ART 400 Series Precision Graphic Equalizers

Introduction

The ART 400 Series of Precision Graphic Equalizers are engineered to meet high standards for audio performance and functionality. They offer precision frequency tailoring, reliable performance, rugged design, and silent processing, making them suitable for virtually any audio application where these qualities are paramount.

Models

Key Features

Active Filter Sections

Feature active filter sections with a constant-Q design. This ensures narrow bandwidth for each filter, minimizing interaction between filters while providing precise frequency processing.

Precision Slide Potentiometers

Utilize 20mm oil-damped precision slide potentiometers with center detents, positioned at 1/3-octave ISO frequencies from 25Hz to 20kHz.

Independent Variable Hi and Low Pass Filtering

Include independent variable Hi Pass (low cut) and Low Pass (high cut) filters for custom audio signal tailoring. Unlike some competitors with fixed shelving switches, these offer separate and variable control for both frequency ranges.

Automatic Relay Bypass

Feature automatic relay bypass for audio signal routing in case of power loss, ensuring signal continuity.

Additional Controls and Indicators

Include a variable input level control, a clip level indicator (red LED), a ground lift switch, and selectable line voltage. Additional features include selectable scale switching for +/-6dB or +/-12dB gain range, active balanced and unbalanced input/output connectors, and RFI filtering. A passive bypass switch allows for direct comparison between equalized and unequalized signals.

Multiple Connectivity

Offer three sets of parallel input and output connectors: XLR (balanced), 1/4" phone (balanced/unbalanced), and RCA phono (unbalanced). Only one input type should be used per channel.

Durability by Design

Designed for durability and ruggedness, suitable for mounting in a standard 19" equipment rack. The vertical height is 1.75 inches for the 441 and 451, and 3.5 inches for the 455. The depth is 7 inches.

Precision and Quality

Deliver precise, flexible, and great-sounding equalization, meeting criteria for top-level audio performance.

General Information

Installation

Designed for mounting in a standard 19" equipment rack. The vertical height is 1.75" (441/451) or 3.5" (455). Depth is 7 inches.

Power Connectors

Internal power supplies operate on 120 or 240 VAC, 50-60Hz. Power consumption is 7.5W (441/451) or 14W (455). Confirm voltage and select the appropriate line voltage setting before connecting.

Input/Output Connections

Features parallel XLR (balanced), 1/4" TRS (balanced/unbalanced), and RCA (unbalanced) connectors. Only one input type should be used per channel. Any combination of output connectors may be used.

XLR: Balanced, Pin 2=High (+), Pin 3=Low (-), Pin 1=Ground.

1/4" Phone: Can be used balanced or unbalanced. Balanced: Tip=High (+), Ring=Low (-), Sleeve=Ground. Unbalanced: Use a mono phone cable; the ring is automatically grounded to the sleeve.

RCA Phono: Unbalanced, Tip=High (+), Sleeve=Ground.

Signal Levels and Grounding

Signal Levels

Normal signal levels are -10 dBu to +4 dBu, with a maximum of approximately +19 dBu. Microphones require a preamp; do not connect them directly to the equalizer.

Chassis Grounding

Equipped with a rear panel Ground Lift switch to disconnect signal ground from the mains and chassis earth ground. This can help resolve hum or buzzing caused by ground loops. CAUTION: Turn amplifiers down before changing grounds. If the equalizer is rack-mounted, lifting the ground to the case may prevent multiple ground paths.

Operating Instructions

Before equalizing, familiarize yourself with the controls. The unit features a bypass switch (red LED indicates bypass mode) for comparing equalized and unequalized signals. This bypass is a "hard-wire bypass" that routes the signal directly from input to output.

A range selection switch offers +/-6dB (green LED) or +/-12dB (yellow LED) gain. The output level control adjusts signal from off to +6dB. A red Clip LED illuminates when signals are within 4dB of clipping; occasional flickering is acceptable, but steady illumination requires level adjustment or reducing the output of the preceding component.

Initial Set Up

  1. Set channel levels to the center detent (0dB) on the front panel.
  2. Engage the Bypass switch (red LED ON).
  3. Set the frequency slide controls to the center detent (or 0dB).
  4. Select the 6dB range switch (green LED ON).
  5. Apply signal to the system.
  6. Release the bypass switch (red LED OFF).
  7. If the Clip LED is ON, reduce the input level control.
  8. Begin equalizing your system.
  9. If more equalization control is needed, switch the range switch to the 12dB setting.

Front Panel Controls

1. POWER SWITCH
Press the upper or lower portion to turn the equalizer ON or OFF. CAUTION: Always turn your equalizer ON BEFORE your power amplifiers are turned on, and always turn OFF your equalizer AFTER your power amplifiers have been turned off.
2. FILTER LEVEL CONTROLS
Each slider controls the output level of its respective bandpass filter. A detent at the center position helps center the controls for a flat response.
3. FILTER RANGE SWITCH & INDICATORS
The gain range of the filter sliders is switchable (as a group) from +/-6dB to +/-12dB for maximum boost/cut capability. At 6dB, the green LED illuminates; at 12dB, the yellow LED illuminates.
4. BYPASS SWITCH & CLIP INDICATOR LED
Bypass Switch: When the red LED is illuminated, the unit or channel is in bypass mode. Signal is routed directly from input to output without passing through EQ circuitry. Use this switch to compare equalized and unequalized material, or to bypass the EQ section in case of power loss or unit failure.
Clip Indicator: This red LED illuminates if any section of the equalizer is within 4dB of clipping. Occasional flickering is acceptable, but if it remains on more than intermittently, you should turn down the equalizer's level controls or reduce the output level of the preceding component to avoid audible distortion.
5. HI PASS FILTER (LOW-CUT FREQUENCY CONTROL)
To cut down on unwanted low frequency signals, this control determines the roll-off frequency of the High-Pass Filter (HPF). The roll-off frequency can be adjusted from 10Hz to 250Hz. Because of its high roll-off slope, the HPF can be efficiently used to cut down "HUM" noise from preceding instruments, or to reduce low frequency resonances in enclosed acoustic environments.
6. LOW PASS FILTER (HIGH-CUT FREQUENCY CONTROL)
To cut down on unwanted high frequency signals, this control determines the roll-off frequency of the Low-Pass Filter (LPF). The roll-off frequency can be adjusted from 3kHz to 40kHz. Because of its high roll-off slope, the LPF can be effectively used to cut down high frequency noise from preceding instruments, or roll-off excessive high frequency sounds for a more natural sound.
7. LEVEL CONTROL
This controls the level of signal coming into the equalizer. Turn this control down if the Clip LED illuminates steadily (indicating too strong an input signal). Unity gain can be set by turning this knob to the center detent position. Signal levels should be kept normalized; the bypassed signal level should be the same or slightly lower than the active EQ gain.

Rear Panel Connectors & Controls

8. POWER CORD
Connects the AC power source to the equalizer. CAUTION: Equipment for USA installation includes a three-pin polarized plug; do not remove the center grounding pin.
9. FUSE HOLDER
Contains the AC primary fuse. Replace with the same type fuse if blown (0.5Amp for 95-125VAC or 220-240VAC). If fuses blow repeatedly, stop replacing them and refer servicing to qualified personnel.
10. AC VOLTAGE SELECTOR
Set this slide switch to match your line voltage supply. CAUTION: For new installations or portable systems, or when mains power is suspect, confirm appropriate voltage and line polarity BEFORE connecting the instrument to the power source.
11. GROUND LIFT SWITCH
This switch disconnects signal ground from the mains and chassis earth ground. Set the switch to the LIFT position if "Hum", caused by a ground loop, can be heard at the speakers.
12. INPUT/OUTPUT CONNECTORS
  • 1/4" TRS: Balanced and wired as Tip = High (+), Ring = Low (-), and Sleeve = Ground.
  • XLR: Balanced and wired as Pin 2 = High (+), Pin 3 = Low (-), and Pin 1 = Ground.
  • RCA PHONO: Unbalanced, wired as Tip = High (+) and Sleeve = Ground.
CAUTION: Only one of these sockets should be chosen for audio connection at the same time.

Applications

Graphic equalizers may be used wherever modification of the frequency contour of a sound system is needed. A graphic equalizer is a solution to many sound problems or creative urges.

Typical Reinforcement Application (Two Channel)

Diagram Description: A mixer feeds an equalizer (EQ), which then sends the signal to two separate power amplifiers (P Amp), each connected to a speaker.

Equalization of Audio Signals from a Mixer

Diagram Description: An audio signal is sent from a mixer's 'Send' port through an equalizer (EQ) and then returned to the mixer's 'Return' port.

Equalization of a Musical Instrument

Diagram Description: A musical instrument's signal is processed by an equalizer (EQ) before being sent to an amplifier (Amp).

Equalization of a Guitar Effects Loop

Diagram Description: A signal path shows a preamplifier (PreAmp) feeding a stereo effects loop, which then goes through an equalizer (EQ) before reaching an amplifier (Amp).

Specifications

Category Details
EQUALIZER
Bands Model 441: 2 x 15, 2/3 Octave, ISO Spacing
Model 451: 1 x 31, 1/3 Octave, ISO Spacing
Model 455: 2 x 31, 1/3 Octave, ISO Spacing
Type / Accuracy Constant Q, 3% Center Frequency
Travel 20mm (Positive Center Detent)
Range +/-6dB or +/-12dB (Selectable)
Overall Gain Range Off to +6dB (Unbalanced out) Sliders Centered
Off to +12dB (Balanced out) Sliders Centered
INPUTS
Type Active Balanced/Unbalanced
Connectors 3-Pin XLR, 1/4" TRS (Balanced), RCA (Unbalanced)
Impedance 24k Ohms Balanced; 12k Ohms Unbalanced
Maximum Level +19dBm (Level Control at Center)
OUTPUTS
Type Active Balanced/Unbalanced
Connectors 3-Pin XLR, 1/4" TRS (Balanced), RCA (Unbalanced)
Impedance Typical <150 Ohms
Maximum Level +19dBm (Balanced) (10k Ohm load)
+13dBm (Unbalanced) (10k Ohm load)
RFI filters Yes
Passive Bypass Switches Yes
Overload LED Threshold 4 dB (Below Clipping)
High Pass Filter 10-250Hz, 12dB/Oct
Low Pass Filter 3k-40kHz, 12dB/Oct
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz, +/-0.5dB
THD + Noise Less than .01% (20Hz-20kHz, 0dBu)
IM Distortion (SMPTE) 0.005%
Signal to Noise Ratio Greater than 94dB, Ref: 0dBu, (Balanced) (+/-6dB range)
Greater than 89dB, Ref: 0dBu, (Balanced) (+/-12dB range)
Headroom 20Hz - 20kHz, unweighted.
Dynamic Range +19dB, Ref, 0dBu, (Balanced) (+/-6dB and +/-12dB range)
Channel Separation Greater than 113dB, (Balanced) (+/-6dB range)
Greater than 108dB, (Balanced) (+/-12dB range)
Common Mode Rejection Greater than 50dB
50:1 typical
LINE VOLTAGE 95-125VAC, 50/60Hz
190-250VAC, 50Hz
INPUT AC POWER 9 Watts (441/451), 14 Watts (455), typical
CONSTRUCTION All Steel Chassis
SIZE 1.75" H *19" W *7.0" D (1U) (441/451)
(4.45cm * 48.3cm * 21.6cm)
3.5" H *19" W *7.0" D (2U) (455)
(8.9cm * 48.3cm * 21.6cm)
WEIGHT 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) (441/451)
12 lbs. (5.4 kg) (455)

Warranty Information

Limited Warranty

Applied Research and Technology (ART) warrants this product and its components to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year from the date of purchase. ART will, at its option, repair or replace defective products or component parts upon prepaid delivery to the factory service department or an authorized service center, accompanied by proof of purchase date in the form of a valid sales receipt.

Exclusions

This warranty does not apply in the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs. This warranty is void if the serial number is altered, defaced, or removed. ART reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this product without any obligation to install the same on products previously manufactured. ART shall not be liable for any consequential damages, including without limitation damages resulting from loss of use. Some states do not allow limitations of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific rights and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state.

For units purchased outside the United States, an authorized distributor of Applied Research and Technology will provide service.

Service

The following information is provided in the unlikely event that your unit requires service:

  1. Be sure that the unit is the cause of the problem. Check to make sure the unit has power supplied, all cables are connected correctly, and the cables themselves are in working condition.
  2. If you find the unit to be at fault, write down a complete description of the problem, including how and when the problem occurs. Please write down a description of your complete setup before calling Customer Service.
  3. Contact our Customer Service department at (585) 436-2720 for your Return Authorization number or questions regarding technical assistance or repairs. Customer Service hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
  4. Pack the unit in its original carton or a reasonable substitute. The packing box is not recommended as a shipping carton. Put the packaged unit in another box for shipping. Print the RA number clearly on the outside of the shipping box. Print your return shipping address on the outside of the box.
  5. Include with your unit: a return shipping address (we cannot ship to a P.O. Box), a copy of your purchase receipt, a daytime phone number, and a description of the problem.
  6. Ship only your unit (keep your manual!) to:
    APPLIED RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
    215 TREMONT STREET
    ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14608
    ATTN: REPAIR DEPARTMENT
    RA# ____________________

Contact Information

APPLIED RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
215 TREMONT STREET
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14608 USA

(585) 436-2720 – Voice
(585) 436-3942 – Fax

Website: www.artproaudio.com
Email: cserve@artproaudio.com

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