Setup
For best results‚ complete the Setup in a relatively quiet room. This allows the Ferret to find primary
acoustic feedback frequencies. Every room and setup has problem frequencies. This makes each room
different and creates different feedback problems. It is also important to understand that while in Setup
mode‚ the Ferret does not distinguish between feedback and music. If you play music through the system
while in Setup mode‚ the Ferret will try and eliminate it.
Step One
These instructions assume you have connected the Ferret from the mixer outputs and not from a single
channel insert. Make sure the Normal LED is off (this engages Setup mode) and that your microphone levels
are set. Slowly bring up the master level. You should see the filters begin to seek and lock as feedback
begins to occur. This will begin with filter 16 and progress from right to left automatically. You will notice
that each filter will begin by blinking and then light solidly when each frequency is locked down. This is
accomplished with the minimum amount of attenuation.
Step Two
Continue bringing the master level up until you've reached the required volume level. As you start to hear
feedback‚ momentarily stop adjusting the levels to allow the Ferret to complete the adjustment of its filter.
Normally‚ you should hear the onset of feedback before the Ferret takes control. In most applications‚ this
should give you plenty of gain and still leave additional filters open for later use. If all or most of the filters
are lit up‚ bring the master level back down‚ reset the filters and start over. But this time‚ hit the Wide button
on the front panel. The Wide button allows each filter to work on a wider range of frequencies thereby
freeing up additional filters for other use. (Note: If all or most of the filters light up it's probably an
indication that it is a bad room‚ a bad system setup or you are just too loud!)
Step Four
Finally‚ put the unit in Normal mode. This mode automatically engages the Panic button. Your system
should be performance ready! At this point‚ it is advisable to engage the Front Panel Disable Switch to
minimize accidental changes. Once you are content with your settings‚ press and hold one of the preset
buttons (1–4) to save your filter settings.
Note: The Ferret is not a replacement for a good soundman. Good sound sytem performance starts with
good placement of the microphones and speakers.
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