dbx 1046 User Manual [en, de, es, fr]

OPERATION MANUAL

MODE D’EMPLOI

BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG

MODO DE EMPLEO

MODEL 1046

®

A Harman International Company

W

ARNING

FOR YOUR PROTECTION, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:

WATER AND MOISTURE: Appliance should not be used near water (e.g. near a

bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming
pool, etc). Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled
into the enclosure through openings.

POWER SOURCES: The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of
the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.

GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken so that the
grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.

POWER CORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are
not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying
particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the appliance.

SERVICING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, the user should not attempt to
service the appliance beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other
servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

FOR UNITS EQUIPPED WITH EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE FUSE RECEPTACLE:

Replace fuse with same type and rating only.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

NOTICE FOR CUSTOMERS IF YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER
CORD.

WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.

The cores in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:

GREEN and YELLOW - Earth BLUE - Neutral BROWN - Live

As colours of the cores in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond
with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as
follows:

• The core which is coloured green and yellow must be connected to the
terminal in the plug marked with the letter E, or with the earth symbol, or
coloured green, or green and yellow.

• The core which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal
marked N or coloured black.

• The core which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal
marked L or coloured red.

This equipment may require the use of a different line cord, attachment plug, or
both, depending on the available power source at installation. If the attachment
plug needs to be changed, refer servicing to qualified service personnel who
should refer to the table below. The green/yellow wire shall be connected
directly to the unit's chassis.

WARNING: If the ground is defeated, certain fault conditions in the unit or in
the system to which it is connected can result in full line voltage between
chassis and earth ground. Severe injury or death can then result if the chassis
and earth ground are touched simultaneously.

U.K. MAINS PLUG WARNING

A moulded mains plug that has been cut off from the cord is unsafe. Discard the
mains plug at a suitable disposal facility. NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUM-

STANCES SHOULD YOU INSERT A DAMAGED OR CUT MAINS PLUG INTO
A 13 AMP POWER SOCKET. Do not use the mains plug without the fuse cover

in place. Replacement fuse covers can be obtained from your local retailer.
Replacement fuses are 13 amps and MUST be ASTA approved to BS1362.

The symbols shown above are internationally accepted symbols that warn of
potential hazards with electrical products. The lightning flash with arrowpoint in
an equilateral triangle means that there are dangerous voltages present within
the unit. The exclamation point in an equilateral triangle indicates that it is
necessary for the user to refer to the owner’s manual.

These symbols warn that there are no user serviceable parts inside the unit.
Do not open the unit. Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all
servicing to qualified personnel. Opening the chassis for any reason will void
the manufacturer’s warranty. Do not get the unit wet. If liquid is spilled on the
unit, shut it off immediately and take it to a dealer for service. Disconnect the
unit during storms to prevent damage.

CAUTION

ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY

This unit conforms to the Product Specifications noted on the Declaration of
Conformity. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• this device may not cause harmful interference, and

• this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.

Operation of this unit within significant electromagnetic fields should be avoided.

• use only shielded interconnecting cables.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Manufacturer’s Name: dbx Professional Products
Manufacturer’s Address: 8760 S. Sandy Parkway

Sandy, Utah 84070, USA

declares that the product

dbx 1046

conforms to the following Product Specifications:

Safety: EN 60065 (1993)

IEC 65 (1985) with
Amendments 1, 2, 3

EMC: EN 55013 (1990)

EN 55020 (1991)

Supplementary Information:
The products herewith comply with the requirements of the EMC
Directive 89/336/EEC (1989), as ammended by the CE marking
directive 93/68/EEC (1993).

dbx Professional Products
President
8760 S. Sandy Parkway
Sandy, Utah 84070, USA
April 22, 1996

European Contact: Your local dbx Sales and Service Office

or Harman Music Group
8760 South Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070 USA
Ph: [phone] Fax:[phone]

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC

SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

CONDUCTOR

L
N
E

LIVE

NEUTRAL

EARTH GND

WIRE COLOR

Normal Alt

BROWN

BLUE

GREEN/YEL

BLACK
WHITE

GREEN

ENGLISH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

F

RANÇAIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

D

EUTSCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

E

SPAÑOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

I

NSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

W

ARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

C

ONNECTING THE 1046 TO YOUR SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

O

PERATING CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

R

EAR PANEL OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

A

PPLICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

I

NSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

S

PECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

ENGLISH CONTENTS

MANUAL CONTENTS

®

1

Manual Contents

®

Introduction

Congratulations and thank you for your purchase of the dbx 1046 Quad Compressor Limiter.The dbx
1046 is a high performance multifunctional unit designed to deliver all the flexibility and power that a
professional user demands. The dbx 1046 incorporates the new advanced dbx V2™ VCA for high
system performance. We recommend you take a moment to read through this Operation manual. It
provides information that will assist you in system set-up.

Verify that the 1046’s package contains the following:

•1046 Unit (according to Model number marked on package)

•AC Power Cord

•Operation Manual

•Registration Card

•4 Rack Mount Screws and Washers

If any of these items are missing, contact dbx customer service at [phone].

1. The warranty registration card that accompanies this product must be mailed within 30 days after
purchase date to validate this warranty. Proof-of-purchase is considered to be the burden of the
consumer.

2. dbx warrants this product, when bought and used solely within the U.S., to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship under normal use and service.

3. dbx liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or, at our discretion, replacing defective materials
that show evidence of defect, provided the product is returned to dbx WITH RETURN
AUTHORIZATION from the factory, where all parts and labor will be covered up to a period of two
years. A Return Authorization number must be obtained from dbx by telephone. The company shall
not be liable for any consequential damage as a result of the product's use in any circuit or assembly.

4. dbx reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this
product without incurring any obligation to install the same additions or improvements on products
previously manufactured.

5. The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and dbx neither assumes nor
authorizes any person to assume on its behalf any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of
this product. In no event shall dbx or its dealers be liable for special or consequential damages or from
any delay in the performance of this warranty due to causes beyond their control.

Warranty

Inspection

Introduction

2

To connect the 1046 to your system, refer to the following steps:

• Turn off all equipment before making any connections.

• Mount the 1046 in a rack

Install the 1046 in a rack with the rack screws provided. It can be mounted above or below
anything that does not generate excessive heat. Ambient temperatures should not exceed
113˚ F (45˚ C) when equipment is in use. Although the unit is shielded against radio frequency
and electromagnetic interference, extremely high fields of RF and EMI should be avoided.

• Make audio connections via XLR, 1/4”TRS, or 1/4” TS plugs.

Both types of connectors for the inputs and outputs can be used for balanced or unbalanced
connections. The use of more than one connector at a time for the input/output pair could
unbalance balanced lines, cause phase cancellations, short a conductor to ground, or cause
damage to other equipment connected to the 1046.

• Apply power to the 1046

Connect the AC power cord to the AC power receptacle on the back of the unit. Route the AC
power cord to a convenient power outlet away from audio lines. The unit may be turned on and
off via the rear panel power switch or from a master equipment power switch.

Front Panel

Gain Reduction Meter - This 8 stage meter shows the amount of gain reduction due to both

compression and/or Intelligent Predictive Limiting™, displaying gain reduction from 0 to 30 dB.

Compressor Threshold Control - This control sets the level above which compression occurs, and has
a 60 dB range.
OverEasy® Switch - OverEasy® provides a smooth transition from the compressor’s linear region to

Connecting the 1046 to your system

®

Connecting the 1046 to your system

3

Operating Controls

O

y

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS

-20

-30

CHANNEL ONE CHANNEL

-10
0

1.5:1

+10

OverEasy I/O Meter Bypass

-40

+20

dBu

THRESHOLD

2:1

3:1

1:1

RATIO

INPUT / OUTPUT LEVEL dBu THRESHOLDGAIN REDUCTION dB

4:1

-10

8:1

:1

0

-20

+20

dB

OUTPUT GAIN

+10

+10

+6

+4

PeakStop Plus

+

+12

+14

OFF

dBu

LIMITERCOMPRESSOR

+20

Stereo
Couple

-20

-30

GAIN REDUCTI

30 25 20 15 10-24 -18 -12 -6 0 +6 +12 [phone]

-10

-40

+20

dBu

THRESHOLD

0

+10

1.5

OverEas

the compressed region. This smooth transition greatly reduces compression artifacts and allows higher
compression ratios while still maintaining the natural characteristics of the signal. The switch lights to
indicate OverEasy® processing is enabled. When conventional hard knee processing is desired, disable
the OverEasy® function. See Figure 1 below.

Figure 1: Hard Knee Compression Curve and OverEasy® Compression Curve.

Compressor Ratio Control - This control selects the ratio between input and the output levels for

signals above the level set by the COMPRESSION THRESHOLD control. It is adjustable between 1:1
and ∞:1. Note, when OverEasy® processing is selected, the ratio transitions smoothly from the linear to
the compressed region. As the signal exceeds the threshold, the ratio approaches the ratio set by the
COMPRESSOR RATIO control.

Figure 2 shows the effect of 2:1 compression on a signal as it rises above and falls below the threshold.
Below the threshold the signal is not affected. Above the threshold, the output signal increases by only
half of the increase (in dB) of the input signal level. In other words, with a 2 dB increase in input level,
the output increases by only 1 dB, hence the 2:1 compression ratio.

Figure 2: Compression Effect on Signal Level with a 2:1 Ratio at a -20 dBu Threshold

Input/Output Level Meter - This 8-stage meter directly reads the input and output levels when the rear-

panel OPERATING LEVEL SWITCH is in the +4 dBu position. In the -10 dBV position, the input signal
is boosted by 11.8 dB (the difference between +4 dBu and -10 dBV) to convert a semi-pro -10 dBV level
signal to the professional +4 dBu internal level of the 1046, while the output signal is attenuated by 11.8
dB to convert back to a -10 dBV level. Since the meter is calibrated for +4 dBu operation, it reads about
12 dB higher than the actual input and output signal levels when the OPERATING LEVEL SWITCH is
set to -10 dBV.

Input/Output Meter Switch - This switch selects the signal for metering by the INPUT/OUTPUT LEVEL

4

Operating controls

®

+20

+15

+10

+5

0

-5

OUTPUT LEVEL (dB)

-10

-15

-15

RED
Above Threshold

Rota tion Poi nt Thres hold

GREEN
Belo w Thresh old

-10-50

INPUT LEVEL (dB)

+5 +15

+10

1:1 Unity

20:1

+20

RED

Abov e Thresh old

+15

+10

1:1

2:1

4:1

:1

+20

+20

2:1

4:1

:1

+15

+10

+5

0

−

5

OUTPUT LEVEL (dB)

−

10

−

15

G

−

−

15

10

N

E

E

R

−

INPUT LEVEL (dB)

R

E

B

M

A

OverEasy Range

Belo w Thresh old

+5

5

0

Signal Level (dBu)

10

0

-10

Input Signal

Above Threshold

-20

-30

-40

Below Threshold

Time

Signal Level (dBu)

10

0

-10

-20

-30

Output Signal

-40

Input Signal

Above Threshold

Below Threshold

Time

®

Operating Controls

METER. The switch lights indicating the input signal is currently being sent to the meter. When the
switch is in the out position, the output signal is selected for metering, and the switch will not be
illuminated.

Output Gain Control - This control sets the output gain of the compressor. It can be continuously
adjusted between -20 dB and +20 dB. Use this control to compensate for signal level loss due to
compression and to adjust the nominal output level of the unit.

Bypass Switch - This switch bypasses the unit completely, “hard-wiring” the input directly to the output,
and the signal is not processed in any way. The switch will light indicating that the unit is currently
bypassed.

PeakStopPlus™ Level Control - This control sets the level to which the output signal is reduced
whenever it exceeds this level. It can be adjusted between +4 dBu and +22 dBu (OFF).This
PeakStopPlus™ limiter uses a propietary dbx two-stage limiting process. The first stage is the
Instantaneous Transient Clamp™ which clamps the signal with a soft logarithmic clamp function. This
logarithmic function assures that the signal will not exceed the level set by the PeakStopPlus™ LEVEL
control by more than 2 dB typically, and that it will not introduce harsh artifacts. The second stage is a
unique program limiter featuring Intelligent Predictive Limiting™. Its function is to monitor the input signal
and intelligently predict the amount of gain reduction needed to keep the output signal below the ceiling
set by the Instantaneous Transient Clamp™. The PeakStopPlus™ limiter must come after the OUTPUT
GAIN control. If the OUTPUT GAIN is set too high as compared to the PeakStopPlus™ LEVEL control,
continuous limiting can occur. While PeakStopPlus™ is typically used as a protective function, creative
effects can be achieved by intentionally driving the signal into heavy PeakStopPlus™ limiting. Great care
has gone into the design of the PeakStopPlus™ limiter to keep it acoustically transparent. Appropriate
use of it can protect your gear while keeping the signal free of artifacts.

PeakStopPlus™Threshold (+) LED Indicator - This LED illuminates when the output signal exceeds
the level set by the PeakStopPlus™ LEVEL control indicating that PeakStopPlus™ limiting is occurring.

Figure 3 illustrates the protective action of the PeakStopPlus™ limiter. The signal with the thin line
weight represents an unaltered input signal. As you can see, peaks of the input signal exceed the
clamping level. The signal with the heavier line weight represents the output signal. The peaks of the
input signal which exceeded the clamping level are not allowed to exceed this level at the output. This
instantaneous protective action is invaluable for driver protection in speaker systems and for digital
recording where it is desirable to record as “hot” as possible, while still avoiding the disastrous result of
running out of headroom. Following this clamping action, Intelligent Predictive Limiting™ takes over,
typically within 5ms, as long as the input signal continues to exceed the PeakStopPlus™ threshold. This
program limiter quickly attenuates the input signal to a level safely below the clamping level, typically 2
dB lower than the clamping level. The PeakStopPlus™ level control is calibrated to this lower level, so if
an absolute ceiling is required, set the level 2 to 3 dB below the front panel setting.

The attack and release times of the Instantaneous Transient Clamp™ are zero, while the Intelligent
Predictive Limiting™ attack and release times are program-dependent.That is, for larger excursions over
the threshold, the attack time speeds up, and for smaller excursions over the threshold, the attack time
slows down. Similarly, for large excursions over the threshold which cause more PeakStopPlus™ gain
reduction, the release time increases and is roughly proportional to the amount of gain reduction that
occurred.

5

®

Rear panel operations

6

Figure 3: Protective Action of the PeakStopPlus™ Limiter

Stereo Couple Switch - These switches change the 1046 from four independent compressors into two

stereo compressors. In stereo mode, Channel 1 is the master and Channel 2 is its slave, and Channel 3
is the master and channel 4 is its slave. Each of the Channel 2 and 4 controls and switch functions will
be overriden and controlled by the Channel 1 and 3 controls and switches, respectively, except for the
I/O Meter and Bypass switches. Also, Channel 2’s and 4’s Compressor Threshold, and PeakStopPlus™
Threshold meters will be disabled, while these slave channels’ Gain Reduction meters will indicate the
amount of gain reduction occurring, as on their masters’ Gain Reduction Meters. All 4 channels have
equal precedence as far as signal processing is concerned. The dbx 1046 uses True RMS Power
Summing™, an extremely accurate and musical way to combine detector outputs in a stereo situation.
The switch will light to indicate that the 1046 is in the Stereo Couple mode.

Rear Panel

AC Power Receptacle - Use the supplied AC cable to connect the unit to AC power. The AC receptacle

includes an integral pull-out fuse drawer which contains two fuses; the active fuse and a spare fuse.
Replace the fuse with the same type and rating only.as indicated on the rear panel.

Audio Inputs - Each channel features both XLR and 1/4” TRS electronically balanced inputs. Inputs may
be used in a balanced or unbalanced configuration. Note that the XLR and 1/4’ inputs may NOT be used
simultaneously.

Rear Panel Operations

Output Signal

2 dB Typically

}

Intelligent Predictive Limiting™

Attack Time

Release Time

Input Signal

Output Signal

Time

Applications

Audio Outputs - Each channel features both XLR and 1/4” TRS servo-balanced outputs. Outputs may
be used in a balanced or unbalanced configuration. Unlike the inputs both the XLR and the 1/4” outputs
may be used simultaneously.

Operating Level Switch - This switch selects between a -10 dBV and +4 dBu nominal operating level.
When the switch is in the in position, a -10 dBV operating level is selected. When it is in the out position,
+4 dBu is selected. This switch affects both the input and the output levels.

Fattening Kick Drums and Compressing Other Drums

Weak, flabby kick drums often have too much boom, and not enough slap.To tighten them up, start with
the 1046 adjusted for a medium to high RATIO (e.g., 6:1), adjust the THRESHOLD control so that the
GAIN REDUCTION meters show 15 dB of gain reduction, then increase the RATIO if necessary. In
OverEasy® mode, the 1046 takes slightly longer to react than in Hard Knee mode, and will therefore
emphasize the slap at the beginning of the note and reduce the boominess of its body. The 1046 also
works well for tightening snare drums and tom toms and can be used with drum machines to effectively
alter the character of any electronic drum sound.

Raising a Signal Out of a Mix

Since reducing dynamic range increases the average signal level by a small amount, a single track can
be raised out of a mix by boosting its level slightly and applying compression. Start with a 2:1 RATIO and
a relatively low THRESHOLD setting (-20 dBu). Adjust both controls as necessary.

Compressors have also been used to bring vocals to the forefront of a mix in volume-restricted studios
(e.g. home studios). Start by adding a foam windscreen to the mic (if it doesn’t have one). Set the RATIO
to 10:1 and the THRESHOLD to -10 dBu. With your mouth approximately 2 inches from the mic, sing the
vocal part, but with less volume than normal. Use phrasing to give the part some intensity. An equalizer
(e.g., a dbx 242 Parametric Equalizer, dbx 30 Series Graphic Equalizers) or a vocal effects device (e.g.,
a dbx 290 digital reverb) can be added to further define the performance.

Note: When compressing a stereo program with a 1046, the factors affecting a compression
curve and the actual RATIO and THRESHOLD settings are the same as those previously
covered with reference to single channels of program material. However, it will generally be
found that large amounts of compression are more audible in a mixed stereo program than they
might be on the separate tracks that were mixed to create the program.

Smoothing out Microphone Levels

When distance is created between the vocalist and the microphone there will be a variation in the signal
level. Start with low compression (around 2:1) to smooth out any variations. Limiting also benefits intelli­gibility by allowing low-level input signals to be reproduced through the system at higher volume.

Smoothing out Musical Instrument Levels

Compression smooths out the variations of loudness among instruments. Using the 1046 can also
increase the instrument’s sustain. Compress the instrument’s output with a ratio of about 4:1.

Speaker Protection

Compressors are frequently used to prevent excessive program levels from distorting power amps
and/or damaging drivers in a sound-reinforcement system (whether you’re doing auditorium, church, or

Applications

7

®

®

Installation considerations

8

club sound engineering, or are a mobile DJ, or like to push the limits of your home’s audio entertainment
center). Set the 1046 for limiting (Hard Knee mode On, with a RATIO of 10:1 or greater) and adjust the
THRESHOLD to provide 15 dB or more of compression (just a few dB below the input clip). For low-level
signals, the 1046 won’t change gain, but if large signals come along, the gain will be reduced to prevent
clipping and save sensitive system components from excessive heat buildup or other types of damage.

Note: PeakStopPlus™ Limiting can also be used to prevent speaker damage.

Preventing Digital Recording Overload

Some digital recorders and samplers produce audible distortion when they exceed their maximum
operating level.The 1046 can be used to ensure that audio input does not overload a digital recorder’s
A/D (analog-to-digital) converters. The 1046 can perform this function quietly enough for all digital media.
To use the 1046 so that no changes in gain occur unless an emergency arises (wildly excessive levels),
set Hard Knee mode On, the RATIO to ∞:1, and the THRESHOLD highest level before digital overload.

Note: PeakStopPlus™ limiting can also be used to prevent raucous-sounding digital overload

.

Hookups and Cabling: The 1046 is designed for nominal -10 dBV or +4 dBu levels.The 1046 can be
used with either balanced or unbalanced sources and the outputs can be used with either balanced or
unbalanced loads, provided the proper cabling is used.

Normal Balanced Connections for Inputs and Outputs

Connection

XLR TRS 1/4" Jack
Ground: Pin 1 Sleeve
High: Pin 2 Tip
Low: Pin 3 Ring

Normal Unbalanced Connections for Inputs and Outputs

Connection

XLR TRS 1/4” Jack TS 1/4” Jack
Ground: Pin 1 Sleeve Sleeve
High: Pin 2 Tip Tip
Low (ground): Pin 3 Ring Sleeve

Tie pin 3 to the ground for unity gain in/out of the 1046 when using unbalanced input connections to
balanced output connections or balanced input connections to unbalanced output connections. To do
otherwise won’t hurt the unit but will result in unmatched input to output levels, and the level control
will not be properly calibrated.

Installation Considerations

FRANÇAIS

®

9

Introduction

ATTENTION

POUR VOTRE PROTECTION, LISEZ CE QUI SUIT :

EAU ET MOISISSURE : L’appareil ne doit pas être utilisé près d’une

source d’eau (par exemple près d’une baignoire, cuvette, évier, dans un
sous-sol humide, ou près d’une piscine, etc.). Faire attention à ce qu’aucun
objet ou liquide ne pénètre dans l’appareil par certaines ouvertures.

ALIMENTATION : Veiller à respecter la tension secteur correspondante.
MASSE ET POLARITE : Prendre soin de respecter la polarité et la mise à

la masse.
CORDON SECTEUR : Le cordon secteur doit être placé de manière à
éviter d’être coincé par d’autres appareils et qu’on ne puisse pas marcher
dessus, vérifier bien le cordon à son embase et à sa prise.
DEPANNAGE : Pour éviter le risque d’incendie et de choc électrique, l’util­isateur ne doit pas tenter de dépanner l’appareil en dehors des instructions
indiquées dans le manuel d’utilisation. En cas de panne, s’adresser à un
technicien qualifié.

POUR LES APPAREILS EQUIPES D’UN FUSIBLE ACCESSIBLE DE
L’EXTERIEUR : Remplacer le fusible par un fusible de même type et de

même valeur.

INSTRUCTIONS DE SECURITE

NOTE CONCERNANT LES APPAREILS MUNIS D’UN
CORDON SECTEUR

ATTENTION : L’APPAREIL DOIT ETRE RELIE A LA TERRE

Les conducteurs du câble secteur sont identifiés comme suit :

Vert/Jaune Terre
Bleu Neutre
Brun Phase

Si la couleur des conducteurs du câble secteur de cet
appareil ne correspond pas à la couleur des conducteurs de
la prise, procéder comme suit :

• Le conducteur vert/jaune doit être relié au fil vert ou
vert/jaune ou marqué avec la lettre E, ou avec le symbole
Terre.

• Le conducteur bleu doit être relié au fil noir ou marqué avec
la lettre N.

• Le conducteur brun doit être relié au fil rouge ou marqué
avec la lettre L.

CONDUCTEUR COULEUR

NORMAL AUTRE

L PHASE BRUN NOIR
N NEUTRE BLEU BLANC
E TERRE JAUNE/VERT VERT

ATTENTION : si la mise à la terre est absente, certains problèmes
peuvent apparaître dans l’appareil ou le système auquel il est
connecté en cas de tension importante entre le châssis et la terre. De
sérieux risques de blessures graves et même de mort existent en cas
de contact simultané de la masse châssis et de la terre.

COMPATIBILITE ELECTROMAGNETIQUE

L’appareil est conforme aux normes indiquées sur la Déclaration de
conformité.

• cet appareil ne provoquera pas de parasites nuisibles

• cet appareil supporte tout parasite, même un parasite qui pourrait
causer un dysfonctionnement. L’utilisation de cet appareil dans un
champ électromagnétique important doit être évitée.

Les symboles montrés ci-dessus sont internationaux et concernent les
appareils électriques. Le symbole de gauche vous avertit de la présence d’une
tension dangereuse, suffisante pour provoquer un choc électrique. Le symbole
de droite vous avertit que les instructions de fonctionnement sont importantes.
Prenez soin de lire le manuel.
Ces symboles indiquent qu’aucune pièce n’est accessible à l’intérieur de
l’appareil. Ne pas ouvrir l’appareil. Ne pas essayer de dépanner. S’adresser à un
technicien qualifié. L’ouverture de l’appareil sans raison annulera la garantie
constructeur. Ne pas mouiller l’appareil. Si un liquide est renversé dessus,
éteindre immédiatement l’appareil et le porter chez le distributeur pour dépan­nage. Débrancher l’appareil en cas d’orage pour éviter des dommages.

CAUTION

DECLARATION DE CONFORMITE

Nom fabricant : dbx Professional Products
Adresse fabricant : 8760 S. Sandy Parkway

Sandy, Utah 84070, USA

déclare que le produit

dbx 1046

est conforme aux spécifications suivantes :

Safety: EN 60065 (1993)

IEC 65 (1985) with
Amendments 1, 2, 3

EMC: EN 55013 (1990)

EN 55020 (1991)

Informations complémentaires :

Le produit est conforme à la Directive 89/336/EEC (1989) modifiée par
la Directive 93/68/EEC (1993).

dbx Professional Products
President of dbx
8760 S. Sandy Parkway
Sandy, Utah 84070, USA
22 Avril 1996

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC

SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

11

TÂBLE DES MATIÈRES

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

V

ÉRIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

C

ONNEXIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

C

OMMANDES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

A

PPLICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

I

NSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

C

ARACTÉRISTIQUES TECHNIQUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

TABLE DES MATIÈRES

®

®

Nous vous félicitons d’avoir choisi le limiteur/compresseur quadruple dbx 1046. Le 1046 est un appareil
multifonction de haute performance conçu pour des utilisateurs professionnels. Nous vous invitons à lire
ce manuel pour tirer le meilleur profit de votre appareil.

S’assurer que l’emballage du 1046 contient les articles suivants :

• limiteur/compresseur quadruple 1046

• cordon d’alimentation secteur

• manuel de l’utilisateur

• carte d’enregistrement

Pour connecter le 1046 à votre système, suivre les instructions suivantes :

• Eteindre l’ensemble du matériel avant d’effectuer tout branchement.

• Monter le 1046 en rack 1U (facultatif).

Installer le 1046 dans un rack en utilisant les vis fournies. Il peut être installé au­dessus ou en-dessous de tout appareil ne dégageant pas de chaleur et il ne
nécessite pas de ventilation particulière. Lorsque le matériel est sous tension, la
température ambiante ne doit pas dépasser 45°C.

• Etablir les connexions audio par l'intermédiaire des XLR, des jacks MONO ou
STEREO : Les deux types de connecteurs pour les entrées et les sorties peuvent
être employés pour des connexions symétriques ou asymétriques. L'utilisation de
plus d'un connecteur à la fois pourrait déséquilibrer des lignes symétriques, causer
des annulations de phase, ou endommager d’autres équipements connectés au

1046.

• Raccorder le secteur
Connecter le cordon secteur au réceptacle sur le dos de l'appareil. Raccorder le
cordon au secteur. L'appareil peut être mis en route par un interrupteur général.

CONNEXIONS

Introduction

Vérification

Connexions

12

Face avant

Indicateur GAIN REDUCTION : Il affiche la valeur dont le signal est atténué par le compresseur et/ou

par le limiteur. Les 8 Leds visualisent une réduction de gain de 0 à 30dB.

Commande de seuil de compresseur (THRESHOLD) : cette commande règle le niveau au-dessus
duquel la compression se produit, et a une plage de 60 dB.

Touche OVEREASY : OverEasy ® fournit une variation continue de la région linéaire à la région
compressée. Cette variation continue réduit considérablement les artefacts de compression et accorde
des temps plus rapides d'attaque et de plus hauts taux de compression tout en maintenant toujours les
caractéristiques naturelles du signal. La touche s'illumine pour indiquer que le traitement OverEasy ®
est actif. Quand le traitement conventionnel abrupt est désiré, neutraliser la fonction OverEasy®. Voir
figure 1 ci-dessou.

Figure 1 : Mode de compression Hard Knee et mode de compression OverEasy

®

13

COMMANDES

Commandes

N

1

T

GAIN REDUCTIO

30 25 20 15 10-24 -18 -12 -6 0 +6 +12 [phone]

-10

-40

+20

dBu

THRESHOLD

0

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS

-20

-30

INPUT / OUTPUT LEVEL dBu THRESHOLDGAIN REDUCTION dB

+

CHANNEL ONE CHANNEL

-10
0

1.5:1

+10

OverEasy I/O Meter Bypass

-40

+20

dBu

THRESHOLD

2:1

1:1

3:1

RATIO

4:1

-10

8:1

:1

0

-20

+20

dB

OUTPUT GAIN

+10

+10

+6

+4

PeakStop Plus

+12

dBu

+14

OFF

+20

Stereo
Couple

-20

-30

LIMITERCOMPRESSOR

1.5:

+10

OverEasy

+20

+15

+10

+5

0

-5

OUTPUT LEVEL (dB)

-10

-15

-15

GREEN
Belo w Thresh old

-10-50

RED
Above Threshold

Rota tion Poi nt Thres hold

+5 +15

INPUT LEVEL (dB)

+10

1:1 Unity

20:1

+20

+20

2:1

4:1

:1

+15

+10

+5

0

−

5

OUTPUT LEVEL (dB)

−

10

−

15

G

−

−

15

10

E

E

R

INPUT LEVEL (dB)

R

E

B

M

A

N

OverEasy Range

Belo w Thresh old

−

5

0

+5

RED

Above Threshold

+15

+10

1:1

2:1

4:1

:1

+20