Calibrating Quasar Four-Fader Modules

Updated by Bryan Jones

Scope

This document covers the fader calibration procedure for the Quasar XR-4FAD module (Part number 2001-00569). Version 1.2 or higher of the XR-4FAD module is required.

For information on downloading and installing XR Fader version 1.2 please click here.

Description

Software v1.2 of the XR-4FAD Module introduces a new function: Fader Calibration.

Fader calibration is useful for aligning some faders' position, which, because of different manufacturing tolerances, do not behave exactly like the others when moving to a preset position. Fader calibration is a manual procedure to equalize each fader's gain curve; however, not all faders require calibration. The quickest way to calibrate the faders is to recall a fixed position and calibrate only those faders with a visible difference.

Fader Calibration is performed from within the Fader Module Web UI; therefore, the module doesn’t need to be part of a console and doesn’t need to be connected to a Master module. However, it is easier to spot misaligned faders when installed in a table-top frame, and all modules are next to each other.
The System Test in the Master Module now adds new -10dB -30dB presets that make calibrating faders faster.

Fader Calibration

  1. Make sure the Fader Module is updated to SW version 1.2
Proper fader calibration is achieved by calibrating three positions on the fader. 0 db, -10 dB, and -30 dB.
  1. Set all faders to 0 dB
    1. Hold the MON OPT button for 5 seconds
    2. Select System Test
    3. Tap the ALL FADERS 0 dB button
  1. Using a Web Browser, navigate to the Fader Module's Web GUI and select Fader Calibration from the left column menu. The following page will appear:
PRO TIP. Open a Web Browser tab for each module in your system. This way, you can calibrate all faders to each calibration position at one time.
  1.  Align all faders manually to 0dB (precise calibration), OR adjust only those that are not right in your opinion.
  2. Push the "SET 0dB" button on each fader module web UI page.
You must have all four faders set at the calibrated position when you press the set button. The "SET" button calibrates all four faders at once.
  1. Repeat Steps 2C to 5 for -10dB and -30dB positions using the Master Touch screen to move all faders to the calibration position.
  2. Double-check everything by recalling all the 5 position presets (+10dB, 0db, -10dB, -30dB, and ~dB) from the System Test screen. In case you are not 100% happy with the results, repeat any of the calibration steps, and the game is done! 
If you want to revert to the original uncalibrated state, you can use the "Reset Calibration" button.

Some additional notes regarding calibration

Note #1:  When adjusting minimal deviations, like +/- 1mm,  ensure that the display above the fader changes the value. The fader has a movement tolerance of +/- 0.5mm, so it might not track the change. 

Note #2:  If you need to align all faders perfectly, we suggest using a steel ruler (must be conductive as the faders are touch-sensitive, therefore anodized aluminum or plastic won’t work). Move all faders down to -30dB. Insert the ruler under the fader posts and push them all up to 0dB. If all faders register touch during this operation, you will see both yellow arrows lighting up on all faders. Once in position, calibrate for 0dB. Now place the ruler above the fader posts. Push the faders down to the -10dB position. Calibrate for -10dB. Repeat this operation for calibrating -30dB.

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