dbx Pro 266XL User Manual

266XLCompressor/Gate

Owner/Operator Manual

Manuel d’utilisation

Bedienungsanleitung

Manual de instrucciones

C A U T I O N

RIS K O F ELECTRI C SHOCK

D O NO T OPEN

ATTENTION: RISQU E D E CHO C ELECTRIQU E - N E PA S OUVRIR

WARNING: T O REDUC E TH E RIS K O F FIR E O R ELECTRIC SHOC K D O NO T EXPOS E THI S EQUIPMEN T T O RAI N O R MOISTURE

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.

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.

WARNING

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.

MULTIPLE-INPUT VOLTAGE: This equipment may require the use of a different line cord, attachment plug, or both, depending on the available power source at installation. Connect this equipment only to the power source indicated on the equipment rear panel. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, refer servicing to qualified service personnel or equivalent.

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.

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.

			CONDUCTOR			WIRE COLOR
						Normal	Alt
			L		LIVE	BROWN	BLACK
			N		NEUTRAL	BLUE	WHITE
			E		EARTH GND	GREEN/YEL	GREEN

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.

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 266XL
conforms to the following Product Specifications:
	EMC:	EN 55013 (1990)
		EN 55020 (1991)
	Safety:	EN 60065 (1993)
		IEC65 (1985) with Amendments 1, 2, 3

Supplementary Information:

The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC, and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC (1989), as amended by directive 93/68/EEC (1993).

dbx Professional Products Vice President of Engineering 8760 S. Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070, USA February 26, 1998

European Contact: Your Local dbx Sales and Service Office or

International Sales Office
68 Sheila Lane
Valparaiso, Indiana	Tel: [phone]
46383, USA	Fax: [phone]

WARRANTY

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.

266XLCompressor/Gate

MANUAL CONTENTS

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

FRANÇAIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

DEUTSCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

ESPAÑOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

ENGLISH CONTENTS

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

OPERATING CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

COMPRESSOR SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

EXPANDER/GATE SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

CONNECTING THE 266XL TO YOUR SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

TECHNICAL SUPPORT / FACTORY SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

REGISTRATION AND USER FEEDBACK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

BLOCK DIAGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

2

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on choosing the dbx 266XL Compressor/Gate. The 266XL provides traditional dbx sonic quality and performance for the working musician, DJ, studio operator or anyone who needs a friendly compressor/gate to achieve quality compression, gating and downward expansion quickly and easily. We recommend that you take a moment and read through the manual as it provides information that will assist you in using your unit to its fullest potential.

The 266XL's compressor is packed with just the right features to effectively reduce and control the dynamic range of your audio, add punch to flabby, loose sounds, or add sustain to instruments. The 266XL begins with the classic dbx compression made famous by our 160 line of compressors. Just set the 266XL's Attack and Release controls to 12:00 to get the same response as those units. But there's more. We scaled the program-dependent Attack and Release controls with dbx's new AutoDynamic™ circuitry, so that the 266XL's full range of controls produce voicings that extend from slow leveling to aggressive peak limiting.

Common Compressor Applications:

•Fattening a Kick Drum or Snare Drum

•Adding Sustain to Guitar or Synthesizer String Sounds

•Smoothing Out a Vocal Performance

•Raising a Signal Out of a Mix

•Preventing Sound System Overload

•Digital to Analog Transfers

The 266XL's gate is ready to tackle all your gating needs, whether you need to remove unwanted noise or other background sounds, tighten drum sounds, or change the characteristic envelope of an instrument. The 266XL's gate provides more flexibility than traditional switch gates because it actually functions as a combination gate/expander. Where switch gates are generally only suitable for a limited number of uses (e.g., gating percussion), the gate on the 266XL acts as a gentle downward expander at low Ratio settings (suitable for vocals, guitar, mixed program, etc.), and can effectively work as a switch gate when used at high Ratio settings.

Common Gating Applications:

•Gating Dry Percussive Sounds (e.g., Snare Drum, Kick Drum)

•Gating Sounds That Have Longer Decay (e.g., Cymbal, Piano)

•Gating Hum or Buzz From Live Instruments or Recorded Tracks

•Downward Expansion to Reduce Noise Under Smooth Sounds (e.g., Vocals, Woodwinds)

Refer to the following pages for suggested initial settings. These settings should suffice for traditional compressing and gating requirements. However, the 266XL can accomplish many more changes to sound quality. We recommend that you experiment with the 266XL's controls; take our suggested settings and run with them, try totally different settings, and try unorthodox combinations of compressor and gating controls. You might be surprised at what you hear. Best of all, you may create the perfect sound quality for your needs.

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266XLCompressor/Gate

OPERATING CONTROLS

	THRESHOLD		THRESHOLD			GAIN REDUCTION dB
	- +	CHANNEL ONE	- 0	+		30 25 20 15 10 6 3 1
	-40	2:1	-10		2:1		0
	-20		-20	0
		3:1			4:1	-10	+10	-60
	-60			1.3:1
	0	1.3:1	-30	+10				Stereo
				OverEasy		Auto	Bypass	Couple

OFF dBu +15	1:1	4:1
THRESHOLD		RATIO

-40 dBu +20	1:1	:1	FAST	SLOW	FAST	SLOW	-20 dB +20
THRESHOLD	RATIO		ATTACK		RELEASE		OUTPUT GAIN

EXPANDER/GATE

COMPRESSOR

Front Panel

STEREO COUPLE Switch and LED

This switch sets the 266XL for Stereo or Dual Mono operation. Press the STEREO COUPLE switch in for stereo operation where Channel 1 becomes the master controller for both channels. All of Channel 2's controls, switches, and LEDs will be disabled (except for Channel 2's GAIN REDUCTION meter), since Channel 2 is the slave.

With the STEREO COUPLE switch out, the unit functions as two separate mono compressor/gates, each with its own independent controls.

The red STEREO COUPLE LED indicates that the 266XL is stereo-coupled.

BYPASS Switch and LED

Press this switch in to bypass the front panel controls, effectively canceling the function and processing effect of the 266XL's compression, gating and gain settings. The input signal is still present at the 266XL's Output, but is now unaltered by the 266XL's controls. BYPASS is especially useful for making comparisons between processed and unprocessed signals. Note that with stereo operation (STEREO COUPLE switch pressed in), the Channel 1 BYPASS switch controls both channels.

The red BYPASS LED lights when BYPASS is active.

GAIN REDUCTION (dB) Meter

This meter displays the amount of signal attenuated from the input signal by the 266XL's Compressor or Expander/Gate. When the Compressor and Expander/Gate are both active, the meter displays the maximum amount of gain reduction for whichever function is greater - Compressor or Expander/Gate.

OUTPUT GAIN (dB) Control:

This control sets the overall gain of the 266XL, from -20dB to +20dB. The OUTPUT GAIN control is especially useful to compensate for the RMS level decrease which results from the 266XL's dynamic processing effects. After you adjust the 266XL's controls for the desired amount of compression, set the OUTPUT GAIN to add the same amount of gain that is shown on the GAIN REDUCTION meters. For example, if the average amount of gain reduction shown on the meters is 10dB, then setting the OUTPUT GAIN control to +10dB will compensate for the 10dB average level reduction at the output.

Note: the 266XL's Compressor and Expander/Gate control settings are interactive and can affect gain, so

watch your playback levels.

4

COMPRESSOR SECTION

Note: Setting the Compressor RATIO to 1:1 will turn the Compressor off, regardless of the setting of the

Compressor THRESHOLD control and BELOW/OVEREASY/ABOVE LED status. Setting the Compressor

THRESHOLD control to +20dB will prevent all but the highest level peaks from being compressed.

OVEREASY® Switch

Depress this switch to select the OverEasy® compression characteristic. The yellow THRESHOLD LED turns on when the signal is in the OverEasy region. When the switch is out, the 266XL operates as a hard-knee compressor, and the yellow LED does not light.

Compressor THRESHOLD Control and LEDs (BELOW/OVEREASY/ABOVE):

Adjust this control to set the threshold of compression from - 40dB to +20dB. In hardknee mode, the threshold of compression is defined as the point above which the output level no longer changes on a 1:1 basis with changes in the input level.

In OverEasy mode the threshold of compression is defined as the middle of the

OverEasy threshold region, that is, “half-way” into compression.

The three THRESHOLD LEDs indicate the relationship of the input signal level to the threshold of compression. The green LED lights when the signal is BELOW threshold, the red LED lights when the signal is above threshold, and the yellow LED lights when the OVEREASY switch is depressed and the input signal is in the OVEREASY range.

The 266XL's OverEasy compression permits extremely smooth, natural sounding compression, without artifacts, due to the gradual change of compression around the threshold. With OverEasy compression, input signals begin to gradually activate the 266XL's internal gain change circuitry as they approach the THRESHOLD reference level. They do not get fully processed by the RATIO, ATTACK and RELEASE controls until they have passed somewhat above the THRESHOLD reference level. As the signal level passes the THRESHOLD level, processing increases until it is fully processed to the extent determined by the control settings.

In hard-knee mode, the 266XL can provide abrupt compression effects as well as hardlimiting applications. Note that when in hard knee mode the yellow LED will not light as the input signal passes across the threshold. The signal is either being compressed (over threshold) or it is not being compressed (under threshold).

Note: Even though no input signal is being applied, it is normal for the LEDs to flicker on when the power is applied or removed.

Compressor RATIO Control:

Adjust this control to set the amount of compression applied to the input signal. Clockwise rotation of this control increases the compression ratio from 1:1 (no compression) up to °:1 (where the compressor can be considered to be a peak limiter, especially with faster ATTACK settings).

266XLCompressor/Gate

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266XLCompressor/Gate

When an input is above the THRESHOLD setting reference level, the RATIO setting determines the number of decibels by which the input signal must increase in level to produce a 1dB increase in the signal level at the output of the 266XL. A setting of 2:1 indicates an input/output ratio wherein a 2dB increase in signal (above threshold) will produce a 1dB increase in output signal. A setting of °:1 indicates that an infinite increase in input level would be required to raise the output level by 1dB.

Compressor ATTACK and RELEASE Control:

The ATTACK control sets the amount of time it takes the 266XL to begin compressing a signal once the detector has sensed a signal above threshold. The ATTACK range is from FAST (for a tighter and more noticeable compression effect with very little overshoot) to SLOW (for more delayed, gradual compression). A very fast ATTACK setting will cause the 266XL to act like a peak limiter even though RMS detection circuitry is used. Slower ATTACK settings cause the 266XL to act like an RMS or averaging detecting compressor/limiter.

The RELEASE control sets how fast the compression circuit returns the input to its original level. The RELEASE rate is from FAST (where compression follows the envelope of the program material very tightly) to SLOW (for very smooth compression).

There is no absolute right way to set the ATTACK and RELEASE controls. However, in general, you will want them set slow enough to avoid pumping or breathing sounds caused when background sounds are audibly modulated by the dominant signal energy, yet the release must be fast enough to avoid suppression of the desired signal after a sudden transient or loud note has decayed. For low frequency tones (e.g., bass guitar), set RELEASE and ATTACK to 2:00 or slower.

Note: ATTACK and RELEASE controls operate together and in conjunction with the RATIO control.

Changing one control may necessitate changing another setting.

Auto Switch:

This switch overrides both the ATTACK and RELEASE controls and enables preset program-dependent attack and release times. These times are derived from the input signal and continuously change to match its dynamics. Enabling this AUTO Function duplicates the “classic dbx sound” of the 266XL’s forerunners which have become standards in the industry.

EXPANDER/GATE SECTION

Note: The Expander/Gate is off when the Expander/Gate THRESHOLD is set to OFF.

Expander/Gate THRESHOLD Control and LEDs (BELOW/ABOVE):

Adjusting this control sets the level at which the gate will open and allow the signal at the input to pass through to the output. Turning the knob fully counterclockwise (to OFF) allows the gate to pass all signals unattenuated, effectively bypassing the gate. Turning the knob fully clockwise causes the gate to attenuate input signals below +15dBu. The depth of attenuation depends on the setting of the Expander/Gate RATIO control.

The two Expander/Gate LEDs indicate the relationship of the input signal level to the threshold setting. The red LED lights when the signal is BELOW threshold, the green LED lights when the signal is ABOVE threshold.

6

Expander/Gate RATIO Control:

This control sets the amount of attenuation applied to the input signal once it is below the threshold, from gentle downward expansion (appropriate for mixed program, vocals, etc.), to a hard gating effect (which can be useful for percussion). Fairly low RATIO (and higher Expander/Gate THRESHOLD) settings work best for downward expansion, whereas higher RATIO settings (clockwise towards MAX) work best for gating. If a setting produces undesirable pumping, readjust the Expander/Gate RATIO or THRESHOLD setting.

Note: The attack and release rate of the Expander/Gate are program-dependent - very fast for transient material (e.g., percussion) and slower for material with slow attack (e.g., vocals).

Note: Fast gating of sustained low frequency signals can result in “chattering”. To eliminate any “chattering” simply adjust the RATIO control. The proper THRESHOLD setting will also minimize false triggering and “chattering.”

15 WATTS			PHONE:	MANUFACTURED UNDER ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING U.S. PATENTS 4,234,804 4,316,107 4,329,598 4,331,931 4,377,792 4,403,199 4,409,500 4,425,551 4,434,380 4,454,433 4,471,324 4,473,793 OTHER PATENTS PENDING
					CHANNEL 2			CHANNEL 1
			TIP			SIDECHAIN			SIDECHAIN
			RING	OUTPUTS	INPUTS	INSERT	OUTPUTS	INPUTS	INSERT
						TIP=INPUT			TIP=INPUT
						RING=OUTPUT			RING=OUTPUT
			SLEEVE		+4 dBu			+4 dBu
		PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS	XLR:		-10 dBV			-10 dBV
		A HARMAN INTERNATIONAL
		COMPANY	PIN 1
		SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH	PIN 2
100V	50/60Hz	MADE IN USA
120V	60Hz	MODEL 266XL	PIN 3
		COMPRESSOR/GATE

INPUT Jacks (CHANNEL 1 and 2):

Use 1/4” phone plugs or male XLR plugs to connect these inputs to your source. The 266XL's INPUT jacks accept either balanced or unbalanced signals. Input impedance is >40k½.

OUTPUT Jacks (CHANNEL 1 and 2):

The OUTPUT jacks accept 1/4” balanced or unbalanced phone plugs or female XLR plugs. Maximum output signal level is >+20dBu. In the +4dBu setting, the balanced output impedance is 100½, and the unbalanced output impedance is 50½. In the -10dBV setting, the balanced output impedance is 1k½ and the unbalanced output impedance is 500½.

OPERATING LEVEL Switch

This switch selects between a -10dBV and +4dBu nominal operating level. When the switch is in the IN position, a -10dBV operating level is selected. When it is in the OUT position, a +4dBu operating level is selected. Note that the switch is slightly recessed. This is to provide protection against accidental activation, possibly causing damage to other system components due to a sudden change in gain.

SIDECHAIN INSERT Jack:

This jack accepts 1/4” TRS phone plugs and provides a connection to the 266XL detector path. The RING acts as a Send, carrying a buffered version of the signal present at the 266XL INPUT jack, at an impedance of 2k½. The TIP acts as a Return for equipment to feed the 266XL's detector circuitry, such as an equalizer for de-essing or frequency-sensitive gating/compression. You can also drive the 266XL Sidechain input with the output of most equipment, by using a 1/4” mono phone plug. Input Impedance is greater than 10k½.

Rear Panel

Note: When a cable is plugged into this jack, it automatically breaks the connection from the INPUT jack to the 266XL's detection circuitry.

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266XLCompressor/Gate

IEC - AC Power cord receptacle

Plug the AC power cord (supplied) into the 266XL. Plug the other end into a standard wall receptacle. Take care to route power cables away from audio lines. Note that the 266XL does not have a power switch. It is recommended that the 266XL be “On” at all times. Power consumption is low. If you do not plan to use the 266XL for an extended period of time, unplug it.

WARNING: Be sure to verify your actual line voltage is the same as the voltage level printed below the AC power receptacle. Connection to an inappropriate power source may result in extensive damage which is not covered by the warranty.

Caution: Never remove the cover. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.

CONNECTING THE 266XL TO YOUR SYSTEM

The 266XL can be used with any line-level device. Some common examples include mixing consoles, electronic musical instruments, patch bays, and signal processors. For all connections, refer to the following steps:

Turn Off all equipment before making any connections.

Mount the 266XL in a 1U rack space (optional).

The 266XL requires one rack space (height) and 1 rack space (width). It can be mounted above or below anything that doesn't generate excessive heat, since it requires no special ventilation. Ambient temperatures should not exceed 113ºF (45ºC) when equipment is powered.

Make connections via 1/4” phone or XLR jacks according to your requirements. Typical patch points include: a mixer's channel or subgroup inserts when using the 266XL on individual instruments or tracks; the mixer's main outputs when mixing; an instrument preamp's effects loop when using the 266XL for guitar or bass; main outs of a submixer (i.e., keyboard mixer) as the signal is sent to main mixer; between a DAT's output and an analog cassette input. When using a chain of processors, the 266XL may be placed either before or after effects or dynamics processors. We recommend you use common sense and experiment with different setups to see which one provides the best results for your needs.

Connect the AC power cord (shipped with the unit) to the 266XL's rear panel

POWER connector and an appropriate AC power source to turn the unit ON.

8

TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND FACTORY SERVICE

The 266XL is an all-solid-state product with components chosen for high performance and excellent reliability. Each 266XL is tested, burned-in and calibrated at the factory and should require no internal adjustment of any type throughout the life of the unit.

We recommend that your 266XL be returned to the factory only after referring to the manual and consulting with dbx Customer Service.

Our phone number, Fax number and address are listed on the back cover of this manual.

When you contact dbx Customer Service, be prepared to accurately describe the problem. Know the serial number of your unit. This is printed on a sticker attached to the side panel of the unit.

Note: Please refer to the terms of your Limited Two-Year Standard Warranty, which extends to the first enduser. After the warranty expires, a reasonable charge will be made for parts, labor, and packing if you choose to use the factory service facility. In all cases, you are responsible for shipping charges to the factory. dbx will pay return shipping if the unit is still under warranty.

Shipping Instructions: Use the original packing material if it is available. Mark the package with the name of the shipper, and with these words in red: DELICATE INSTRUMENT, FRAGILE! Insure the package properly. Ship prepaid, not collect. Do not ship parcel post.

REGISTRATION CARD AND USER FEEDBACK

We appreciate your feedback. After you have an opportunity to use your new 266XL, please complete the Registration Card and return it.

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266XLCompressor/Gate

FRANÇAIS

C A U T I O N

RIS K O F ELECTRI C SHOCK

D O NO T OPEN

ATTENTION: RISQU E D E CHO C ELECTRIQU E - N E PA S OUVRIR

WARNING: T O REDUC E TH E RIS K O F FIR E O R ELECTRIC SHOC K D O NO T EXPOS E THI S EQUIPMEN T T O RAI N O R MOISTURE

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.

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.

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 disfonctionnement. L’utilisation de cet appareil dans un champ électromagnétique important doit être évité.

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 chassis et la terre. De sérieux risques de blessures graves et même de mort existent en cas de contact simultané de la masse chassis et de la terre.

DECLARATION DE CONFORMITE

Nom fabricant:	dbx Professional Products
Adresse fabricant:	8760 S. Sandy Parkway
	Sandy, Utah 84070, USA

declare que le produit

dbx 266XL

est conforme aux spécifications suivantes :

Safety: EN 60065 (1993)

IEC65 (1985) avec Amendements 1, 2, 3

EMC: EN 55013 (1990)

EN 55020 (1991)

Informations complémentaires :

Le produit est conforme aux directives 73/23/EEC et 89/336/EEC modifié par la Directive 93/68/EEC.

dbx Professional Products

President of dbx

8760 S. Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070, USA February 26, 1998

Contacter votre distributeur

International Sales Office

68 Sheila Lane

Valparaiso, Indiana

46383, USA

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

11

266XLCompressor/Gate

TABLE DES MATIERES

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

DESCRIPTION DES CONTROLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

SECTION COMPRESSEUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

SECTION EXPANSEUR/GATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

CONNEXION DU 266XL A VOTRE SYSTEME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

SUPPORT TECHNIQUE/APRÈS-VENTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

ENREGISTREMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

SYNOPTIQUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

12

INTRODUCTION

Nous vous remercions de votre choix du compresseur/Gate dbx 266XL. Le 266XL offre la qualité de son et les performances des appareils dbx pour les musiciens, DJ, opérateurs studio et toute personne à la recherche d'un appareil simple permettant une compression, un Gate ou une expansion de qualité, rapide et facile. Nous vous recommandons de lire ce manuel car il vous permettra d'utiliser au mieux votre appareil.

Le compresseur 266XL possède toutes les caractéristiques pour contrôler la dynamique d'un signal, ajouter du punch, diminuer le bruit ou ajouter du "sustain" à certains instruments. Le 266XL commence avec la classique compression dbx déjà connue avec les compresseurs de la série 160, il suffit de régler les temps d'attaque et de relâchement à mi-course pour obtenir un fonctionnement identique. Mais il peut faire mieux. Les temps d'attaque et de relâchement réglables ainsi que le nouveau circuit dbx AutoDynamic, permettent d'élargir la plage de contrôle du 266XL.

Applications courantes de la compression :

•Renforcer le son d'une batterie

•Ajouter du "sustain" à une guitare ou un synthétiseur

•Atténuer les différences de niveau des voix

•Prélever un signal

•Eviter une surcharge du système

•Optimiser la dynamique lors du transfert numérique vers analogique.

Le Gate du 266XL permet d'oter des bruits indésirables, de renforcer les sons de batterie ou de modifier l'enveloppe d'un instrument. Le Gate du 266XL est plus polyvalent que les Gates traditionnels car il combine deux fonctions Gate et expanseur. Les Gates ne conviennent que pour un nombre limité d'utilisations (par exemple percussion), le Gate du 266XL fonctionne comme un expanseur lorsqu'il est réglé sur des taux de compression bas (convenant pour les voix, guitares, programmes mixés, etc.) et peut travailler comme un Gate traditionnel lorsqu'il est réglé sur des taux de compression élevés.

Applications courantes du Gate :

•Traitement d'un son de percussion sec (par exemple, grosse caisse, batterie)

•Traitement d'un son décroissant (par exemple, cymbales, piano)

•Traitement des ronflements et bruits d'instruments en sonorisation ou en enregistrement

•Expansion pour réduire les bruits résiduels sur des sons doux (par exemple, voix, bois)

Référez-vous aux pages suivantes pour les réglages initiaux conseillés. Ces réglages conviendront pour une compression traditionnelle et les besoins de Gate courants. Toutefois, le 266XL peut intervenir de façon importante sur la qualité d'un son. Nous recommandons d'expérimenter les contrôles du 266XL ; travaillez avec les réglages proposés et essayez en d'autres complètement différents, avec toutes les combinaisons du compresseur et du Gate. Vous serez surpris par ce que vous entendrez mais en final, vous pourrez trouver la combinaison parfaite pour vos besoins.

266XLCompressor/Gate