LAB:ONE ReQ·131 Instruction Manual - page 13
Page
13
ReQ·131 Instruction Manual
v1.2
Using the LED meters with the ReQ·131
The Input and Output LEDs can be used to assess initial audio signal levels, and processed final output
levels. The best way to use the meters is as follows;
1) Set the output of the sound module (synth / sampler / insert effect) so that the input meter on the
ReQ·131 is around the highest green LED and the lowest yellow LED – this aids your decisions later in
and also helps to prevent any clipping if any louder signals come through the signal chain into the
ReQ·131.
2) Use the filters and the EQ faders to your desired choice, be it boosting or cutting of frequencies.
3) Whilst affecting the signal within the ReQ·131, you will notice the Output LEDs may vary above or
below the input levels. This is due to signal spectrum & frequency changes in relation to the
adjustments you have made. To compensate, use the GAIN dial to reduce the output level (if the output
LEDs is higher then the input LEDs, commonly due to boosting) or raise the output level (if you have cut
some key frequencies from your signal chain, the output level overall would be reduced); ideally aim to
match the level of the input LED signal, so that you can do a direct comparison (as close as possible)
when you bypass the ReQ·131.
4) In conjunction with all the adjustments, as a final check you can use the DRY/WET knob and adjust
between 0% (no EQ effect) to 100% (full EQ effect), so that you can cleanly listen to the EQ effect or
the original signal without ‘breaking’ the signal flow by using the BYPASS fader (which may cause ultra
fast signal dropouts or pops whilst playing audio through the ReQ·131, throwing the user off due to
hearing fast transients that are not intended to be part of the signal).
NOTE: The input and output LEDs at maximum will show a RED LED at the top of the meter. Flickering
RED LEDs may be subject to clipping, so reducing the input / output audio levels will help ensure you
get a cleaner sound without digital distortion. However, if this is the desired effect there is nothing
stopping the user from over-driving the inputs / outputs if desired.
This method will help you to determine if your decisions relating to filter use and / or EQ band filtering
are good or bad, without raising or lowering the level too much, which would be bias towards whether
your EQing is right or wrong.
Human nature determines louder sounds as ‘better’, even as little as 3dB gain can give the listener a
‘false’ pretence that a 3dB louder mix sounds better than a 0dB levelled mix of the same material (ie
-5dB to some people sounds better than -8dB, purely down to the volume).
This is why using the levels as well as the gain dial, filter dials and EQ faders can help the producer /
artist / musician make better equalisation decisions while using the ReQ·131.