Specifications

BV512 VOCODER
213
Using the BV512 as an
equalizer
The BV512 has a unique equalizer mode, in which the device works purely as an
insert effect (the modulator input isn’t used). This allows you to use the process-
ing filters of the vocoder as a kind of graphic equalizer.
Setting up
1. Select the device that you want to process through the BV512.
2. Create a BV512 device.
It is automatically connected as an insert effect, using the Carrier Input jacks.
3. Set the switch to the left of the displays to “Equalizer”.
In use
In equalizer mode, you cut or boost frequencies by clicking and dragging in the
lower display - just as with a regular graphic equalizer. The usage and results dif-
fer depending on which mode is selected:
4 - 32 band mode
As in vocoder mode, the number of bars in the display conforms to the number
of bands selected (4, 8, 16 or 32). With a higher number of bands you get a
more detailed control over the frequency response. However:
D In these modes, the equalizer will “color” the sound even if all
bands are set to ±0 dB!
This is due to phase interaction and overlap between the bandpass filters.
Therefore you probably want to use the 4 - 32 band mode for coloring and mu-
tating sounds - not for subtle, “clean” equalizing.
FFT (512) mode
In FFT (512) mode you still get 32 bars in the display, but the each bar may con-
trol several frequency bands (remember that there are 512 bands in FFT mode).
Since the frequency bands are distributed linearly in FFT mode, bars to the left in
the display control few frequency bands while bars to the right control many fre-
quency bands.
D In FFT (512) mode, setting all bands to ±0 dB is the same as bypass-
ing the equalizer - the sound will not be affected.
This makes FFT mode suitable for “clean” equalizing, where you want to
boost or cut some frequencies without changing the basic sound character.
D However, FFT mode equalizing is not suited for very drastic fre-
quency cuts or boosts, as this may give audio artefacts due to the
workings of FFT processing.
Still: as always, there are no hard and fast rules. Let your ears judge!
D Keep in mind that FFT mode also introduces a slight delay to the
signal.