TC ELECTRONIC DBMAX – 5-BAND LEVEL MAXIMAZER

DBMax is a Level Maximizer and Audio Enhancement processor for use
in digital transmission, linking, webcast and radio STL applications.
High resolution and high sample rate processing prevents unwanted distortion
and listening fatigue from being generated, artifacts often associated with
comparable processors.
The 5-band section in DBMax can be combined with Automatic Gain Control,
Dynamic and Static Stereo Enhancement, Dynamic and Static Eq and other
tools for maximizing audio impact and creating a signature sound. Balanced
and unbalanced AES/EBU I/O is standard, and outputs are always active.
Sample rate conversion can be invoked when using digital inputs. Analog I/O
is standard and outputs are always active.
The 24 bit converters are scaled in the analog domain, with scaling under preset
control, to minimize noise and maximize headroom under all operating conditions.
DBMax can be remotely controlled using GPI or RS485 serial inputs.

Main Features  

Maximum Level
Maintain maximum level and simultaneously eliminate overshoots.
Maximum efficiency: 5-band compression
Limiting: Sample accurate, distortion reduced Limiter
Multi Slope: Add gain at mid-levels without squashing the transients
Optimum Quality
The DBMAX employ precise calculations at a full processing rate, in
order to keep aliasing distortion low and audio bandwidth high.

Audio quality has been our primary concern when designing the DBMax ?
hence you can even cascade several units without any sonic penalties.
Bandwidth: Processing at up to 48kHz sample rate for 24kHz audio
Resolution: Processing of all 24bits of an AES/EBU Digital signal
A/D-D/A converters: 24bit resolution with analog pre-scaling
Output Formats
AES/EBU, S/PDIF and Analog outputs are all active simultaneously.
Digital outputs may be dithered to resolutions between 8 and 24bits.
Analog and Digital outputs may have emphasis applied individually.
Gain Transfer
Example of gain transfer and parameters using DBMax.
Presets
The DBMax comes loaded with 60 presets for a variety of different applications.
DBMax Internal Structure
Four selectable Insert algorithms surround the multi-band structure.
The digital output fader may be remotely set via voltage control. 

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)

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 

The AD2055 combines 100% discrete, pure class A signal amplifiers with state-of-
the-art passive and active filter topologies. The AD2055's unique circuitry delivers
very high resolution transient detail at the operational extremes of real world equalization
demands. The AD2055 auto-bias DC servo loop control eliminates the need for all
interstage capacitor coupling. The AD2055 breathes life into all musical performances!
 
AD2055 FEATURES
Pure Class A, 100% discrete design
Smooth musical detail and sonic excellence
Minimum audio signal path
Dual mono operation
Transparent active and passive filter design
High headroom +30dB Very low noise -94dB
Fully balanced inputs and outputs
DC coupled, no transformers in audio path
Switched frequencies in high and low bands
Mid bands use X10 frequency for extended range
Wide bandwidth -3dB 1Hz to 450kHz
Low distortion less than 0.5% THD and IMD
All signal routing with sealed silver relays Conductive
plastic potentiometers for low noise
External 150W toroidal power supply 100% discrete
power supplies for audio path
Long lasting, stainless steel hardware
 
SONIC EXCELLENCE
The Avalon AD2055 Pure Class A music equalizer is the most powerful, low noise
parametric equalizer available today. Designed to optimize absolute signal integrity
and musical performance, the AD2055 combines the best of active and passive filter
topologies with sonic excellence unequaled by lesser designs. The AD2055 is the
perfect solution for two buss music-program equalization, special instrument EQ and
FX applications and ultra high performance mastering studio's.

Features include state-of-the-art, balanced 100% discrete, Pure Class A signal amplifiers,
practical user features and rugged hardware designed to deliver true high performance
audio for many years. 

PASSIVE-ACTIVE FILTER DESIGN
Avalon equalizers feature the unique combination of both active and passive filter EQ designs.
This special combination enables the AD2055 to deliver high speed transient detail at the
operational extremes of real-world equalization demands. The passive high and low bands offer
alternate musical tone range to the full function active parametric mid bands. Passive equalizers
have long been a favorite with music lovers around the world.  Full bodied, powerful (up to +/-32dB,
64dB range !) and sweet frequency selections are the benefits of the passive high-low EQ bands.
The full bandwidth twin mid bands provide variable frequency selection (X10 frequency multipliers
for very wide range), variable Q (width) and amplitude control.

MINIMUM SIGNAL PATH DESIGN
Avalon's advanced true symmetry design offers high-voltage, large headroom, extended bandwidth
and very low noise. The use of 100% discrete, Pure Class A signal amplifiers give the serious music
professional unlimited sonic character and a natural harmonic detail that enhances the program
material and becomes one with the music itself. The Avalon AD2055 breathes life!

AD2055 SPECIFICATIONS
Circuit Topology  High-voltage 100% discrete, balanced and symmetrical
Class A 
Output Gain Range  Unity Gain 
Maximum Input Level  +30dB balanced XLR pin 2 hot 
Maximum Output Level  +32dB balanced 600 ohms, DC coupled, high-current
discrete Class A 
Input / Output Type  XLR type, pin 2 hot balanced 
Noise 20kHz Unweighted  -94dB (EQ in) 
Distortion THD, IMD  0.5% (typical 0.05% at +6dB 1kHz) 
Frequency Response -3dB  1Hz to 450kHz (input band limited) 
Equalizer Type  Passive high and low bands plus two fully parametric mid
bands 
Bypass  Hard-wire relay bypass for equalizer in-out 
Low Band F1  Passive, amplitude to -32dB to +32dB shelf or peak-dip curve 
F1 Frequency Range  Switched 10 position 18Hz, 25, 30, 50, 72, 100, 150, 215,
300, 450Hz 
Mid Band F2  Active, amplitude to -16dB to +16dB peak-dip curve 
F2 Frequency Range  Variable 35Hz to 450Hz (x10) 350Hz to 4k5Hz, Q (width)
0.3 to 3.0 
Mid Band F3  Active, amplitude to -16dB to +16dB peak-dip curve 
F3 Frequency Range  Variable 160Hz to 2k0Hz (x10) 1k6Hz to 20kHz, Q (width)
0.3 to 3.0 
High Band F4  Passive, amplitude to -26dB to +26dB shelf or peak-dip curve 
F4 Frequency Range  Switched 10 position 1k5Hz, 2k5, 3k5, 5k, 7k2, 10k, 12k5,
15k, 20k, 25kHz 
AC-DC Power  External AC supply, 150w toroidal transformer, 4 pin cable 90v
isolated, 
(B2T Power Supply Included)  100-240v selectable 50/60Hz, 150w max 
Dimensions  19 x 3.5 x 12 in (482 x 88 x 305mm) 
Shipping weight  30lbs (13.6 kg) 

• 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