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.

Description

The alphaton Feedback-Controller FC-100 is a revolutionary product for every microphone
application including wireless types. It can provide effective feedback control to any sound
reinforcement situation. It can also eliminated string feedback in guitars and bass instruments
which are equipped with piezo or condenser pickups.
The FC-100 provides 6 to 10 dB of feedback protection by analysing the incoming signal,
detecting the presence of feedback and then notching out the feedback frequency.
The FC-100 relieves the sound engineer automatically. It works dynamically and eliminates a
feedback signal before it can grow into a peak. Internally a discriminator circuit detects the
presence of regenerative feedback and triggers the automatic equaliser to insert a notch where
the feedback peak is coming up. This normally prevents other peaks from developing but if they
do, the process is repeated at high speed, thus keeping feedback under control.

Technical Data
In- and Outputs transformer balanced
max. Inputlevel + 3 dB
Gain (RS=200 Ohm, RL=2kOhm) 0 dB
Frequency Response 20 Hz ... 20 kHz, +/- 1,5 dB
Feeback Cancellation  6 ... 10 dB
Power Requirement  30 ... 48 V Phantom
Current drain ca. 8 mA
External Power Supply 9 ... 20 V DC, 3,5 mm jack, tip +
Housing Aluminium Diecast
Weight  285 grams
Dimensions  112 x 60 x 32 mm

• Error proof operation to smooth uneven levels, add sustain to guitars, fatten drums or tighten up mixes
• New gate timing algorithms ensure the smoothest release characteristics
• Program-adaptive expander/gates
• Great sounding dynamics control for any type of program material
• Separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold and gate threshold allow quick, accurate setup
• Stereo or dual-mono operation
• Balanced inputs and outputs on 1/4" TRS and XLR connectors
• Side Chain insert
• Classic dbx® "Auto" mode

In today's recording and sound reinforcement environments, the need for multiple channels of high quality, easy to use compression is growing rapidly. The new dbx® 1046 is designed to provide the audio professional with just that: 4 channels of great sounding dbx compression for a variety of applications. Incorporating the industry standard dbx designs and the latest available manufacturing techniques, the dbx 1046 provides pristine sonic quality with that classic dbx sound.

The 1046 provides 4 channels of smooth classic dbx OverEasy® or Hard Knee compression that are perfectly suited for use on individual tracks of your multitrack recorder, and in virtually all applications the separate channels can be individually interfaced and used for entirely independent purposes. Additionally the newly developed PeakStopPlus™ is ideal for protecting your system from the oppressive peaks that can take out valuable drivers in your sound reinforcement rig or studio monitors.

All four channels have the following controls:

Threshold - allows you to set the level at which the compressor starts affecting the gain

OverEasy - allows you to select between soft compression for overall gain control or Hard Knee compression based on the characteristics of the original dbx 160.

Ratio - allows you to set the slope of gain reduction affecting the signal over the threshold level.

Input/Output Meter - allows you to set the meter to check the input and output levels for maximum signal-to-noise ratio and best level matching.

Output Gain - allows you to add make-up gain or to adjust the output level for that channel to match the next device's input gain.

Bypass - hard wire bypass allows you to hear how the compressor is affecting your signal.

PeakStopPlus - allows you to set the maximum signal level you want to pass through this channel. While it's virtually impossible to eliminate distortion, the PeakStopPlus circuit does it gracefully and effectively with minimal distortion.

Stereo Link - allows you to link channels 1&2 and 3&4 for two channels of true stereo compression.

All four channels feature balanced gold plated XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs, and switchable +4dBu or -10dBV operating level to interface each individual channel with any other device.

So whether you need to control the level, placement in the mix, or overall characteristics of 4 independent signals or control the gain leveling on a couple of stereo pairs, the dbx 1046 is for you.

• Four independent channels of operation, stereo linkable in two pairs
• PeakStopPlus™ limiting control for setting maximum allowable level regardless of compressor settings
• Independent Threshold and ratio controls
• Switchable OverEasy® or Hard Knee compression
• Classic dbx® compression
• Differentially balanced gold-plated XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs
• True RMS level detection
• Precision metering of input level, output level, and gain reduction
• Dual True stereo or quad mono operation
• Switchable +4dBu or -10dBV operation per channel