User manual SUMMIT DCL-200

[. . . ] When linking both sides of the DCL200 for stereo operation, this control will still need to be set individually for each side. A high setting (far left) will require a large amount of signal to pass for compression to start and a low setting (far right) will require less signal to start compression. 2. AC THRESHOLD: This controls the amount of gain reduction that will take place and the 4. This ratio changes depending on the signal level and the setting of the AC Threshold, and can vary from less than 1. 1 to 1 to as high as 7 to 1. [. . . ] Example: Send the output of a vocal mic into the side chain, with the DCL200 inserted on the over-all music track. As the singer uses the vocal mic, the music will decrease in amplitude. This is perfect for broadcast use when the DJ needs to speak over music, or a lead guitar plays a solo over the rhythm track in mixing. Circuit Explanation Linking: The DCL-200 is organized so that in stereo link mode the AC Threshold, Slope, Attack, and Release controls on the top channel operate both channels. The channel 1 side chain is fed with the sum of channel 1 and 2 (combined mono signal). The only problem with this method occurs if the stereo signal has a large out-of-phase component (180 degrees). This out-of-phase signal will sum to zero and not generate any gain reduction. Mono compatibility is necessary for any sound that has the potential for radio or TV play. The DCL-200's method of stereo linking will work very well when the source is mono compatible. Attack and Release: The attack and release settings will change the gain of the side chain. With the attack set at 10 and release set at 0, a voltage divider circuit is formed creating a low output voltage to the control circuit. By setting the attack at 0 and release at 10, there is no voltage loss in the circuit. The AC Threshold control will need a much lower setting to achieve the same amount of gain reduction as in the previous example. By allowing this interaction, you can adjust the circuit for peak or average responding operation. This allows adjustment of the DCL-200 to deliver a larger variety of smooth sounds. Audio Path: The Audio path has a balanced input followed by the gain cell, a tube amplifier, and a balanced discrete output stage using Dean Jensen designed 990 Op Amps. The 990's are arranged so that operation in either balanced or unbalanced mode will result in the proper gain structure. The tubes are hand selected 12AX7A's which are tested in circuit and fully burned in before shipping. The input stage is operated at a loss to provide the input clipping level of +24dBm. The gain control device is a proprietary design that synthesizes what the old photo resistor, light source compressor-limiters did. Our approach allows a much faster response time, wider bandwidth, and lower distortion. The frequency response ­3dB point is 70kHz and increases as you go into gain reduction. The meter displays the output signal level as if the DCL-200 is not bypassed, and when the DCL-200 is bypassed, the tubes are in the signal path. Side Chain: This connection allows for the insertion of an equalizer in the side chain to make the DCL-200 a frequency selective compressor-limiter. [. . . ] Units made before March 1st, 2003 come factory wired with pin 3 hot. ) Input: Unbalanced: 3 pin XLR Connector Balanced: 3 pin XLR Connector Pin 1 ­ Ground Pin 1 ­ Ground Pin 2 ­ (+) Signal Pin 2 ­ (+) Signal Pin 3 ­ Connect to Pin 1 Pin 3 ­ (-) Signal Output: Unbalanced: 3 pin XLR Connector Pin 1 ­ Ground Pin 2 ­ (+) Signal Pin 3 ­ Connect to Pin 1 Side Chain: Balanced: 3 pin XLR Connector Pin 1 ­ Ground Pin 2 ­ (+) Signal Pin 3 ­ (-) Signal Tip ­ Signal output (to EQ) Ring ­ Signal input (from EQ) Sleeve - Ground Note: When running an unbalanced output it is best to connect pin 3 to pin 1 in the connector that plugs into the DCL-200. Allow the DCL-200 to warm up for at least 15 minutes before using it in your processing chain. The tubes and other circuitry need time to reach an electronic equilibrium before they will operate at optimal specifications. For the longest life, it is recommended that you turn off the unit when it is not in use. Please mount the unit in your rack, making sure that there is sufficient ventilation, especially on the right and left side of the chassis. [. . . ]