DynaMaxx Compressor, Limiter, Noise Gate and De-Compressor Manual model 9735 SOUND PERFORMANCE LAB DynaMaxx Owner´s Manual Model 9735 By Hermann Gier, Paul Lentzen and Paul White Version 2.0 - 05/1998 The information in this document has been carefully verified and is assumed to be correct. However Sound Performance Lab (SPL) reserves the right to modify the product described in this manual at any time. Changes without notice. This document is the property of SPL and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner, in part or full without the authorisation of SPL. Limitations of Liability: In no event will SPL be liable for any damages, including loss of data, lost profits, cost of cover or other special, incidental, consequential or indirect damages arising from the use of the unit, however caused and on any theory of liability. This limitation will apply even if SPL or an authorised dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damage. SPL electronics GmbH Office address: Sohlweg 55 D-41372 Niederkruechten, Germany Postal address: P.O. Box 12 27 D- 41368 Niederkruechten, Germany Phone +49 - 21 63 / 98 34-0 Fax +49 - 21 63 / 98 34-20 E-mail: info@spl-electronics.com www.spl-electronics.com SOUND PERFORMANCE LAB © 1999 SPL electronics GmbH. All rights reserved. Foreword .................................................................................................. 3 Thanks ....................................................................................................... 3 Introduction ............................................................................................ 4 Operation Safety ..................................................................................... 5 Connections ............................................................................................ 6 Tech Talk ................................................................................................... 7 Full-Band versus Multi-Band ............................................................. 8 Dynamic Intelligence: Attack time automation ......................... 8 Dynamic Intelligence: Release time automation .......................10 Threshold and Ratio ............................................................................10 Double VCA-Drive TechnologyTM ......................................................11 Control Elements ..................................................................................12 ACTIVE .....................................................................................................12 Sig. LED ....................................................................................................12 COMPRESS ..............................................................................................12 GAIN .........................................................................................................13 SOFT LIMIT ..............................................................................................14 EFFECT-COMPRESSION ......................................................................15 DE-COMPRESSION ...............................................................................15 LED-Display.............................................................................................17 NOISE GATE ............................................................................................17 SIDE CHAIN .............................................................................................17 STEREO COUPLE ...................................................................................18 Power supply ............................................................................................18 Specifications ...........................................................................................19 Warranty ....................................................................................................20 Dear customer, Thank you for the confidence you have shown towards SPL electronics GmbH by purchasing the SPL DYNAMAXX.You have decided to use a tool of high performance which sets you in the position to have faster success and a better sound quality in your music productions, live sound applications and pre-masterings. As a typical SPL unit the DYNAMAXX combines exemplary specifications and high manufacturing standard with excellent sound quality to provide you a precious component for recording purposes. Please read this manual carefully to ensure you have all the information you need to use the DYNAMAXX. We wish you every success with your new DYNAMAXX. Your Sound Performance Lab-Team I would like to start with my thanks to all our staff, who created what is to be described here. The importance of their exceptional qualification and talents cannot be overestimated. Special thanks go to Ruben Tilgner for his extraordinary work on time constants automation. Our products are often tested and compared in many publications and by our customers themselfs and constantly valued with best results. I would like to pass on this broad appreciation to those, who deserve it ­ my excellent colleagues. Hermann Gier Contents Foreword Thanks DynaMaxx 3 Introduction The DYNAMAXX is a new type of compressor-limiter. Part of the SPL Analog-Blue series, the DYNAMAXX is a new type of dynamics processor that has both corrective and creative applications in those areas normally addressed by conventional compressors. In keeping with the SPL design philosophy, it incorporates many new features not found on standard compressors, and a slightly unconventional approach to the control system makes is surprisingly easy to use. DYNAMAXX also premiers a new facility, the DE-COMPRESSOR, which may be used to counter the effects of overcompression in previously processed source material. DYNAMAXX can be used to provide unobtrusive compression and limiting at the premastering stage, or to produce creative compression effects. Why is DYNAMAXX so different? Though auto attack and release functions are nothing new, in the DYNAMAXX design, the time constants are automated in a very musical way. DYNAMAXX adaptively and intelligently optimizes all time constants in real time during processing so that the compression characteristics are continually matched to the source material. DYNAMAXX is also the first compressor to make use of the new THAT 2181 VCAs, and the circuit actually uses two of these excellent VCAs in SPL's Double VCA-DriveTM mode configuration, which doubles the operating range while increasing transparency and reducing distortion. A benefit of the DYNAMAXX circuit is that high compression ratios do not affect high frequency detail ­ high amplitude, low-end bass can be controlled without introducing pumping or other negative side-effects. Similarly, complex stereo sources can be processed easily and very musically. DYNAMAXX has numerous applications in recording and mixing, as well as for cost-effective stereo mastering, and because of the level of intelligent processing within the unit, there are only two controls to adjust per channel, making operation very intuitive. DYNAMAXX premiers a new function: the DE-COMPRESSOR. DYNAMAXX adaptively and intelligently optimizes all time constants while processing so that you gain optimum compressor performance throughout a song. DYNAMAXX is the first compressor to use the new THAT 2181 VCAs ­ in SPL's Double VCA-Drive TM mode. The applications are in recording, mixing, and mastering. CONTROL OVERVIEW COMPRESS: Sets the amount of compression, while the degree of gain reduction is continually monitored via the LED meters. GAIN: This is similar to the `make-up' gain control used on conventional compressors and is provided to restore signal levels that have been reduced by the compressor action. This control also compensates for any gain increase in DE-COMPRESSION mode. The control has a range of 20dB. SOFT LIMIT: Switches between COMPRESSION and SOFT LIMIT mode featuring a gentle soft-knee-characteristic to minimize audible side effects. EFFECT COMPRESSION: In this mode, the Release time is set to a fixed 60ms to produce a 'vintage compression' effect that works well on solo instruments and occasionally voices. 4 DynaMaxx DE-COMPRESSION: converts the compressor to an intelligent upward expander that allows you the de-compress highly compressed audio signals, such as samples, keyboards sounds or previously recorded tracks that have been overcompressed. For example, the sounds used in most drum machines are highly compressed, but processing them via the De-compress mode restores their dynamics and vitality. Regain vitality and dynamics from highly compressed audio files Each channel incorporates a NOISE GATE with ARC (AutoRelease-Circuitry), and this too is highly automated. In a mastering situation, it may be used to provide click-free gating at the beginning and the end of a song. The CLOSE-LED indicates when the NOISE GATE shuts. Both channels of DYNAMAXX are equipped with a 20-digit LED ladder meter displaying gain changes to a resolution of 1dB. The displayed values range from -10dB to +9dB. Each channel also has an additional SIGNAL-LED which illuminates when the input signal is hotter than -40dB. If it is required to patch in external processing, both left and right channels have SIDE CHAIN inputs. If an acceptable sidechain signal is being received, a LED on the front illuminates. When processing stereo material, the STEREO COUPLE function should be switched on so that both channels produce the samedegree of gain change. This is necessary to maintain a coherent and stable stereo image. The front panel controls, including the ACTIVE switch of channel 1, function as master controls in STEREO COUPLE mode. NOISE GATE with new "Auto Release Circuitry" 20-digit metering with 1dB resolution SIDE CHAIN inputs for external filtering or triggering STEREO COUPLE mode The housing of the DYNAMAXX has the standard 19"- EIA format and occupies 1U (44.45 mm) in your rack. When installing the unit in a 19"-rack, the rear side of the unit needs some support, especially in a touring case. The DYNAMAXX should not be installed near units which produce strong magnetic fields or extreme heat. Do not install the DYNAMAXX directly above or below power amplifiers. Check that the voltage details quoted on the back panel are the same as your local mains electricity supply. Use a minus (-) screwdriver to set the voltage selector to the voltage for the area in which the unit will be used. Never cover up the ventilation slots on the top of the unit. If, during operation, the sound is interrupted or indicators no longer illuminate, or if abnormal odor or smoke is detected, or if liquids are spilled on the unit, immediately disconnect the power cord plug and contact your dealer. Only clean your DYNAMAXX with a soft, lint-free cloth. Operation Safety DynaMaxx 5 Connections DYNAMAXX is fitted with both XLR-connectors and TRS stereo jacks for balanced operation, though the jacks may be used with unbalanced connections simply by plugging in mono jack-plugs. The level difference that normally occurs when a balanced input or output is used unbalanced is automatically compensated for. Should the need arise to use the XLR connectors in an unbalanced system, pin 3 of the XLRs should be grounded. Inserting a mono jack also unbalances the XLRs. Tip=Hot(+) Ring=Cold(-) Sleeve=GND 1 3 2 Pin wiring: Stereo Jack plug Pin wiring: XLR connectors Pin wiring: Side Chain-Insert Both output stages operate in parallel, so it is possible to connect two different destination units simultaneously, for example to record to two different media at the same time or split the output between a mixer and effects processor. However, only one type of input (jack or XLR) should be connected at a time ­ the DYNAMAXX is not intended to be used as a mixer! To ensure optimal signal quality, SPL has developed a new hybrid-component balanced input/output stage using all lasertrimmed resistors with a tolerance of 0.01%. This approach has resulted in an exceptionally high CCMR (common mode rejection: -80 dB at 1kHz). As a precaution, before connecting the DYNAMAXX switch off the power to the unit and to all connected units. SIDE CHAIN Each DYNAMAXX channel is equipped with a TRS jack sidechain insert point so that an equalizer may be inserted to provide frequency dependant processing. Connection requires only a conventional insert Y-lead, where the TRS ring connection provides the insert send signal and the tip the return. The front panel LED lights when the side chain signal is of adequate level. For example: Frequency dependent filtering Connect the TRS jack to the Side Chain connector of the DYNAMAXX. The ring of the TRS jack carries the original signal into the DYNAMAXX to the input of the equalizer.The equaliser´s output is returned to the DYNAMAXX on the tip of the jack plug. A LED ...