MPQ568C USER MANUAL © BART HRK
THE FIRST USE OF MPQ568C – IMPORTANT!
1. Set the GAIN Knob to minimum (max left)
2. Set the COLOURS level knob to maximum (max right)
3. Disengage all Colour Modules – Switch C1 and C2 toggle positioned
downwards.
4. Set EQ section 2 knobs to 12 o’clock position – flat response
5. Connect the condenser microphone to rear XLR connector
6. Switch the DI/Mic switch to Mic
7. Switch ON the phantom Power – toggle UP - check the 48V LED – it should
be ON.
8. Set the input gain of the audio interface to minimum
9. Switch of any PAD or input attenuator on the interface.
10. DO NOT use the line input with built-in attenuator – it will worsen the
quality of any recording.
Increase the gain level with the GAIN knob until the desired level of the signal is
achieved. Observe the DAW VU meter. Do not overdrive the input of the audio
interface. Check that the loudest possible transient will not overdrive signal
chain! Gain between the +20dB and +30dB is sufficient for most of standard
modern condenser microphones. Make the test recording before proceeding any
further.
Adding Colours:
MPQ568C is the recording preamplifier. Colour Modules should be used mainly
for recording. After establishing optimal recording level from the MPQ568C
engage (upwards position) the C1/C2 switch. The HUE LED should be ON. The
GAIN knob will control how hard the colour module will be driven. More gain
means more drive. It is recommended to install the drive dependent colours
such as British Console or Discrete Saturation in the first colour slot.
If more gain is required to drive the colour modules the COLOURS level knob can
be used to reduce the output signal from the MPQ568C.
Please note: The COLOURS level knob is not a BLEND knob. It controls the total
level of the output signal from colours sent to EQ section, which then comes out
from MPQ568C output. It should be used to trim the output signal from
MPQ568C to desired and safe level, which won’t overdrive the next stage such
the audio interface.
Line level signal should be attenuated by at least -12dB (-20dB is recommended)
before sending to any input of the MPQ568C. Use of the colour modules with
line level signals may result with oversaturation of the colour modules. In such
event simply reduce the signal level which is sent to the MPQ568C.
