elysia xpressor 500 User Manual
xpressor 500
Welcome to compressor wonderland!
First of all, we would like to thank you for picking the xpressor
500 as your new dynamics tool - a very good choice indeed.
We believe this module is the most versatile stereo compres-
sor available in API’s 500 series format. With its many unique
features taken from our agship products, you not only get
great compression, but an amount of control on processing
which has yet to be experienced elsewhere.
No matter if you want to set and forget or plunge deep into
the secrets of compression, the xpressor 500 is for you. Its dis-
crete audio path running in constant class-A mode provides
a superior audio quality which combines a clear and open
sound with a good lot of punch.
Stereo buss compression, processing single signals, approach-
ing dynamics in creative ways – the xpressor 500 shines in
many dierent applications. Best of elysia? You got it!
Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Auto Fast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Log Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Warm Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Negative Ratios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Gain Reduction Limiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Deutsches Handbuch . . . 16 Manuel Français . . . 30
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Compatibility
The xpressor 500 is a module to be installed into an API 500 se-
ries compatible rack frame (not included). It needs the power
supply and the audio connectors provided by this frame and
does not function stand alone.
The current consumption is 125 milliamperes at +/- 16 volts
DC. This is actually more than many other 500 series modules
consume as a result of the discrete class-A design of the xpres-
sor 500’s audio path.
Most API 500 compatible racks will meet this requirement
without problems, but there might be a limitation of how
many units can be installed in a single rack. In case of doubt
please check with the manufacturer of your specic rack.
Installation
Just follow these easy steps to install the xpressor 500 module:
1. Switch your API 500 series compatible rack o and discon-
nect the power cable from mains.
2. Insert the module into two free slots of your rack. Make sure
both PCB connectors match with the rack connectors.
3. Gently push the module in place - do not use any extensive
force here!
4. Tighten the front panel with four screws provided by your
rack manufacturer.
5. Connect your XLR audio cables (see page 6 for more info)
and apply power to your rack.
And this is already it. Have lots of fun with your xpressor 500!
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Controls
Threshold (Thresh): The operating point of the compres-
sor. If the input level exceeds the value set with this controller,
the compression process will start.
Attack: The transient response of the compressor. It deter-
mines the time the xpressor 500 needs to reach 10 dB of gain
reduction.
Release: The return phase of the compressor. It controls
the period of time between the input signal falling below the
threshold and the xpressor 500’s return to unity gain.
Ratio: The relation between the input level and the output
level. As a specialty of the xpressor 500, even negative ratios
can be set here. (p. 10)
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Sidechain Filter (SCF): A tunable low cut lter in the side-
chain of the xpressor 500 avoids overcompression and pump-
ing when there is a lot of low end energy in the mix.
Gain Reduction Limiter (GRL): Restricts the control volt-
age. This innovative limiter is not placed in the audio path as
usual, but in the control circuit of the compressor. (p. 11)
Gain: The make-up gain of the xpressor 500. This control-
ler compensates for the loss in gain caused by the compres-
sion process.
Mix: The direct and the compressed signal can be blended
in any desired relation by simply turning the mix controller.
Onboard parallel compression!
Gain Reduction Meter: The display for the gain reduction
process. Shows the amount of compression measured in dB as
an visual support for the acoustic events.
GRL LED: indicates Gain Reduction Limiter activity. If this
LED is on, incoming signals will be held at the GR limit instead
of being compressed any further. (p. 11)
Auto Fast: A semi-automation. This function shortens the
attack time automatically on fast and loud signal impulses and
then returns to the value set with the controller. (p. 7)
Log Release (Log Rel): This alternative release curve fol-
lows a logarithmic course instead of the standard linear prog-
ress which results in a very gentle kind of compression. (p. 8)
Warm Mode: The xpressor 500 oers a second switchable
sound avor by altering its frequency spectrum, harmonics
and transient response. (p. 9)
Hit It! Activates the xpressor 500 (LED on) or deactivates it
with a hardwire bypass (GR meter remains active).
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