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MPQ568C USER MANUAL
© BART HRK
MPQ568C
User Manual
MPQ568C USER MANUAL
© BART HRK
READ FIRST!
The MPQ568C is a studio grade professional microphone
preamplifier with 2 Colour Modules slots. The MPQ568C is
fully compatible with the DIYRE Colour Format and DIYRE
Colour Modules.
The MPQ568C should be used for recording low level signals
from dynamic or condenser microphones. The Line Level signal
should be attenuated by at least -12dB (-20dB recommended)
before sending to any input of the MPQ568C. The line level
signal may overdrive the MPQ568C stages or the Colour
Modules if the levels are too high. The MPQ568C principles of
operation are different to how the DIYRE Palette works. The
MPQ568C cannot be used as replacement for the DIYRE
Palette.
The behavior of Colours may vary depending on settings and
configuration. Colour Modules from different manufacturer
may behave differently when compared to HRK Colour
Modules. All HRK Colour Modules are compatible with DIYRE
Colour Format.
Improper use of the MPQ568C may create unwanted results,
such as noise or audible distortions.
User should learn basics of acoustic engineering before use of
any professional recording equipment.
MPQ568C USER MANUAL
© BART HRK
THE FIRST USE OF MPQ568C – IMPORTANT!
1.
Set the GAIN Knob to minimum (max left)
2.
Set the COLOURS level knob to maximum (max right)
3.
Disengage all Colour Modules – Switch C1 and C2 toggle positioned
downwards.
4.
Set EQ section 2 knobs to 12 o’clock position – flat response
5.
Connect the condenser microphone to rear XLR connector
6.
Switch the DI/Mic switch to Mic
7.
Switch ON the phantom Power – toggle UP - check the 48V LED – it should
be ON.
8.
Set the input gain of the audio interface to minimum
9.
Switch of any PAD or input attenuator on the interface.
10.
DO NOT use the line input with built-in attenuator – it will worsen the
quality of any recording.
Increase the gain level with the GAIN knob until the desired level of the signal is
achieved. Observe the DAW VU meter. Do not overdrive the input of the audio
interface. Check that the loudest possible transient will not overdrive signal
chain! Gain between the +20dB and +30dB is sufficient for most of standard
modern condenser microphones. Make the test recording before proceeding any
further.
Adding Colours:
MPQ568C is the recording preamplifier. Colour Modules should be used mainly
for recording. After establishing optimal recording level from the MPQ568C
engage (upwards position) the C1/C2 switch. The HUE LED should be ON. The
GAIN knob will control how hard the colour module will be driven. More gain
means more drive. It is recommended to install the drive dependent colours
such as British Console or Discrete Saturation in the first colour slot.
If more gain is required to drive the colour modules the COLOURS level knob can
be used to reduce the output signal from the MPQ568C.
Please note: The COLOURS level knob is not a BLEND knob. It controls the total
level of the output signal from colours sent to EQ section, which then comes out
from MPQ568C output. It should be used to trim the output signal from
MPQ568C to desired and safe level, which won’t overdrive the next stage such
the audio interface.
Line level signal should be attenuated by at least -12dB (-20dB is recommended)
before sending to any input of the MPQ568C. Use of the colour modules with
line level signals may result with oversaturation of the colour modules. In such
event simply reduce the signal level which is sent to the MPQ568C.
MPQ568C USER MANUAL
© BART HRK
List of content:
1.
The Microphone Preamplifier Section.
2.
The Colour Section.
3.
The Equaliser Section.
4.
The Direct Input Section.
5.
The EQ / Colour Signal Routing.
MPQ568C USER MANUAL
© BART HRK
1.
The Microphone Preamplifier Section.
1
–
Microphone / DI Gain
- this control sets the total gain of the
MPQ568C. Values shown on the scale are approximately equal to
the total gain of the MPQ568C from input to output. The gain range
is from +12dB to +65dB. The signal sent to the colour section is
always 6dB lower than the total gain set by the Gain Control Knob.
NOTE:
On higher gain setting (+40 - +65dB) the noise flor might be
audible. This is normal at higher gain levels.
2
–
Phantom Power LED
indicates the presence of the +48V on the
rear panel microphone input. The LED is connected to the +48V main
power supply rail. If the LED is not working it may indicate the failure
of the main power supply.
3
–
Phantom Power switch
– turns ON and OFF the Phantom
+48V supply voltage. UP switch position shown on the picture
enables the Phantom supply.
4
–
Phase Inverse switch
– inverses the phase of the output signal
from the MPQ568C. UP switch position shown on the picture
inverses the output signal phase.
MPQ568C USER MANUAL
© BART HRK
2.
The Colour Section.
1
–
Colours
Level Control – sets the total output level from the colour
section which is passed to the EQ section. In the default EQ/Colour
routing configuration this control sets the level from 1 and 2 colour
slots connected in series. In the 12 o’clock knob position the total
output signal level from the MPQ568C is attenuated by 15dB.
IMPORTANT:
Colours
Knob is not a Blend Knob! It is simply a volume control. On
the min/left position the signal will disappear completely. On the
max/right position the signal will be on it’s maximum level. Please
see the signal flow diagram.
Colour modules are connected in series. No parallel operation of
colour modules is possible. Please see the signal flow diagram.
2
–
C1 and C2
switch enables the colour slot 1 and 2. Switch positions
shown on the picture enable colour slots.
1
–
Colour HUE LED’s
- indicate which Colour Module is active.
The colour of the light emitted by the LED will be unique for
different Colour Module type.
MPQ568C USER MANUAL
© BART HRK
3.
The Equalizer Section.
1, 3 –
Top and Low Shelf EQ Control
– set the Boost or Cut for
high and low frequency. Maximum Boost/Cut is +/-15dB.
2, 4 –
Frequency Selector / Engage switches
– 3 position switches –
the middle position will disengage Top or Low band equalization.
The signal will be passed by the Germanium OPAMPs even if the
equalization is disengaged.
NOTE:
Please use the EQ wisely. Do not overdrive the EQ on purpose. Such improper use
may damage the EQ Discrete Opamps.
MPQ568C USER MANUAL
© BART HRK
4.
The Direct Input Section.
1
–
Direct / Instrument Input
– High impedance discrete unbalanced
instrument / direct input. The gain of the
DI
is controlled by the main
Gain
knob in the Microphone Preamplifier section. The gain range is
from +12dB to +65dB.
2 –
The Mic/DI Input selector switch
– selects the input signal
source between the rear Microphone Input and the front panel
Instrument / Direct Input.
Note:
* The Direct Input uses special ultra-high impedance active circuitry.
Remember to be very careful when connecting the instrument cable,
especially at high Gain settings.
MPQ568C USER MANUAL
© BART HRK
5.
The EQ / Colour Signal Routing.
Picture shows the Default Routing setting.
Signal is sent from the Mic/DI input to the
both Colour Modules. The
Colours
level
control and the EQ section is placed after 2
colour modules. The
Colours
control knob
sends the signal to the EQ. Signal from the EQ
section is passed to the output.
Both Colour Modules are effected by the EQ.
MPQ568C is shipped in the default routing
setting.
The Alternative Routing, post EQ setting. Signal
is sent from the Mic/DI input to the first Colour
Module. The
Colours
level control and the EQ
section is placed after the first Colour Module.
The
Colours
control knob sends the signal only
from the first Colour to the EQ. Signal from the
EQ section is passed to the second colour slot.
Only the first Colour Module is effected by the
EQ. Signal from the second colour is passed to
the output.
MPQ568C USER MANUAL
© BART HRK
MPQ568C USER MANUAL
© BART HRK