Dolby Laboratories 430 Series Installation And Operating Instructions Manual

430 SERIES

BACKGROUND NOISE
SUPPRESSOR SYSTEM

Installation and
Operating Instructions

INSTALLATION AND

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

FOR

430 SERIES BACKGROUND

NOISE SUPPRESSOR SYSTEM

Dolby Laboratories Incorporated

U.S.A. 100 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94103

Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]

U.K. Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, SN4 8QJ, England

Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]; Telex: 44849

WARRANTY INFORMATION: warranty on the product covered by this manual is subject to the limitations and disclaimers set forth in the
warranty disclaimer originally shipped with the product and also printed on the back of the invoice.

Dolby and the double-D are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

©1994 Dolby Laboratories

ISSUE 3

S94/9359/10081

Part No. 91262

DOLBY 430

DOLBY 430

D

OLBY

430 B

ACKGROUNDNOISESUPRESSOR

BACKGROUND NOISE SUPPRESSOR

BACKGROUND NOISE SUPPRESSOR

T

he Dolby 430 Series is a background

noise suppressor system for reducing the
broadband noises such as wind or traffic rum­ble that often mar location recordings. Many
mixers in film and television postproduction
already rely on Dolby Laboratories’
Cat. No.43, a background noise suppression
unit based on a modified version of Dolby
A-type noise reduction. The 430 Series takes
this concept further by using a modified ver­sion of Dolby SR’s patented combination of
fixed and sliding bands to give more stable
signal handling and a significantly reduced
chance of audible side effects.

While superior in performance to the
Cat. No.43, the 430 Series uses fewer con­trols. Low- and high-frequency faders adjust
the amount of noise suppression above and
below dominant mid-frequency signals such
as dialogue. A pull-to-engage control permits
varying the preset operating level for record­ings at unusually high or low levels (overall
gain of the unit remains fixed).

The 430 Series is a modular system pro­viding from one to six channels of background
noise suppression. A single control unit pro­vides power and control signals for up to three
single-rackspace frames, each with one or two
channels of processing. All operating controls
are mounted in a remote control module
which may be located up to 15 meters (50
feet) from the control unit. These remote con­trols have been specifically designed for easy
console mounting. Alternatively, a housing is
available to allow for standalone operation.

100 Potrero Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94103-4813
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]

Wootton Bassett
Wiltshire SN4 8QJ, England
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]

www.dolby.com

Signal Processing

Independent low- and high-frequency stages with
maximum noise suppression of approximately
16 and 18 dB, respectively

Signal Connection

3-pin XLR connectors for audio; 34-way ribbon
connector links processing module frames to power
supply/control unit; one 15-way D-connector con­nects remote controls for all channels

Operating Controls

Operating controls for each channel of processing
are mounted on Cat. No.429 Remote Control
module
Level: rotary control varies signal level in processing
circuitry over a ±6 dB range without changing
overall gain of unit
In/out: push-button with LED indicator switches
processing in and out of circuit
HF & LF: fader controls set attenuation of
unwanted low-level signals

Signal Levels

Nominal input and output level +4 dBr

1

Input Circuits

Electronically balanced, 20 kΩ input impedance,
substantially resistive; common mode rejection
better than 55 dB, 50 Hz to 10 kHz; maximum
input level +27 dBr balanced, +21 dBr unbalanced

Output Circuits

Electronically balanced, approximately 20Ω
output impedance; output balance better than 1 dB
into a symmetrical 600Ω load; output float

2

better than –40 dB, 50 Hz to 1 kHz; maximum
signal level into 600Ω or greater: +26 dBr balanced,
+20 dBr unbalanced; either leg of the output can be
grounded for unbalanced operation with no change
in level

Frequency Response

±1 dB 20 Hz to 20 kHz with LF and HF controls
set to 0

Crosstalk

Channel to channel within a single frame: better than
–94 dB 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Power Line Input

User-selected voltage ranges (50–60 Hz,single­phase); nominally 100 V (85–110 V), 110 V
(102–132 V), 220 V (187–242 V),
240 V (204–264 V)

Size

Processor and power supply/control units: 44 × 483
mm (standard 1.75 × 19 inches rack mounting );
maximum projection behind mounting surface:
330 mm (13 inches) including connectors; remote
control panels: 150 mm x 39.5 mm (5.91 × 1.56
inches ); maximum projection behind control
surface: 100 mm (3.94 inches) including connec­tors; may be console-mounted, mounting holes on

142.9 mm (5.63 inches) centers.

Weight

Model Weights (including remotes): 430-S1, 8 kg
(17.5 lb); 430-S2, 9 kg (19.6 lb); 430-S3,12.9 kg
(28.3 lb); 430-S4, 14 kg (30.6 lb); 430-S5,

17.8 kg (39.2 lb); 430-S6, 18.8 kg (41.4 lb)

Accessories

430SU1: single-channel upgrade package with
one channel module, one remote control and rack
mounting frame with blanking plate.
430SU2: two-channel upgrade package with two
channel modules, two remote controls and rack
mounting frame.
430SK1: single-channel upgrade package with one
processing module and one remote control only (no
frame included).
Cat. No. 428: remote housing for up to three
Cat. No. 429 remote controls.

Regulatory Notices

US: This unit is UL listed.
Europe: The 230 Volt unit complies with the
requirements of Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC.

Warranty

One-year limited, parts and labor

1

0 dBr = 0.775 mV

2

Output float is the level across a balanced load relative to an interfering
signal injected at one end of the load
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
© 2000 Dolby Laboratories, Inc.S00/00000

430 S

PECIFICATIONS

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES:
Equipment manufactured by Dolby
Laboratories is warranted against
defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of one year from the date of
purchase. There are no other express
or implied warranties and no warranty
of merchantability or fitness for a partic­ular purpose.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: It is
understood and agreed that Dolby
Laboratories’ liability whether in con­tract, in tort,under any warranty, in neg­ligence or otherwise shall not exceed the
cost of repair or replacement of the
defective components and under no cir­cumstances shall Dolby Laboratories be
liable for incidental, special,direct, indi­rect or consequential damages (includ­ing but not limited to damage to soft­ware or recorded audio or visual mater­ial), or loss of use,revenue or profit even
if Dolby Laboratories or its agents have
been advised, orally or in writing, of the
possibility of such damages.

DOLBY NOISE REDUCTION

Dolby noise reduction is a family of
signal processes that reduce the noise
inherent in analog recording media,
without affecting the sound being
recorded. While they differ in perfor­mance and details of operation, all
Dolby NR systems are complementary
processes that first encode the music
when it is recorded, then decode it
when it is played back. They also treat
soft signals separately from loud ones,
and vary the NR action with frequency
to avoid the side effects typical of other
systems.

Dolby A-type noise reduction, intro­duced in 1965, was originally intended
for use by professional recording studios
to make quieter master tape recordings.
In the early 1970s its use was extended
to film studios and motion picture
release prints to make films sound
better.

Dolby SR (spectral recording), intro­duced in 1986, was designed not only to
provide more noise reduction than
A-type, but also to enable analog master
recordings that equal or surpass 16-bit
digital recordings with respect to overall
dynamic range. Today, analog with
Dolby SR is still a preferred format for
some musicians, producers, and record­ing and mastering facilities, and is the
standard format for the analog sound­tracks of virtually all feature films.

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

SECTION 1 UNIT CONFIGURATIONS

1.1 The Model 430 System .................................................................................................. 1-1

1.2 Accessories .................................................................................................................... 1-1

SECTION 2 OPERATION

2.1 Controls .......................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Practical Operation ......................................................................................................... 2-2

2.3 Console Signal Path Insertion Guide ............................................................................. 2-3

SECTION 3 INSTALLATION

3.1 Control unit and Suppressor Frames ............................................................................. 3-1

3.2 Console Mounting of Remotes ....................................................................................... 3-3

3.3 Channel Number Assignment ........................................................................................ 3-3

3.4 Panel Cut-Out Templates for Cat. No. 428 Remotes ..................................................... 3-4

3.5 Regulatory Notices ......................................................................................................... 3-5

SECTION 4 THEORY OF OPERATION

SECTION 5 SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS

APPENDIX

A1 Plugging Precautions ..................................................................................................... A-1

ii

INTRODUCTION

The Model 430 Series is a playback-only noise reduction system intended primarily to reduce unwanted
ambient noise from location recordings. Typically, this noise is generated by broadband sources such as
generators, wind, or traffic.

The Model 430 Series is a second-generation design, following from the Cat. No. 43 unit—a successful
background noise suppressor in widespread use in post-production facilities throughout the world. The
Model 430 unit offers several benefits over the earlier design, including improved ease of operation, and a
reduced risk of side effects.

The earlier design was based on Dolby A-type noise reduction techniques, and incorporated user control of
each of its four fixed bands to accomplish playback noise reduction. The Model 430 design is based on
Dolby spectral recording techniques, with a multiple combination of low- and high-frequency fixed and
sliding bands. Basic user controls have been reduced to two, controlling the amount of playback noise
reduction above and below the dominant signal of interest, typically above and below mid-frequency dialog
components. The use of Dolby SR fixed and sliding bands in combination results in much more stable
signal handling with a significantly reduced chance of audible background signal pumping. Nevertheless,
the user is cautioned that, as with all non-complementary playback-only noise reduction devices, excessive
use and certain signal combinations can lead to audible side-effects.

The Model 430 Series is not intended for suppression of spot-tone signals, such as camera noise or power
line hum interference. Noise sources such as this may well be better treated with a dip filter.

In typical applications, the Model 430 Series unit is placed in the signal path of a sound mixing console
where nominal line levels are present. It is intended to operate at a level around +4 dBr (Ref: 0.775 Vrms).

1-1

SECTION 1

UNIT CONFIGURATIONS

1.1 The Model 430 System

The Model 430 is a modular system which has a control unit containing the power supply and
microprocessor. The control unit links to one or more enclosures each of which contains one or two noise
suppression modules and also links to one or more remote control modules. The 40mm wide format of the
remote control modules makes them easily mountable in spare sections of many mixing consoles.
Alternatively, they may be mounted in an optional housing which can mount up to three remote control
modules.

Linking of the units is accomplished by a short ribbon cable bus between the control unit and the suppressor
module enclosures and a 15-meter shielded cable between the control unit and remote control modules.
Where the remotes are console mounted, there are 15-way ribbon cable assemblies which allow flexible
use of the spare space in the console.

The figure below shows a complete 6-channel system along with the various component part numbers.

A1F4356B REV2

430 Series Noise Suppressor Module

Cat. No. 413

Dolby

Normal

Bypass

5

0

1

2

3

4

Dolby

430
Series
Remote

Level

Pull to

Clip

Adjust

LF

HF

in

Bypass

Normal

Dolby

Cat. No. 413
430 Series Noise Suppressor Module

430 Series Control Unit

6

5

4

321

Channels

Error

Remote

Error

Channel

Dolby

430 Series Noise Suppressor Module

Cat. No. 413

Dolby

Normal

Bypass

Bypass

Normal

Dolby

Cat. No. 413
430 Series Noise Suppressor Module

430 Series Noise Suppressor Module

Cat. No. 413

Dolby

Normal

Bypass

Bypass

Normal

Dolby

Cat. No. 413
430 Series Noise Suppressor Module

in

HF

LF

Adjust

Clip

Pull to

Level

Remote

Series

430

Dolby

4

3

2

1

0

5

in

HF

LF

Adjust

Clip

Pull to

Level

Remote

Series

430

Dolby

4

3

2

1

0

5

in

HF

LF

Adjust

Clip

Pull to

Level

Remote

Series

430

Dolby

4

3

2

1

0

5

in

HF

LF

Adjust

Clip

Pull to

Level

Remote

Series

430

Dolby

4

3

2

1

0

5

in

HF

LF

Adjust

Clip

Pull to

Level

Remote

Series

430

Dolby

4

3

2

1

0

5

430PS POWER SUPPLY AND CONTROL UNIT

430SU2 2 CHANNEL SUPPRESSOR UNIT

430SU2 2 CHANNEL SUPPRESSOR UNIT

430SU2 2 CHANNEL SUPPRESSOR UNIT

PART NO. 83093

PART NO. 83128

430 SERIES

430 SERIES

6 CHANNEL

15 METER
REMOTE CABLE

FLAT CABLE

PART NO. 83131

PART NO.83127
430 SERIES
3 REMOTES CABLE

REMOTE CONTROLS

CAT. NO. 429

430 SERIES
REMOTE EXTENSION CABLE
(ALSO USED FOR 4 REMOTES)

430 SERIES

PART NO. 83121

LINK

CHASSIS GROUND