Transcript
!
C1LA Stereo/Ganged Compressor Owner Manual
Revision History First Issue 5 June 2013 Revised 30 July 2013 !
!
!
!
!
CONTENTS
1. OVERVIEW!
3
A Tri-Mode C1!
3
Mix Glue ?!
3
Features!
3
2. FUNCTIONS and CONTROLS!
3
2.1 Metering!
3
2.2 Clip Indicator!
3
2.3 Front Panel Layout!
4
2.4 Mode (Link) Controls!
5
2.5 Threshold and Ratio!
5
2.6 Attack and Release!
5
2.7 Make-Up Gain!
5
2.8 Sidechain Controls!
5
2.9 IN Switch!
5
3. SPECIFICATIONS, NOTICES, and SUCH!
6
3.1 Specifications!
6
3.2 Options and Expansion!
6
3.3 Guarantee!
6
3.4 Notices!
6
4. CONNECTOR PINOUTS!
C1LA Manual
7
!
2
!
1. OVERVIEW The C1LA is a two channel Compressor/Limiter, released to commemorate the 25th anniversary of our original C1 Stereo/Dual Mono unit, and the 50th anniversary of our North American distributer, Sunset Sound. It is a versatile unit, housed in a two-module wide 500-series plug-in format, with three main modes of operation offering a range of possibilities. It can be used for all stereo or single channel signal applications: as a main mix bus compressor; for submixes; or for tracking either mono or stereo sources. For 25 years Smart Research compressors have been used across many mixes: with artists as diverse as the Rolling Stones to the Three Tenors. The C1LA shares this history by including the same electronics and settings as the original C1, but with several new features.
A Tri-Mode C1 Each channel can either be used independently, or in Stereo mode both are summed into the sidechain to eliminate any image shift, as in the C1. The C1LA also has the ability to DC-Link the sidechain signals in Stereo mode, allowing for more movement, while still preserving the stereo image. And for those who prefer to compress both sides of a mix without linking: when operating independently both channelʼs controls are ganged.
Mix Glue ? The essence of the C1LA sound is determined by its dynamic performance: the way it reacts around transients creating its signature. In many situations, best results can be from medium-slow attack; and mediumfast release settings passing transients present in a signal. The compression law and timing as the sidechain reacts and recovers adds ʻpunchʼ by shaping the transients, whilst also controlling overall levels. The ʻSOFTʼ mode in the C1LA also adds a new compression curve, acting not just at the threshold knee, but across a broad input range of about 15dB.
Features • • • • • • • • • •
3 operating modes: Independent/ganged; Stereo linked/Sum; and Stereo Linked/DC Meter: Input, Output, (VU) and Gain Reduction (PPM) for L or R 3 sidechain filters : 65, 130, or 205Hz Automatic distortion null circuitry Normal and half-threshold ranges ʻSoftʼ compression curve reshapes a 15dB range Total of 12 Attack and 12 Release settings Total of 4 ʻAutoʼ settings Dual, balanced bantam jacks for external sidechain inputs All settings and circuitry from original C1 Dual/Stereo Compressor
2. FUNCTIONS and CONTROLS 2.1 Metering The Meter and its associated switches allow for several options. With all switches out, the meter adopts a right hand zero position, and shows the amount of gain reduction (compression) being applied on the outer black PPM scale markings (for the left channel). This replicates the meter function and PPM response in the original C1 unit. To the right of the meter, the VU switch changes to the white scale, giving a reading of either the output signal, or below this, pressing the IP switch toggles to show the input signal. In this mode the meter is working with a standard VU scale and response, with left hand zero, and still from the left channel. Any of the above readings can be moved to right channel using the MET R (Meter Right) switch.
2.2 Clip Indicator Independently of the meter selection, the CLIP indicator permanently monitors four separate points to show if signal is approaching overload anywhere in the unit. As gain can be positive or negative through a channel VCA, both input and outputs of both channels are monitored. The C1LA level ceiling is +21.5dBu (though this can be increased by fitting optional transformers) and the CLIP indicator threshold is +20dBu.
C1LA Manual
!
3
!
2.3 Front Panel Layout (refer to paragraph numbers shown in brackets for more details)
CLIP INDICATOR (2.2) Senses from both channels, pre and post VCA. Activates at +20dBu.
METERING (2.1) With all switches deselected, meter reads gain reduction for left channel. Select VU scale (out=gain reduction)
GAIN REDUCTION scale (gr)(2.1) As in C1, right hand zero, and has PPM ballistics. VU scale(2.1) For input or output metering.
THRESHOLD (2.5) (Range -15 to +15dB as C1. RATIO (2.5) has 1.5, 3, and Limit in addition to the C1 settings. ATTACK (2.6) Settings as C1. RELEASE (2.6) Extra 2.4s position. MAKE-UP (2.7) gain. Same range as C1.
EXTERNAL INPUTS (2.8) Balanced bantam jacks for external sidechain sources.
C1LA Manual
If VU scale selected, press to meter input signal, (out=output) Meter from Right Channel. MODE CONTROLS (2.4) Select for Stereo mode (out=independant channels with ganged controls) If stereo selected, press for DC Link (out=summed stereo link-as in C1) THRESHOLD & RATIO (2.5)
Divide Threshold range by 2. (+/-7.5dB or out=+/-15dB) ATTACK & RELEASE (2.6)
Multiply all settings by x1.5 (gives 12 Attack/12 Release) Longer Auto time constant. EXT. SIDECHAIN (2.8) Select the bantam jack inputs (out=internal sidechain) IN (2.9) Compression in-circuit (out=bypass)
SIDECHAIN FILTERS (2.8) Active both on internal or external sidechain. Select high pass at 65Hz, 130Hz, or both for 205Hz.
!
4
!
2.4 Mode (Link) Controls By default the two channels in the C1LA form completely independent compressors, and the front panel knobs and switches are ʻgangedʼ to control both simultaneously. Pressing the STEREO switch links the two sidechain signals together by fully summing them. As in the original C1, the result is processed through one single set of controls, then applied to both channels equally to avoid any stereo image shift. This results in a very stable image, and is surprisingly transparent to mono signals present. A third mode is available by selecting the DC switch, which changes the topology back to two separate sidechains and controls, but diodelinking both together, resulting in more independence but still protecting the stereo image. In this mode it is the highest of the left or right sidechain signal that is used at any given moment.
2.5 Threshold and Ratio The THRESHOLD control sets the level above which compression occurs. The range is between +15dBu in its clockwise position, reducing anticlockwise, to a minimum of -15dBu. In addition, each of the different ratio settings are weighted slightly, as in the C1, so that the more gentle ratios to begin at slightly lower threshold points than the higher ratios, which results in a more intuitive set up. To the right of this section, the T/2 switch can be used if more accurate threshold adjustment is helpful, around a center of 0dBu. This cuts the span of the control in half, resulting in an adjustment of +/-7.5dBu. The RATIO switch has a choice of 1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 10:1 and Limit. Again, as in all our compression products: if a more gentle ratio is selected, the knee region at the onset of compression becomes wider and more gentle, progressing toward harder corner shapes for the higher ratios. An additional switch has been added to the C1LA to further modify these weightings. Acting to modify whichever Ratio is set, selecting SOFT KNEE results in a much wider, shaped transition from well below the threshold, and blending progressively from 1:1 up to the selected ratio as the level increases.
2.6 Attack and Release The ATTACK control is calibrated in milliseconds, from 0.1 to a maximum of 30, and determines the speed at which the compression ratio becomes active after the signal passes the threshold setting. RELEASE is calibrated in seconds, from 0.1 to 2.4, controlling the opposite slope of the envelope. The clockwise setting is AUTO, which introduces a two stage envelope designed to create a much slower average setting, with faster variation still possible above this average, so that the overall programme level can be set to a desired norm whilst still allowing variation in a range above this. To the right of these controls are two further modifiers. At the top is the x1.5 switch, which multiplies all the settings on both the Attack and Release controls, including the Auto setting. As a result, 12 selections are possible on each control. Below this switch, AUTO LONG acts to increase the Auto timings further, and therefore using both modifier switches in combination, a total of four Auto settings are possible.
2.7 Make-Up Gain To compensate for gain reduction under compression, adds a fixed level of gain up to +15dBu, as in the C1.
2.8 Sidechain Controls There are two possible sources for the sidechain: normally the signal for each channel is derived from its main input, however two balanced Bantam Jacks can be used for EXTERNAL INPUTS. To select these, press the EXT S/C switch the right of this section. Whichever source is selected, the C1LA can introduce high pass filtering into the path of the sidechain. Two HPF pushbuttons can select a 3dB corner frequency of either 65Hz; 130Hz; or with both selected 205Hz. The filter slope is 6dB/octave below this, and using the filters results in de-sensitising the sidechainʼs response to lower frequency signals. The compression still acts across the full frequency range, however dynamic activity is shifted towards signals/instruments more into the vocal/midrange, which can be helpful shifting emphasis in a mix, and has gained popularity over recent years. For further possibilities, by ʻmultingʼ the inputs to the C1LA; processing through an external equaliser, and feeding the result into the EXT. IP jacks, any desired EQ curve can be introduced. Other possibilities such as ʻDuckingʼ can also be realised using these inputs.
2.9 IN Switch Whilst the channel VCAʼs remain in circuit, with this switch off, no control signals are applied, so compression is inactive. (This is also how the C1 functions, whilst the C2 includes a hard bypass relay).
C1LA Manual
!
5
!
3. SPECIFICATIONS, NOTICES, and SUCH 3.1 Specifications ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Input Impedance:! ! ! ! External Sidechain Input Impedance:! Output Impedance:! ! ! Operating Level (and zero VU):!! Maximum Input/Output Level:! ! Clipping Indicator:! ! ! ! Threshold Ranges:!! ! ! Make Up Range:! ! ! ! Frequency Response:! ! !
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
10K 10K 30R +4dBu +21.5dBu +20dBu +/-15dBu, and +/-7.5dBu 0 to +15dBu +/- 0.5 dB from 20Hz to 50kHz
.! ! ! ! ! !
Mechanical: Two module widths in API 500 series format racks. Power Requirements: +/-15 to18v DC (critical voltages are internally regulated) Current consumption 114mA per rail under full load (Nominal 90mA)
3.2 Options and Expansion • • • •
Audio output transformers Expansion connector for Stereo Metering; Master Fader; and Autofade modules Expansion for 500 series bantam patchbay module C1 VCA cards can be changed as later personalities released
3.3 Guarantee Should any component fail within two years of purchase, it will be replaced free of charge. After this period, we reserve the right to make a standard repair charge, but will usually only recover return postage at cost.
3.4 Notices • Unauthorised transfer or duplication of all or any part of this Manual is very easy using modern technology but we would rather you donʼt, please. • SMART RESEARCH LTD. accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or injury incurred by the owner or by any third party while using the device or any other device anywhere and at any time, ever. • Every effort has been made to ensure that this product is flawless. If any defect is found that is due to a fault on the part of the manufacturer, or global warming, the product will be replaced or repaired free of charge, at the discretion of SMART RESEARCH LTD. • The circuitry and manual are subject to improvement without anyone noticing. • No engineers where harmed intentionally during the making and testing of this product, but moral accidents may happen despite all our best efforts.
C1LA Manual
!
6
!
~CAUTION~ Always turn off power to your rack before inserting/removing a module. If removed from the rack, fragile components are exposed on the circuit boards. Please handle carefully !
500 series is a range and format originated by Automated Processes Inc.
4. CONNECTOR PINOUTS Five connectors on each Channel VCA card:
To Patch (Modules) J101
Edge Connector J1
6 way male 0.1inch header (link 1,3 and 2,4 if unused)
01 Module Input +ve 02 Module Input -ve 03 XLRF p2 04 XLRF p3 05 Module Output +ve 06 Module Output -ve
To Patch (XLRʼs) J102 6 way male 0.1inch header (link 1,3 and 2,4 if unused)
01 XLRM p2 02 XLRM p3 03 Module Output +ve 04 Module Output -ve 05 XLRF p2 06 XLRF p3
C1LA Manual
Expansion J21 and J22 10 way male 0.1inch header
01 Pre VCA output 02 Post VCA output 03 GND 04 mix bus input option 05 cv input 06 GND 07 +ve 15v to 18v 08 +ve 15v to 18v 09 -ve 15v to 18v 10 -ve 15v to 18v
15 way male gold pins
01 nc 02 Output +ve (XLRM p2) 03 nc 04 Output -ve (XLRM p3) 05 GND (power and audio) 06 nc 07 nc 08 Input -ve (XLRF p3) 09 nc 10 Input +ve (XLRF p2) 11 nc 12 +ve 15v to 18v 13 GND (power and audio) 14 -ve 15v to 18v 15 nc
!
7
