FOCUSRITE RED3 DUAL CHANNEL COMPRESSOR

Independent compression and limiting circuitry for superb performance.

The best thing professional engineers say about the Red 3 Dual Channel Compressor is
“I know we used it but it doesn't sound like we used it“. The Red 3 is another legendary
Focusrite piece that has a very transparent sound due to its top-of-the-line VCA components
and Class A architecture.
The Red 3 employs an unusual and original single-VCA design to achieve high quality and
truly independent compression and limiting, without the compromise and unnecessary
processing involved in traditional designs. The success of the design is attested to by the
Red 3?s TEC award for Outstanding Technical Achievement in the Signal Processing Technology
category.
The VCA used is a proprietary Focusrite design, fully discrete and balanced, offering superb
low noise and distortion, and excellent common-mode rejection. In order to separate compression
and limiting, the side-chain electronics contain three VCAs in series to generate compression
and limiting control voltages which drive the main VCA. The result is true compression followed
by limiting, rather than the more common characteristic of compression that turns into limiting.
The sidechain electronics are class A, ensuring superb transient response. Both compression
and limiting therefore, offer true peak response, not averaging RMS response.
The use of such a high quality audio VCA as the only element between input and output means
a very short signal path, and an ability to retain a natural, unobtrusive sound even when significant
compression is being applied.
Each channel has clear and identical controls, for compressor ratio, threshold, make-up gain, attack
and release, and limiter threshold. A program-dependent auto-release mode is available, and the VU
meters can be switched to show levels in two ranges, or gain change. In stereo mode the lower set
takes control of both channels.

Features:
Stereo switch for true stereo operation from a single set of controls
Key inputs with illuminated push-button selection
Illuminated push-button switches for compressor/limiter in/out on each channel
Precision VU metering of signal level or gain change (switched)
Can operate as a discrete channel unit

Technical Info:
Input sensitivity: +4dBu
Input Impedance: 10k ohm +/- 15% (20Hz to 20kHz)
Balance: > 60dB
Frequency response: 5Hz to 200kHz (-3dB points)
Noise: Better than -80dB below +4dBu output level
Distortion: 0.02% with input at 0dBu at 1kHz, 0.006% (+10dBu @ 1kHz), 0.004% (+20dBu @ 1kHz)
Output: +24dBm with output loaded, 600 ohm, balanced and floating

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.
 

The Avalon VT-737SP features a combination of TUBE preamplifiers,
opto-compressor,sweep equalizer, output level and VU metering in a
2U space.
PREAMPLIFIER
The VT-737SP has three input selections: 1. The VT-737SP features a
higher-performance microphone input transformer with +48v phantom
selection. 2. Instrument DI high source input with jack located on front
panel. 3. Balanced line input, discrete high-level Class A. The Class A
preamplifier utilizes two cascaded, dual vacuum tube triodes configured
with minimum negative feedback. A high gain switch boosts the overall
gain of the preamplifier. The four high quality tubes are configured as
singled ended anode coupled followers. A passive-variable high pass filter
and hard-wire relay bypass completes the input signal conditioning. The
phase reverse relay is available on all three inputs.
OPTO-COMPRESSOR
The opto-compressor features a minimum signal path design with twin Class
A vacuum tube triodes for gain matching. The optical attenuator acts as a
simple passive level controller. Full dynamic control from soft compression to
hard- knee limiting can be achieved with threshold, ratio-compression, attack
and release controls plus gain reduction selection on the large VU meter. Special
spectral control including de-ess is available with the dual sweep mid EQ to side-
chain switch. The EQ section can be flipped pre or post the opto-compressor
via a front panel switch for alternate effects and tone shaping. Two VT-737SPs
can be linked via a rear panel link cable for stereo tracking. The compressor
bypass is a sealed silver relay for the most direct signal path.
SWEEP-EQUALIZER AND OUTPUT LEVEL
The VT-737SP equalizer utilizes 100% discrete, Class A-high-voltage transistors
for optimum sonic performance. The high and low frequency bands provide the
smooth characteristics of an all passive design, while the dual mid bands include
variable frequency and switched Q-width selection. The enhanced range of the mid
bands is extended into the high and low bands by the use of X10 frequency multipliers.
The bypass switch incorporates a sealed silver relay for the most direct signal path.
When the EQ to sidechain is engaged, the high-low EQ remains in the audio path for
"tone enhancement“. The output level control provides a variable control of the overall
signal path. The output amplifier utilizes another dual triode vacuum tube driving a
100% discrete, Class A, high-current, balanced and DC coupled low noise output
amplifier.

AVALON VT-737SP FEATURES
Vacuum tube triode signal path, transformer balanced microphone input, high-voltage
circuits for maximum headroom to +30dB, low noise -92dB, internal discrete power
supply with toroidal transformer, soft-start tube life extender, stereo link for compressors,
all discrete Class A equalizer with musical passive filter design, sealed silver relays for
signal routing, large control knobs with professional conductive plastic potentiometers,
VU meter for output level monitoring and compressor gain reduction.

VT-737SP SPECIFICATIONS
Circuit topology Four dual triode vacuum tubes (Sovtek 6922), high-voltage discrete
Class A
Gain Range Microphone: Transformer balanced 850/2500 ohm, 0dB to +58dB Instrument:
Unbalanced 1 meg ohm, 0dB to+30dB Line: Balanced Class A 20k ohms, -27dB to 28dB
Maximum input level and connector types Microphone26dB@25Hz, +30dB@1kHz balanced
XLR Instrument+30dB unbalanced front panel jack socket
Line +36dB balanced XLR
Maximum output level +30dB balanced 600 ohms, DC coupled, discrete Class A
Output type and gain XLR connector, output trim gain -45dB to20dB
Noise 20kHz unweighted -92dB
Noise microphone EIN -116dB, 22Hz to 22kHz unweighted
Distortion THD, IMD 0.5%
Frequency response -/2.5dB 10Hz to 120kHz input filter included
Frequency response -3dB 1Hz to 200kHz line in-out
VU meter and gain reduction High quality illuminated OVU =+4dB and gain reduction to -20dB
High cut filter Variable 6dB per octave 30Hz to 140Hz
Compressor type Optical passive attenuator incorporating twin vacuum tubes and stereo link
Threshold - Ratio Threshold variable -30dB to +20dB, ratio-compression variable 1:1 to 20:1
Attack - Release Attack variable 2mS to 200mS, release variable 100mS to 5 seconds
Equalizer type Discrete Class A, variable active and switched passive design
Frequency bands (4) Treble - switched 10kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz, 32kHz, +/- 20dB range, shelf
High mid - variable 200Hz to 2k8Hz and 2kHz to 28kHz, +/- 16dB range, hi-lo Q Low mid -
variable 30Hz to 450Hz and 300Hz to 4k5Hz, +/- 16dB range, hi-lo Q Bass - switched 15Hz,
30Hz, 60Hz, 150Hz, +/- 24dB range, shelf
AC power Internal toroidal 100v to 240v, 50-60Hz selectable, 75 watts maximum
Dimensions 19 x 12 x 3.5 in (482 x 305 x 89mm)
Weight 22lbs (10kg)
Dimensions-shipping carton 21 x 18 x 8 in (533 x 457 x 203mm)
Weight-packed 26lbs (11.8kg)

• Professional 31-band stereo graphic equalizer for live and studio applications
• Revolutionary FBQ Feedback Detection system instantly reveals critical frequencies and can also be used as audio analyzer
• Ultra-low noise 4580 operational amplifiers for highest signal integrity
• Dedicated mono subwoofer output with adjustable crossover frequency
• Additional sweepable high and low-cut filters for each channel remove unwanted frequencies, e.g. floor rumble, hiss etc.
• Highly accurate 12-segment LED input/output metering and input gain controls for easy level setting

• Relay-controlled hard-bypass with an auto-bypass function during power failure (fail-safe relay)
• Servo-balanced inputs and outputs with 1/4" TRS and gold-plated XLR connectors
• “Planet Earth" switching power supply for maximum flexibility (100 - 240 V~), noise-free audio, superior transient response plus low power consumption for energy saving
• 3-Year Warranty Program*
• Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany

GENERAL DATA
Power Supply 220 / 110V 25 VA
Dimension 434x351x44mm (1 rack unit)
Weight » 4 Kg
MEETING INTERFACE IN / OUT
Connector DB 9 female
Nominal in / out audio level 0 dBm
Input impedance 600 W / 10 KW (selectable)
Output impedance 100 W
* nominal line level: - 6 dBm
** it can vary depending on characteristics of telephone line
All measurements are intended at 1 kHz.
AUDIO PROGRAM IN / OUT
Connectors XLR, electr. balanced
Input impedance 600 W / 10K W (selectable)
Output level * - ¥ ¸ + 16 dBm
Output impedance 100 W
Noise on Receive output 2-Wire separation £ 25 dB**
4-Wire separation £ 70 dB
2-WIRE SECTION
Connector RJ11
Nominal input level - 6 dBm
Nominal output level - 6 dBm
Compensation mode Electronic, transf. decoupled
Impedance 600 W
4-WIRE SECTION
Connector Terminal block
Impedance 600 W
Nominal TX level 0 dBm
Nominal RX level 0 dBm