X-EQ™ User Guide 82S6MC050A
CONTENTS 1. Introduction Key Features X-EQ Graphical User Interface 2. System Requirements Apple Macintosh Windows/PC 3. Installation & Authorisation 4. Some History 4.1 An Audio Engineer’s Best Friend 4.2 The Best of the Analogue and Digital Worlds 4.3 Analogue Parametric EQ Modelling 4.4 Non- Linear Phase EQ 4.5 Parallel Passive EQ 5. Operational Overview 5.1 Graphical EQ Display 5.2 Control Options in Band Control and Input/Output Sections 5.3 Save, Load and A/B Functionality 5.4 Meters 1 5.
1. Introduction Thank you for purchasing the X-EQ plug-in for the SSL Duende platform. X-EQ is a versatile and comprehensive mastering grade parametric EQ plug-in built from the ground up for Duende. It has an unprecedented clarity, smoothness, and excellent high-frequency response. The use of innovative coefficient generation and innovative processing design provides superior performance that surpasses analogue EQ in both artistic freedom and sound quality.
Key Features • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2 10 band fully parametric high quality digital EQ A total of 16 different filter types: 5 different cut filters, 9 bell shapes, shelving filters and a parallel mode Extensive control options including dragable EQ graph nodes, mouse wheel adjustment and numerical data entry Extremely low noise and low non-linear distortion filter algorithms resulting in the residual THD+N significantly lower than 24-bit quantisation noise Comprehensive stereo/mono peak (with clip-
X-EQ Graphical User Interface 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Stereo/mono input meter Input gain control Preset Management buttons HP filter and LF shelf bands 6 independent bell shape bands Parallel mode button 1 LP filter and HF shelf bands FFT analyser on/off 2 Band control section Stereo/mono output meter Output level control Duende logo – Command + click (Mac) or Ctrl + click (PC) here for Product Activation 13 Graphical EQ display with analyser 14 Latency free plug-in bypass 14 13 3 4 5 6 12 7 8
2. System Requirements Apple Macintosh • SSL Duende running V2.2 software and firmware • PowerPC G4/G5 or Intel 1.0GHz or higher • 512Mb RAM (1Gb recommended) • Mac OS X (Version 10.4.10 or higher) • 60Mb of free hard disk space • Audio Units, VST or RTAS* compatible host application • 17" or larger colour monitor with screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or higher recommended • Internet Connection (for product registration and software updates) Windows/PC • SSL Duende running V2.
3. Installation & Authorisation A time limited trial version of X-EQ will be installed during the Duende V2.2 software update. This allows X-EQ to be run in evaluation mode, which means the plug-in can be used with full functionality until a certain number of samples of audio have been processed. At 48kHz this gives approximately 10 hours of continuous use for either stereo or mono plug-ins. At the point where 10 minutes of the evaluation period remains, the countdown timer will turn red.
4. Some History 4.1 An Audio Engineer’s Best Friend The equaliser is the oldest and the most popular sound processing tool. From the earliest days, its main function has been to correct or enhance sound by boosting or cutting certain frequency ranges. Engineers have developed countless equalisers for over 50 years and some of them became legendary and were considered bench marks. The most popular type of EQ in recording and post-production studios is the parametric equaliser or PEQ.
filters as precise and clean as possible. For controlled generation of distortions we recommend using enhancers or any other specialised processors with proper built-in antialiasing technology. 4.4 Non- Linear Phase EQ Phase shift in equipment is probably one of the most misunderstood topics in audio. Phase shifts often get blamed for anything that is not classed as typical distortion.
4.5 Parallel Passive EQ Parallel EQ exhibits quite different sonic properties to the familiar serial parametric EQ. We are generally used to hearing the effect of one EQ band superimposed on another, as opposed to the band interaction inherent to a parallel EQ. Because the bands are placed in a parallel configuration, phase cancellations and re-enforcements happen which is not always obvious when first encountered.
5. Operational Overview 5.1 Graphical EQ Display When you click on any of the EQ band nodes on the display the corresponding band parameters will be shown in the Band Control section on the right. These can be adjusted with the mouse cursor, scroll wheel or numerically using the keyboard. The colour of the node corresponds to the colour on the Band Section and the Band Selector.
The input and output sliders function in the same manner as knobs, allowing you to move with mouse cursor, scroll (with shift as fine adjust) and reset using modifier keys. Exact numerical entry is possible for any value by double clicking on the value box. Band Gain can be entered upto a resolution of 0.1dB, and frequency, Q and input/output gain values to one decimal place. 5.
Alternatively, you may wish to store the presets in a subdirectory within your project folder. A/B functionality, providing two different memory locations, is included for easy comparison of any two settings. When the plug-in is instantiate memory location A is selected by default, as shown left. Pressing the A/B toggle button will move to memory location B which allows you to set up a completely independent EQ curve. Pressing the A/B button again will return to A.
Peak Meter and Clip Indicator The wide meter bar to the left is a responsive peak meter which allows you to observe the exact input level at any point in time. A red clip light at the top of the meters indicates that three consecutive samples are at maximum which is taken to mean that the input is higher than 0dB FS and is therefore clipping. It will stay illuminated for 1 second following clip detection, after which it will automatically clear. It can also be cleared at any point with a mouse click.
5.7 Global Bypass Because Duende plug-ins cause a noticeable latency at higher host buffer settings, the bypass button provided by the DAW can cause an undesirable shift in time. For this reason a latency-free global bypass (In/Out) button is included. When this is engaged the audio is still passed to and from Duende, but is unchanged as all X-EQ processing (including input and output gains) are bypassed. This gives a smooth, glitch free bypass function and we recommend that you use this method every time.
6. X-EQ Filter Types 6.1 Bell Filters Q Definitions P – 3dB – Classical definition that means Q is measured 3dB below peak for boost or 3dB above peak for cut. 0 – 3dB – Definition used for bells in some US products, the bandwidth for Q calculation is measured 3dB below 0dB line for cut or 3dB above for boost. Q in both definitions correct only for +6dB boost/cut. P/2 – New “musical” definition based on the bandwidth measurement in the middle of a bell filter, between peak and 0dB line.
Proportional 1 Proportional equalisers are recognised as being more ‘musical’ than Constant Q. The bells are wider below +6dB and narrower above +6dB (or –6dB for cut). Proportional 2 Like Proportional 1 but with larger changes below and above +6dB peak (or –6dB for cut). P –3dB Proportional 3 Like Proportional 1 but with extra widened bells between 0 and +3dB (or –3dB for cut).
Constant Q Asymmetrical Used in some US products and mixers. The boost characteristics are defined according to 0 – 3dB formula. Extra widened between –3dB and 0dB. P – 3dB boost, 0 – 3dB cut Constant Q Asymmetrical Reverse Exactly like above but with mirrored boost and cut characteristics. Constant Q Invert Both boost and cut characteristics are both defined according to 0 – 3dB formula.
Constant Q New Defined Q is always perfectly maintained independent of bell gain (also below 6dB). In terms of P – 3dB definition of this equaliser can be classified as proportional. P/2 Parallel Recreates the passive LC parallel equaliser with all its advantages (sound) and disadvantages (band interaction, asymmetry). As found in graphic equalisers. 3dB boost, 0 – 3dB (x2) cut 6.2 Shelving Filters Low and High shelves Q value is used to control overshoot characteristic.
6.3 Cut Filters Critical “Critical Damped” filters simulate a chain of passive analogue RC (for high-cut) and CR (for low-cut) stages fixing a behaviour similar to a series of RC elements in vintage analogue equipment. Phase behaviour leads to no overshoot or ringing resulting from a sudden transition between signal levels. The drawback is a sluggish roll-off rate.
Gaussian No ringing or overshoot in the time domain, but slow roll-off in the frequency domain. Butterworth Characterised by having a maximally flat magnitude response, i.e, no amplitude ripple in the passband. Chebychev Characterised by having an equiripple magnitude response, meaning the magnitude increases and decreases regularly from DC to the cutoff frequency.
7. X-EQ Signal Flow 7.1 Serial Mode 7.2 Parallel Mode In serial (default) filter mode, the input signal is initially amplified or attenuated using the input gain slider and then passed to the input meter. It then enters the serial filter chain, has processing applied, and is then passed to the output stage, again with level control and metering. When the Parallel button is engaged, the six bell bands are arranged in an alternative manner.
8. Application Tips As said earlier, the equaliser is probably the oldest and the most popular sound processing tool. Parametric EQ (PEQ) in particular offers maximal flexibility due to direct access to all relevant filter parameters.
9. X-EQ Support 9.1 Support FAQs To access the latest support information on Duende, please visit our online support site. The information there is kept up to date by our support staff to make sure all information is accurate. All information is available to you 24/7. URL: http://solid-state-logic-en.custhelp.com If you can’t find your answer or a solution to your issue, you can submit a question on the site to our support staff for resolution.
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