Drawmer MX50 Operator's Manual

DRAWMER

MX50

DUAL DE-ESSER

OPERATORS MANUAL

CONTENTS

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS page 1

INTRODUCTION page 2

INSTALLATION page 3

• Audio Connections page 3

• Power Connection page 5

CONTROL DESCRIPTIONS and OPERATION page 6

• Linking page 7

IF A FAULT DEVELOPS page 8

CONTACTING DRAWMER page 8

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION page 9

BLOCK DIAGRAM page 10

SESSION RECALL page 11

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COPYRIGHT

This manual is copyrighted © 2011 by Drawmer Electronics, Ltd. W ith all rights
reserved. Under copyright laws, this manual may not be duplicated in whole or in part
without the written consent of Drawmer.

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Drawmer Electronics Ltd., warrants the Drawmer MX50 audio processor 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 specif ications 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.

For warranty service please call your local Drawmer dealer. Alternatively call
Drawmer Electronics Ltd. at [phone]. Then ship the defective product,
with transportation and insurance char ges 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.

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

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

IN NO EVENT WILL DRAWMER ELECTRONICS LTD. BE LIABLE FOR ANY
DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
RESULTING 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 specif ic legal rights. You may have
additional rights that vary from state to state, and country to country.

In the interests of product development, Drawmer reserve the right to modify or
improve specifications of this product at any time, without prior notice.

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MX50 OPERATORS’ MANUAL 1

DRAWMER MX50

Dual De-Esser

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

CAUTION - MAINS FUSE

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE REPLACE THE MAINS FUSE ONLY W ITH

THE SAME TYPE, W HICH MUST BE A CLASS 3, 230 VOLT, TIME DELAY

TYPE, RATED AT 63mA W HERE THE MAINS INPUT VOLTAGE SWITCH IS

SET TO 230 VOLTS AC. AND 125mA W HERE THE MAINS INPUT VOLTAGE

IS 115 VOLTS AC.

ALL FUSES MUST COMPLY WITH IEC 127-2.

THE FUSE BODY SIZE IS 20mm x 5mm.

CAUTION - MAINS CABLE

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHANGE OR TAMPER 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.

MX50 OPERATORS’ MANUAL2

INTRODUCTION

The MX50 is a flexible, sim ple to set up dual De-Esser designed to fulfil the needs of
professional studio, theatre and live sound applications. It may be used in balanced
systems at +4dBu operating levels using the XLR connectors, or unbalanced at -10dBu
using the TRS stereo jacks.

Though De-essers are most often used with the human voice, there are other instances
where a De-esser is a valuable asset to an engineer, for example, reducing the level of
overtones or string squeaks from acoustic guitars, or for making dynamic timbral
altera tions to cymbal sounds. For example, too harsh crash cymbals could be
'de-middled' by suitably adjusting the frequency control.

The MX50 has two modes of operation, one in which it emulates a conventional full-band
de-esser, and a more sophisticated mode in which only that part of the spectrum
containing sibilant sounds is subjected to gain reduction. At its most basic, a De-esser
is a Limiter with a fast release time which reduces the overall signal level in response
to a precise band of frequencies, then recovers quickly. The upper cutoff frequency of
the sibilance band is generally a round 8kHz and in the case of the MX50, the lower
cutoff is variable from 800Hz to 8kHz allowing the process to be optimised to various
voice types.

Even when working in th is basic full-band mode, the MX50 provides extra features to
improve ease of control and flexibility. Specifically, the circuitry includes a f loating
threshold system that adapts to the dynamics and level of the incoming signal, so no
manual threshold adjustment is necessary. De-essing is set via a single control and is
independent of signal levels over a 60dB range. Very low level signals, however, are not
subjected to de-essing as experimentation has shown that this produces the most
natural sounding result.

For more transparent de-essing, the Split Band mode confines the gain reduction
process to frequencies above those set by the Frequency control. Furthermore, as
sibilance rarely occurs above 10kHz, an additional Air switch has been fitted to add back
any frequencies in excess of 12kHz so as maintain maximum signal transparency at all
times. By using a combination of Split Band mode with the Air switch set to on, the
de-essing process can be made very transparent.

MX50 OPERATORS’ MANUAL 3

INSTALLATION

The MX50 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. Always connect the mains earth to the unit. Use fibre or
plastic washers to prevent the front panel becoming marked by the mounting bolts.

AUDIO CON NECTIONS

Input and Output connections are provided for use at +4dBu via balanced XLRs or at

-10dBu via unbalanced jacks. It is permissible to use both +4dBu and -10dBu outputs
simultaneously. If unbalanced operation at +4dBu is required, simply connect the
unused terminal to Ground inside the XLR cable plugs. This applies to both inputs and
outputs. The wiring convention for X LR being: pin 1 G round, pin 2 Hot and pin 3 Cold.
For use with unbalanced systems, the Cold pin 3 must be g rounded at both input and
output XLRs.

Interference: If the u nit is to be used where it maybe exposed to high levels of

disturbance such as found close to a TV or radio transmitter, we
suggest that the unit be operated using the XLR connectors. The
screens of the signal cables should be connected to the chassis
connection on the XLR connector as opposed to connecting to
pin1. The MX50 fully conforms to the EMC standards.

Ground Loops: If ground loop problems are encounter ed, 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 MX50
to the patchbay. If such measures are necessary, balanced (XLR)
operation is recommended.

Level Conversion: It is possible to apply an input to the MX50 at only one of the two

possible levels, say !10dB via the jack socket, and utilise both of
the output levels and cable options of !10dB and +4dB
simultaneously.

One useful example of this connection option would be if the unit
was used to process a keyboard - commonly these have an output
level of !10dB, and are terminated with jack sockets. It is feasible
using the MX50s dual output capability to use the !10dB jack input
to feed from the keyboard and the !10dB output onwards to the
amplifier, and the +4dB balanced X LR connector for a direct feed
to the mixing console. This removes the need f or any DI box or
cable splitter. In this example, ground loop considerations may be
required.

MX50 OPERATORS’ MANUAL4

AUDIO CONNECTION DIAGRAM

MX50 OPERATORS’ MANUAL 5

Removing seven screws to access internal fuse

POWER CONNEC TION

If, for some reason, the unit is to be operated at a mains input voltage which is different
to that as supplied, the following procedure must be carried out by a qualified technical
engineer.

1: Disconnect the unit from the mains.
2: Using a number 1 size pozidrive screwdriver, r emove the seven

self-tapping screws that retain the top cover.

3. Set the voltage rating and
replace the fuse.

4. Replace the cover.

MX50 OPERATORS’ MANUAL6

CONTR OL DESCRIPTION AND OPE RATION

Both channels of the MX50 are identical and may be used completely independently or
linked for stereo operation. In the linked mode, the left and right channel control settings
are averaged, though the channel bypass switches remain independent. In linked mode,
both de-essers of the two channels track together to avoid the inevitable image shifting
that would occur if the stereo signal were treated independently.

Frequency This control determines the lower range of the frequency band

used to detect sibilance and should ideally be set as hig h as
possible while still allowing the de-esser to react to sibilant
program sounds. This will vary from voice to voice, but will usually
be around 3 to 4kHz.

The control is continuously variable from 800Hz to 8kHz and
covers the full sibilant range, including the hard sounding
harmonics or other side effects that can be generated when treble
frequencies are boosted or enhanced in some way in an attempt to
add more definition to low freq uency.

De-Ess This rotary adjusts the amount of gain reduction that will take place

when a sibilant sound has been detected, up to a maximum of
20dB, this can be seen on the G.R. meter. Using large amounts of
gain reduction may cause very obvious artifacts, especially on
broadband mixes, so de-ess individual tracks where possible, and
choose Split Band mode f or the least obtrusive processing.

This control uses floating threshold circuitry which tracks the signal
level so that the same setting can be used f or signal levels over a
40dB range.

GR Display Shows how much g ain reduction is being applied. In Full Band

mode, the gain reduction is applied to the whole signal, while in
Split Band mode, only frequencies above the value set on the
Frequency control are attenuated.

Air The AIR switch allows frequencies above the sibilant band (above

12kHz) to remain unaff ected by De-Essing, thus preserving upper
harmonics and greatly increasing the transparency of signals
undergoing de-essing. Normally we would recommend leaving this
switch depressed (In).

MX50 OPERATORS’ MANUAL 7

De-Ess Band

Full Reduces the total signal level in response to signals in the selected

frequency band. This mode of operation produces less phase
shifting of broadband material and single vocals but is more
noticeable then Split band processing. Applying excessive gain
reduction in this mode can lead to the vocal sound taking on a
lisping quality.

Split Split band operation will only reduce the selected frequencies

above the value set via the frequency control, which in most
situations produces fewer audible side effects during de-essing.
This is particularly useful for reducing string noise on guit ars,
breath noise on flute, or composite material.

Bypass The Bypass position routes the input signal to the output wit h no

processing. T hese switches are independent of any linking and will
only bypass their respective channel.

Linking

Link Depressing this switch configures the unit for stereo operation

where the average left/right signal level is used as the floating
threshold. The two individual channels must still be set up as in
mono operation. Usually they will be set the same, but in some
circumstances, it is permissible to use diff erent settings i.e. when
sibilants are excessive on one channel of a stereo programme.

In linked mode, the red status Link LED will be illuminated.

Setup

Start with the controls set as f ollows, and adjust as necessary:-

Frequency -- Clockwise at 6KHz
De-Ess -- Anticlockwise
Air -- Out
Band -- Full
Bypass -- Out

Process some sibilant material and increase the De-ess control. You will notice that
frequencies around 8KHz produce reductions in signal level, which can be mo nitored
using the G.R display.

Adjust the frequency and de-ess controls for optimum results. Use the “Air” and “Split
Band” switches as necessary to get the most transparent results.

MX50 OPERATORS’ MANUAL8

IF A FAULT DEVE LOPS

For warranty service please call Drawmer Electronics Ltd. Or their nearest authorised
service facility, giving full details of the difficulty. On receipt of this information, service
or shipping instructions will be forwarded to you. No equipment should be returned
under the warranty without prior consent from Drawmer or their authorised
representative.

For service claims under the warranty agreement a service Returns Authorisation (RA)
number will be given. Write this 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.

Authorised returns should be prepaid and must be insured. All Drawmer products are
packaged in specially designed containers for protection. If the unit is to be returned,
the original container must be used. If this container is not available, then the equipment
should be packaged in substantial shock-proof material, capable of withstanding the
handling f or the transit.

CONTACTING DRAWMER

Drawmer Electronics Ltd., will be pleased to answer all application questions to enhance
your usage of this equipment. Please address correspondence to:

Drawmer (Technical Help line) : Coleman St.: Parkgate : Rotherham : S62 6EL : UK

or, E-mail us on : [e-mail]

Drawmer dealers, Authorised service departments and other contact information can be
obtained f rom our web pages on http://www.drawmer.com

MX50 OPERATORS’ MANUAL 9

TECHN IC AL SPECIFICATIONS

(Measurements taken using +4dBu balanced X LR input where applicable)

INPUT IMPEDANCE 20KS (bal), 20KS (unbal)

MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL +21dBu

INPUT CMR >! 40dB

OUTPUT BALANCE >! 46dB

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE 50 S (bal), 100 S (unbal)

MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL +21dBu

BANDWIDTH 12Hz t o 51KHz -1dB

CROSSTALK @ 35KHz !88dB

@ 1KHz Below Noise Level

NOISE

ref +4dBu

Wideband

(worst case)

22Hz - 22KHz

AV !89dB !95dB

DISTORTION

Typical Input 100Hz 1KHz 10KHz

Unity Gain, +4dBu input < 0.03% < 0.02% <0.03%

+14dBu input, 10dB Gain Red. < 0.2% < 0.2% < 0.2%

POWER REQUIREMENTS 115Volt or 230Volt at 50-60Hz, 9 Watts

FUSE RATING T63mA for 230Volt, T125mA for 115Volt

CONFORMING TO IEC 127-2

FUSE TYPE 20mm x 5mm, Class 3 Slo-Blo, 250Volt working

CASE SIZE 482mm (w) x 44mm (h) x 200mm (d)

WEIGHT (incl packaging) 3.2 Kgs

MX50 OPERATORS’ MANUAL10

BLOCK DIAGRAM

MX50 OPERATORS’ MANUAL 11