SABINE GRAPHI-Q User manual

OPERATING GUIDE
Version 7
ThismanualwrittenforSabineGRAPHI-Qswith:
• GRQFirmwareVersion3.10
• GRQRemoteSoftwareVersion3.10
Visit Sabine’s website for the latest information and FREE
software/firmwareandoperatingguideupdates
www.SabineUSA.com

Manufacturer's Name: Sabine, Inc.
Manufacturer's Address: 13301 Highway 441
Alachua, FL 32615 USA
Type of Equipment: Equalizer
Model No.: GRAPHI-Q
Serial No.:
Year of Manufacture: 1999 and on
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above
Directive and Standard.
Place: Alachua, Florida, USA Signature:
Date: February 20, 2000 Full Name: Doran Oster, Sabine President
Declaration of Conformity
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Application of Council Directive: 73/23/EEC and 89/336/EEC
Standards to which conformity is declared:
EN 60065: 1993
EN 60742: 1995
EN 55103-1: 1997
EN 55022: 08:94 + a1:05:05
EN 55103-2: 1997

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GRQ-3101(1U,singlechannel,oneinput,twooutputs)
GRQ-3102 (2U, dual channel, one input & output per channel)
GRQ-3101S (1U, blank front panel slave, single channel, one input, two outputs)
GRQ-3102S (1U, blank front panel slave, dual channel, one input & output per channel)
GRQRemote forWindowsTM Softwareincludedwithevery unit;runs upto 8GRAPHI-QsperCOMport
(maximum of 2 COM ports)
•All front panel controls are analog-style; signal path is digital
•“Tweek-n-Peek”feature: Frontpaneladjustmentsof all parameters are shownin LED displayscreen
•24-bit A/D and D/A conversion, 32-bit processing
•20to 20KHz Frequency Response
•+29 dBV Maximum Signal Input & Output
•ClipGuardTM AdaptiveClipLevel Control
•FloatingPointSHARC Processor
•>110dB dynamic range (with ClipGuardTM)
Eachchannelprovides:
•31-band graphic EQ, with ± 6 or 12 dB range (selectable)
•High Cut Filter (3K to 20K) and Low Cut Filter (1K to 20K)
•FBXFeedback Exterminator:12 Filters,withTURBO Mode (AutoTurbomode via remote control)
•Compressor/Limiter, with controls forratio, threshold, and gain (attack,release, and knee adjustable
withremote)
•Digital Delay, with up to 1 second delay, adjustable in 20 microsecond increments
•Bypass: dedicated switches for FBX, EQ, and Delay with built in LED indicators
•LED Segmented Indicators: FBX Filters, Level, Gain Reduction
•LEDPoint Indicators:TURBO, Remote, EQRange
•LED Character Display: Delay setting, EQ fader boost/cut, High Cut Filter setting Low Cut Filter
setting,Compressor Ratio,Threshold, and Gain.
BackPanel:
•XLR & 1/4"TRS inputs & outputs
•RS-232 Serial input & output (additional serial input on the slave front panels)
•Remote switching (7-position contact closure switch; allows switch selection of all 69 stored GraphiQ
presets)
GRAPHI-QRemote SoftwareFeatures:
All front panel controls, plus more, including:
•FBX filter depth & width adjustments; switchable to parametric filters (depth, width & frequency
adjustments)
•View and edit response curves
•Graphic EQ Filter width adjustments
•Passwordprotection
•View & edit frequency response curves
•69user-defined stored presets
•Control and link up to 8 GRAPHI-Qs (16 channels of audio) per COM port (1 or 2 ports can be used)
•Future-proofFREEflash RAM upgrade capability: upgrade your firmwareandsoftware from the
Sabinewebsite (www.SabineUSA.com)!
Summary of Features
Summary of Features

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Section One: Introduction .................................................................................................. 6
SectionTwo: Analog vs. Digital Signal Processing ........................................................... 7
SectionThree: Front and Back Panel Views....................................................................... 8
Section Four: Block Diagram/Internal Signal Path ............................................................ 10
Section Five: Installation .................................................................................................... 11
5.1. BETWEEN MIXER OUTPUT AND POWER AMPLIFIER. .....................................................................11
5.2. TWO CHANNEL GRAPHI-Q: MAINS AND MONITORS. ......................................................................11
5.3. USEWITH A POWERED MIXER..........................................................................................................12
5.4. USE AT A MIXER INSERT POINT. .......................................................................................................12
5.5. SINGLE CHANNEL GRAPHI-Q: ONE INPUTTWO OUTPUTS. ...........................................................12
5.6. WHAT NOTTO DO...............................................................................................................................13
Section Six: Using GRAPHI-Q Front Panel Controls .......................................................... 14
6.1. GRAPHIC EQUALIZER CONTROLS ...................................................................................................14
6.1.1. Front Panel Control .................................................................................................................... 14
6.1.2. Linking Channel Controls (Two Channel Units) .......................................................................... 15
6.1.3. The Tweek-n-Peek Feature (Front Panel Models only) ............................................................... 15
6.2. HIGH CUT/LOW CUT FILTERS ...........................................................................................................15
6.2.1. Front Panel Control .................................................................................................................... 15
6.3. FEEDBACK CONTROL AND PARAMETRIC EQUALIZATION ............................................................15
6.3.1. Glossary of Terms ...................................................................................................................... 15
6.3.2. Front Panel Control of FBX filters ............................................................................................... 17
6.3.3.Adjustments Available Only with Remote Control........................................................................ 19
6.4. COMPRESSOR/LIMITER CONTROLS ................................................................................................19
6.4.1. Front Panel Control .................................................................................................................... 19
6.5. DIGITAL DELAY CONTROLS ..............................................................................................................20
6.5.1. Front Panel Control .................................................................................................................... 20
6.6. BYPASS ..............................................................................................................................................20
6.6.1. Front Panel Control .................................................................................................................... 20
6.7. CHANGING FRONT PANEL DEFAULT SETTINGS ADJUSTABLE ONLY BY SOFTWARE.................20
Section Seven: GRQ-Remote Software Installation........................................................... 21
7.1.SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.....................................................................21
7.2.CONNECTIONS ...................................................................................................................................21
7.3. INSTALLINGTHE SOFTWARE.............................................................................................................22
Section Eight: Using GRQ-Remote Software..................................................................... 23
8.1.WELCOME SCREEN/NETWORK CHAIN SCREEN..............................................................................23
8.1.1. Default Control Status ................................................................................................................ 24
8.2. GRQ MAIN SCREEN ............................................................................................................................24
8.2.1.Graphic Equalizer........................................................................................................................ 24
8.2.2.High/Low Cut Filters.................................................................................................................... 24

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Table of Contents
8.2.3. Response Curve Display............................................................................................................ 25
8.2.4. Output Level............................................................................................................................... 25
8.2.5.FBX Feedback Exterminator & Parametric Filters ....................................................................... 25
8.2.6.Compressor/LimiterAdjustments ................................................................................................ 28
8.2.7.Digital Delay Adjustments ........................................................................................................... 29
8.2.8.Bypass ........................................................................................................................................ 29
8.3. LINKING PARAMETERS AND CONTROLWITHTHE GRQ-REMOTE SOFTWARE............................30
8.3.1. HowTo Set Linked Groups......................................................................................................... 31
8.3.2. Special Linking Considerations .................................................................................................. 31
8.4. RESET PARAMETERS ........................................................................................................................34
8.5. PRINTING GRAPHI-Q SETTINGS FOR DOCUMENTATION ................................................................34
8.6. STORING AND RECALLING GRQ PRESETS .....................................................................................35
8.6.1.Memory Storage and Recall Options .......................................................................................... 35
8.6.2. Contact Closure Switch Recall ................................................................................................... 36
8.7. ASSIGNING NAMESTOTHE GRAPHI-QS ..........................................................................................37
8.8. PASSWORD PROTECTIONWITH GRQ-REMOTE SOFTWARE ..........................................................37
8.8.1. Password Levels ....................................................................................................................... 37
8.8.2. Setting or Changing Passwords ................................................................................................. 38
8.8.3. Gaining Access WithYour Password .......................................................................................... 38
8.8.4. Removing Password Protection.................................................................................................. 38
8.8.5. Passwords For Multiple Units ..................................................................................................... 38
8.9. NAVIGATINGWITH MULTIPLE UNITS ................................................................................................39
8.10. UPGRADING GRAPHI-Q FIRMWARE AND SOFTWARE...................................................................39
8.10.1 How to UpgradeYour Firmware.................................................................................................. 39
Section Nine: Suggestions for Optimal Use of the GRAPHI-Q .......................................... 41
9.1. SYSTEM SETUP SUGGESTIONS ......................................................................................................41
9.1.1. Acoustics.................................................................................................................................... 41
9.1.2.EquipmentPlacement ................................................................................................................. 41
9.2. WIDE AND NARROW FILTERS: GRAPHIC, PARAMETRIC, AND FBX................................................42
9.3. RECOMMENDED EQ USAGE .............................................................................................................43
9.3.1. Set the Graphic EQ First ........................................................................................................... 43
9.3.2. Using FBX filters ......................................................................................................................... 44
9.3.3.Changing FBX filters to Parametric filters.................................................................................... 44
9.4. USING DIGITAL DELAY .......................................................................................................................45
9.4.1.Loudspeaker Synchronization ..................................................................................................... 45
9.4.2. Comb Filter Distortion ................................................................................................................ 46
9.4.3. The Precedence Effect: Aligning the Acoustic Image ................................................................ 48
9.4.4. Three Applications for Digital Delays .......................................................................................... 48
9.5. USINGTHE COMPRESSOR/LIMITER ..................................................................................................51
9.5.1. Suggested Compressor Settings................................................................................................. 52
SectionTen: TroubleshootingTips ..................................................................................... 53
Section Eleven: GRAPHI-Q Engineering Specifications ................................................... 55
SectionTwelve: Cautions &Warranty ................................................................................. 56

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Congratulations on your purchase of the Sabine GRAPHI-Q. This product represents our latest
breakthrough in our never-ending quest to improve the world’s sound.
Asidefromthepowerfularrayoffeaturespackedintoasingleunit (graphicEQ,FBXfilters,parametric
filters,highandlow cutfilters, delay,compression, andlimiting), theGRAPHI-Qalsooffersachoiceof
userinterfaces.
Computercontrol:learntoloveit. Astheworldbecomesanincreasinglydigitalplace,thecomputer
isomnipresent. Someregardthisasamixedblessing. Inaudioapplications,thedownsideofcomputer-
controlled digital audio stems from the unfamiliarity and operational limitations of its control interface.
Afteryearsofexperiencewithanalogcontrols,manysoundengineerspreferthe“hands-on”approach
tocontrolaudiowithknobs and faders. It’s intuitive and direct. To the analog lover, typing commands
onakeyboardfeelsawkwardandmayrequireredirectingone’sattentiontothecontrolinterface,rather
than the sound emerging from the speakers.
Onthe other hand, thereisno question that thedigitalsignal processing availablethroughacomputer
interfaceoffersimprovedprecisionandreliability ofcontrol overyour audio. Equalizationadjustments
inthedigitalrealmareexceptionally accurate, offer pinpoint resolution, and minimize phase distortion
and frequency drift. Compressor parameters not only can be set quite precisely, but also offer an
expanded range of adjustment and ease of storage and recall that are much more difficult to achieve
withanalogtechnology. And,withtheSabineFBXalgorithm,oneofthemostseriousproblemsofaudio
amplification —that lovely howling sound we call feedback —can be removed with the precision and
delicacy of laser surgery.
AnalogANDDigital-BestofBothWorlds. TheGRAPHI-Qcombinesthebestofbothworlds. Ifyou
needtoputyourhandsonfadersandknobstofullyexperienceaudio,weofferyoutheeaseandcomfort
of our “analog-style”front panel. Push, pull, turn, and tweak to your heart’s content!
If your fingers naturally gravitate toward computer keyboards, the GRAPHI-Q offers your kind of user
interface as well. Each GRAPHI-Q comes equipped with an RS-232 serial interface and the Sabine
GRAPHI-QRemoteforWindowsTM software. Allthefrontpanelcontrols,andsomeimportantadditional
ones, can be adjusted from your computer keyboard. And if you’re seriously addicted to the thrill of
punchingkeys,youcansavesomemoneyasyouindulgeyourselfwithaGRAPHI-QBlankFrontPanel
Slave unit. Only controllable via computer, these models make mis-adjustment by unauthorized,
untrained, or unthinking individuals impossible!
Whatever your control preference, the GRAPHI-Q opens up a world of signal processing power
previouslyunavailableatitsexceptionalprice. Allspecificationsaretopnotch(24-bitA/DandD/A,32-
bit internal processing) and all of its functions operate concurrently and ergonomically. So allow us to
suggest you read and study this entire manual to understand the whole story. Enjoy!
Section One: Intro uction
Section One: Intro uction

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Section Two: Analog vs. Digital Signal Processing
Section Two: Analog vs. Digital Signal Processing
Theongoingdebatecontinues:whatsoundsbetter,digitaloranalogsignalprocessing?Audioengineers
ALL have an opinion on this, but the lack of documented research on the topic makes all conclusions
tentative. Nonetheless, the audio industry is slowly moving to digital as circuit designs continuously
improveandtechnologyadvancesintotherealmof24-bitresolution—whichprovidesfineraudiodetail,
particularlyatlowlevelsofdynamicrange. Thetentativeconclusionwewouldsuggestisthatthesound
of digital circuits is widely variable, encompassing the capacity to sound remarkably like analog
circuits…andmuchmore. Beyondtheseconsiderations,however,thereareundeniableadvantagesto
digital signal processing…and one disadvantage that we believe we have solved with the Sabine
GRAPHI-Q.
THEADVANTAGES:
1. GREATERPRECISIONANDREPEATABLEACCURACY. Analogcircuitryproduceslessexact
andrepeatableadjustment. Identicalanalogcircuitsmayproducedifferentresultswhenprocessing
anidenticalaudiosignal,duetothetoleranceofcomponentscomprisingtheanalogcircuit. Digital
circuitsrelyonrepeatablemathematicalcalculationsandthusaremoreconsistent. Forequalizers,
thismeans that theslope, shape, andsymmetryof digital EQsareconsistent acrossfrequencies,
and from one application to the next.
2. LESSPHASEDISTORTION. Allequalizerscausesomedegreeofphaseshifting. Inanalogfilters,
thisphaseshiftexceedsthewidthofthefilter—oftenbyaconsiderablemargin. Inotherwords,the
phaseshiftencompassesfrequenciesbeyondtheboostorcutrangeofthefilter. Withdigitalfilters,
this phase shift can be restricted to within the filter width.
3. LESS FILTER DRIFT. Analog circuits rely on components that vary as they age and/or are
subjectedto different ambienttemperatures. Thisvariation can in turncauseanalog filters todrift
fromtheiroriginal settings. In contrast, digital filters are based on mathematical formulas and will
remainconstantovertimeandchangingtemperatures.
4. LESSNOISE. Asanalogpartswear,getdirty,orcorrode,readjustingthemcanintroducenoiseinto
thesignalpath. Allaudioengineersarefamiliarwiththesoundofa“scratchyfader.”Digitalcontrols
affect the signal, but are not actually in the audio path and thus cannot introduce noise.
5. RECALLANDSTORAGEOFSETTINGS. Becausedigitalfilterscanberepresentedmathemati-
cally,settingsareeasilystored, recalled, and copied to other channels or units. Analog filters are
dependentonthephysicalpositionofpotentiometersandsliders,andstoringandrecallingsettings
requiresservomotorsandautomatedrepositioningofcontrols. Thisisbothmoreexpensivetobuild
and produces less accurate results.
6. COST. Astechnologyimproves,featuresincreaseandpricesplummet. Nowhereisthistrendmore
apparentthaninthedigitalworld. DSPcircuitryisgenerallysmaller,lesscostly,andmorepowerful
than comparable analog circuitry, which means you get a lot more bang for your buck (or
DeutschMark, pound, or peso) with a digital box. Compare the price of the GRAPHI-Q to a high
quality analog graphic equalizer, and you’ll see what we mean—especially when you add a
compressor, delay, FBX and parametric EQ, and software interface to the comparison.
THEDISADVANTAGES.
1. FAMILIARITY AND EASE OF USE. The sole disadvantage of digital processors that few if any
soundengineers will arguehas to dowiththe familiarityanduser-friendliness ofthedigital control
interface. Many powerful DSP products are menu-driven and difficult to use. One very special
featureoftheGraphiQ3102and3101modelsisthefamiliaranalog-styleinterfaceofthefrontpanel.
The control surface looks, feels, and operates like a graphic equalizer from the 1970’s—with the
power and features of 21st century technology. If you’re a 21st century technophile who loves
computersandknobs,thenyouwon’tbedisappointedeither—justpluginaserialcable,loadupthe
software, and you’ll find a whole new world of hacker-pleasing software control waiting for your
command.
The GRAPHI-Q truly offers the best of both worlds —or maybe even the best of three worlds and five
dimensions.

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Section Three: Front an Back Panel Views
Section Three: Front an Back Panel Views
Clip LED-lights
at 3 dB below
clipping Signal
LED-lights when
input is above
30 dBV peak
GRQ-3101 BACK PANEL
Phoenix block connectors
For contact closure switch RS-232 Serial In Connect to serial port
of PC, or previous
GRQ in chain
RS-232 Serial Out
Connect to next
GRQ in chain 1/4” TRS connectors
Ground Lift Switch
Differing ground potentials between or
among interconnected equipment may
introduce hum or noise in audio. This
ground lift isolates pin 1 or input XLR from
signal ground (chassis ground isolated)
Power connector
& fuse
GRQ-3101S FRONT PANEL
Additional
RS-232 Serial In Power On LED
GRQ-3101S BACK PANEL
GRQ-3101 FRONT PANEL
FBX Section
12 filter indicators
Reset, Width,
Set, & Lock Fixed Filter
Controls
Compressor Section
Level Indicators
Ratio, Threshold, & Gain controls
Bypass Controls
Status LEDs
TURBO - Fast FBX Setup
REMOTE - GRQ Remote active
EQ Range - EQ fader range indicator
EQ faders
Adjust boost/cut for 31
specific frequencies
High & Low Cut Filters
Input signal &
gain reduction
indicators
Digital Delay
up & down controls.
EQ range
Press up & down buttons simulta-
neously to toggle EQ range between
+6 dB and +12 dB
Digital Delay / Tweek-n-Peek Display
Digital delay time value displayed. Also momentarily displays
current firmware at power up, or value of any front panel
control altered.
XLRXLRXLR

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Section Three: Front an Back Panel Views
GRQ-3102 FRONT PANEL
GRQ-3102 BACK PANEL
GRQ-3102S BACK PANEL
GRQ-3102S FRONT PANEL

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Section Four: Block Diagram/Internal Signal Path
Section Four: Block Diagram/Internal Signal Path

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TheGRAPHI-Qshouldbeplacedinawell-ventilated,well-groundedequipmentrack,preferablywithin
easyreachofthesoundengineer. GRAPHI-Qslaveunitsneednotbeasimmediatelyaccessible,since
control is through a computer interface.
5.1. BETWEEN MIXER OUTPUT AND POWER AMPLIFIER.
The most common placement of the GRAPHI-Q in a sound system is between the output of a mixing
consoleandtheinputtoapoweramplifier. Ifyoursystemrequiresacrossoveroradditionaldelays(such
as the Sabine DQX-206), put the GRAPHI-Q in line after the mixer, but before those units. This
configuration will look like this:
This configuration represents the simplest installation, using a single channel (one input,
usingonlyoneoutput)GRAPHI-Q. Youmayalsofollowasimilarconnectiondiagramforatwo-channel
GRAPHI-Q. Simplypatchyourleftandrightmainoutputsfromyourmixingconsoleintotheleftandright
inputs of your GRAPHI-Q, then into two single channel power amplifiers, or both
channels of a stereo amp.
5.2. TWO CHANNEL GRAPHI-Q: MAINS AND MONITORS.
Alternatively,withatwo-channelGRAPHI-Q,youmayelecttorouteonemixeroutputthroughGRAPHI-
QchannelAintoapowerampdrivingyourmainspeakers,andyourmixermonitoroutputintoGRAPHI-
Q channel B, routed to your monitor speakers. This configuration is diagrammed below:
Section Five: Installation
Section Five: Installation

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5.3. USE WITH A POWERED MIXER.
Withapoweredmixer,theGRAPHI-Qmustbeinsertedbetweenthe“LineOut”jack(s)(lineleveloutput,
before the signal goes through the amplifier) and the “Amplifier In”jack(s), as shown below:
NOTE: Not all powered mixers will offer such patch points, or they may label them differently. When
in doubt consult the manual of the console manufacturer.
5.4. USE AT A MIXER INSERT POINT.
TheGRAPHI-Qmayalsobeusedatamixerinsertpoint,eitherforasingleinputchannel,orforagroup
orbusinsertpoint. ThiswilldedicateallofthefeaturesandprocessingpoweroftheGRAPHI-Qtoone
ortwosinglechannelsonyourmixer,ortoasubgroupofinputs(forexample,allthedrumsinyourmix).
The patching will look like this:
5.5. SINGLE CHANNEL GRAPHI-Q: ONE INPUT TWO OUTPUTS.
The single channel GRAPHI-Q also offers a unique setup option, since it offers two parallel outputs.
UsingtheGRAPHI-Qsoftware,itispossibletoseparatelyassignthesettingsforgraphicEQfilters,FBX/
parametric filters, high/low pass filters, compressor/limiter, and digital delay to either or both outputs.
Compressor/limiter and all EQ adjustments will be the same for each output, but the digital delay and
outputlevelsettingsmaybesetindividuallyforthetwooutputs. Thediagramonthefollowingpageshows
apossibleone-input-into-two-outputssetup.
Section Five: Installation

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5.6. WHAT NOT TO DO
The GRAPHI-Q should NOT be used in the following configurations:
1. Do NOT plug a microphone directly into the GRAPHI-Q back panel. The GRAPHI-Q is designed
for operation with line level signals only. Your microphone signal must first go through a wireless
receiver, mixer, preamp, etc. that will boost its output gain to line level.
2. Do NOT use the GRAPHI-Q in an auxiliary or effects loop, such as would be used to add reverb
to different channels in your mixer. Effects loops are designed to split signal paths, and then mix
“wet”processedsignalswiththe“dry”signalpath. TheGRAPHI-Qisdesignedforuseasan“inline”
processor, meaning all the signal path should be routed through it.
3. Do NOT mix balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs to and from the GRAPHI-Q. This will
result in a reduction of signal level.
Section Five: Installation
FBX, parametric EQ, compression
and graphic EQ can be applied to
either or both outputs.

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Section Six: Using GRAPHI-Q Front Panel Controls
Section Six: Using GRAPHI-Q Controls
ManyGRAPHI-Qownerswillbeimmediatelyfamiliarwiththesimpleoperationofthefrontpanelcontrols.
Operation of these controls will be very similar when using an RS-232 connection to control GRAPHI-
Qfunctionsfrom a Windows-based computer platform (see Section Eight).
6.1. GRAPHIC EQUALIZER CONTROLS
Pleasemake note of the defaultfrontpanelcontrol protocols that applywhensettinggraphic EQ, FBX
filters, compression, delay, and output level for the two outputs of the single-input GRAPHI-Q (GRQ-
3101). All processing, INCLUDING delay, is applied to Output B in the factory default setting. All
processing EXCEPT delay is applied to Output A. Therefore, all graphic EQ, FBX, and compression
adjustmentswillapplytobothoutputs,whilefrontpaneldelayadjustmentswillaffectonlytheBoutput.
RemotecontroloperationoftheGRQ-3101willenableseparatedelayandoutputlevelcontrolsettings
forOutputsAandB. Allotherprocessing(graphicEQ,parametricEQ,andcompressor/limitersettings)
can be applied to one or both outputs using software control, but the GRQ-3101 will not permit unique
output settings for any processing except delay, and for the output levels.
6.1.1. Front Panel Control
TheGRAPHI-QgraphicEQslidershaveacenterdetent,calibratedtozeroboost/cutatthefactory.
Raisingthe sliderabove thedetentboosts afrequency bandsurroundingthecenterpoint nominal
frequency; lowering the slider below the detent cuts the frequency band. The GRAPHI-Q comes
fromthefactorysettoa±12dBboost/cutrange. Youmaychangethistoa±6dBrange(andback
again) by pressing and holding the delay up/down buttons simultaneously for approximately one
second. An LED in the lower right section of the front panel will indicate the 6 dB range condition
when it is illuminated. For two channel GRAPHI-Q units, pressing and holding either channel’s
delay up/down buttons will switch both channels’EQ ranges simultaneously. It is not possible to
select different ranges for the two channels.
NOTE: Pulling down the A channel sliders causes the B channel to become the master for both
channels.Thisalsoslavesthecompressor,high&lowcutfilters,andoutputgain. Delay,bypass,
and FBX controls remain channel specific.

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Section Six: Using GRAPHI-Q Controls
6.1.2. Linking Channel Controls (Two Channel Units)
TwochannelGRAPHI-Q unitsofferausefuland uniquefeatureforlinkingchannel controls. Pullingall
theAchannelEQsliderstothebottomdefeatsthesecontrols,andappliestheBchannelsettingstothe
Achannelas well. NowtheBchannelsliders actasmastercontrolfor bothchannels. Thisappliesnot
only to the graphic EQ controls, but to controls for the compressor, high and low cut filters, and output
gain. Delay,bypass, andFBX filtercontrols willremainchannelspecific(in otherwords, tobypass the
graphic EQ for the A, you must press “Bypass”for channel A).
6.1.3. The Tweek-n-Peek Feature (Front Panel Mo els only)
If you’ve been experimenting with the controls on your GRAPHI-
Q front panel, you’ve probably already figured out Sabine’s new
“Tweek-n-Peek”feature. If you’ve ever grabbed a graphic EQ
fader, moved it, and wondered what the “real”setting was, your
prayershavebeenanswered. Tweek-n-Peekshowsyouthevalue
ofeverycontrolon the front panel while you adjust them. As you
moveacompressorknoborEQslider,thevalueofthesettingfor
thatcontrolwillappearintheLEDscreenthatnormallydisplaysthe
digitaldelaytime. Aftertwosecondsofnofurtheradjustment,the
displaywillreverttothedigitaldelaysetting. Thismeansyoucan
adjustallyourcontrolstoaprecise,repeatablesetting,notjustto
avagueknob orfader position. Theaccuracyofyoursettings for
all the parameters of your GRAPHI-Q is thus significantly im-
proved. TheresolutionoffrontpanelgraphicEQfadersettingsis
½dBwhentherangeofboost/cutis+6dB,or1dBwhentherange
ofboost/cutis+12dB. (Whenusingtheremotesoftwaretocontrol
theEQfaderstheresolutionisalways½dB,regardlessofrange.)
6.2. HIGH CUT/LOW CUT FILTERS
6.2.1. Front Panel Control
Thesecontrolsarelocatedimmediatelytothe right of the graphic EQ sliders. For the LOW
CUTFILTER,theGRAPHI-Qwillattenuatefrequenciesatandbelowyourknobsettingwith
aslopeof12dBperoctave. FortheHIGHCUTFILTER,frequenciesatandabovetheknob
settingwillbeattenuated12dBperoctave. Theextremecounterclockwiseknobpositionof
theLOWCUTFILTERandtheextremeclockwisepositionoftheHIGHCUTFILTERturnthe
filters off. The range of the HIGH CUT FILTER extends from a starting point of 3 KHz to 20
KHz. Therange of theLOWCUT FILTER extendsfrom20 Hz atthebottom to 1KHzat the
top. Thefrequencychosenisthepointatwhichattenuationofthefilterreaches3dB. Inother
words,thefilterroll-offactuallybeginsjustabove(forlowcutfilter)orbelow(forhighcut)the
chosenfrequency.
6.3. FEEDBACK CONTROL AND PARAMETRIC EQUALIZATION
OperationoftheFBXFeedbackExterminatorsectionofthefrontpanelofyourGRAPHI-Qissimple,but
mayrequireabriefexplanationforthoseofyouunfamiliarwithSabineFBXproductsand/orterminology.
Let’s begin by defining a few key terms.
6.3.1. Glossary of Terms
•FEEDBACKdescribeswhathappenswhenaloudspeakerdispersessoundbackintoanamplified
microphone,andatalevelsufficienttoallowoneormorefrequenciestoringoutofcontrol. Feedback
can occur at any frequency, but is especially painful at mid to high frequencies. The specific
frequenciesthatfeedbackinaparticularsituationdependontheacousticsoftheenvironment,the
placementofthemicrophone(s)andspeaker(s),theresponsecharacteristicsofthesoundsystem
components,andthevolumeofamplification. Anyonewhohasoperatedasoundsystemorattended
a conference or a concert is familiar with feedback and its unpleasant consequences!

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•A PARAMETRIC EQUALIZER allows the user to precisely specify three critical values that
determine an equalizer’s quality: the center frequency of the EQ band that is boosted or cut
(measuredinHertz),the amountofboostorcutimposedat thecenterpoint(measuredindB),and
thewidthofthebell-curveshapedfrequencybandthatisaffected(typicallymeasuredinoctaves).
•An FBX FILTER is essentially an automatically placed, narrowly attenuated parametric filter, with
thecenterpointofitsnarrowcuttunedtoaprecisefrequencythatfeedsbackwhenasoundsystem
amplifiesoneormoremicrophonestoasufficientvolume. TheGRAPHI-Qwillautomaticallyplace
up to 12 FBX filters in the signal path, corresponding to 12 distinct frequencies of feedback.
•AFIXEDFBXFILTERwillnotchangethefrequencyofthefilternotch.Onceitsetsitself,itremains
atthesamefrequency. However,unlessitisLOCKED,aFIXEDFILTERmaymoveitsnotchdeeper
withoutchanging frequency. Fixed filters aretypicallyset by turningupsystem gain tothepoint of
feedback prior to sound check or performance, and will represent the “first layer”of feedback
protection.
•A DYNAMIC FBX FILTER acts like a Fixed filter, until all available FBX filters (Fixed or Dynamic)
areinuse andanewfrequencybegins tofeedback. Whenthishappens,whichever Dynamicfilter
wassetearliestintheperformancewilldropitsoriginalfrequencyandmovetothenewone. Dynamic
filtersareespeciallyusefulwithmobileorwirelessmicrophones(wherefeedbackfrequenciesmay
changeduetomicrophonerepositioning)andrepresentthe“secondlayer”offeedbackprotection.
Note that both Fixed and Dynamic filters can be set while music is playing, as one of the
distinguishing properties of the Sabine FBX algorithm is its ability to distinguish music (or speech,
orother sounds) fromfeedback.
•A LOCKED FBX FILTER is a Fixed filter locked in place; i.e., it cannot get any deeper or change
its frequency. Locking filters prevents the placement of unnecessary filters in the signal path.
•FILTER WIDTH generally refers to the width (measured in octaves, or fractions thereof)
of an equalizer, including graphic EQ filters, parametric filters, and FBX filters. More specifically,
width is defined by determining the outer frequencies (surrounding the filter center point) that are
altered ± 3 dB when the filter is imposed. This is shown in the diagram below:
Inthisexample,thefilterwidth
is defined as approximately
one-half octave, correspond-
ing to the band of frequencies
attenuated3dBormorewhen
thefilterispulleddown. Inthis
example,thewidthisthesame
whetherthefilterdepthis-9dB
or -19 dB.
•CONSTANT Q filters are
filterswhosewidthsremain
constantregardlessofthe
amountofboostorattenu-
ation imposed by the fil-
ters. Inotherwords,inthe
aboveexample,aConstant
Qfilterwouldremainahalf-
octavewideregardlessof
the EQ slider position.
SomeEQunitsonthemarketareConstantQ;othersareProportionalQ,meaningthefiltergetswider
asitgets deeper. All Sabine products use ConstantQfilters, to prevent affecting any moresound
thannecessary.
Section Six: Using GRAPHI-Q Controls
True Constant Q filters:
widths remain constant
as the filters get deeper.
Standard on all Sabine
products.

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•TURBO MODE refers to Sabine’s unique, exceptionally fast method of placing FBX filters during
sound system setup. TURBO MODE is less “fussy”about analyzing the sound it hears and is more
likelytoregardaudiosignalsoveraminimumthresholdasfeedback. It’salsodesignedtoallowfeedback
tooccuratlowerinputlevels,and,finally,itimposesastronglimiteronthefeedbackoutputasitoccurs.
Thenetresultofallthisblackmagicisthatyouareabletoringoutfeedbackmorequickly,andatamuch
quieterlevel! You’llknowTURBOMODEisengagedwhentheTurboLED(attherightofthefrontpanel)
isilluminated.
MAKE SURE TURBO MODE IS OFF WHEN YOU USE THE GRAPHI-Q OR YOUR AUDIO SIGNAL QUALITY MAY SUFFER!
(SeeSection 6.3.2.3 Turbo Mode Cautions).
6.3.2. Front Panel Control of FBX filters
Note: Most of the front panel and GRQ-Remote control operation of the FBX section of the GRAPHI-
Q is similar, except that the remote control replaces your fingers with a mouse. In addition, there are
some controls offered only with GRQ-Remote software. These features are summarized in Section
Eight.
ControlsforthepatentedFBXFeedbackExterminatorarelocatedimmediatelytotherightoftheHIGH
andLOWCUTFILTERS.
6.3.2.1. FBX Filter LED Indicators. The 12 LEDs on the front panel
GRAPHI-Qcorrespond to12available FBXfilters. Eachtime anFBXfilter
sets,anotherLED will light. A blinking LED indicates which filterwasmost
recentlysetormadedeeper(afiltermaystartatonedepthandnotchdeeper
at the same frequency as the system gain increases). The GRAPHI-Q
comes preset from the factory to a default setting of nine Fixed and three
Dynamicfilters.However,youmay followtheinstructionsinSTEP5below
toreconfigurethesetuptobeanycombinationofFixedandDynamicfilters.
6.3.2.2. Eliminating Feedback withthe GRAPHI-QFBX Filters. Follow
thesestepstoobtainthemaximumgainbeforefeedback,withminimalorno
lossinthetonalqualityofyourprogram. Thestepsthatfollowareapplicable
tosettingupaone-channelunit(GRQ-3101). WhenusingtheGRQ-3102,we
recommend setting up one channel at a time by turning down the other
channelof the poweramplifier. Ifyou areusingboth outputs ofyourGRQ-
3101,you maywishto turn downthe power ampgainfor whicheveroutput
is less likely to produce feedback. If both channels are equally feedback
prone,leavethepowerampsturnedup. Thiswillallowyoutosetfiltersthat
are specific to each channel of your sound system.
STEP ONE: EQUIPMENT SETUP.
Setup your soundsystemand position allthespeakers and microphonesyouanticipate using. When
possible, avoid placing microphones directly in front of speakers.
STEP TWO: TURN OFF NOISE GATES.
If there is any equipment in the signal path that incorporates a noise gate function, you MUST
DISENGAGE these noise gates prior to the setup procedure. You may reengage them upon setup
conclusion.
STEP THREE: GAIN DOWN, TURN ON.
Setthemastervolumesonyourmixertotheirlowestgainpositions. Turnonthemixer,thentheGRAPHI-
Q, then any other accessories, and finally your power amplifier. Adjust the gain settings and balance
for all your microphones, but keep your master mixer volume down.
STEP FOUR: RESET FILTERS.
If there are FBX filters already set (indicated by illuminated LEDs), you should RESET these filters.
(NOTE: FormaximumFBXpower,werecommendresettingfilterseverytimeyouchangeormoveyour
sound system.)
Section Six: Using GRAPHI-Q Controls

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TheGRAPHI-Qallowstwostagesoffilterresetting. YoumayresetonlytheDynamicfilters,oryoumay
elect to reset all (both Fixed and Dynamic).
- To RESET DYNAMIC FILTERS ONLY, press and hold the RESET button long enough for the
Dynamic filter LEDs to flash three times, then release.
- ToRESETALLFILTERS,pressandholdtheRESETbuttonforsevenflashesofalltheLEDs,then
release.
Notethat resetting allfiltersautomatically engages TURBOMODE,which will allowfeedbackto occur
andberemovedmorereadily,andatalowervolume. “TURBOMODEon”willbeindicatedbytheTURBO
LED (at the right of the front panel) illuminating.
STEP FIVE: SET FIXED FILTERS (Optional)
IfyouwanttochangethefactorydefaultsettingofnineFixedandthreeDynamicFBXfilters,pressand
holdtheSET FIXED button for approximately four seconds. The corresponding LEDs for all filters set
toFIXED will blinkfourtimes and turnoff. Releasethe SET FIXEDbuttons,and the LEDswillbegin to
light in sequence. When the LED corresponding to the desired number of fixed filters lights, press the
SET FIXED button again. You’ve successfully set the number of fixed filters. All remaining filters will
automatically default to Dynamic filters—Unless you are setting filters with your computer.
(SeeSectionEight)
STEP SIX: SET FBX FILTER WIDTH (Optional)
FBXfiltersdefaulttoaConstantQwidthofone-tenthofanoctave. ExtensiveSabineresearchhasshown
this width to be an ideal setting, wide enough to remove feedback with very little or no effect upon the
rest of the audio program. In some applications (for example, speech-only applications, where audio
qualityisnotasdemandingasinamusicprogram),however,itmaybepossibletouseawiderfilterfor
morerobustfeedbackelimination.
The GRAPHI-Q allows you to mix filter widths between one-tenth and one-fifth octaves. You may set
all filters to one width, or some filters to tenth-octave and some to fifth-octave. Width selection is
controlled by the button marked “FIFTH OCT”directly below the RESET button. When this button is
pushedandtheLEDisilluminated,anyfilterssetafterthatpointwillbeone-fifthoctavewide. Pushing
the button again, and switching off the LED, will make any additional filters one-tenth octave wide.
STEP SEVEN: RAISE MASTER GAIN.
First, make sure your GRAPHI-Q is not set to bypass the FBX filters (check the Bypass button LED;
it should be off). Then, make sure your power amplifier is turned up and your microphones are turned
on. (Note: If you reset the FBX filters, your GRAPHI-Q will be in TURBO MODE, as indicated by
the front panel TURBO LED. See the cautions below.) Slowly raise the master gain of your mixer
until the first feedback begins. The FBX will quickly remove the feedback, by setting the first filter and
lightingthefirstfilterLED. Continuetoraisethegainslowly.Trytoavoidmakingtwoormorefrequencies
feedbackatthesametime,whichsometimeshappensifthegainistoohigh. Asnewfrequenciesfeed
back, new filters will be placed, as indicated by consecutive filter LEDs lighting up. (Note: sometimes
thesamefrequencywillfeedbackasecondtime,andanearlierfilterwillnotchmoredeeply. Whenthis
happens, the original LED indicating this frequency will blink, showing it to be the most recently active
filter.) Repeat this procedure until one of two things happens:
1. AlloftheFixedfiltersandatleastthefirstDynamicfilterareset. ThiswillautomaticallyturnTURBO
MODE off (LED will turn off to indicate this), or...
2. You’vesetasmanyfiltersasyouneedorwant,eventhoughyouhaven’tusedthemall. PressLOCK
FIXED to prevent any more Fixed filters from setting, or any of the set Fixed filters from notching
more deeply. Pressing LOCK FIXED also exits TURBO MODE.
Section Six: Using GRAPHI-Q Controls

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NOTE: WhileTurbo Mode is operating,thecompressor LEDs may indicatecompressoractivity. This
isnormalandwillnotaffectcompressoroperation when Turbo is not engaged. When TURBO MODE
automaticallyturnsoff,you’llbetreatedtoabriefLEDlightshow. ThefilterLEDswilllightinsequence
back and forth to indicate that you are exiting TURBO MODE. BecauseTURBO limitsthevolume
offeedbackasitoccursduringsetup,feedbackvolumemaybrieflyincreasewhenexitingTURBO. The
dancingLEDdisplayisdesignedtocautionyoutomonitoryourmastergainsettingwhilecomingoutof
TURBO.
6.3.2.3. TurboModeCautions. TURBOMODEisdesignedtoallowfastandquietfeedbackelimination
duringsetup.TURBOshouldONLYbeusedforpre-performancesetup. DONOTUSETURBOMODE
DURINGAPERFORMANCE! Thisrashactwillproducedistortedaudioandsetfiltersonmusicoraudio
program,nottomention prematurebrain blisteringand theheartbreak ofpsoriasis.
Ina verynoisyenvironment, TurboModemay alsoprove inappropriate touse duringsetup. Tospeed
up feedback elimination, Turbo relaxes its criteria for distinguishing “good”audio from feedback and
placesfilters morereadily. Ifthe environmentis noisy,thereis agreaterlikelihood ofplacing a filteron
audiothatisnotfeedback. Whenindoubt,turnTurbooffbypressingtheLockFixedbutton,thenpress
Lock Fixed one more time (to ready the FBX Fixed filters) and raise your system gain as described in
StepSevenabove. Thiswillstilleliminatefeedbackveryquickly,thoughnotasquicklyasTurboMode,
andwithoutreducing thevolumeofthefeedback beforeitisfilteredout. You’llknowifTURBO isonby
the LED indicator on the GRAPHI-Q front panel.
WhetherornotTURBOMODEisused,theendresultofsettingupFBXfiltersshouldbeidentical. Your
soundsystemwill have clearer, louder, feedback-free sound.
6.3.3. A justments Available Only with Remote Control
InadditiontoFBX,graphic,andhighandlowcutfilters,yourGRAPHI-Qcanprovidefullyprogrammable
parametric filters. These filters are accessible only through GRQ-Remote software. Each channel of
yourGRAPHI-Qcanhaveupto12totalfilters,whichcanbeconfiguredasanycombinationofparametric,
fixed FBX, or dynamic FBX filters. See Section Eight for a complete look at GRQ-Remote Software.
6.4. COMPRESSOR/LIMITER CONTROLS
6.4.1. Front Panel Control
COMPRESSOR controls are located immediately to the right of the FBX
panel. FrontpanelcontrolsconsistofstandardRATIO,THRESHOLD,and
GAINmakeupknobs,andtwohorizontalLEDladdersshowingchannelinput
gainonthe top, and compressor gain reduction on the bottomrow. RATIO
rangesfrom1:1toinfinity:1(limiting);theinputlevelTHRESHOLDatwhich
compressionisengagedcanbeadjustedfrom-30dBVto+30dBV;andthe
outputgainofthecompressorcanbeincreasedordecreasedby12dB(this
will also serve as the control for the overall output level of the box).
CompressorKNEE,ATTACK,andRELEASEsettingscanonlybesetusing
the Remote Software, and will default to the last settings programmed. (In
addition,theremotesoftwarewillallowsettingofaseparatelimiterthreshold.)
Thefactorydefaultsettingsareattack=15mSec,release=400mSec,and
knee =20. Thesewillremaininplaceuntiltheyarereprogrammedusingthe
software(seeSection6.7).
Section Six: Using GRAPHI-Q Controls

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Section Six: Using GRAPHI-Q Controls
6.5. DIGITAL DELAY CONTROLS
6.5.1. Front Panel Control
DIGITAL DELAY controls are located to the right of the COMPRESSOR controls. You may delay the
output of the GRAPHI-Q audio signal by up to 999.96 mSec (essentially one second) by using the up/
downincrementbuttonsjustbelowthedisplayshowingtheamountofdelayinmSec. Delayadjustments
maybemadewith 20-microsecondprecision.
FortheGRQ-3101model,thedigitaldelayadjustmentsfromthefrontpanelwillaffectONLYtheOutput
B signal. Output A will remain undelayed. You may of course alter the delay setting for either output
usingtheGRQRemoteSoftware(seeSectionEight).Note: Foracompletediscussiononusingdelays
in sound systems (and we mean complete), see Section 9.4.
6.6. BYPASS
6.6.1. Front Panel Control
BYPASS controls are located at the far right of the GRAPHI-Q front panel. Separate push
button controls allow independent bypass switching for graphic EQ, FBX, and digital delay
settings. For two-channel GRAPHI-Qs, separate bypass controls are available for each
channel as well. When any feature is bypassed, the LED within the switch will illuminate.
TurningoffpowertotheGRAPHI-Qwillplacetheentireunitinhardwirebypass. Pleasenote
that a sudden bypass of FBX filters may result in a sudden burst of no-longer-filtered
feedback. It ain’t pretty when this happens, so proceed cautiously.
6.7. CHANGING FRONT PANEL DEFAULT SETTINGS ADJUSTABLE ONLY BY SOFTWARE
GRAPHI-QmodelsGRQ-3101andGRQ-3102allowadjustmentofmost,butnotallparametersfromthe
frontpanel. Asidefromcontrolofparametricfilters,whichcanonlybeadjustedusingtheGRQ-Remote
software(see Section 6.3.3), the few parameters which cannot be front panel controlled include:
1. Compressorattack,release,knee,and(forGRQ-3102)TrueStereo/DualMonooption
2. Limiterthreshold
3. All global parameters (graphic EQ filter width, maximum FBX depth, and FBX sensitivity and
persistence)
These controls can be adjusted using the GRQ-Remote software as well. In addition,
factorydefaultsettingsmadeforfrontpaneloperationcanbechangedwhiletheunitsare
connectedtothesoftware. Thesechangeswillremaininplaceforallfrontpaneloperation,
regardlessofwhetheracomputerisconnectedornot,untilthedefaultsarechangedagain
fromthesoftware.
Tochangecompressor/limiterdefaults,youmustbeusingtheGRQ-softwareandinFront
Panel Mode (Preset #1). Select “Front Panel Defaults”(F8 key) from the MAIN MENU,
and change the parameters to the values you desire.
TochangeGlobalParametersettings,choose“GlobalParameters”(F5key)fromtheMAIN
MENU, or “Global”from within the FBX/Parametric screen. You may change any value
withintheindicatedranges,andyounewsettingswillbeusedasnewdefaultsforcurrent
andsubsequentfrontpaneloperation.