OPERATING GUIDE FBX-SOLO Model SL820 FBX-SOLO Model SM820 TABLE OF CONTENTS • Front Panel Descriptions 5 • Back Panel Descriptions 6 • Applications for Use 8 • Before you Begin... 10 • Operating Instructions 13 • FBX Setup Instructions 14 • Trouble Shooting Tips 18 • Product Specifications 20 • Warranty & Cautions 22 QUICK START OPERATION For best results, read all operating instructions before using the FBX-SOLO (pages 10-19).
CONGRATULATIONS! You now have the state-of-the-art in feedback control. The Sabine FBX-SOLO gives you automatic real-time feedback control for any channel of your mix. In setup and during the performance, it gives you more gain and increases the clarity of your mains and monitors.
THE BEST FEEDBACK CONTROLLER Before the invention of the FBX, the most common device for controlling feedback was the 31-band graphic EQ. However, the FBX has three distinct advantages. The most obvious is the FBX functions automatically, even during the program. Another is the FBX micro-filters are precisely placed while EQ filters are fixed; FBX filters can be placed between predetermined graphic filters. The difference: FBX filters do not have to be as deep, so there is more system gain.
A DIRECT HIT ON FEEDBACK! The FBX-SOLO targets feedback without taking a big chunk out of your sound. Tests prove that a single 1/3-octave EQ slider pulled down 12 dB removes almost half the power going to the speakers over a two-octave range. And, as the illustration above shows, you can't place a graphic EQ filter precisely on the ringing frequency. When you pull down multiple sliders in a normal setup (below), you end up with giant holes in your sound.
SL820 & SM820 FRONT PANELS POWER The On/Off power switch is a two-position push button switch. The LEDs corresponding to all active filters will blink on power-up. ACTIVE/BYPASS In Active mode, the unit controls feedback automatically. The two-color "BY" LED lights green when the unit is in Active mode and lights red when in Bypass mode. The mic preamp remains active in Bypass mode; only the FBX function is bypassed. DUAL-FUNCTION RESET To reset only the dynamic filters, press and hold the reset button.
Recommended setting of the Clip Level Adjust: the clip LED should blink intermittently. NOTE: regardless of the Clip Level Adjust, setting Unity on the back panel will maintain unity gain (no net gain or loss of signal level). When the back panel output is set to Line, the SOLO acts as a preamplifier, and the Clip Level Adjust knob becomes a gain control (see SL820 & SM820 Input Low/High Switch sections below).
OUTPUT UNITY/LINE SWITCH Switch to Unity (level in = level out) for standard line, insert, or guitar level applications. In the Unity setting, the SL820 input level equals the output level, and the front panel knob adjusts the clip level of the input signal to the SOLO. Switch to Line (for line level out) if your signal needs pre-amplification. In the Line setting the front panel knob adjusts the output gain between 0 and +35 dB (High IN); +30 to +65 dB (Low IN).
APPLICATIONS SL820: You can use the SL820 with acoustic/electric guitars and guitar amplifiers, mixer insert points, powered mixer patch points and high impedance mics. Use the following wiring diagrams as guides for setup: SL820 NOTE: For Configurations 1-4, the output control on the back panel of the SL820 may actually be set to either Unity or Line.
4. Instrument IN for Amp NOTE: An SL820 can be inserted at line level after the mixer and before the power amp on smaller systems. Note for SM820: Use the SM820 with balanced microphones. SM820 5. Mic Input to Mixer Line Input 6.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN... The FBX automatic feedback controller improves any sound reinforcement system. By following these simple instructions, you will be assured of the most benefit from your FBX and sound system. The instructions presume that you are familiar with the fundamentals of sound reinforcement. If any of the terms are not clear, or if the system does not perform as expected, contact your local Sabine dealer for further information.
creased activity at one of those frequencies may cause the filter to go deeper (e.g.., deepen from -12 dB to -15 dB). Activating the Lock Fix function prevents the Fixed filters from going deeper at their assigned frequencies. FIXED & DYNAMIC FILTER CONFIGURATION The filters can be reconfigured easily from the factory default setting (six fixed and two Dynamic) to any combination of Fixed and Dynamic filters. For example, the following procedure will set three filters Fixed and five Dynamic: 1.
TURBO MODE SETUP The FBX-SOLO incorporates Turbo Mode setup, which is indicated by a flashing red Clip LED. This lightning-quick setup feature cuts the time for FBX filter initialization to just a few seconds. NOTE: The SOLO is set in Turbo Mode at the factory and automatically engages every time you reset filters. The SOLO automatically returns to normal program mode when the first dynamic filter is set, or when you press the front panel Lock Fixed button.
same time, raise the system gain and set the FBX filters one at a time. In some situations, raising the number of dynamic filters (versus fixed FBX filters) may allow a second layer of defense against new feedback from new locations. However, in many mobile microphone set ups, fixed FBX filters will protect against feedback across the range of microphone mobility. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS SL820 SYSTEM INITIALIZING PROCEDURE Choose the input level.
FBX SETUP INSTRUCTIONS 1 Place the speakers and microphones in the positions where they will be used during the program. Avoid placing microphones directly in front of speakers. If you are using a graphic EQ, adjust it only for the desired tonal qualities. DO NOT NOTCH FOR FEEDBACK. 2 Set the mixer master output, all channel level faders, and the monitors to minimum. OUTPUT, INPUT & MONITOR LEVELS 3 Turn on the SOLO. Turn on the mixer, any signal processing equipment, and finally the power amp.
7 Slowly raise the input channel level fader for the channel being set until feedback occurs. The SOLO should quickly remove the feedback. CHANNEL INPUT LEVEL FIRST FEEDBACK TONE The first Filter LED will then blink to indicate a filter has been set. 8 Keep raising the level slowly until all Fixed Filters and one Dynamic filter is set. Turbo Setup Mode goes OFF automatically when the first Dynamic filter is initialized.
HOW TO USE THE LOCK FIXED FEATURE In certain situations the FBX may mistake music for feedback and drive the fixed filters deeper than necessary, like in a church with a pipe organ or during a performance with a great deal of intentional sustained electric guitar feedback. You may prevent the fixed filters from deepening beyond their initial depth by pressing the Lock Fixed button on the front panel AFTER setting the fixed filters as described previously.
and the mic is turned on. If it is less than the threshold, the noise gate closes, and the mic is turned off. You can adjust your SOLO to four different threshold levels (see diagram above), or turn it off. To select the threshold, power down the SOLO. Hold in the Lock Fixed button, power up the SOLO and release it one second after the Lock Fixed and Bypass LEDs turn on. The clip level LEDs will light in sequence.
RESETTING THE FILTERS: You must reset the FBX if the microphones or speakers are moved significantly. To reset ALL filters: Press and hold the reset button until the filter LEDs flash about 7 times, or until all filter LEDs turn off. To reset only the dynamic filters: Press and hold the reset button for 3 flashes and let go. The LEDs that indicate current dynamic filter placement will be off, and the fixed filter LEDs will remain on. TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS Q.
Q. Why does my SOLO set filters when music is played through it? A. Make sure the FBX’s Turbo Mode has been turned off before you program. Check the signal level ladder. If the red Clip LED lights with no other signal level LEDs lit, the FBX-SOLO is still in Turbo Mode. Turbo Mode turns off automatically after the first dynamic filter is set, or you can turn it off manually by pressing the Lock Fixed button.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS FILTERS Eight independent digital notch filters controlled automatically from 40 Hz to 20 KHz Filter width: 1/10 octave, typical, or 1/5-oct. selectable; constant "Q" Filter depth: DSP controlled, variable to -50 dB Resolution: 1/50th octave Time required to find and eliminate feedback: 0.4 sec., typical @ 1 KHz Total number of combined filters active: User selectable, from 1-8 Number of Dynamic vs.
PERFORMANCE*** Frequency Response: < +0.75 dB, 20 Hz to 20 KHz Signal to Noise Ratio: >94 dB typical Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.01% @ 1 KHz @ +15 dBV Dynamic Range: >100 dB NOISE GATE Attack Time: Fixed (400 mS) Threshold: Selectable (-24 dB, -36 dB, -48 dB, -60 dB) POWER SUPPLY 8-20 VDC @ 400 mA DIMENSIONS 1-U height, 1/6-RU width; 2.78 x 1.65 x 5.5 in. (6.95 x 4.13 x 13.75 cm) WEIGHT 9 oz. (0.
CAUTION EXPOSURE TO EXTREMELY HIGH NOISE LEVELS MAY CAUSE A PERMANENT HEARING LOSS. INDIVIDUALS VARY CONSIDERABLY IN SUSCEPTIBILITY TO NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS, BUT NEARLY EVERYONE WILL LOSE SOME HEARING IF EXPOSED TO SUFFICIENTLY INTENSE NOISE FOR A SUFFICIENT TIME. THE U.S.
ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: THIS LIMITED WARRANTY VALID ONLY WHEN PURCHASED AND REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES OR CANADA. ALL EXPORTED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO WARRANTY AND SERVICES TO BE SPECIFIED AND PROVIDED BY THE AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR FOR EACH COUNTRY. Ces clauses de garantie ne sont vaiables qu’aux Etats-Unis et au Canada. Dans tous les autres pays, les clauses de garantie et de maintenance sont fixees par le distributeur national et assuree par lui selon la legislation en vigueur.
REGISTER YOUR SABINE PRODUCT ONLINE AT WWW.SABINE.COM Manufactured by: Sabine, Inc. 13301 NW US Highway 441 Alachua, Florida 32615-8544 USA +USA (386) 418-2000 • Fax: +USA (386) 418-2001 www.Sabine.com FBX® and FBX Feedback Exterminator® are registered trademarks of Sabine, Inc., and are the brand names of its line of automatic feedback controllers. Covered by U.S. Patent No. 5,245,665, Australian Patent No. 653,736, Canadian Patent No. 2,066,624-2, German Patent No. 69118486.0, and British Patent No.
