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User’s Guide
528E Voice
Processor
Introduction, Fast First Time Setup
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Introduction
The Symetrix 528E is a single-channel Voice Processor intended for use in voice-over studios, broadcast studios, soundreinforcement, music and speech recording, and post-production. Simply stated, the 528E consists of a high-quality
microphone preamp coupled to a three-band parametric equalizer, a de-esser, and a dynamic range processor. It is everything
you would have at your disposal in a world-class mixing console. The 528E accepts both mic and line inputs. Of course, while
we use the term “Voice Processor” for the 528E, it is perfectly at home with any signal, vocal or not.
The microphone input uses a balanced-transformerless design using an integrated circuit specifically developed for this
application. The 528E’s microphone input works with any phantom-powered condenser microphone or any low-impedance
microphone having a balanced, floating output. The line input uses a balanced transformerless design. The line input’s design
uses matched resistors to attain a high, wideband, CMRR (common-mode rejection ratio) and multistage RFI filters to prevent
Radio Frequency interference problems.
The de-esser operates by selectively removing the high frequencies from the input signal when sibilant sounds are present
and exceed the threshold level. The filter frequency can be varied over a wide range to accommodate different speakers and
languages.
The dynamic range processor combines an interactive compressor/limiter and a downward expander. Typically, the downward
expander helps reduce studio noise as well as the artifacts of close miking. The compressor/limiter gives you overall control
over the dynamic range of the output signal and helps maintain a high overall signal level. The three-band parametric equalizer
is a reciprocal-curve design. An unusual leapfrog topology minimizes the number of amplifiers in the signal path while ensuring
that each frequency band interacts with its neighbor in a desirable and musical fashion.
The 528E’s output section can drive balanced loads at line or mic levels. A line-level unbalanced output is also provided. For
broadcast applications, a switchable voice symmetry circuit helps make speech waveforms more symmetrical, which makes
better use of the transmitter’s output power.
Each of the dynamics processors have individual six-segment LED displays and an eight-segment display monitors the
overall output level. All inputs and outputs are available via XLR connectors and the connection points between the individual
processors can be accessed via TRS phone jacks. The interstage patching may be used to change the insertion order of the
processors or to insert additional processing.
Fast First Time Setup
Follow these instructions to get your 528E up-and-running as quickly as possible. The intent of this section is fast setup. If you
need something clarified, then you’ll find the answer elsewhere in this manual.
Connections
Connect a Mic or Line level source to the appropriate input connector on the rear of the 528E. Be sure to set the Mic / Line switch to the
appropriate position and be sure to turn on phantom power if using a
microphone that requires it. Next, connect the appropriate output of the
528E to your monitoring system or mixing console. Finally, connect the
528E to an AC source of the proper voltage and frequency as marked
on the rear of the unit.
Rear Panel
Connection/Setting
Output
Connect to input of console,
tape recorder, etc.
Line Input
Connect line-level source here.
Mic Input
Connect microphone here
Phantom Power
Depress if mic requires phantom
powering.
Caution:
Failure to connect the 528E to the proper AC
mains voltage may cause fire and/or internal damage.
Warning:
Lethal voltages are present inside the chassis. There are no user serviceable parts inside the chassis. Refer all service to qualified service personnel or to the factory.
If you are using a condenser microphone, refer to “Phantom Powering Condenser Microphones” before depressing the Phantom Power switch.