Rupert Neve Designs 5045 Primary Source Enhancer - Feedback Killer

The 5045 Primary Source Enhancer is a two channel device that is exceptionally useful at reducing feedback, effectively increasing the level a microphone can be raised before feedback occurs in a live sound environment by up to 20dB, without negatively impacting the sonic integrity of the source signal. With controls that are very simply laid out and generally require minimal adjustment, the 5045 is an invaluable tool for churches, stadiums, performance halls, or any venue where feedback is problematic.

The 5045 shares some traits with conventional “noise gates”, but operates with a different principle. One common aspect is that both reduce the gain during the absence of signal – or more specifically, both begin to attenuate when the level of a signal falls below a certain user-defined threshold. The 5045 senses when someone is speaking or singing into the mic and allows the signal to pass through, and senses when the person has stopped talking or singing and reduces the gain appropriately, which helps reduce the tendency of a system to feed back. Most importantly, the 5045 does not require filtering and digital processing to achieve significant benefits.

Simple Setup Instructions

Operation of the 5045 is extremely simple. The 5045 accepts line level signals, such as the output of a microphone preamplifier or the “Insert” send of a console. The 5045 outputs are also line level, and typically feed a console line input or “Insert” return. Because the 5045 uses transformer-coupled inputs and outputs, it connects easily to virtually any combination of balanced or unbalanced inputs and outputs, provided you have commonly available appropriate adapters.

Once the 5045 is connected and power has been turned on, the next steps are relatively simple. A good safe initial starting point is: “PROCESS ENGAGE” not pressed, “TIME CONSTANT” set to C or D, “RMS/PEAK” button not pressed (RMS mode), “THRESHOLD” fully counterclockwise (or -18), and the “DEPTH” also fully counterclockwise.

Now, have someone speak or sing into the microphone and press the “PROCESS ENGAGE” button; if the 5045 is connected properly, there should be no change in level. As the person is talking or singing, adjust the “THRESHOLD” so that the green “PROCESS ACTIVE” LED glows solidly when they talk and dims when they stop speaking (between sentences, for example). Gently increase the “DEPTH” knob to about -10 dB as a starting point.

If the sound system was previously on the edge of feeding back, the above procedure should have helped. If the system volume was set low to “play it safe” and well under the feedback zone, you can try increasing the volume of the channel slowly and adjusting the “DEPTH” to achieve more volume before feedback sets in. The 5045 will not completely eliminate the chance of feedback (given enough volume, it’s always possible), but it is generally effective at allowing both increased levels along with less chance of annoying feedback.

Everything else being equal, typically louder voices (or hotter signal levels) will be associated with more clockwise “THRESHOLD” settings, and quieter voices may require more counterclockwise rotation. In either case, the key thing to watch is the “PROCESS ACTIVE” LED that should always be lit when the person is talking or singing: the LED should only dim after they stop vocalizing. Adjust the “THRESHOLD” accordingly.

The Depth Control

The “DEPTH” knob sets how much attenuation is applied after the signal falls below where the “THRESHOLD” is set. “0″ implies zero attenuation and the 5045 won’t be doing anything. “-10 dB is moderate attenuation and reasonably safe from accidentally chopping off a word or part of a word. -20 dB attenuates deeper but might be a bit choppy. Setting the “DEPTH” control so that it does not chop off bits of quietly spoken words while fighting a difficult feedback problem is the goal, especially with singers that sing quietly one moment and loudly the next while demanding loud monitors.

The Time Constant Control

The “TIME CONSTANT” control is designed to help prevent choppiness in some situations and stop feedback in other situations. It mostly sets how quickly the attenuation occurs in the quiet sections between words or sentences. “A” is the fastest and “F” is the slowest. “A” will quickly soften the level which can be advantageous when the singer is consistent and feedback howl is challenging. “F” is the safest in terms of slowly fading down, but might be a bit slow fading up again, and might be a bit slow for controlling some pesky feedback situations. “C” and “D” are moderate settings that should fit many situations and generally fade down slow enough so that the ends of words are not affected, yet fast enough to control feedback. Choose the most appropriate “TIME CONSTANT” that doesn’t soften the beginnings and endings of phrases, yet still diminishes the feedback and “boominess” of the signal.

The RMS/PEAK Switch

Similarly, the “RMS/PEAK” button allows some finessing of the timing of the 5045. With the “PEAK” button pushed in, the 5045 will return to normal level from attenuation very rapidly. This may help prevent the beginnings of some words from being cut off. (It also opens the door for some creative dynamics-shaping if one uses the 5045 on musical instruments.) With the button set to “RMS”, the 5045 will behave moderately slower, but with a greater deal of perceived “musicality”. In this mode, it is relying on the “average” signal level rather than merely the loudest and briefest peaks.