Drawmer DSL424 User Manual

DRAWMER

DSL424

TwoPlusTwo

DYNAMICS

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Warranty Safety Consideration

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Introduction Installation Audio Connections Power Connection

Chapter 2 - Control Description

The Noise Gate Channels The Compressor / Limiter Channels The Quick Setup Procedure

Chapter 3 - Operation

The Noise Gate Channels The Compressor / Limiter Channels

Chapter 3 - General Information

If a fault develops Contacting Drawmer Specification Block Diagram Session Recall Sheet

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CONTENTS

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This manual is copyrighted

laws, no part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or translated into any language in any form by any means, mechanical, optical, electronic, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of Drawmer Electronics Ltd.

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Drawmer Electronics Ltd., warrants the Drawmer DSL424 TwoPlusTwo Dynamics to conform substantially to the specifications of this manual for a period of one year from the original date of purchase when used in accordance with the specifications detailed in this manual. In the case of a valid warranty claim, your sole and exclusive remedy and Drawmer’s entire liability under any theory of liability will be to, at Drawmer’s discretion, repair or replace the product without charge, or, if not possible, to refund the purchase price to you. This warranty is not transferable. It applies only to the original purchaser of the product.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

DRAWMER

DSL424

Dual Channel

V acuum Tube Compressor

CAUTION - MAINS FUSE

For warranty service please call your local Drawmer dealer. Alternatively call Drawmer Electronics Ltd. at +44 (0)1709

527574. Then ship the defective product, with transportation and insurance charges pre-paid, to Drawmer Electronics Ltd., Coleman Street, Parkgate, Rotherham, S62 6EL UK. Write the RA number in large letters in a prominent position on the shipping box. Enclose your name, address, telephone number, copy of the original sales invoice and a detailed description of the problem. Drawmer will not accept responsibility for loss or damage during transit.

RA TED AT 230V=T125mA and 115V=T250mA.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE

REPLACE THE MAINS FUSE ONL Y WITH

A FUSE THAT CONFORMS TO IEC127-2.

250 VOL T WORKING, TIME DELAY TYPE

AND BODY SIZE OF 20mm x 5mm.

THE MAINS INPUT FUSE MUST BE

This warranty is void if the product has been damaged by misuse, modification or unauthorised repair.

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESSED, IMPLIED OR ST A TUTORY. DRAWMER MAKES NO OTHER W ARRANTY EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A P ARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. PURCHASER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE REP AIR OR REPLACEMENT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN.

IN NO EVENT WILL DRAWMER ELECTRONICS LTD. BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT , INDIRECT , SPECIAL, INCIDENT AL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESUL TING FROM ANY DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, DAMAGE TO PROPERTY , AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, DAMAGE FOR PERSONAL INJURY, EVEN IF DRAWMER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Some states and specific countries do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties or limitations on how long an implied warranty may last, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have additional rights that vary from state to state, and country to country .

CAUTION - MAINS CABLE

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHANGE

OR T AMPER WITH THE

SUPPLIED MAINS CABLE.

CAUTION - SERVICING

DO NOT PERFORM ANY SERVICING.

REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED

SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR

ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE

THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

In the interests of product development, Drawmer reserve the right to modify or

improve specifications of this product at any time, without prior notice.

DRAWMER DSL424 OPERA TOR’S MANUAL

DRAWMER

DSL424

TWOPLUSTWO DYNAMICS

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1

The DSL424 provides the engineer with a 1U four channel comprehensive toolbox capable of solving the most complex dynamic problems. Incorporated in the 1U package are two industry standard frequency conscious noise gates and two soft/hard knee compressors with variable threshold limiting. The channels may be front panel configured as four individual stand alone processors, a stereo linked pair of comp/limiters with a stereo linked pair of gates. Alternatively , any combination of processing can be achieved by rear panel patching.

The DSL424 combines the gates of the DS404 with the compressor/limiters of the DL441 to provide a versatile 1U problem solver invaluable in applications where rack space is limited.

Recognizing that there are many general applications which require equipment that is simple to operate, Drawmer have designed the noise gate stages of the DSL424 utilizing ‘Programme Adaptive’ circuitry. This makes the DSL424 ideally suited for use over a wide range of input signals, ranging from drums and other percussive instruments through to vocals, pianos and even complete mixes.

The provision of variable Low-Pass and High-Pass Filters allows ‘without compromise’ frequency selective gating with a KEY LISTEN facility enabling monitoring of the filter setting.

Each gate channel can be operated as HARD - offering ultra-fast response time, stable triggering and a specialized release contour which is ideally suited to percussive material or SOFT - a versatile Expander capable of handling vocals and sub mixes.

The compressor section features a highly developed, auto attack/release system which adapts itself to the programme material being processed and is equally effective on individual sounds or complex mixes.

To maximise flexibility, each channel of the DSL424 is switchable between traditional ratio (hard knee) and soft-knee operation. T raditionally , soft-knee compressors are preferable for unobtrusive level control or for the control of finished mixes, whereas ratio type compressors are generally considered more successful in creative applications or where large amounts of gain reduction are required. By offering a choice of both modes, the DSL424 is capable of outstanding results in a very wide range of studio and live sound situations. The two channels may be operated independently or linked for true stereo operation.

Also included in each channel of the DSL424 is a peak limiter which allows the user to set an absolute output signal level that will not be exceeded. If the peak limiter threshold is exceeded for more than a few milliseconds, additional gain reduction will be applied to reduce the overall signal level to within accepted limits without distortion. Once the peak has passed, the system gain will return to normal after a period of about one second. This facility is extremely valuable both in live sound applications, for driver protection, and in digital recording where an absolute maximum recording level exists. Furthermore, when deliberately overdriven, it can be used creatively to produce level “pumping” effects which can be useful on electric guitar or rock vocal sounds.

Noise Gate

• V ariable High/Low Pass Filters for frequency triggering

• Auto attack

• V ariable release

• Switchable range with LED status

• Selectable ‘Hard’ (drums etc.) or ‘Soft’ (vocals etc.)

• 1/4 inch jack Key Inputs

• Key Listen facility

• Slave linking

DRAWMER DSL424 OPERA TOR’S MANUAL

Compressor/Limiter

• Switchable Hard/Soft knee compression with variable threshold, ratio and output gain

• Auto attack/release

• V ariable ‘zero overshoot’ transparent limiter

• High resolution bargraph metering of gain reduction and input/output level

• Stereo linking

• Balanced +4dB XLR in/out

INSTALLATION

The DSL424 is designed for standard 19" rack mounting and occupies 1U of rack space. Avoid mounting the unit directly above power amplifiers or power supplies that radiate significant amounts of heat and always connect

the mains earth to the unit. Fibre or plastic washers may be used to prevent the front panel becoming marked by the mounting bolts.

AUDIO CONNECTIONS

The inputs and outputs are electronically balanced on conventionally wired XLRs (pin 1 screen, pin 2 hot, pin 3 cold and XLR shell is connected to chassis). The operating level is nominally +4dBu. Balanced use is recommended.

• Interference: If the unit is to be used where it maybe exposed to high levels of disturbance such as found close to a TV or radio transmitter, we advise that the unit is operated in a balanced configuration. The screens of the signal cables should be connected to the chassis connection on the XLR connector as opposed to connecting to pin1. The DSL424 conforms to the EMC standards.

• Ground Loops: If ground loop problems are encountered, never disconnect the mains earth, but instead, try disconnecting the signal screen on one end of each of the cables connecting the outputs of the DSL424 to the patchbay . If such measures are necessary, balanced operation is recommended.

POWER CONNECTION

The unit will have been supplied with a power cable suitable for domestic power outlets in your country . For your own safety it is important that you use this cable. The unit should always be connected to the mains supply earth using this cable, and no other. If for some reason the unit is to be used at a mains input operating voltage which is different to that as supplied, the following procedure must be carried out :

Disconnect the unit from the mains.

Remove the two self-tapping screws

that hold the voltage selection switch cover-plate onto the rear panel.

Remove the cover plate and slide the

switch fully to its opposite end. Rotate the cover plate one half turn,

(180 degrees) and refit the two screws. Replace with a correctly rated fuse for

the selected operation voltage. Re-connect to mains power source.

Never disconnect the earth

from the mains supply

1 15V Setting

230V Setting

DRAWMER DSL424 OPERA TOR’S MANUAL

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