORUS

Detune

0–100

12

Use the ON switch in the DIGITAL EFFECT section to turn

the internal DSP on and off. The EFFECT RETURN 2

controls will adjust the level of the signal output by the

internal DSP, and any input signals to the EFFECT

RETURN 2 jacks will be ignored.

The PEAK LED indicator to the right of the ON switch will

light if the input signal to the DSP’s analog-to-digital

converter reaches a level 3 dB below the clipping level. If

the PEAK indicator lights more than just briefly on transient

peaks, you should reduce the EFFECT SEND 2 fader

setting to avoid distortion of the effect signal.

The current program selection is indicated by the bank of

LED indicators at the top of the DIGITAL EFFECT section.

(When the POWER switch of the EMX3500 is turned on,

the internal DSP will automatically select the program that

was selected when the power was last turned off.) To

change the program selection, simply turn the PROGRAM

control.

The three-digit 7-segment LED display shows the current

setting of the programmable parameter for the selected

program. Turn the PARAMETER control to change this

value. The PRESET indicator will light when the displayed