DRAWMER DL441 – Quad Auto Compressor Limiter

The DL441 Quad Auto Compressor/Limiter captures four channels of Drawmer\'s innovative DL241 \'Auto Compressor\' in only 1U of rack space. The inclusion of new sophisticated \'automated\' circuitry allows the engineer to precisely control both the dynamic range and \'absolute\' peak level of the programme instantly, without sacrificing essential control parameters. This perfect balance of features makes the DL441 ideal for use in sound reinforcement and outside broadcast applications where an economy in rack space is essential. Each channel combines a fully professional \'Auto Attack/Release\' Compressor with a variable threshold \'Peak Level\' Limiter on the output providing a transparent \'endstop\'. High resolution bar-graph displays on each channel allow gain reduction and output level to be viewed simultaneously, of particular importance in darkened concert hall or control room situations.

Facilities available on the DL441 include:

Compressor : The compressor section can be switched to provide either HARD or SOFT knee compression In both the HARD and SOFT modes a Ratio control is available. In the SOFT mode the ratio increases gradually over a 10dB input level range until it reaches the ratio set on the front panel control, thus achieving a more natural sounding compression In HARD mode the compressor provides a more precise means of controlling gain, where the ratio as set on the front panel is applied immediately the signal exceeds threshold. This is particularly useful in many broadcast applications. HARD knee compression can also be used creatively as an effect, particularly in the treatment of drum and guitar sounds, or for giving rock vocals a \'compressed sound\'.

Auto Attack and Release : removes the need for manual adjustment by producing a response which constantly follows the dynamics of the signal. This enables the DL441 to preserve crisp transients without allowing excessive peaks to occur. A smooth yet lively recovery from compression minimizes side effects such as \'pumping\' and \'breathing\'. This feature is particularly valuable when the program being treated does not have predictable or consistent dynamics, such as complete mixes, vocals or \'slapped and pulled\' bass guitar.

Peak Level Limiter : \'Zero Response Time\', \'Zero Overshoot\' circuitry provides an absolute limit to the peak level of the output signal, adjustable from 0db to +16dB above system level. \'Zero Response Time\' transparent limiting means that the DL441 provides complete protection from even the fastest and shortest signal overloads, making the unit ideally suited for speaker system protection in sound reinforcement applications. The sophisticated circuitry will also prevent unpleasant distortion when used for digital mastering.

Metering : Comprehensive bar graph displays give \'at a glance\' indications of gain reduction, and input/output signal level Gain reduction from 1dB to 30dB is shown simultaneously with signal level from 10dB to +10dB. When the channel is in BYPASS the output bar graph displays the input signal level. Other single LEDs indicate function status of Hard/Soft compression, Bypass, Peak Limiting, Linking, and Power on.

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.

Stereo Linking : Channels 1-2 and/or 3-4 can be stereo linked, where the left channel of the stereo pair becomes the master.

Operating Level : The operating level of the DL441 can be instantly switched, independently on each channel, for either +4dBu or -10dBu operation using a rear panel push switch.

Input/Output : The DL441 is provided with balanced inputs and outputs on XLR connections.

The Multicom Pro-XL MDX4600 gives you 4 channels of first-class dynamic
control in a single rack space. With a multitude of new features like the
advanced program-adaptive expander gate, extensive metering plus a variety
of configuration options, the Multicom Pro-XL puts a lot of dynamic processing
power in your rack.

Features
Switchable IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) program-adaptive compression
circuitry combines the advantages of hard-knee and soft-knee characteristics
IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) expander/gate circuitry for virtually inaudible noise
suppression
Switchable dynamic enhancer for brilliant, lively audio even with heavy compression
IGC (Interactive Gain Control) peak limiting circuitry combines clipper and program
limiter for reliable and inaudible protection against signal peaks
Switchable low contour filter prevents "pumping" due to low-frequency dominated
compression
Stereo couple function selectable for channels 1/2 and 3/4
Ultra low-noise 4580 operational amplifiers and state-of-the-art THAT¬ VCA's
Separate 8-segment LED meters for input/output levels and gain reduction
Selectable operating level (+4 dBu/-10 dBV)
High-quality detented ALPS¬ potentiometers and illuminated switches
Servo-balanced inputs and outputs with ? in. TRS and gold-plated XLR
connectors
Manufactured under ISO9000 certified management system

Interactive Reference-Class 2-Channel Expander/Gate/Compressor/ Peak Limiter with
Integrated De-Esser, Dynamic Enhancer, Tube Simulation and Low Contour Filter 

Whether you?re recording, mixing or mastering, the COMPOSER PRO-XL MDX2600
gives you total dynamic control. It includes all of the features you would expect from
a reference class compressor?plus a voice-adaptive de-esser, a new dynamic
enhancer, authentic tube emulation and much more. These are some of the indispensable
tools for producing clean, consistent audio with virtually no loss in signal quality.

Features:
Switchable IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) program-adaptive compression circuitry
combines the advantages of hard-knee and soft-knee characteristics
Integrated de-esser with switchable male/female voice recognition removes excessive
sibilance from your vocal tracks
IGC (Interactive Gain Control) peak limiting circuitry combines clipper and program
limiter for reliable and inaudible protection against signal peaks
Switchable dynamic enhancer for brilliant, lively audio even with heavy compression
IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) expander/gate circuitry for virtually inaudible
noise suppression
Switchable tube simulation for the extra warmth and transparency of classic
tube circuitry
Automatically or manually adjustable attack and release times
Switchable low contour filter prevents "pumping" due to low-frequency
dominated compression
Stereo couple function with independent output level settings
Switchable side chain input with side chain monitor function
Ultra low-noise 4580 operational amplifiers and state-of-the-art THAT¬ VCA's
Separate 12-segment LED meters for input/output levels and gain reduction
Dedicated "traffic light" threshold and de-esser level displays
High-quality detented ALPS¬ potentiometers and illuminated switches
Servo-balanced inputs and outputs with ? in. TRS and gold-plated XLR
connectors
Relay-controlled hard bypass switch with auto bypass function in case
of power failure
Manufactured under ISO9000 certified management system
 

Features
Unique High Density design puts SIX gates in
minimum rack space
Intuitive, 'user friendly' layout
Balanced Inputs and Outputs
Fast, low noise opto-coupler circuitry
Sidechain/Key Input points on each channel
Hardwire Bypass switch on each gate
Flawless performance in any audio environment

The sheer amount of effects and signal processors required for today's
standards of audio production puts a great strain on the available space
in equipment racks, both in the studio and on the road.
So, in order to give engineers more control in less space, we've created
the ARX Sixgate; Six full function noise gates neatly housed in a compact,
all steel 1 RU package, without sacrificing features or quality.
Why Six gates?
Research shows that the majority of noise gates get used on drum kits,
which means using typically 5 to 6 gate channels. Compare this to the
two or maybe 4 channels that most other units have, and you'll see the
reason for the Sixgate's success.And, by using a minimalist approach to
drum gates, the ARX Sixgate has enough gates left over for backing vocals
and other instruments.
Industry Standard controls
Front panel controls for each gate consist of the 'Industry Standard' controls
for Release, Depth and Threshold, plus Red and Green LED displays to indicate
Gate Open or Closed status, and an IN/OUT hardwire bypass switch.
In addition to this, each gate has a blank panel to write on for easy confirmation
of gate assigns. No more pieces of masking tape stuck everywhere!
Ultra Low Noise
Internally, each gate has proprietary ARX ultra low noise high-speed opto-coupler
circuitry with program dependent Attack time, which tracks the incoming signal to
automatically determine optimum gate response.
Balanced Inputs and Outputs
The rear panel features true differential Balanced Inputs and Outputs for each gate,
on insulated TRS jack connectors.Each gate channel also has Individual Key Inputs/
Sidechain access insert points which can be used either for gate control by an external
signal, or for frequency sensitive gating (when used in conjuction with an external
equalizer such as the ARX EQ260).
Universal AC Power
AC power range on the Sixgate is a universal 100 to 120V or 220 to 240V, and is
connected to the unit via a standard 3 pin IEC connector, with built-in fuse and voltage
switch.
The Sixgate's unique combination of High Density design, intuitive 'user friendly' controls,
and clean uncluttered layout make it a truly useful audio tool for all applications.

T E C H N I C A L  S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
Input Impedance
Balanced 20 Kohms, Unbalanced 10 Kohms
Input Headroom + 22 dB
CMRR >60 dB, 20 Hz-20 KHz
Output Impedance
Balanced 300 ohms, Unbalanced 150 ohms
Output Level (Max) + 20 dB
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20KHz ±0.2dB
Signal to Noise Ratio
Gate Closed: -95 dB Unweighted, -105 dB 'A' weighted
Gate Open, Depth Minimum: -93.5 dB Unweighted -98dB
'A' weighted
Distortion 0 .01% THD @ 0dB,1KHz
Dynamic Range 125 dB
Attack Time Program dependent using high-speed
opto-couplers
Release Time User variable
Input and Output Connector type Balanced Jack
Sidechain Insert Connector TipRingSleeve Jack
Sidechain Insert Impedance 10 Kohm
Power Requirements 100/120 V AC, 220/240 V AC
Weight 5 lbs/2.2 Kg
Dimensions
19“Wide x 13/4“High x 6“Deep; 482 x 44 x 155mm

Front Panel Controls
Individual Release, Depth and Threshold controls
Hardwire bypass IN/OUT switch
Open/Closed gate status LED
Marker panel for labelling gate assigns
Rear Panel
Balanced Inputs and Outputs, on Balanced jack
connectors
Sidechain Insert/Key Input TipRingSleeve jack on
each channel
AC input connector, with voltage switch and fuse 

Innovation

The ARX AFTERBURNER? is a unique Multi Mode compressor/limiter
designed for use in any professional audio dynamics control application.
Multiple Modes
The Afterburner can be set up and used in three different ways:
In Two channel mode, it performs as two independent compressor/limiters,
with 'industry standard' variable Threshold, Ratio and Output gain. In stereo
mode, our New Adaptive Stereo Link circuitry provides increased stereo
imaging accuracy when linking both channels as a stereo pair. A single front
panel switch puts the Afterburner into its alternative Mono mode, setting it up
as a Single channel, Dual Band compressor/limiter, with separate dynamics
control of both Low and High frequencies, opening up a whole new range of
gain control techniques.
Enhance Switch
In any mode, the Afterburner features an 'Enhance' switch, which provides
frequency restoration to preserve the spectral balance of the audio signal,
compensating for the sagging Low and High frequency response of compressed
program material. Think of it as a 'smart' loudness control.
 
Features
Switchable Modes - Stereo; Dual Channel Single band; or Single Channel
Dual Band (Low and High)
Low and High frequency compression in Single Channel mode
'Enhance' switch restores spectral balance of compressed signal
New Hard/Soft knee compression switch
New Adaptive Stereo Link circuit for accurate stereo imaging
New Above/Below Threshold LEDs enable at-a-glance compression
confirmation
Balanced XLR and Jack Inputs and Outputs
Sidechain Insert points
Intuitive user-friendly layout
Flawless performance
 
New Above/Below Threshold LEDs enable at-a-glance compression confirmation
New Hard or Soft knee compression option
New LED metering provides accurate Level status, with separate Gain Reduction
metering in easy to read 'wide scale' meters. There is also comprehensive LED
indication of all operating functions and status in any mode.
Balanced Inputs and Outputs
On the rear panel, each channel has true differential Balanced inputs and outputs,
on both XLR and TRS jack connectors. As well, each channel has a TRS jack
Sidechain access insert point, for applications such as De-essing (when used with
an external equalizer such as the ARX Multi Q or EQ 260).Other features include a
true Hardwire bypass switch for each channel, and passive RFI filters on the inputs.
Universal AC Power
AC power range is a universal 100 to 120V or 220 to 240V AC, and is connected to
the unit via a removable power lead and standard 3 pin IEC connector, with built-in
fuse and voltage change switch.
With its smooth compression, intuitive user friendly layout, high density precision
circuitry, and extensive user-variable operating parameters, the unique ARX Afterburner
is equally at home in Studio, Installation, Broadcast and Sound Reinforcement
environments. It can provide great sounding dynamics control effects that are not
available with any other device.
 
T E C H N I C A L  S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
Input Impedance Balanced 20 Kohms, Unbalanced 10 Kohms
Input Headroom + 22 dB
CMRR >60 dB, 20 Hz-20 KHz
Output Impedance Balanced 300 ohms, Unbalanced 150 ohms
Output Level (Max) + 22 dB
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20KHz ±0.2dB
Signal to Noise ratio -93 dB Unweighted, -99 dB 'A' weighted
Distortion .02% THD @ 0dB,1KHz
Dynamic Range 115 dB
Sidechain Insert Impedance 10 Kohm
Filter Section
Filter Type Phase corrected 6dB/octave
Summed Filter Response ±0.2dB through crossover region
Dividing Frequency 250 Hz
Enhance Section
Low Enhance 50 Hz, High Enhance 10 KHz
Power Requirements 100/120 V AC, 220/240 V AC
Weight 5 lbs/2.2 Kg
Dimensions 19“W x 1?“H x 6“D, 482 x 44 x 155mm
Input/OutputConnector type XLR, Balanced Jack
Sidechain Insert Connector TRS Jack

Front Panel Controls
Hardwire bypass IN/OUT switch
Threshold, Ratio and Output Gain controls
Above/Below Threshold LEDs
12 segment LED Output Level display
Numbered marker panel for labelling compressor assigns
7 segment LED Gain Reduction display
Enhance switch and status LED
Adaptive Stereo link switch and status LED
Dual/Single channel mode switch and status LEDs
Rear Panel Connectors
Balanced Inputs and Outputs, on both XLR and TRS jack
connectors. In Single channel (Mono) mode, use Channel
1 Inputs and Outputs only
Sidechain Insert TRS connector on each channel
AC input connector, with voltage switch and fuse.