* API is a registered trademark of Automated Processes Inc
When using the 266Xs AutoDynamic Attack and Release controls, artists and engineers will find that the center settings deliver classic dbx compression, while the full control range produces voicings that extend from slow leveling to aggressive peak limiting.
The Auto Dynamic circuitry continuously adjusts the actual attack and release times to optimally match the program material. Since users aren't restricted to using the Attack and Release controls only in peak operation, they can tailor the response of the 266Xs for individual tracks, mixed program material, special effects or system protection. As a result, production studios can use the versatile 266Xs to replace multiple single-purpose?? limiters while sound reinforcement users can standardize on the 266Xs for all of their applications.
The 266Xs advanced gate circuitry uses a completely new, program-dependent timing algorithm to produce ultra-smooth release characteristics even with complex signals, such as voice or reverb decays. dbx engineers went on to take advantage of the wide dynamic range and high precision of the dbx VCA to design in an extra-wide threshold range and ensure top gating performance for each application.
Separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold and gate threshold allow quick, accurate setup, while the 266Xs intuitive operation lets users easily smooth uneven levels, add sustain to guitars, squash drums or tighten up mixes. In Stereo couple mode, the Channel 1 controls become Master controls, and Channel 2 follows precisely to ensure a rock solid stereo image even with high amounts of compression. Professionals and newcomers will find that the 266Xs sets up rapidly and musically the first time it is used, and every time thereafter.
The dbx 266Xs processor is the result of an intensive engineering and product development effort aimed at taking advantage of the latest and best advances in manufacturing technology to deliver true dbx audio performance and reliability to our customers at the lowest possible cost. The 266Xs puts a completely new level of compressor/gate performance within everyone's reach.
Facilities available on the DL241 include:
Expander/Gate. Drawmer's unique "Programmed Adaptive Expansion" circuitry allows effective 'single control operation' producing a fast smooth response and eliminating 'chatter' on or around threshold. This design differs from that of conventional Expanders in that the Expansion Ratio, Hold Attack and Release continually adapt themselves to the dynamics of the incoming signal. The Expander/Gate provides 80dB range and variable threshold from +20dB to 70dB with an OFF position. Switching is provided for 'Fast' or 'Slow' release characteristics. The 'Fast' mode can be used for instruments with rapid decay times or for additional tightening of the gating effect. The 'Slow' mode is more suitable for vocals and instruments with longer decay times or can be used to smooth over rough fade outs. A single LED indicates gating action.
Compressor. A full Auto Attack/Release Compressor with variable Threshold and Ratio successfully combines the smoothness of the 'Soft Knee' principle with the precision of a 'Ratio' control. The advantage of this combination is that instead of the onset of compression being sudden at the threshold point the ratio increases over a 10dB input level range until it reaches the ratio set on the front panel control, thus achieving a more natural sounding compression. Selectable manual or fully automatic Attack and Release times dramatically extend the application range and user scope of the DL241.
Peak Level. 'Zero Response Time', 'Zero Overshoot' circuitry provides an absolute limit to the peak level of the output signal, adjustable from OdB to +16dB above system level. When set to the required level, any excessive peaks will be stopped and the gain momentarily decreased if necessary. The 'Zero Response Time' is essential to avoid unpleasant distortion when mastering for CD or sending any signal to digital equipment. 'Zero Response Time' means that the DL241 provides complete protection from even the fastest and shortest signal 'spikes' (overloads), making the unit also ideally suited for speaker system protection in sound reinforcement applications.
Metering. Comprehensive bar graph displays give 'at a glance' indications of gain reduction, and output signal level Gain reduction from 1dB to -30dB is shown simultaneously with signal level from -20dB to +15dB Other single LEDs indicate function status of Gating Acton, Auto Mode, Bypass, Peak Limiting, Stereo Linking, and Power On.
Stereo Link. When processing stereo signals, linking should be used to prevent image shifting. This facility ties both channels together. Using channel 1 (left) as the master channel removes the need to duplicate control settings for both channels.
Bypass. A fully balanced hard-wire bypass connects the input directly to the output allowing signal to pass through the unit with no power applied. In bypass the VU level meter displays the Input signal.
Operating Level. The operating level of the DL241 can be instantly switched, independently on each channel, for either +4dBu or 10dBu operation using a rear panel push switch.
Input/Output. The DL241 is available with either XLR connections and fully balanced ins and outs, or with stereo jack (TRS) connections, fully balanced inputs and single ended outputs.
The Drawmer MX Pro 30 Gated Compressor/Limiter is a low cost professional quality dynamics processor containing some of the proprietary design circuitry used in the more expensive models in the Drawmer range. The MX30 has many automated features enabling fast, effective dynamic control whilst retaining the instinctively laid out control parameters, sonic character and high technical specification which have made Drawmer the industry standard. The MX30’s competitive price point brings Drawmer’s professional processing into a much wider musician, project studio and live performance area.Operational control is split into three sections: Gate, Compressor, Output:‘Programme Adaptive’ GateUsed to remove unwanted noise below a pre-set level, each channel consists of a variable Threshold Gate incorporating Drawmer’s ‘Programme Adaptive’ circuitry. Although quick and simple to operate, the gate’s auto-circuitry continually optimises such parameters as Attack, Hold, Ratio and Release, completely eliminating ‘chatter’ when the signal is fluctuating on or around Threshold. Two LED’s show when the signal is ‘above’ or ‘below’ Threshold and a push button switch allows additional control of Release time. This design approach also retains all ‘leading edge’ information making the gate ideal for ‘cleaning up’ vocals or retaining the ‘punch’ on gated drums. Switching is provided for 'Fast' or 'Slow' release characteristics. The 'Fast' mode can be used for instruments with rapid decay times or for additional tightening of the gating effect. The 'Slow' mode is more suitable for vocals and instruments with longer decay times or can be used to smooth over rough fade outs. A single LED indicates gating action.Soft Knee ‘Auto Compressor’The gate is followed by a variable Threshold, variable Ratio, soft knee compressor with fully automatic Attack and Release. Large transients are controlled instantly whilst small signal variations are treated gently, retaining as much ‘life’ as possible and without generating unpredictable side effects. From the slightest to the most aggressive levels of compression, the MX30 handles it all with ease and displays the amount of compression taking place on a high resolution Gain Reduction bargraph meter.OutputThe Gain control is used to compensate for the amount of compression and brings the signal to the required output level as displayed by the output bargraph meter. A variable Threshold ‘zero overshoot’ limiter, essential for avoiding distortion when mastering to digital or speaker protection in a ‘live’ situation, adds the final polish to the signal by keeping control over signal peaks. The Limit threshold provides an absolute maximum peak level which no signal can pass. Fast transients are clipped instantly whilst more sustained peaks are dealt with by applying Gain Reduction, indicated by a single LED.Controls:
The Drawmer Six-Pack is a single 3U unit that will provide dynamics control in any format from mono to 5.1 surround. With six independent expander/gates, six independent auto or manual compressors, six ‘zero overshoot’ limiters and an LFE channel plus the ability to link channels individually, the Drawmer Six-Pack makes surround dynamics easy. In the studio, any analogue audio source from mono to stereo to full surround can be handled in one unit. In live sound, outboard applications such as drum processing or vocals can be dealt with in one easy to use unit, with both auto and manual operation. Alternatively the unit can be re-configured at the push of a button to provide dynamic control and speaker protection without image-shift for the fast developing surround sound speaker rigs employed in the club dance scene.
The design of each processing module is derived from the industry standard Drawmer DL241 Compressor to deliver transparent and predictable dynamic control. The six channels of processing are arranged vertically to occupy the minimum rack space. On Channel six the user has the option to switch in a 120Hz filter to create an LFE channel. This feature is also useful to derive an LFE from a previously recorded five channel only, full band surround mix. Instinctively laid out LED bargraph metering gives clear visual indication of all dynamic functions. Universal Linking facilities allow for the various configurations commonly used in multi-channel surround processing as well as the conventional stereo and single channel operation.
Controls and Features:
Peak Limiter - Programme Adaptive, variable Threshold, Zero Overshoot limiter variable from 0dB to +16dB. An LED display of limiter activity.
Compressor - Soft-Knee compressor with variable Threshold (-40dB to +20dB), Release (0.05 to 5 seconds), Ratio (1.2:1 to infinity), Attack (0.5 to 100mS) and Gain make-up (±20dB). Switchable auto/manual Attack and Release with LED status display.
Expander/Gate - with variable Threshold control (-70dB to +20dB) and variable Release time from 0.05 to 1 second. Dual LED gate status display is provided.
Metering - Eight LED bargraph meters display gain reduction, input/output levels and single LEDs display Master/Link status and Bypass.
Bypass - Each channel features switchable Bypass with LED status. A relay hard wire bypass system allows the unit to still pass audio when the power is off