DN500
OPERATORS MANUAL
Klark Teknik Group,
Klark Teknik Building,
Walter Nash Road,
Kidderminster.
Worcestershire.
DY11 7HJ.
England.
Tel:+44 1562 741515
Fax:+44 1562 745371
Email: [email protected]
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
AVIS: RISQUÉ DE CHOC ELETRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR
These symbols are internationally accepted symbols that warn of potential hazards with
electricalproducts.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product's enclosure that may be of
sufficientmagnitudetoconstitutearisk of electricshock topersons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing)instructionsintheliteratureaccompanyingtheappliance.
1. Readtheseinstructions.
2. Keep theseinstructions.
3. Heed allwarnings.
4. Follow allinstructions.
5. Do notuse this apparatusnearwater.
6. Cleanonly withadry cloth.
7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturers
instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that
produceheat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or third prong are provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit into
youroutlet, consultanelectricianfor replacementof theobsoleteoutlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, andthepointwhere theyexitfromtheapparatus.
11. Unplug thisapparatusduring lightningstorms or when unused forlong periods of time.
12. Referalltestingtoqualifiedpersonnel. Servicingis requiredwhen theapparatusis damagedinany way,
such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, theapparatushas beenexposed torainor moisture, does notoperatenormally, or has beendropped.
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Walter Nash Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire. DY11 7HJ. England
Tel: +44 1562 741515. Fax: +44 1562 745371
Company Registration No: 2414018
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SIGN A L P ROC ES S IN G BY D EFI N I TIO N
DESIGNEDFOR APUREPERFORMANCE
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We, Klark Teknik Group (UK) PLC
of, Klark Teknik Building, Walter Nash Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY11 7HJ
Declare that a sample of the following product:-
Product Type Number
DN500 Plus
Product Description
Nominal Voltage (s)
Current
Freq
Dual Compressor /
Limiter / Expander
115V AC
230V AC
200mA
100mA
50/60Hz
to which this declaration refers, is in conformity with the following directives and/or standards:-
Directive(s)
Test Standard(s)
89/336/EEC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
amended by 92/31/EEC & 93/68/EEC 73/23/EEC,
Low Voltage Directive, amended by 93/68/EEC
Generic Standard Using EN55103 Limits and Methods
Class B Conducted Emissions Pavi
Class B Radiated Emissions Pavi
Fast Transient Bursts at 2kV
EN50081/1
EN55103
EN55103
EN61000-4-4
EN61000-4-2
EN60204
Static Discharge at 4kV
Electrical Stress Test
Electrical Safety
UL6500-99
EN60065:1998
E60065-00
Date: 15th September 2003
Signed:............................
Name: Simon Harrison
Authority: Research and Development Director, Klark Teknik Group (UK) PLC
Attention!
Where applicable, the attention of the specifier, purchaser, installer or user is drawn to special limitations of use
which must be observed when these products are taken into service to maintain compliance with the above
directives. Details of these special measures and limitations to use are available on request and are available
in product manuals.
A Subsidiary of Telex communications, Inc.
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Contents
Klark Teknik DN500
After you have unpacked
1
3
Introduction
5
Instrument Familiarisation
Front panel controls
Rear panel controls
7
8
Audio Connections
11
Using the DN500
Compression
Setting the Controls
Expansion
Setting the Controls
Limiting
13
14
15
17
18
19
Compression, Expansion and Limiting together
20
Application notes
Linking to the Console
Using the Side Chain
De-essing
21
22
23
Technical Specification
25
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The Klark Teknik DN500
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Thank you for selecting the KlarkTeknik DN500 Plus dual compressor / limiter / expander.The unit continues
theKlarkTekniktraditionof providing superb audioperformance, technicalaccuracyandrugged reliability.
Precautions
Donot installthis unitinalocationsubjected toexcessiveheat, dust or mechanicalvibration.
VoltageSelectionand PowerConnection
Connection is made by means of an IEC standard power socket. The rear panel text indicates the voltage range
requiredforsatisfactoryoperationof theunit.
Before connecting this unit to the mains supply, ensure the fuse fitted is the correct type and rating is as
indicatedon therearpanel, adjacenttothefuse holder.
SafetyWarning
This unit is fitted with a standard fused IEC mains inlet: For safety reasons the earth lead should never be
disconnected.
To prevent shock or fire hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. To avoid electrical shock do not
removecovers. Referservicingtoqualifiedpersonnel only.
Attention! Cables
This product should only be used with high quality, screened twisted pair audio cables, terminated with metal
bodied 3-pin XLR connectors. Any other cable type or configuration for the audio signals may result in
degradedperformanceduetoelectromagneticinterference.
ElectricFields:
Should this product be used in an electromagnetic field that is amplitude modulated by an audio frequency
signal (20Hz to 20kHz), the signal to noise ratio may be degraded. Degradation of up to 60dB at a frequency
corresponding to the modulation signal may be experienced under extreme conditions (3V/m, 90%
modulation).
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2
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After You Have Unpacked The Unit
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Save all the packing materials - they will prove valuable should it become necessary to transport or ship this
product.
Please inspect this unit carefully for any signs of damage incurred during transportation. It has undergone
stringent quality control inspection and every possible effort has been made to ensure that it left the factory in
perfectcondition.
If, however, the unit shows any signs of damage, please notify the transportation company without delay.
Only you, theconsignee, mayinstituteaclaimagainstthecarrierfordamageduring transportation.
If necessary, contact your supplier or as a last resort, your Klark Teknik importing agent, who will fully co-
operateunder such circumstances.
KIDDERMINSTER ENGLAND
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4
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Introduction
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Compression, expansion, limiting and peak clipping are four of the most valuable techniques available to the
sound engineer. Not only can they solve many problems that can arise in day to day work, creative
possibilitiesexistinabundance.
The Klark Teknik DN500 Plus Dual Compressor/Limiter/Expander integrates all of these processes into a
single, compact, rack mounting unit with two channel operation. Complete dynamic control over gain is the
result, and also control over problems due to noise in the signal chain and the distortion that may be caused by
excessivepeaklevels.
As a compressor, the DN500 Plus can achieve almost undetectable dynamic range reduction by the use of
sophisticated automatic attack and release circuitry. Or compression can be used as an effect in its own right
with full manual control over Threshold, Ratio, Attack and Release. There is also a fully adjustable 'Knee'
controlwhich provides aninfiniterangeof compression styles fromHard toSoft, 'easy' compression.
As an expander, the DN500 Plus offers variable ratio expansion which can be used to increase subtly the
dynamicrangeof asignal, or toactas aconventionalnoisegate, or offeranydegreeof expansion inbetween.
To control signal peaks, a Limiter is provided on each channel totally independent of the Compressor, and
with a fully adjustable Threshold control. For situations where absolute control over peaks is necessary, a
Peakclippercanbeswitchedin, thethreshold of which trackstheLimiter.
The DN500 Plus has light indicators for every switched audio function, and also has separate gain reduction
light bar graph meters for compression and expansion on each channel. There are also peak limiting light
indicatorsandoutputlevellightbargraph metersforeachchannel.
Separate side chain inputs are provided for the Compressor and Expander sections. Astereo link function is
available for operation of the Compression and Expansion functions of both channels of the unit from the
controlsof channelA.
The DN500 Plus Dual Compressor/Limiter/Expander is built to Klark Teknik's high standards of design and
construction. A well thought out aesthetic presentation is also an aid to realising full dynamic control over
gainintoday'scomplexproductions.
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Instrument Familiarisation: Front Panel Controls
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6
7
8
9
15
13
17
18
4
3
5
1
2
10
11
12
14
16
The DN500 Plus Dual Compressor/Limiter/Expander consists of two identical channels, each with separate
Compressor, ExpanderandLimitersections.
Compressor
1.
2.
3.
Threshold determines the level above which gain reduction (compression) will take place, variable
from +20dBu down to -30dBu. The Gain Reduction light bar graph meter indicates in decibels by how
muchthesignalis compressed atanyinstant.
Ratio sets the degree of compression applied above the threshold level, variable from 1:1 to 50:1. A
ratio of 1:1 corresponds to zero compression : Signal In = Signal Out. A ratio of 10:1 indicates that
when theinputsignal, abovethethreshold, rises in levelby 10dB, theoutputlevelwillrise1dB.
Knee calibratedfrom 1 to 40, adjusts the'hardness' or 'softness' of the compression effect. Ahardknee
means that when the input signal level rises above the threshold, it is immediately compressed at the
full ratio as set. Asoft knee means that compression will start below the threshold level at a low ratio
andgraduallyattainthefullratioselectedonly athigherlevels.
4.
5.
Attack sets the time taken for compression to commence after the threshold is exceeded, from 0.05
milliseconds(50 microseconds) to20 milliseconds.
Release determines the time taken for the gain to return to normal after the signal drops below the
threshold level, adjustablefrom60 millisecondsto2 seconds.
6.
7.
TheBypass switchselectsthewhole channeltobeinor outof circuit.
Stereo links the two channels of the DN500 Plus together, so that they are both operated from the
controls of Channel A, apart from the Limiter sections which always work individually. In stereo
mode, theunitstillmonitors thelevelsof both channelsto detectwhen thesignal is abovethethreshold
level(on ChannelB, theStereoswitch is replacedby a'StereoSlave' lightindicator).
8.
9.
Comp In selectsthecompression effecttobeinor out.
ENV allows the setting of attack and release times to be automatic or manual. On Auto, the attack
time of the input signal and the amount by which it exceeds the threshold level are assessed, and
suitable Compressor attack and release values set to give an almost undetectable
reduction in signal dynamic range. On Manual, the rotary Attack and Release controls come into
operation.
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Expander
10.
Threshold determines the level below which gain reduction will take place, variable from 20dBu
down to -40dBu. Gain reduction BELOWa threshold level constitutes dynamic range EXPANSION.
The Gain Reduction light bar graph meter indicates in decibels by how much the signal is expanded at
anyinstant.
11.
Ratio sets the degree of expansion applied below the threshold level, variable from 1:1 to 25:1. A
ratio of 1:1 corresponds to zero expansion : Signal In = Signal Out. Aratio of 10:1 indicates that when
theinputsignal, below thethreshold, fallsinlevelby 1dB, theoutputlevelwillfall10dB.
12.
13.
14.
Release determines the time taken for the gain to return to normal after the signal comes back above
thethreshold level, adjustablefrom40 millisecondsto2 seconds.
ATK (Attack) is a switched control offering either automatic signal-monitored setting of Expander
attacktimeor afixedvalueof 2 milliseconds.
Gain is the output level control for the entire channel, Compressor, Expander and Limiter. The output
level light bar graph meter indicates OUTPUT level when the channel is switched in circuit. When
thechannelis bypassed, themeterindicatesINPUTlevel.
15.
EXPIn selectstheexpansion effecttobeinor out.
Limiter
16,
17.
Threshold sets the level above which the signal will be limited (compressed at a high 25:1 ratio),
adjustablefrom0dBu to20dBu.
Clipper In selects peak clipping. Clipping totally eliminates transient peaks, effectively acting as a
limiter with an infinity:1 ratio and an instantaneous attack time. The Clipper threshold follows the
Limiterthreshold as set.
18.
Powerswitches mainspower on or off.
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Instrument Familiarisation: Rear Panel Controls
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22
23
26
19
115/220-240V
C
US
NEUTRIK
NEUTRIK
NEUTRIK
NEUTRIK
25
21
24
20
19.
20.
21.
Mains is supplied via an IEC standard 3-pin connector. Acompatible power cord is supplied with the
unit.
The mains fuse is located in a fuse holder fitted to the rear panel. Always replace with the correct type
andratingas indicatedon theunit.
Voltage selector switch. This unit is switchable between two nominal supply voltages, 110V and
220V, via a slide switch. The switch MUST be set before the supply is connected. Any attempt to run
theunitfroma220Vsupply withtheswitch setto110Vis liabletoresultinseveredamagetotheunit.
Note: Units for the Japanese market do not have an accessible mains voltage selector switch and are set for 100V
operationonly.
22.
23.
SignalInput is madeviaafemaleXLR typeconnector.
Signal Output is available on a male XLR type connector. For wiring details see page 11 of this
manual.
24.
25.
26.
ExpanderSide Chain Input is madeviaa¼ inchtypeAstereojackconnector.
CompressorSide Chain Input is madeviaa¼ inchtypeAstereojackconnector.
Always quotethe SerialNumberinanycorrespondenceconcerningtheunit.
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Audio Connections
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Input
The input circuit is a transformerless, electronically balanced design which achieves a symmetry of better
than-50dBfrom20Hz to10kHz.
If transformer balancing of the input is required, this must be specified at the time of order. It is not
retrofittable.
Output
The standard output is unbalanced, but balancing transformers are available and may be retrospectively
fitted. Please contact your Klark Teknik representative for more information. The output circuitry is capable
ofdrivinga600 ohmloadatalevelof +22dBu.
Input
Balanced
Unbalanced
1 Gnd
2 Hot
3 Cold
1 Gnd
2 Hot
3 Gnd
2
3
1
2
1
3
Output
Balanced
Unbalanced
1 Gnd
2 Hot
3 Cold
1 Gnd
2 Hot
3 Gnd
1
3
2
1
2
3
Pin2 /Pin3 HotOperation
As standard the unit is configured for the pin 2 hot XLR wiring convention. It is possible to re-configure the
unitfor pin3 hotoperationpleasecontactyour KlarkTeknikservicerepresentativefordetails.
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SideChain/EXTKeyInputs
TheelectronicallybalancedSideChaininputs areon stereo¼ inchtypeAjacksockets, configured:
TIP = HOT, RING = COLD, SLEEVE = EARTH.
Inserting amonojackplug willautomaticallyunbalancetheinput.
1/4” Stereo Jack
HOT
COLD
GND
The sockets are internally normalled so that signal continuity is maintained when there is no jack plug
inserted. Iftheunitis wired toapatchbay, thennormallingmust becarriedoutatthepatchbay.
BalancedCircuits
Transformer or electronically balanced connections have the benefit of Common Mode Rejection which
eliminates externally induced interference, such as mains hum etc. Balancing is especially useful when long
cableruns areused betweenpiecesof equipment.
Transformer balanced circuits have the added advantage of being fully floating, with the earth (ground) or
screen being totally isolated from the signal. In installations where a difference in earth potential is likely to
occur, thisisolationpreventsearthingproblems which can, insomecases, damagetheequipment.
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Using the DN500
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The natural sounds of life have an extremely wide dynamic range, from the result of a falling leaf to the roar of
a jet engine on take off. The human ear has an automatic gain control which enables it to accommodate all of
these sounds from the threshold of hearing to close to the threshold of pain, a dynamic range of approximately
120decibels.
Even the most modern audio equipment is incapable of handling the full range that the ear can cope with.
Analogue tape without noise reduction can manage almost 70 decibels dynamic range between its noise floor
and the 3% distortion point. 16 bit digital audio equipment can achieve over 90dB. Still almost 30dB less
thantheear's range.
Even if a 120dB dynamic range were possible in audio equipment, would it be desirable and useful? A
listener in a domestic setting enjoying the exhilarating effects of a 96dB Sound Pressure Level will almost
certainly be causing his neighbour a significant amount of annoyance, if not distress! At the other end of the
dynamic scale, a typical ambient noise level of at least 40dB SPL precludes the use of very quiet levels in
recordedor broadcastsound media.
Almost always, it is necessary to compress the dynamic range of natural sounds to fit them into a window
suitableboth fortheequipmentandfor comfortablelistening.
Although the dynamic range of the programme material must fit into a 30 to 40dB window, there is another
factor in the equation noise. All the sounds that we want to listen to, whether natural or electronically
processed, are accompanied by a certain amount of unwanted background noise tape hiss, or the rustle of
musiciansturningthepages of thescore inthestudio.
Even if, in the final programme, the noise level is below the ambient noise of the listening area, it may still be
heardandis thereforeundesirable.
The Compressor/Limiter and the Expander are valuable tools for the control of dynamic range and reduction
of noise. Compression reduces the dynamic range of any instrument or programme source. Expansion has
theeffectof subjectivelyreducingor eliminatingbackground noise.
Compression and expansion have their artistic uses too. The sounds of instruments and voices can be altered.
Amix of instruments can be compressed to give a 'tighter' dynamic effect. Or a previously over-compressed
recordingcanhavelifeputbackintoitby thesubtleuse of expansion.
The DN500 Plus Dual Compressor/Limiter/Expander offers in a compact unit virtually complete control over
dynamicrange, for correctiveandfor artisticpurposes.
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Compression
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One of the principal uses of compression is the control of level in vocals. Many singers train for years to
achieve the degree of breath control necessary for an even tone and expressive performance. Other vocalists
rely on an instinctive voice production technique, which may need help in the studio to maintain a consistent
level, andresultinavocaltrackwhich 'sits' correctlyinthemix.
Thelevelof avocalmayvarywidely, andappearliketheunprocessed signalinthediagram:
Threshold level
Unprocessed signal
Time
Threshold level
3:1 Compression above threshold
Time
With gain make up
Time
Diagram 1
The unprocessed signal has a large dynamic range between the highest and lowest levels. Applying
compression reduces the highest levels, reducing the dynamic range. Because the peak level of the signal is
now lower, make-up gain is added to restore the original peak level. The result is a much more controlled and
usablesound.
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Compression:SettingTheControls
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Threshold sets the level above which compression takes place. Signals below the threshold will remain
unaltered. Turning the control clockwise lowers the threshold level and allows more of the signal to be
compressed.
Ratio is the'strength' of compression abovethethreshold level. Thehighertheratio, thegreatertheeffect.
+20
+20
+10
+10
Input level (dB)
+10
Input level (dB)
+10
-20
-20
-10
-10
+20
+20
-10
-10
-20
-20
2:1
12:1
Diagram 2
At a compression ratio of 2:1, the effect is mild and suitable for the subtle compression of vocals or of a
complete mix. At 12:1, compression is becoming stronger and more noticeable. Ratios between 3:1 and 15:1
are suitable for the 'compressor' sound, used as an effect in its own right. Higher ratios are used for the control
ofextremelypeakysignals.
The point where the slope of the Compressor curve changes is knows as the Knee. The DN500 Plus has an
adjustableknee, variablebetween'Hard' and'Soft':
Soft Knee
Hard Knee
10:1
10:1
1:1
1:1
Increasing signal level
Increasing signal level
Diagram3
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With a soft knee, signals which only just exceed the threshold level are compressed at a low ratio, the ratio
increasingthehigherthesignallevel.
Attack sets the time the Compressor takes to respond once the threshold has been exceeded. Attack may be
set so that the initial transient of the instrument passes through unaltered, or set to a faster value so that the
very start of the sound is compressed. Particularly with drum sounds, careful adjustment of attack time can
makethesound more'punchy' and'driving'.
Release time plays a very important role in compression. During periods of high signal level, gain is reduced.
When the signal level falls below the threshold, the gain will increase at a rate determined by the Release
control. If the release time is short, the gain will rise quickly. Along release time will mean that the gain will
stayatitsreducedlevel, only recoveringgradually:
Signal Envelope
Input signal
Fast release
Slow release
Diagram 4
The setting of the correct release time is a compromise. If the release time is too short, background noise can
cause effects often known as 'breathing' and 'pumping'. If the release time is too long, the signal will not be
compressed, but simply reduced in level. For effective compression, the release time must be set to as short a
value as possible before modulation of the background noise becomes too noticeable. The gain reduction bar
graph meter will show how much actual compression is going on. If it stays steady, there is little active
compression, just a steady-state reduction in level. The faster the bar graph moves up and down, the harder
theCompressoris working.
For a natural unnoticeable compression, attack and release times may be set to Auto. The signal
characteristicsarecontinuouslymonitoredfor optimumvalues.
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Expansion
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Expansion may be used to increase the dynamic range of a signal : of a performance lacking life and vigour, or
ofapreviously over compressed recording.
Alternatively, expansion can be used to reduce noise, either subtly and undetectably, or with the harder action
ofanoisegate.
Threshold level
Time
Unprocessed signal
Threshold level
Time
2:1 Expansion below threshold
Diagram 5
The unprocessed signal has a fairly narrow dynamic range between the highest and lowest levels. Expansion
makesthelowerlevelslower still, increasingthedynamicrange.
Used as an expander, the DN500 Plus may be connected in the signal chain in exactly the same manner as
when used as acompressor.
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Expansion:Setting the controls
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Threshold sets the level below which expansion takes place. Signals above the threshold will remain
unaltered. Turning the control anticlockwise raises the threshold level and allows more of the signal to be
expanded. Alow threshold would be used to reduce noise, a higher threshold to increase the dynamic range of
asignal.
Ratiois the'strength' of expansion below thethreshold level. Thehighertheratio, thegreatertheeffect.
At an expansion ratio of 2:1, the effect is mild and suitable for subtle noise reduction or dynamic range
enhancement. At higher ratios the effect becomes harder and more like a noise gate. The light bar graph
indicatestheamountof gainreductiontakingplace.
Attack sets the time the Expander takes to respond once the signal has passed below the threshold. This can
be done automatically, the circuitry continuously analysing the signal to determine optimum attack time. Or
itcanbesettoafixedvalueof 2ms.
Release determines the time taken for the gain to return to normal after the signal comes back above the
threshold level. For hard gating, this may be set to a short value. Longer release times are suitable for
dynamicrangeenhancementor subtlenoise reduction.
Gain is the output level control for the entire channel, Compressor, Expander and Limiter. The output level
light bar graph meter indicates output level when the channel is switched in circuit. When the channel is
bypassed, themeterindicatesINPUTlevel.
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Limiting
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The Limiter acts as a last check on signal level. If the level goes over the threshold, fast acting, high ratio
compression is appliedtobring itbackwithinbounds.
If absolute control over peak levels is required, a Peak Clipper may be switched in, acting in effect as a
compressorwitharatioof infinity:1andaninstantaneousattacktime:
Threshold level
Unprocessed signal
Time
Threshold level
Limiting
Time
Threshold level
Clipping
Time
Diagram 6
Thresholdsetsthelevelabovewhich limiting, or slippingifselected, takesplace.
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Compression, ExpansionandLimiting
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The act of compressing a signal inevitably causes an increase in noise level. Compression reduces peak
levels; gain make up restores the overall level, and in the process increases the level of any background noise
thatthesignalcontains.
Almost always, when compression is used, the Expander section of the DN500 Plus will be used also, to clean
upthesignal. TheLimiter/Clipperwillcontrolanyunwanted peaks.
Theresultis three-stagedynamiccontrolover gainwiththreedifferentthreshold levels:
+20
Limiter Threshold
+10
Compressor Threshold
Input level (dB)
-20
-10
+10
+20
Expander Threshold
-10
-20
Diagram 7
In the mid-range of levels, the signal is unaltered. Above the compression threshold, in this example, gain is
reduced by a ratio of 2:1. Above the limiting threshold it is reduced by 25:1. At levels below the Expander
threshold, gainis reducedby 2:1. Completecontroloversignaldynamicsis possible.
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Applications: Interfacing with a console
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The Klark Teknik DN500 Plus Dual Compressor/Limiter/Expander is optimised for use at line level,
therefore to process the signal from a microphone, the input to the DN500 Plus has to be taken from the
console preferably from the channel insert point send. The output from the DN500 Plus comes back to
the channel insert return. By connecting the DN500 Plus at this position in the signal chain, its operation
is unaffected by the use of any of the console controls, except Input Gain.
Channel Insert Point
Send
Mic Input
Return
Output
Input
Diagram 8
Analternativeis connectiontothegroup insertpointof theconsole.
This connection has two uses : the input from the microphone may be compressed post EQ, which offers an
alternative sound quality which may be desirable in some cases. Alternatively, several instruments may be
compressed togetherinthemixtoachievea'harder' sound.
Group Insert Point
Send
Mic Input
Return
Output
Input
Diagram9
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Applications: Side chain inputs
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Each channel of the DN500 Plus has two Side Chain inputs, one for the Compressor and one for the
Expander.
In normal use, the amount of compression or expansion is related to the dynamics of the input signal. The
Side Chain allows the signal passing through the unit to be controlled by the dynamics of another separate
signal.
ConnectiontotheSideChaininputis madeviatherearpaneljacksockets. See'Audio Connections', page12.
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Applications: De-essing
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De-essing is an important compression technique using the Side Chain. Many singers have high level
sibilants 'sss' sounds which detract from their performance. Equalising the signal will reduce the sibilants,
butalsomaketheoverallvocalsound dull.
The sibilants can be selectively removed by compressing only when there is an excessive level of high
frequencies. Hereis oneway todo it:
Aux Send
Mic Input
(Channel routed
to group)
Insert Send Line In
(channel 1)
Send
(channel 2)
Return
Compressor side
chain input
Output
Input
Diagram 10
The microphone channel is routed to a group with the Compressor patched into the group insert points. The
microphone channel is also parallelled into another channel via the line input. The signal in the second
channel is equalised so that high frequencies in the sibilant range are boosted. This channel is fed via an
auxiliaryoutputtotheCompressorSideChaininput.
Now, the Compressor will react whenever there is a sibilant, reducing the gain for the duration of the sibilant
andcleaningup thevocalsound.
This technique can also be used to compensate for a 'boomy' bass, or other situations where a band of
frequenciesis occasionallyobtrusive.
The DN500 Plus Dual Compressor/Limiter/Expander offers a unique combination of dynamic gain control
processors. Engineers will find it a powerful tool in recording, broadcast and post-production studios, and in
sound reinforcementsystems.
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DN500
Technical Specifications
1.5s
1.5s
-5
-5
1
20
1
1
20
1
PUSH
PUSH
115/220-240V
2
1
2
1
1
2
1
2
3
3
3
3
C
US
NEUTRIK
NEUTRIK
NEUTRIK
NEUTRIK
Audio Inputs
Type
Two
Electronically Balanced
Impedance (ohms)
Balanced
Unbalanced
20k
10k
Side Chain Inputs
Two Compressor +
Two Expander
Electronically Balanced
Type
Impedance (ohms)
Balanced
Unbalanced
20k
10k
Audio Outputs
Type
Minimum Load Impedance
Source Impedance
Maximum Level
Two
Unbalanced
600 ohms
<60 ohms
+21dBu
Performance
Frequency Response
(20Hz 20kHz)
+/- 0.5dB
Distortion (THD+N)
(@ +4dBu)
Equivalent Input Noise
(20Hz 20kHz unweighted)
<0.03% @ 1kHz
-94dBu
Compressor
Threshold
Ratio
Knee
Envelope
-30dB to +20dB
1:1 to 50:1
1dB (hard) to 40dB (soft)
switchable auto (attack and release controls disabled)
0.05ms to 20ms
60ms to 2s
Attack (90% capture)
Release (90% recovery)
Expander
Threshold
Ratio
Attack
Release (90% recovery)
Output Gain
-40dB to +20dB
1:1 to 25:1
switchable auto or fixed (2mS)
40ms to 2s
-10dB to +30dB
Limiter/Clipper
Threshold
0dB to +20dB
Power Requirements
Voltage
Consumption
100 / 115 / 230 - 240V, 50/60Hz
<30VA
Termination
Audio Inputs / Outputs
Side Chain Inputs
Power
3-pin XLR
normalled ¼ inch stereo jack
3-pin IEC
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Dimensions
Width
Depth
482mm (19 inch)
292mm (11 ½ inch)
44.5mm (1 ¾ inch)
Height
Weight
Nett
Shipping
4 kg
6kg
Options
Security Cover
Transformer Input / Output balancing*
* Input transformer balancing is non-retrofittable and has to be specified with order.
Options
Security cover
Transformer input*/output balancing
*Input transformer balancing is non-retrofittable and has to be specified with order.
Options Ordering Information
Parts Number
Perspex security cover
SCP.........................Model No.
SCA ........................Model No.
BU37
BN37
Aluminium security cover
Output balancing transformer
Input balancing transformer
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Klark Teknik Group DOC02-DN500Plus 6/12/02
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