Channel Strip with Solid-State Preamp, Compressor, and EQ Resources Tutorial Hookup Owner’s Manual Overview RC 500 ® www.presonus.
Table of Contents 1 Overview — 1 1.1 Introduction — 1 1.2 Summary of RC 500 Features — 1 1.3 What’s in the Box — 2 2 Hookup — 3 2.1 Input Controls — 3 2.2 Compressor Controls — 4 2.3 EQ Controls — 5 2.4 VU Meter and Controls — 6 2.5 Master Control — 6 2.6 Physical Connections — 6 2.7 Hookup Diagrams — 8 2.7.1 Basic Recording Diagram — 8 2.7.2 Advanced Recording Diagram — 8 3 Tutorial — 9 3.1 A Brief Tutorial on Dynamics Processing — 9 3.1.1 3.
1.1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the PreSonus® RC 500. PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc., has designed the RC 500 utilizing high-grade components to ensure optimum performance that will last a lifetime. The RC 500 is a professional channel strip that includes a Class A solid-state preamplifier with a unique hybrid design that combines the latest generation of low-distortion operational amplifiers and low-noise, discrete transistors.
1.3 What’s in the Box •• VU meter with selectable Output Level and Gain Reduction display Overview Overview •• Master Fader output control •• Balanced Send and Return signals •• Balanced line-level output on XLR and ¼” TRS connectors •• Internal toroidal power supply •• Steel chassis Hookup 1.
Input Controls Input Source Select. The input Source Select switch allows you to choose between the signal sources connected to the RC 500 inputs. It patches the selected input through the signal chain, completely bypassing the other inputs. Power User Tip: The Instrument input is normalled through the Microphone input and will take precedence when both inputs are in use.
2.2 Compressor Controls 2.2 Compressor Controls Overview Threshold. Sets the threshold of the compressor. When the signal’s amplitude (level) exceeds the threshold setting, the compressor engages. Turning the knob counterclockwise lowers the threshold so that compression begins at a lower amplitude, and more of the input signal is compressed. The threshold can be set from -25 to +20 dBu. Hookup Power User Tip: Your RC 500 compressor has a fixed ratio of 3:1.
RC 500 Owner’s Manual Overview EQ Controls Low Band Gain. Sets the attenuation or boost of the EQ’s low-frequency band. The gain can be set between -16 and +16 dB. Low Band Shelf. By default, the low band of the EQ is a standard peak filter with a fixed Q of 0.6. When the Shelf switch is engaged, the low band functions as a shelving filter. Power User Tip: A shelving EQ attenuates or boosts frequencies above or below a specified cutoff frequency.
2.4 VU Meter and Controls Overview High Band Shelf. By default, the high band of the EQ is a standard peak filter with a fixed Q of 0.6. When the Shelf switch is engaged, the high band functions as a shelving filter. EQ In/Out. Bypasses the EQ circuit in the signal chain. Hookup 2.4 VU Meter and Controls VU Meter. By default, the analog VU meter displays the RC 500’s output level. Tutorial Resources Meter – GR.
RC 500 Owner’s Manual Hookup Overview Line Input. This balanced XLR connection can be used for line-level devices such as keyboards, drum machines, and sound modules. To use this input, turn the Source Select switch to the Line position. Balanced Send. This balanced ¼” TRS output sends the source signal out of your RC 500 before the compressor, EQ, and Master Gain stages. Use this output to insert an external processor into your RC 500’s signal path. Balanced Return.
2.7 Hookup Diagrams 2.7 Hookup Diagrams Overview 2.7.1 Basic Recording Diagram Keyboard/DI Mic Hookup LINE OUTPUT (+4dBu) INSERT LINE INPUT MIC INPUT Tutorial Resources 2.7.2 Advanced Recording Diagram LINE OUTPUT (+4dBu) Acoustic guitar 8 StudioLive 16.0.
3 Tutorial 3.1 A Brief Tutorial on Dynamics Processing Overview RC 500 Owner’s Manual Hookup The RC 500 includes a custom FET compressor. What follows is an excerpt from a brief tutorial on dynamics processing written by PreSonus president and founder Jim Odom. It is included to help you get the most out of your RC 500. This tutorial will take you through the basics of dynamics processing. 3.1.
3.1 A Brief Tutorial on Dynamics Processing Overview signal level, or threshold. Compression refers, basically, to the ability to reduce, by a fixed ratio, the amount by which a signal’s output level can increase relative to the input level. It is useful for lowering the dynamic range of an instrument or vocal, making it easier to record without distorting the recorder. It also assists in the mixing process by reducing the amount of level changes needed for a particular instrument.
RC 500 Owner’s Manual Equalizers Overview 3.2 Your RC 500 is equipped with a 3-band semi-parametric EQ. Here’s a brief explanation of how an EQ functions, as well as some charts to help you navigate the frequency ranges of various instruments so you can quickly choose the best EQ settings for your recordings and live mixes. Hookup 3.2.1 What is an EQ? An equalizer is a filter that allows you to adjust the level of a frequency, or range of frequencies, of an audio signal.
3.2 Equalizers Shelving EQ Overview A shelving EQ attenuates or boost frequencies above or below a specified cutoff point. Shelving equalizers come in two different varieties: highpass and low-pass. Low-pass shelving filters pass all frequencies below the specified cutoff frequency while attenuating all the frequencies above it. A high-pass filter does the opposite: passing all frequencies above the specified cut-off frequency while attenuating everything below. Hookup 3.2.
RC 500 Owner’s Manual What to Boost Why to Boost Human Voice 7 kHz Sibilance 8 kHz Big sound 2 kHz Shrill 3 kHz and above Clarity 1 kHz Nasal 200-400 Hz Body 80 Hz and below Popping P’s 1-2 kHz Tinny 5 kHz More presence 300 Hz Boomy 100 Hz Bottom end 1-2 kHz Shrill 3 kHz Clarity 80 Hz and below Muddy 125 Hz Bottom end 2-3 kHz Tinny 5 kHz and above Sparkle 200 Hz Boomy 125 Hz Full 1 kHz Thin 600 Hz Growl 125 Hz Boomy 80 Hz and below Bottom end 600 Hz Hollow
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Line Input Line Receiver Instrument Input Line-Stage Amp 0 Return Send 80 Hz 80 Hz Roll-off Switch Compressor Comp Bypass Comp Bypass Switch Low Mid High EQ Bypass EQ Bypass Switch Output Level VU Meter Outputs RC 500 Block Diagram FET Buffer Mic Preamp High Pass 4.2 Mic Input Input Source Select Switch Polarity Invert Switch RC 500 Block Diagram -20 dB -20 dB GAIN Resources Resources -20 dB Pad Switch Tutorial +48V Hookup Phantom Power Switch Overview 16 4.
SONG TITLE: MIC/INST: SONG TITLE: MIC/INST: DATE: ARTIST: DATE: ARTIST: Tutorial Hookup Overview 4.
4.4 Troubleshooting 4.4 Troubleshooting Overview No power. Hookup First make sure your unit is plugged in. If it’s connected to a power conditioner, verify that the power conditioner is turned on and functioning properly. Check the fuse on the back panel of the RC 500. (Be sure to disconnect the power from the RC 500 before opening the fuse housing.) A blown fuse may look black on the inside, or the wire inside might appear broken, and a very black fuse indicates that something may have shorted out.
RC 500 Owner’s Manual PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc. 7257 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70806 USA www.presonus.com 19 Hookup Tutorial PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc., warrants this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty is enforceable only by the original retail purchaser. To be protected by this warranty, the purchaser must complete and return the enclosed warranty card within 14 days of purchase.
Dinner is Served Added bonus: PreSonus’ previously Top Secret recipe for… Chicken and Andouille Gumbo Ingredients: •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• 1 C All-Purpose flour ¾ C Vegetable Oil 1 large onion (diced) 1 small onion (quartered) 6 celery stalks (diced) 1 large green bell pepper (diced) 3 cloves garlic (2 minced, 1 whole) 1 lb link Andouille sausage 4 Chicken leg quarters 4 qt water 4 bay leaves 1 tsp thyme 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning 1-2 C frozen okra, sliced ¼ C fresh parsley, minced 6-
RC 500 Channel Strip with Solid-State Preamp, Compressor, and EQ Owner’s Manual ® 18011 Grand Bay Ct. • Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809 USA• 1-225-216-7887 www.presonus.
