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.

OPTIMOD-FM 5500 puts coveted five-band and two-band OPTIMOD processing into a single rack unit package and brings it to you at the most affordable price ever.

Quality sound is what 5500 is all about-sound that attracts audiences by providing a polished, professional presentation regardless of format and source material. Exceptional versatility allows you to adjust the processor's audio texture to brand your audio, knowing that the resulting signature sound will remain consistent, cut-to-cut and source-to-source. Branding builds businesses and no other processors have the consistency to brand your sound like OPTIMOD.

With the 5500, your signature sound is just a preset away. An easy, one-knob Less/More adjustment allows you to customize any factory preset, trading cleanliness against processing artifacts according to the requirements of your market and competitive environment. Full Control gives you the versatility to customize your audio further. And, if you're a hard-core processing expert, you can explore Advanced Control to tweak presets at the same level as Orban's factory programmers. This versatility makes the 5500 a superb choice for any format. Its five-band processing is ideal for any pop music format (even the most competitive and aggressive CHR), while phase-linear two-band processing yields ultratransparent sound for classical, classic jazz, and fine arts formats. Regardless of your choice, 5500's optimized technology ensures unusually high average modulation and coverage for a given level of subjective quality. Unlike many lesser processors, the 5500 handles speech particularly well. It's always clean, even when you process for loudness.

If you're concerned about latency because you need to feed live talent headphones off air, be assured that the 5500's ultra-low-latency (5 ms delay) processing will keep the most finicky talent happy. Or use optimum latency (15 ms delay) processing for the most competitive sound with delay that's still low enough to satisfy most any talent.

The 5500 can also be used as a superb stand-alone stereo encoder with latency as low as 2 ms and full overshoot limiting in both the left/right and composite baseband domains.

When used in this mode, the 5500 must be driven (usually via an STL) by a full-featured FM audio processor (like Orban's 8600) that incorporates pre-emphasis aware HF limiting and peak control. In both modes, the 5500's stereo encoder helps deliver a transmitted signal that's always immaculately clean and perfectly peak limited, with full spectral protection of subcarriers and RDS/RBDS regardless of the amount of composite limiting.

It is the ideal choice for network broadcasters who process with Orban's flagship OPTIMOD-FM 8600 at the network origination point and who need a processor at every transmitter to eliminate STL overshoots (using the 5500's stand-alone stereo encoder mode) and/or to process local insertions while also eliminating network STL overshoots (using the 5500's audio processor / stereo encoder mode). Moreover, the 5500's two modes make it easy for large government and network broadcasters to manage its inventory of spares because any 5500 can be used as a stereo encoder with or without audio processing.

Available in both modes, the built-in, defeat-able ITU-BS412 multiplex power controller allows the 5500's output to meet even the most stringent European government regulations.

A 10 MHz frequency reference input allows the stereo pilot tone frequency to be locked to GPS or another high-accuracy frequency standard. This improves the performance of single-frequency networks in areas where coverage of the transmitters overlaps.

The 5500's built-in stereo encoder, AES/EBU digital inputs and outputs, and analog I/O permit hasslefree interfacing to any broadcast plant, whether the 5500 is located at the studio or the transmitter. Tight band limiting to 15 kHz means you can use any uncompressed digital STL to pass 5500- processed audio from studio to transmitter without compromising on-air loudness - there's no need to use STL's having 44.1 or 48 kHz sample-rate.

The stereo encoder's stereo sub-channel modulator can operate in normal double sideband mode and in an experimental compatible single sideband mode (SSB/VSB) that is offered to enable users to compare and assess the two modes.

Analog Fallback to Digital control that allows Silence Sense to switch the active input from Analog to Digital if silence is detected in the analog input signal but not on the digital input signal. This function works vice versa as well on both analog and digital AES input. The silence sense parameters apply to both simultaneously and both detectors are available to drive the 5500's tally outputs and sending SNMP Traps/Alerts.

If you want to locate the 5500 away from the studio, you'll be pleased by its three separate remote control ports - GPI contact closures, RS232 serial and built-in Ethernet for TCP/IP networks. The serial and Ethernet ports are supported by the supplied 5500 PC Remote Control application. This Windows® 2000/XP/Vista/7/8 application allows you to do even more with the 5500 than you can do through its front panel, making remote control a pleasure.

5500 PC Remote software allows you to access all 5500 features and allows you to archive and restore presets, automation lists, and system setups (containing I/O levels, digital word lengths, GPI functional assignments, etc.)

Built-in clock-based automation lets you automatically day-part the processing. You can control many other 5500 operating parameters too.

The 5500's feature set fully exploits the processor's DSP and computer-based control architecture. To ensure absolute accuracy, you can automatically synchronize the clock to an Internet timeserver. It has a cool-running, energy-efficient switching power supply and uses the latest dual-core DSP chip technology from Freescale Semiconductor.

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

Shure DP11EQE Dynamics Processor Specification:

    GENERAL:
        Frequency Response: 20 to 20k Hz +/- 1.0 dB re 1 kHz
        Dynamic Range: 104 dB minimum, A-weighted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
        Sampling Rate: 48 kHz
        Digital-to-Analog, Analog-to-Digital Conversion: 20 bit resolution
    Voltage Gain:
        1 dB +/- 1dB (power off)
        12 dB +/- 2 dB (input 10 dBV, output +4 dBu)
        12 dB +/- 2 dB (input +4 dBu, output 10 dBv)
        0 dB +/- 2 dB (equal input and output sensitivities)
    Impedance:
        Input: 47 kilohms +/- 20% actual
        Output: 120 ohms +/- 20% actual
    Input Clipping Level
        +18 dBu minimum (at +4 dBu setting)
        +6 dBV minimum (at 10 dBV setting)
    Output Clipping Level
        +18 dBu minimum (at +4 dBu setting)
        +6 dBV minimum (at 10 dBV setting)
    Total Harmonic Distortion
            LED Signal Indicators
        Signal: 40 dB
        Clip: 6 dB down from input clipping
    Propagation Delay from Input to Ouput
        0.8 ms (all filters flat, no dynamics processing, 0 ms delay), up to 2.1 ms (all processing enabled)
    Polarity
        Input to output: inverting optional (default: non-inverting)
        XLR: pin 2 positive with respect to pin 3
        1/4-inch TRS: tip positive with respect to ring
    Operating Voltage
        DP11EQ: 120 Vac, 50/60 Hz, 50 mA max
        DP11EQE: 230 Vac, 50/60 Hz, 25 mA max
        DP11EQJ: 100 Vac, 50/60 Hz, 50 mA max
    Temperature Range
        Operating: 0 degrees to 60 degrees C (32 degrees to 140 degrees F)
    Fuse
        DP11EQ: 120 Vac. Fuse: 100 mA, 250V time delay
        DP11EQE: 230 Vac. Fuse: 50 mA, 250 V time delay
        DP11EQJ: 100 Vac. Fuse: 100 mA, 250 V time delay
    Dimensions
        219 mm x 137 mm x 44 mm (8-5/8 in x 5-3/8 in x 1-3/4 in)
        Weight: 930 g (2.05 lbs)
    DYNAMICS PROCESSOR
        Gate and Expander:
        Threshold: 72 to 1 dB, 0.5 dB resolution
        Attack: 1.0 to 200 ms
        Decay: 0.05 to 1 second
        Gate Hold Time: 0 to 0.5 seconds
    AGC Leveler
        Threshold: 72 to 1 dB, 0.5 dB resolution
        Attack: 0.2 to 3 seconds
        Decay: 0.5 to 5 seconds
        Hinge: Threshold to 1 dB, 0.5 dB resolution
    Compressor and Limiter
        Threshold: 72 to 1 dB, 0.5 dB resolution
        Attack: 1.0 to 200 ms
        Decay: 0.05 to 1 second
        Knee: Hard or Soft selectable
    No Overshoot Peak Limiter
        Propagation delay: 1 ms
        Threshold: 72 to 1 dB, 0.5 dB resolution
        Attack: 0 msDecay: 100 ms
    PARAMETRIC EQUALIZER
        Parametric Filter Frequency Bands
        Up to 9 bands, variable frequency, variable Q
    Boost/Cut Range
        +6 dB to 18 dB per band
        Q Range
        1/40-octave to 2 octave
    High and Low Shelf/Cut Filters
        Shelf, +6 to 18 dB per filter
        Cut, 12 dB per octave nominal
    DELAY
        Up to 1.3 seconds, 21 microsecond resolution

Features
Four Independent Compressor Channels
Channels 1 and 2, 3 and 4 are stereo linkable
7 LED Gain Reduction metering
Balanced XLR Inputs and Outputs
Sidechain Insert points
Intuitive, user friendly layout
Flawless performance
 
The sheer amount of effects and signal processors necessary 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, ARX would like to introduce the ARX Quadcomp.
An all-new upgrade of the classic award-winning ARX Quadcomp?, the very first four
channel 1 RU compressor.You?ll notice that we haven?t strayed very far from our
original design concept. The Quadcomp  is still four variable ratio Compressor/ Limiters
neatly housed in a compact all steel 1 RU package. However, all new low noise/low
distortion circuitry, better metering plus XLR inputs and outputs put the Quadcomp
in a class of its own.
More Control, Less Space
On the front panel, each channel has the 'industry standard' individual controls for Threshold,
Compression Ratio and Output, plus a new 7 LED Gain Reduction display for accurate visual
indication of the amount of gain reduction being applied to the program, and an IN/OUT
hardwire bypass switch.In addition to this, each channel has a blank numbered panel to write
on for easy confirmation of compressor assigns.
Precision Circuitry
Internally, each compressor uses Class A VCAs and true 2 pole averaging RMS/DC converters
for low distortion and accuracy, plus program dependent attack and release time, which
automatically determines optimum compressor response.
Balanced Inputs and Outputs
The rear panel has true differential Balanced XLR Inputs and Outputs for each compressor.
Each compressor has a TRS jack Sidechain access insert point, for frequency sensitive
compression, De-essing, etc. in conjunction with an external equalizer (such as the ARX EQ260).
Compressor pairs 1 and 2, 3 and 4 also have rear panel mounted Stereo Link switches for accurate
stereo tracking. When switched IN, the first channel becomes the master and controls all the functions
of the second except Output gain.
Universal AC Power
AC power range is switchable 100 to 120V, or 220 to 240V, and is connected to the unit via
a standard IEC connector, with built-in fuse and voltage switch.
Whatever the application ? Channel insert, Bus insert, Master Outputs, Monitor outputs,
Crossover outputs, the Quadcomp II?s unique High Density design, precision Low Noise circuitry
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 + 20dB
CMRR >50dB, 20 Hz?20 KHz
Output Impedance
Balanced 300 ohms Unbalanced 150 ohms
Output Level (Max) + 20 dB
Frequency Response 20Hz-20KHz ±0.5dB
Signal to Noise ratio
-93 dB Unweighted, -98 dB ?A? weighted
Distortion .015% THD @ 0dB,1KHz
Dynamic Range 108 dB
Attack and Release Times Program dependent
Metering
7 LED display: ?1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 18, ?24 dB
Sidechain Insert Impedance 10 Kohm
Power Requirements
100/120 V AC or 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 Connector type Balanced XLR
Output Connector type Balanced XLR
Sidechain Insert Connector TRS Jack

Front Panel Controls
Hardwire bypass IN/OUT switch
Threshold, Ratio and Output Gain controls
7 LED Gain Reduction display
Marker panel for labelling compressor assigns
Stereo link status LEDs
Rear Panel Connectors
Input and Output balanced XLR connectors
TipRingSleeve Sidechain insert connectors
Channels 1 and 2, 3 and 4 Stereo link switches
IEC AC mains connector with inbuilt fuse and
voltage change