Klark Teknik DN530 User Manual

DN530

Creative Quad Gate

Operator Manual

Klark Teknik,

Klark Industrial Park,

Walter Nash Road,

Kidderminster.

Worcestershire.

DY11 7HJ.

England.

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Website: www.klarkteknik.com

DN530 Creative Quad Gate — Operator Manual

DOC02-DN530 Issue B — February 2010

In line with the company’s policy of continual improvement, specifications and function may be

subject to change without notice. This Operator Manual was correct at the time of writing. E&OE.

© Red Chip Company Ltd.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions
in the literature accompanying the product.

1 Read these instructions.

2 Keep these instructions.

3 Heed all warnings.

4 Follow all instructions.

5 Do not use this apparatus near water.

6 Clean only with a dry cloth.

7 Do not block any of the ventilation

openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.

8 Do not install near any heat sources such

as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.

9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the

polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type
plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong
are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet.

10 Protect the power cord from being walked

on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.

11 Only use attachments/accessories

specified by the manufacturer.

12 Unplug this apparatus during lightning

storms or when unused for long periods of
time.

13 Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as
power-supply cord or plug is damaged,
liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.

14 Use the mains plug to disconnect the

apparatus from the mains.

15 Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or

electric shock, do not expose this
apparatus to rain or moisture.

16 Warning: Do not expose this

equipment to dripping or splashing
and ensure that no objects filled with
liquids, such as vases, are placed on
the equipment.

17 Warning: The mains plug of the power

supply cord shall remain readily
operable.

INSTRUCTIONS DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES

Le symbole représentant un éclair fléché dans un triangle équilatéral a pour but
d'alerter l'utilisateur de la présence d'une "tension dangereuse" non isolée à
l'intérieur du boîtier, pouvant être d'une force suffisante pour constituer un risque
d'électrocution.

Le point d'exclamation dans un triangle équilatéral a pour but d'alerter
l'utilisateur de la présence d'instructions importantes concernant le
fonctionnement et la maintenance, dans la documentation qui accompagne
l'appareil.

1 Veuillez lire ces instructions.

2 Conservez ces instructions.

3 Respectez toutes les consignes de

sécurité.

4 Suivez scrupuleusement toutes les

instructions.

5 N'utilisez pas cet appareil près d'un point

d'eau.

6 Utilisez uniquement un chiffon sec pour le

nettoyer.

7 N'obstruez aucune des ouïes de

ventilation. Installez-le en respectant les
instructions du fabricant.

8 Ne l'installez pas près de sources de

chaleur tels que radiateurs, panneaux
chauffants, étuves, ou autres appareils
produisant de la chaleur (dont les
amplificateurs).

9 Ne pas utiliser d'adaptateur pour

supprimer la prise de terre des prises à
trois fiches. Si la prise fournie ne peut pas
être branchée dans la prise électrique,
adressez-vous à un électricen qui
remplacera la prise obsolète.

10 Protégez le cordon secteur afin que l'on ne

marche pas dessus et qu'il ne soit pas
pincé, surtout au niveau des prises, ou à
l'endroit où il sort de l'appareil.

11 Utilisez exclusivement des fixations et des

accessoires recommandés par le fabricant.

12 Débranchez l'appareil en période d'orage

ou s'il doit rester inutilisé pendant
longtemps.

13 Confiez toutes les réparations et

interventions à un personnel qualifié. Une
intervention est nécessaire si l'appareil a
été endommagé d'une façon ou d'une
autre, si son cordon ou sa prise secteur
ont été endommagés, si du liquide a été
renversé ou si des objets sont tombés à
l'intérieur, ou encore si l'appareil a été
exposé à la pluie ou à l'humidité, s'il ne
fonctionne pas normalement, ou s'il est
tombé.

14 Débrancher l'appareil du réseau électrique

par la prise de secteur.

15 Avertissement : afin de réduire le

risque d'incendie ou de choc
électrique, ne pas exposer cet
appareil à la pluie ou à de l'humidité.

16 Avertissement : n'exposez pas cet

équipement aux éclaboussures et
veillez à ce qu'aucun récipient rempli
de liquide, verre ou vase, ne soit posé
dessus.

17 Avertissement : la prise secteur doit

toujours rester directement
accessible.

EC-Declaration of Conformity

Klark Teknik

DOC04-DN530ECDOC Rev. C

EC-Declaration of Conformity

The undersigned, representing the following manufacturer

Manufacturer: Address:

Midas Klark Teknik Ltd. Klark Industrial Park, Walter Nash Road,
Kidderminster. Worcestershire. DY11 7HJ.

hereby declares that the following product

Product Type Number Product Description Nominal Voltage(s) Current Freq.

DN530 Creative Quad Gate

115V AC
230V AC

200mA
100mA

50/60Hz

is in conformity with the regulations of the following marked EC-directives and bears the

-mark accordingly

reference number title

2004/108/EC EMC Directive (EMC)

2006/95/EC Low-Voltage Directive (LVD)

The conformity of the product with EC directives for use in environments E1, E2, E3 and E4 is provided by
the compliance with the following standards:

Standards/date:

reference number title

EN 60065:2002 Audio, video and similar electronic apparatus. Safety requirements.

Applied EMC emission test standards:

w

ref. no. title

EN 55103-1:1996
Class B

EN 55103-1 Annex A: Radiated
magnetic disturbance, 50Hz-50kHz

CISPR 22: Radiated disturbance,

30-1000MHz

EN 55103-1 Annex E: Conducted

disturbance, ac & signal ports

EN 61000-3-2:2006 Mains

harmonics

EN 61000-3-3:1995 Mains voltage

flicker

Applied EMC immunity test standards:

ref. no. title

EN 61000-4-2:1995 Electrostatic
discharge

EN 55103:1996
Class B

EN 61000-4-3:1996: Radiated RF
disturbance, 80-1000MHz

EN 55103-2 Annex A: Magnetic LF

disturbance, 50Hz-10kHz

EN 61000-4-4:1995: Fast transient

bursts, ac & signal ports

EN 61000-4-5:1995: Surge, ac port

EN 61000-4-6:1996: Conducted RF

field, ac & signal ports

EN 61000-4-11:1994: Mains voltage

dips and interruptions

Place, date: Kidderminster, UK
9th February 2011
SVP, Midas Klark Teknik AVP, Product Development
Printed name: John Oakley Printed name: Alex Cooper

Precautions

Before installing, setting up or operating this equipment please ensure that you have read
and fully understand all of this section and the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” at
the front of this manual.

This equipment is supplied by a mains voltage that can cause electric shock injury!

The following special limitations must be observed in order to maintain safety and electromagnetic
compatibility performance.

Safety warnings

This equipment is fitted with a mains
power socket. For safety reasons the
earth leads must not be disconnected.

Signal 0V is connected internally to the
chassis.

To completely disconnect this equipment
from the AC mains, while observing full
safety precautions (see “Power” on
page vii), switch off the mains at the
mains outlet. It is now safe to isolate the
unit by unplugging the mains lead from
its rear panel.

To avoid electrical shock do not remove
covers. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.

The power supplies — even the DC ones —
have a high current!

General precautions

The following information gives basic safety
precautions that should be observed to reduce
the risk of fire, electric shock and personal
injury:

• Never operate damaged equipment and
never operate equipment with damaged
cables.

• Do not remove, obscure or deface any
warnings or cautions.

Power

Please note that the system power supplies
contain LETHAL VOLTAGES greatly in excess of
the mains voltage and that its rails can
produce extremely large currents that could
burn out equipment and wiring if shorted. All

testing and servicing must ONLY be carried out
by approved service engineers.

This apparatus should only be operated with
the power supply connected to ground via the
ground in the mains connector.

The internal power supplies are of the switch
mode type that automatically sense the
incoming mains voltage and will work where
the nominal voltage is in the range 100VAC to
240VAC.

When removing the equipment’s electric plugs
from the outlets, always hold the plug itself
and not the cable. Pulling out the plug by the
cable can damage it.

Never insert or remove an electric plug with
wet hands.

Handling the equipment

Completely isolate the equipment electrically
and disconnect all cables from the equipment
before moving it.

When lifting or moving the equipment, always
take its size and weight into consideration.

Do not insert your fingers or hand in any gaps
or openings on the equipment, for example,
vents.

Avoid inserting or dropping foreign objects,
such as paper, plastic, metal etc., into any
gaps or openings on the equipment, for
example, vents. If this happens, immediately
disconnect the equipment from the mains (see
“Safety warnings” on page vii). Then, have
the equipment inspected by the
manufacturer's qualified service personnel.

DN530
Operator Manual vii

Precautions

Installation

Before installing the equipment:

• Power plugs must be inserted in socket
outlets provided with protective earth
contacts. The electrical supply at the
socket outlets must provide appropriate
over-current protection.

• Both the mains supply and the quality of
earthing must be adequate for the
equipment.

• Before connecting up the equipment, check
that the mains power supply voltage rating
corresponds with the local mains power
supply. The rating of the mains power
supply voltage is printed on the equipment.

Location

• Ideally a cool area is preferred, away from
power distribution equipment or other
potential sources of interference.

• Do not install the equipment in places of
poor ventilation.

• Do not install this equipment in a location
subjected to excessive heat, dust or
mechanical vibration. Allow for adequate
ventilation around the equipment, making
sure that its vents are not obstructed. To
prevent excessive heating of the
equipment, avoid mounting it directly
above power amplifiers or other devices
that radiate significant amounts of heat,
such as radiators and heaters. Keep the
equipment out of direct sunlight.

• Make sure that the mains voltage and fuse
rating information of the equipment will be
visible after installation.

Audio connections

To ensure the correct and reliable operation of
the equipment, only high quality balanced,
screened, twisted pair audio cable should be
used.

XLR connector shells should be of metal
construction so that they provide a screen
when connected to the console and, where
appropriate, they should have Pin 1 connected
to the cable screen.

In the event of ground loop problems,
disconnect the signal screen at one end of the
connecting cables. Note that this can only be
done when the equipment is used within a
balanced system.

Radio frequency interference

Class B device

This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio
TV technician for help.

Electric fields

Caution:
In accordance with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules & Regulations, “… changes or
modifications not expressly approved by
the party responsible for compliance
could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.”

Should this product be used in an
electromagnetic field that is amplitude
modulated by an audio frequency signal (20Hz
to 20kHz), the signal to noise ratio may be
degraded. Degradation of up to 60dB at a
frequency corresponding to the modulation
signal may be experienced under extreme
conditions (3V/m, 90% modulation).

Operation

To avoid electrical shock, never operate the
equipment with the covers removed.

viii Operator Manual

DN530

Precautions

Safety equipment

Never remove, for example, covers, housings
or any other safety guards. Do not operate
the equipment or any of its parts if safety
guards are ineffective or their effectiveness
has been reduced.

Optional equipment

Unless advised otherwise, optional equipment
must only be installed by service personnel
and in accordance with the appropriate
assembly and usage regulations.

Special accessories

To comply with part 15 of the FCC Rules, any
special accessories (that is, items that cannot
be readily obtained from multiple retail
outlets) supplied with this equipment must be
used with this equipment; do not use any
alternatives, as they may not fulfil the RF
requirement.

DN530
Operator Manual ix

Precautions

x Operator Manual

DN530

Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Overview of the DN530 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

About this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Chapter 2 What Is A Gate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Principles of gate operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Typical creative uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Other uses of gating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Unwanted side effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Chapter 3 Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Checking the mains fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Connecting the power cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Connecting the audio cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Channel I/O pin-outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Sidechain inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Connecting to unbalanced equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Powering the unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Chapter 4 Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Gate section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Metering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Sidechain section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Chapter 5 Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Mains input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Solo bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Chapter 6 Gate Control Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Threshold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Accent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Intelligent threshold shift (i-TS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Chapter 7 Using The Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Basic gate operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

DN530
Operator Manual xi

Contents

Sidechain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Soloing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Interfacing with the console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Using gates with compressors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Instrument synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Appendix A Application Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Removal of background noise from electronic sources . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Drums and percussive instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Transient accentuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Music PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Conference PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Envelope shaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Gating vocals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Chatter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Clicking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

False triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Noise enhancement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Ducking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

De-essing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Appendix B Technical Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Appendix C Functional Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Appendix D Balanced/Unbalanced Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Appendix E Crib Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Appendix F Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Routine maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Replacing the mains fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Equipment disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

xii Operator Manual

DN530

Chapter 1: Introduction

Front panel

Rear panel

Thank you for purchasing a Klark Teknik DN530 Creative Quad Gate. The DN530 is a
user-friendly, high-performance, four-channel (quad) analogue gate designed for live
sound reinforcement with applications in both front-of-house and monitoring situations.
Other possible areas for use include broadcasting, the recording studio and installation.

The DN530 provides a variety of easy-to-use controls for the precise manipulation of
gate parameters. These enable you to use gating for creative and corrective
applications, for example, by using a channel insert on drums.

Your DN530 was conceived by Klark Teknik to offer audio professionals
high-performance audio equipment, designed to provide no-compromise sonic quality
with a feature set that offers all essential facilities and functions. It represents the very
best of British design and engineering combined with contemporary, efficient
manufacturing methods, and will give you many years of reliable service.

All this is backed up, of course, by the standard Klark Teknik three year warranty.

Please take the time to complete and return the registration card or fill in the Warranty
Registration Form online by visiting our website at www.klarkteknik.com and, to obtain
the best results with a minimum of effort, also read this operator manual.

Finally, enjoy your Klark Teknik DN530!

Overview of the DN530

The DN530 consists of four channels of gate mounted in a 1U rack. Full control of all
essential audio-gating parameters is available, including all envelope characteristics.
Additionally, there are external sidechain access points with internal frequency selective
filters.

The main gate controls consist of bypass and duck switches, continuously adjustable
threshold and range controls, and four envelope controls (attack, accent, hold and
release).

External sidechain input and filter solo facilities are provided, which feed a solo bus
output (with input for linking). The sidechain filters consist of a single band pass
section with a frequency control that can sweep the majority of the audio spectrum.
The filter switch activates the filter within the sidechain signal path.

DN530
Operator Manual 1

Chapter 1: Introduction

Applications

The DN530 provides a quality, cost effective and compact gating unit presented in a
traditional 1U quad channel format. This makes it suited to applications where space is
limited and is ideal for small touring public address (PA) rigs where the four channels
are enough to cover a small drum kit. The accent feature will largely eliminate the need
for excessive EQ or compression on these channels, which is ideal if the accompanying
console has limited processing facilities.

Other applications include ducking channels to make room for other instruments,
ducking with the sidechain filter active to reduce sibilance, noise gating effects
processors or other noisy sources like guitar amps.

The accent feature is primarily intended for use with gated percussion, but it can also
be used on its own with the gate range set to minimum in order to add punch, as an
effect, to varied sources.

The DN530 has been primarily designed for the following main application areas:

• Touring live sound In applications where analogue consoles are still required due
to their ease of use. Here the DN530 gate would primarily be used for channel
inserts on drums. The quality of sound produced by the accent feature may also
make the unit useful as an insert on digital desks too.

• Theatre live sound Theatres could make use of the gate in the same way as
touring and, for example, may also use it as a noise gate on vocals.

• Corporate live event Used similarly to the touring and theatre live sound
applications.

• Conference and other fixed install Particularly for noise gating, with the small
rack size being an important factor.

2 Operator Manual

DN530

Features

The DN530 has the following features:

• The gate action has rock solid triggering.

• Advanced band pass sidechain filter, which is easy to set up.

• Separate (daisy-chainable) solo bus that allows tuning of the sidechain filter, even

• Attack is exponential, so that it can be set extremely fast to reduce signal loss at the

• Release is reverse exponential, so that it can be set relatively fast to blend in

• Ducking.

• Extremely low noise and distortion levels.

• Rotary controls for all envelope characteristics and range.

Features

during the performance.

start of sounds while remaining sonically transparent, that is, with no unwanted
clicks.

seamlessly with the natural decay of the material.

• Progressively controllable accent level that emphasises the start of signals to
increase the dynamic power within percussive signals.

• Comprehensive metering makes set up simple and intuitive.

• Status of bypass, solo and other major switches are boldly presented to avoid
mistakes.

• External sidechain inputs.

About this manual

This is the operator manual for the DN530. It is intended to help get your DN530
installed and in operation as quickly as possible by giving you unpacking, installation,
connection and setting up instructions. To help familiarise you with the DN530 there is
a description of the front and rear panels, along with easy-to-follow user instructions.

DN530
Operator Manual 3

Chapter 1: Introduction

4 Operator Manual

DN530

Input signal

Time

Signal level

Output signal

Time

Signal level

Signals in
this range

muted

Signals in
this range

muted

Signals in
this range

muted

Music signal

Threshold

Noise

1

2

Chapter 2: What Is A Gate?

The natural sounds of everyday life, which can be caused by anything from, say, the
falling of a leaf to the roar of a jet engine, vary extremely widely in sound level. This
variance is known as the ‘dynamic range’ and is the difference — expressed in
decibels (dB) — between the loudest and quietest sounds in a piece of audio, such as
music or speech, or that can be reproduced by a piece of audio equipment without
distortion.

All of the sounds that we want to listen to, whether natural or electronically processed,
are accompanied by a certain amount of unwanted background noise, such as the rustle
of musicians turning the pages of the score in the studio. Even if, in the final
programme, the noise level is below the ambient noise of the listening area, it may still
be heard and is therefore undesirable.

The gate is a valuable tool for controlling the dynamic range. The gate of the DN530
not only allows you to minimise or eliminate unwanted low level noises, but also gives
you creative possibilities by providing the tools to artistically restructure the dynamics
of a signal.

Principles of gate operation

The gate closes when the input signal falls below threshold (position 1 in Figure 1
below). This cuts off the output signal altogether until the gate opens again (position 2
Figure 1 below) when the input signal goes over threshold.

Figure 1: Gate function

You would normally set the gate threshold below the lowest level of the performance so
as not to lose any of the performance, but eliminating any of the unwanted hum, low
level noise etc.

DN530
Operator Manual 5

Chapter 2: What Is A Gate?

Time

Threshold level

Signal level

Gate closed

Snare

Background noise

Gate closedGate closed

OpenOpen

Output signal

Signal without gating

Signal with gating

Range (attenuation

depth)

Typical creative uses

The human ear is connected to an extremely sophisticated organ for processing
incoming audio information — the brain. Even in situations where there are many
sound sources, we seem to be able to tune in to the sounds we want to hear and reject
others. This is sometimes known as the cocktail party effect, where it is possible to pick
out one person’s voice — even at a distance — from may conflicting conversations.

The microphone (mic) is less selective in its pick up, being sensitive to all sounds within
its range and coverage angle. For example, a mic set to pick up the snare drum of a
drum kit will pick up every other drum and cymbal to some extent, and probably the
bass guitarist as well. When several mics are positioned on the kit, each one giving a
good sound on its own particular drum, but they will all pick up unwanted instruments
as well, making the sound less clear.

One solution is to use a noise gate on each mic (see diagram below). The gate will
reduce the output from the mic to almost zero when the drum is silent, yet will open
practically instantaneously when the drum is played. As the sound from the drum
decays, the gate will close again and reject noise from the rest of the kit.

The threshold level represents the sound level at which the gate will open. Any sound
exceeding the threshold triggers the gate. Sounds at lower levels leave the gate closed
and the mic will be almost completely silent.

6 Operator Manual

DN530

Other uses of gating

Gates were originally devised to reduce noise in the silent passages of a music
programme, especially during the process of multi-track recording on analogue tape.
Although they are still used for reducing noise, many other uses and creative
applications have been found for them over the years, including:

• Noise reduction.

• Removing compressor breathing noise.

• Reducing spill from adjacent sound sources.

• Gating ambience reverb for effects.

• Gating one instrument to synchronise it with another.

• Ducking one source to make room for another in a mix.

• Reduction of ringing on drums.

• Increasing the definition and punch of drums.

Other uses of gating

Unwanted side effects

Very often the process of gating produces unwanted side effects, especially if the gate
is not set up well or does not operate sympathetically with a particular type of source
material. These can include the following:

• Chatter The gate is indecisive and keeps opening and closing on sustained notes.

• Clicking The attack is set too fast or its envelope shape is unsuitable and
generates high order harmonics each time it opens.

• False triggering The gate opens on mic spill as well as its intended source.

• Noise enhancement Noise is removed totally, so that the transition from when
the gate shuts to when it opens and back, modulates the background noise so much
that it draws the listener’s attention to the noise when it is present.

For details of how to overcome the unwanted side effects, see Appendix A "Application
Notes" on page 27.

Providing controls for threshold, attack, release, hold and ratio, plus good metering,
helps operators set up the gate for differing signal sources and minimise most of the
negative effects above. However, this may involve a degree of compromise between
the desired gating effects and the unwanted side effects. The DN530 will fare better
than most because design choices made during its development were based on
listening tests carefully tailored to match real world applications.

DN530
Operator Manual 7

Chapter 2: What Is A Gate?

8 Operator Manual

DN530

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Observing the IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS at the front of the manual and the
guidelines in "Precautions" on page vii, carry out the following to get your DN530 unit
fully operational.

Unpacking

Carefully unpack your DN530 equipment package.

Then, inspect the DN530 unit carefully for any signs of damage that may have occurred
during transit and notify the courier immediately if you discover any.

Check the contents of your DN530 equipment package. If there are any parts missing,
incorrect or faulty, please contact your local distributor or Klark Teknik at the address at
the front of this manual. The following is a list of the main items contained in the
DN530 package.

Quantity Description Part number

1 DN530 unit Not applicable

1 DN530 Operator Manual (this document) DOC02-DN530

1Warranty card DOC04-WARRANTY

1Mains lead PWR21-MAINSLEAD

Please retain the original packing in case you should need to return the equipment to
the manufacturer or supplier, or transport or ship the unit later.

Checking the mains fuse

Before installing the equipment, make sure that the mains fuse fitted is of the correct
type and rating for your unit. For details, see “Replacing the mains fuse” on page 41.

Installation

This unit is designed for mounting in any 19” EIA standard rack. Four rack-mount holes
in the front panel are provided for rack mounting and are designed to fully support the
weight of the unit in the rack.

Note: Avoid over-tightening the rack-mount screws, as this could damage the front
panel.

The position of the unit will depend upon how it is to be used. However, when
positioning the unit, avoid placing it where the control knobs may be damaged by being
accidentally knocked or snapped off. Also, try to avoid placing the unit directly near or
on any power distribution units or power amplifiers.

DN530
Operator Manual 9

Chapter 3: Getting Started

1

Male XLR

chassis

connector

3

2

1

3

2

Female XLR

chassis

connector

Connecting the power cable

Making sure that the mains power at the power outlet is off, connect the mains cable
supplied with your DN530 to the mains power outlet and then to the mains socket at
the rear of your unit.

Connecting the audio cables

Making sure that all equipment is switched off, connect the DN530 to the rest of your
audio equipment as shown in the following subsections. For information on balancing,
see “Balanced/unbalanced audio” on page 37.

Channel I/O pin-outs

The following shows the channel I/O pin-outs for the male and female XLR connectors,
on both balanced and unbalanced circuits.

Pin-out Balanced I/O Unbalanced I/O

1 Screen/ground Screen/ground (not connected

at unbalanced end)

2 Hot signal Hot signal

3 Cold signal Ground at unbalanced end

10 Operator Manual

DN530

Sidechain inputs

Tip

Ring

Sleeve

1

2

3

Female XLR

Tip

Sleeve

Ring

To external sidechain

socket

DN530

Console

Female XLR

Sleeve: ground/shield

Tip: hot

Ring: Cold

Strain relief clamp

The electronically balanced sidechain inputs are on stereo 1/4” TRS connectors.
Inserting a mono jack plug will automatically unbalance the input. The following
diagram shows the sidechain input connection details.

Connecting the audio cables

The 1/4” TRS connector wiring details are as follows:

DN530
Operator Manual 11

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Tip

Sleeve

Ring

To sidechain socket

DN530 (rear panel)

Console

Female XLR

Male XLR

Female XLR

Tip

Ring

Sleeve

1

2

3

1

2

3

Male XLR

Single channel
connections on
rear of unit

Connecting to unbalanced equipment

Ideally, you will be making the best use of the DN530’s low-noise high-headroom
balanced inputs by connecting to similarly balanced equipment. However, if you do
have to connect to unbalanced devices, the following wiring is recommended for best
results (see Figure 3):

• Connect the +ve (pin 2) of the balanced connection to the +ve terminal on the
unbalanced connector.

• Connect the -ve (pin 3) of the balanced connection to the common (ground) terminal
on the unbalanced connector.

• Connect the ground (pin 1) of the balanced connection to the common (ground)
terminal on the unbalanced connector.

The following diagram shows the wiring details for the insert send/return 1/4” TRS
connector/XLRs.

Powering the unit

To power up the unit, switch on the power at the mains power outlet. The blue power
LED on the front of the unit (far right) will illuminate to show that power is on.

Your unit is now ready to operate.

To switch off the DN530, switch off the mains at the mains power outlet. Then, to
electrically isolate the unit, remove the mains cable from the mains IEC socket on the
rear panel.

12 Operator Manual

DN530

Chapter 4: Front Panel

3

12

Channel 4Channel 3Channel 2Channel 1

4

The front panel of the DN530 has four main channel sections, each containing a number
of control knobs, pushbuttons and LEDs. Each main channel section is divided into a
gate section and a sidechain section.

All of the switches on the front panel are of the latching pushbutton type and have two
positions, in and out. Each of these switches have an associated LED above that
illuminates to show when the switch is on.

Description

The front panel comprises four channel sections and a power on/off indicator LED.

Item Description

1 Gate section (see “Gate section” on page 14).

2 Sidechain section (see “Sidechain section” on page 16).

3 Power on/off indicator LED. Illuminates blue when the power is on.

4 Four rack mounting holes for securing the unit in a rack. Do not

overtighten.

DN530
Operator Manual 13

Chapter 4: Front Panel

3

2

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

1

Gate section

The gate section houses six gate parameter control knobs, bypass and duck switches,
and a set of six metering LEDs. For more information on the gate controls and their
uses, see Chapter 6 "Gate Control Functions" on page 19.

Item Type Label Function

1 Control knob ATTACK Adjusts the time taken for the gate to open after an

over-threshold signal.

2 Control knob HOLD Defines a waiting period before the gate starts to

close once the signal has been detected as having
fallen below threshold.

3 Control knob RELEASE Adjusts the time its takes for the gate to close after

the program material falls back below threshold and
the hold time has elapsed.

4 Control knob ACCENT Adds an overshoot characteristic when the gate is

opening, which accentuates the transient.

5 Pushbutton DUCK Reverses the operation of the gate so that it closes

when signals go over threshold and opens when they
go below threshold. When the DUCK switch is on,
the ACCENT control and the ACC LED are disabled.

6LED

(orange)

7 Control knob RANGE Adjusts the amount of gain reduction that is applied

8 LED Various For details, see “Metering” on page 15.

9 Control knob THRESHOLD Adjusts the operating point (threshold) of the gate.

10 Pushbutton BYPASS Disconnects the gate from the main signal path.

11 LED (red) Not applicable On/off status indicator for the BYPASS pushbutton.

Not applicable On/off status indicator for the DUCK pushbutton.

to signals that are below threshold.

14 Operator Manual

DN530

Metering

Gate section

The key to successful DN530 operation is to know when signals are above or below
threshold. This is especially true if the accent feature is used with low range settings or
with no gating action at all. This style of metering provides an intuitive moving LED
indication that ramps up and down as the signal level moves around the threshold
point.

The metering comprises the following LEDs:

Label Colour Function

CLIP Red Clip LED for showing when the signal is being clipped.

Clip LED threshold is +21dBu.

ACC Blue Accent LED for showing when the ACCENT control is

applying positive signal gain.

THR Green Over threshold LED for showing when the signal has

gone over threshold.

HLD Yellow Hold LED for showing when the HOLD control is

delaying gate closure.

REL Orange Release LED for showing when the RELEASE control

is delaying gate closure.

SHUT Red Shut LED for showing when the gate is closed to the

level set by the RANGE control.

DN530
Operator Manual 15

Chapter 4: Front Panel

1

2

6

7

5

4

3

Sidechain section

The signals that feed the gate’s sidechain are called the "sidechain". A band pass filter
is provided that acts on the sidechain signals.

The sidechain section for each channel can be broadly divided into two areas: filter and
solo. The filter section comprises the FREQUENCY control knob and the FILTER and
EXT pushbuttons, and the solo section consists of the SOLO pushbutton.

Item Type Label Function

1 LED (yellow) Not applicable On/off status indicator for the EXT

pushbutton.

2 Pushbutton EXT Switches the source of the signals that

feed the sidechain from incoming gate
signal to external input connection, and
vice versa.

3 Control knob FREQUENCY Adjusts filter frequency in the range

40Hz to 16kHz.

4 Pushbutton FILTER Switches the band pass filter in/out.

5 LED (green) Not applicable On/off status indicator for the FILTER

pushbutton.

6 Pushbutton SOLO Switches the solo function on/off.

7 LED (yellow) Not applicable On/off status indicator for the SOLO

pushbutton.

DN530

16 Operator Manual

Mains input Solo bus Four channels

Mains IEC socket

Fuse drawer

External

sidechain input

(1/4” TRS jack)

Input (female

XLR connector)

Output

(male XLR

connector)

Chapter 5: Rear Panel

The rear panel of the DN530 (shown below) has three main connector sections: mains
input, solo bus and the four channels.

Mains input

The mains input section has a mains
IEC socket, below which is a fuse
drawer. Printed to the right are mains
supply voltage and fuse details.

The mains input is an auto-voltage
sensing switch mode power supply that
operates where normal mains voltage
is in the range 100V AC to 240V AC.

Channels

The fuse drawer houses the mains fuse
at the rear of a two-compartment
drawer. The front compartment
provides room for a spare. Always replace the mains fuse with one of the same type
and rating, as printed to the right of the fuse drawer.

There are four similar channel
sections on the rear of the
DN530. Each section comprises
an input and an output XLR
chassis connector, and a 1/4”
TRS connector. These are used
for connecting to external line
level signals, such as a mixing
console’s insert connections.

DN530
Operator Manual 17

Chapter 5: Rear Panel

Solo connections

Input (female

XLR connector)

Output

(male XLR

connector)

Solo bus

The solo bus section comprises an input and
an output XLR chassis connector.

These are connected to an external monitor
input, such as a mixing console, or they can
be daisy-chained to other units being
monitored (see Figure 3, “Daisy-chaining the
DN530s (solo bus),” on page 23).

18 Operator Manual

DN530

Chapter 6: Gate Control Functions

This chapter gives details of the control functions of the DN530 gate.

Attack

Attack is the time taken for the gate to open after an over threshold signal. The shape
of the attack is fixed and has been carefully tailored to produce a transparent gating
action.

Hold

Minimises chattering in conjunction with the internal hysteresis. Once the signal has
been detected as having fallen below threshold, this control defines a waiting period
before the gate starts to close. This is particularly useful for low frequency material and
instruments with oscillating or unpredictable decay envelopes.

Release

Release is the time taken for the gate to close after the programme material falls back
below threshold. As with attack, the shape is crucial to the sound and has been tailored
to produce the most transparent gating action possible.

Range

Controls the amount of gain reduction that is applied to signals below threshold. The
gain reduction can be infinite, but things often sound more natural when it is backed off
to only 10dB or 15dB. With this type of setting, the background noise and spill remain
at a reduced level, but become less noticeable because they do not noticeably switch in
and out with the gating action. The maximum range is given when the control is fully

anti-clockwise, that is, set to infinity (

Threshold

This is the gate operating point. Signals that go over threshold will open the gate, while
signals that go below threshold will close the gate. In both cases, gate opening/closing
occurs over a period of time, which is dependent on the envelope (attack and release)
control settings.

Accent

Normally, during an opening transition the gain changes from -n dB (n is set up by the
range control) to 0dB. When the accent control is turned up the transition goes from

-n dB to a positive +n dB gain (the amount of positive gain is set by the accent control
up to a maximum of +12dB). This accented level only lasts for a short period of time
(50ms), after which the gain returns to 0dB. The effect this produces is similar to the
thickening action compressors impart on drums when their attack time is set very slow.

4).

DN530
Operator Manual 19

Chapter 6: Gate Control Functions

The advantage of generating the effect in this way is that it is much more
straightforward to set up and has the added benefit that the attack control operates to
change the sonic character of the accent as well as the gate. This allows a more precise
tailoring of the sound produced — changing from tight and snappy to more of a low-end
thud as you increase the attack time.

Another important feature of the transient accent is that it is independent of the range
control, so that it is possible to accent things without gating them at all. This means
that there is no need to lose any of the original sound, while gaining extra definition and
punch.

Intelligent threshold shift (i-TS)

Intelligent threshold shift (i-TS) — or hysteresis — operates in conjunction with the
HOLD control knob to reduce chattering within the gate. Chattering is the undesirable
condition that occurs when signals — especially low frequency ones — are very close to
the gate threshold. In this situation the gate can become indecisive and repeatedly
open and shut on the programme. i-TS ensures that the gate remains open by
automatically adjusting the threshold downwards as the signal goes over threshold.
When the signal actually falls below threshold (that is, the temporarily adjusted
threshold) the i-TS resets, ready for the next gate opening. This improved
decision-making ensures that gating is rock solid and attacks start instantly and
consistently, even on signals that go slightly over threshold.

i-TS is particularly useful for low frequency material and instruments with oscillating or
unpredictable decay envelopes.

20 Operator Manual

DN530

Chapter 7: Using The Gate

The DN530 is a gate processor that utilises premium quality, high precision components
to achieve a high degree of accuracy and control. The DN530 has been designed
primarily for creative use as front of house (FOH) or monitor. However, it is just as
effective when used in the studio while broadcasting or recording. The DN530
processors offer, in a compact unit, control over the dynamic range for creative and
corrective purposes.

Basic gate operation

The attack characteristic of the gate is exponential, which ensures that even at
extremely fast attack settings the attack envelope seamlessly blends into the audio
waveform. This prevents the creation of any undesirable audio artefacts (clicks).

>> To use the DN530

1 Set the threshold, attack, hold and release times to suit the programme.

2 Set the attenuation depth using the RANGE control knob.

3 Use the sidechain filter to tune the gate to open at a selected frequency.

Sidechain

For most applications the DN530 is triggered by the level of the incoming signal.
Sometimes it can be useful to use a different signal to trigger the gate; this signal is
known as an “external sidechain”. Additionally, there is a solo function that routes the
filtered sidechain signal to the solo bus to help the operator find the most sensitive
frequency to trigger the gate.

Particularly in the case of drums, a very reliable trigger can be obtained by taping a
contact mic to the shell of the drum, using the clean signal it produces to trigger the
gate. An example of this set up — which can also be used for ducking (see “Ducking”
on page 31) — is shown in Figure 2 “Typical set up for external sidechain operation” on
page 22.

The frequency controls can be used to make the gate triggering frequency selective.
The filter frequency control, which is adjustable from 40Hz to 16kHz, provides a good
degree of triggering selectivity and facilitates easy set-up. The power of this feature
combined with the solo bus cannot be overstated. It can also produce excellent results
as a de-esser (see “De-essing” on page 31).

DN530
Operator Manual 21

Chapter 7: Using The Gate

DN530 (rear panel)

Console

Send

Return

Send

Channel insert point (contact mic)

Contact mic

Snare

Mic

(snare mic)

(snare mic)

External

sidechain input

(1/4” TRS jack)

Input (female

XLR connector)

Output

(male XLR

connector)

Mic inputs

Figure 2: Typical set up for external sidechain operation

22 Operator Manual

DN530

Soloing

Final solo bus

output

Solo input

Soloing

You can monitor the sidechain during the performance using the dedicated solo output.
To do this, connect the solo output to a spare input channel, line return, effects return
etc., on your mixing console. Enabling any solo pushbutton will route that processor’s
sidechain monitor to the solo output, allowing monitoring of the sidechain filter without
interrupting the audio output of the processor.

The rear panel of the DN530 includes a solo bus with input and output XLRs. This
allows multiple units to be linked in series, so that a group of units can all apply a solo
signal to a common solo bus. The final solo bus output will be taken from the last unit
in the chain.

In the following example, four units are daisy-chained, although you can have any
number you want.

Figure 3: Daisy-chaining the DN530s (solo bus)

DN530
Operator Manual 23

Chapter 7: Using The Gate

Input

DN530 (rear panel)

Console

Channel insert point

Mic

Mic inputs

Female XLR

connector

Male XLR

connector

Output

Send

Return

Interfacing with the console

The DN530 is optimised for use at line level, therefore to gate a mic, the input to the
DN530 has to be taken from the console, preferably from the channel insert point send.
The output from the DN530 comes back to the channel insert return. By connecting the
DN530 at this position in the signal chain, its operation is unaffected by the use of any
of the console controls, except input gain.

An alternative is to connect to the group insert point of the console. This is useful when
many inputs are mixed down to a smaller number of outputs. A given number of gates
can achieve a greater coverage.

24 Operator Manual

DN530

Using gates with compressors

Output

DN530 (rear panel)

Console

Channel insert point

Mic

Mic inputs

Send

Female XLR

connector

Male XLR

connector

Compressor

(for example, a DN540 Creative Quad Comp)

Return

One of the most important applications of a noise gate is the reduction of noise
emphasised by the action of compressors. When any signal is compressed, the highest
levels are reduced, but the lowest noise levels remain the same. This effectively
decreases the signal to noise ratio. By gating the signal before it enters the compressor
(as shown in the following diagram), the noise can be eliminated before it has chance to
be exaggerated by the compressor action.

Using gates with compressors

Some engineers prefer to connect the gate after the compressor. This reduces any
slight noise produced by the compressor itself, but since the dynamic range of the
signal is less when it leaves the compressor, setting the correct threshold level may
take a little longer. Alternatively, the uncompressed signal may be paralleled to the
external sidechain input; this external sidechain can then be used to trigger the gate.

DN530
Operator Manual 25

Chapter 7: Using The Gate

DN530 (rear panel)

Console

Send

Return

Send

Drum insert

Mic inputs

Bass drum

Bass guitar

Amplifier

External

sidechain input

(1/4” TRS jack)

Input (female

XLR connector)

Output

(male XLR

connector)

Guitar insert

Guitar insert

Instrument synchronisation

Sometimes it is necessary to synchronise the attack of two instruments. Often a bass
guitar must be made to synchronise precisely to the regular beat of the bass drum.
This can be done by passing the bass guitar through the gate and using the bass drum
as the external sidechain.

DN530

26 Operator Manual

Appendix A: Application Notes

As most dynamics processing is a matter of personal taste and preference, these
application notes are provided as a guide only. Experimenting in unconventional areas
can often yield interesting and useful results. Always remember, be creative with your
DN530 — and have fun!

When using noise gates, try experimenting with the attenuation depth for more subtle
gating. Bear in mind that 20dB of attenuation is equivalent to switching the pad in on
your console’s mic amp!

Removal of background noise from electronic sources

Gating can be used, typically, when an electric guitar with noisy effects pedals is set at
high gain. On the appropriate channel, insert your DN530’s processor and, with just
the unwanted noise present, turn the threshold up until the gate closes. Set long hold
and release times so that the gate does not close on decaying notes, but gates the
noise rather that closing abruptly.

Note: Don’t be tempted to set extremely fast attack times. This is an electronic
instrument, so we want to avoid ultra-fast transients, that is, the high-energy peak at
the beginning of waveforms.

Try setting the sidechain filter so that the gate is more sensitive to the frequency
spectrum of the instrument. Most noise problems will have a predominantly high
frequency content.

Drums and percussive instruments

Ideally, to obtain the best results you would set the threshold as low as possible to
utilise the gate’s fastest possible attack. However, in practice the threshold setting is
dictated by the noise floor level, that is, adjacent drums, cymbals etc.

A solution is to use the sidechain filter so that the gate is more sensitive to the
bandwidth you want to hear. Do this by adjusting the filter setting to tune the gate to a
specific frequency. Then, use the sidechain solo facility to help set the filter; you can do
this without interrupting the audio by monitoring from the solo bus output via a spare
input on your mixing console.

Transient accentuation

Many instruments have a percussive start to notes that are played. These transients
can be enhanced or reduced by careful adjustment of the attack time as described
above. Additionally, the DN530 has the ability to accentuate this transition even more
through application of its transient accentuation capabilities.

Every time the gate opens, an accent is applied. This is a controlled boost in the signal
level that lasts approximately 50ms. The amount of boost applied is determined (in dB)
by the accent control, and the speed at which it is applied is determined (in ms) by the
attack control. The boost is gradually removed during the 50ms accent period,
returning the signal level to normal.

DN530
Operator Manual 27

Application Notes

If the gate is being used creatively, the effect of the gate opening transition can be
accentuated. This is particularly useful on drums, improving definition and punch.

The accent effect is totally independent of the range control, so it is possible to reduce
the range very low or even off (0dB) and still achieve a noticeable enhancement of
transients.

Some benefits of transient accentuation are:

• Increased tonal shaping effectiveness Gates can be used to modify the leading
edge of percussive sounds to add definition and punch. This effect can be massively
increased by accenting if required.

• Reduction of gated breathing The noise enhancement issues associated with
gating background noise can be reduced or totally eliminated, while retaining the
tonal shaping and punch that a gate can add to percussive sounds.

• Reduction of delay When gates are used to reshape the transient start of a sound
they remove a small amount of sound at the start. This effectively causes a slight
delay. Digital gates can capture this sound by using look-ahead techniques, but they
are not time machines; the way they work is to delay the signal until the gate has
opened. This eliminates any losses from the transient, but delays the signal even
further. Using transient accentuation with the gate range at minimum (0dB) ensures
that absolutely no sound is lost and no delay is introduced. However, controlled
accentuation of the transient is still possible.

• Reduction of resonant howl-round With high amplification levels it is possible
for a drum to resonate in sympathy with the amplified version of itself similar to
microphonic howl-round. It is possible for this sound to be so loud that once open a
gate will not shut again. If the sound levels are reduced and the drum transients are
accentuated the possibility of howl-round is substantially reduced. The transient
accentuation only lasts for 50ms, so any risk of resonant build up is restricted to this
time period only.

The transient accentuation feature of the DN530 adds another tool for the sound
engineer that can be used to enhance and compliment the application of gating to many
types of sound source.

Music PA

The more mics there are in a public address (PA) system, the more background noise
and stage clutter will be picked up and amplified unless noise gating is used. The most
significant improvement in clarity will be obtained by gating those mics that are used
least often. For example, the mic used only occasionally by a backing vocalist.

Mics used at a fairly high gain setting, such as on a string section, will pick up a lot of
background noise. To improve PA clarity these should also be gated.

Noise gates on the drum mics will also improve the sound of the kit.

Conference PA

In a conference or business presentation PA system there may be several mics in use
simultaneously. Since each mic is placed at some distance from the speaker's mouth,
the gain setting on the console will be quite high. Background noise, such as outside
traffic or air conditioning, will be picked up and amplified, causing a considerable
reduction in the signal to noise ratio of the system. The solution is to gate each mic
individually using the DN530.

28 Operator Manual

DN530

Envelope shaping

Sustained synthesiser note

Signal level

Pulse from drum machine

Signal level

Time

Time

Synthesiser 16th notes

Time

Signal level

A rhythmic pulse of 8th or 16th notes going all the way through a song is a common
musical device. This could be a sequenced synthesiser, but a more interesting method
is possible using the DN530.

The synthesiser is set up to provide continuous sustained notes (changing according to
the harmony of the song), perhaps being processed by a chorus unit before passing
through the gate. A drum machine or sequencer is programmed to produce a regular
chain of 8th or 16th notes. This is used as the key input to the DN530 (an alternative
source of 8th or 16th note pulses is a live bass drum with added echo, timed to give the
appropriate repeats).

By adjusting the release time, the synthesiser will appear to play a perfectly timed
sequence of notes, which will add interest and rhythm to the arrangement.

Envelope shaping

Figure 4: Envelope shaping

In a similar way, a bass drum may be beefed up by using it to key a low frequency tone
produced by a synthesiser (or even the console oscillator) and mixing this gated tone
with the original drum sound. A snare drum may be given added bite by keying high
frequency noise.

Gating vocals

In a recording studio, vocals usually need to be gated to remove studio ambience,
headphone noise, breaths etc. This is best done after the vocal has been committed to
the recording medium, otherwise it may be possible to accidentally gate out something
that should have been recorded.

If gating is carried out as the vocal is being recorded, it is important not to gate the
signal before it is fed to the vocalist's headphones. Many vocalists find a gated
headphone feed distracting and it makes it more difficult to find the right note to come
in on.

DN530
Operator Manual 29

Application Notes

Chatter

Chatter can normally be eliminated by increasing the hold time, but this may allow the
gate to stay open longer than is desirable. Adding hysteresis to the threshold control
helps enormously and allows hold times to be reduced without signal chatter. The
DN530 has 4dB of i-TS hysteresis built in, which is enough to eliminate chatter on all
normal instrument types.

Clicking

The key to silent gating is the shape of the gain transition curve that is used to fade up
the signal level when the gate opens (attack) and fade it back down when the gate
closes (release). Many gates use linear transitions that, when applied to low frequency
signals, generate high order harmonics that sound like extra clicks (in time with the
music source). The ideal shape is logarithmic (like an audio fader) so that the initial
transition from shut to mostly open is fast and the final adjustment to fully open is
progressively slower and slower. The exact reverse applies to the gate closing, which
needs to start slowly and then speed up to close the gate fully. With these shapes no
harmonics are produced during an attack, only a fundamental frequency (quarter cycle)
that can be controlled by the attack time.

The tonality of the gate opening transition can be adjusted using the attack control to
be slightly higher in pitch than the LF content of the sound it is processing to accentuate
the start of each note. Or it can be set to be the same, in which case the transition will
not be heard at all. If the attack is made slower still, the start of each note will be
softened, which may be useful as an effect. Release times are, typically, much slower
so audio frequency clicks are rarely heard, but the logarithmic shape is still the best
because it makes the fade out much less noticeable. The attack and release
characteristics in the DN530 are logarithmic and fully adjustable to ensure effective
gating that can be tonally transparent or used to add (or reduce) punch and definition.

False triggering

Often, mics pick up as much spill from other instruments as the sound they pick up
from the intended source. This causes the gate to open at times when it should be
shut. Traditionally, hi pass and low pass filters have been employed on gate sidechains
in an attempt to limit the frequency spectrum that will trigger the gate to open. This
type of filter seldom works well in this application because they are not easily
manufactured with steep enough transitions from pass band to stop band. Also, set up
is difficult because you typically need to adjust them together to form a band pass filter.

A much better solution is to use a band pass filter in the first place, which is set up with
a high enough Q to make it very selective. Most instruments (especially drums) have a
resonant frequency, and false gate triggering can be massively improved by tuning a
single band pass filter, as described, to find this resonance. False triggering is
eliminated because the frequency spectrum and resonance from the spill does not
produce enough energy at the tuned frequency to open the gate; only the intended
source will.

The DN530 sidechain filters are high Q band pass types as described above. Set up is
made by a simple single control (per channel) and this is made even easier because you
can listen to the filter output (without interrupting the source material) on a separate
solo bus.

30 Operator Manual

DN530

Noise enhancement

We all have the ability to block out constant background noises and often using a gate
to eliminate background noises altogether defeats this mechanism. This tends to draw
our attention to the noise when the gate opens. Typically, adjusting the gate range
down to 10dB or 15dB produces results that sound much more natural.

Ducking

Ducking is used to automatically reduce the signal levels when the level of a source
signal (from the external sidechain) goes over threshold. This is typically used in
situations requiring a voice-over. For example, when an announcer or DJ wants to
speak, the background music is automatically made to duck (is attenuated) so that
their voice can be heard clearly and at a normal level.

De-essing

Compressors have traditionally been used for de-essing, but the degree of de-essing
achieved is very level dependent, that is, the loud passages will have sibilance ("s"
sounds) attenuated more than the quiet ones.

Noise enhancement

De-essing using the duck mode of the DN530 is an alternative way of removing
sibilance, rather than using compression. Use the solo to tune the sidechain filter into
the sibilance (around 10kHz). Set the attack relatively fast (1ms), and similarly with
the release (30ms), plus a little hold and then trim the threshold so that the gate meter
respond to all the sibilant sounds but not to normal speech. Attenuation ranges that
are between 6dB to 10dB will produce the best results, consistently reducing sibilance
to the same degree.

DN530
Operator Manual 31

Application Notes

32 Operator Manual

DN530

Appendix B: Technical Specification

This appendix contains the technical specifications specific to the DN530.

Inputs Four

Type

Impedance
Maximum input level
Common mode rejection

Outputs Four

Type

Output impedance
Maximum output level
Signal drive capability

Analogue, electronically balanced
female XLRs (Pin 2 hot)
10k ohms
+22dBu
Typically, -80dB at 1kHz

Analogue, electronically balanced
male XLRs (Pin 2 hot)
<60 ohms
+22dBu
<600 ohms

External
sidechain
inputs

Solo bus input One

Solo bus
output

Performance Maximum gate gain

Four

Type

Impedance
Maximum input level
Common mode rejection

Type

Input impedance
Maximum input level
Common mode rejection

One

Type

Output impedance
Maximum output level
Signal drive capability

reduction
Maximum accent gain
Maximum signal level any
input or output
Noise at main output with
unity gain
Distortion at 1KHz 0dBu
with steady unity gain
condition
Signal delay
Frequency response

Dynamic range

Analogue, electronically balanced
Jack sockets
20k ohms
+22dBu
Typically -60dB at 1kHz

Analogue, electronically balanced
female XLR (pin 2 hot)
20k ohms
+22dBu
Typically -60dB at 1kHz

Analogue, electronically balanced
male XLR (pin 2 hot)
<60 ohms
+22dBu
<600 ohms

Greater than -90dB

+12dB
+22dBu

-94dBu

<0.05%

0 seconds
±0.5dBu (input to output), 20Hz to
20kHz
>116dB (22Hz to 22kHz unweighted)

DN530
Operator Manual 33

Technical Specification

Gate Threshold

Range
Attack
Release
Hold
Accent

Filter Sidechain filter Scale = 40Hz to 16kHz

Terminations Audio

Power

Power
requirements

Dimensions Height

Weight Net

Operation Temperature +5°C to +45°C

Storage Temperature -20°C to +60°C

Due to a policy of continual improvement, Klark Teknik reserves the right to alter the
function or specification at any time without notice.

Voltage
Frequency
Consumption

Width
Depth

Shipping

Scale = -50dB to +25dB
Scale = -

Scale = 30µs to 10ms
Scale = 2ms to 2s
Scale = 2ms to 2s
Scale = 0dB to +12dB

3-pin XLRs (male and female) and
1/4” TRS balanced jack sockets
3-pin IEC

100VAC to 240VAC ±10%
50Hz to 60Hz
<25W

44.5 mm (1.75”), 1U high
483 mm (19”)
305 mm (12”)

4.6 kg

5.6 kg

4 (minus infinity) to 0dB

34 Operator Manual

DN530

Appendix C: Functional Block Diagram

The following page contains the signal flow diagram for the DN530.

DN530
Operator Manual 35

Functional Block Diagram

BYPASS

Envelope control

Peak

Detector

+

_

+

_

+

_

VCA

SIDECHAIN 1

CLIP

SHUT

ACC

HLD

THR

REL

DUCK

FILTER

SOLO

ATTAC K

RELEASE

2ms

30us

0.03

1ms

0.3

3ms

2s

10ms

RANGE

40

1

0

0dB

HOLD

2ms

0.03

0.3

2s

Antilog

+

_

+

_

From Channels 2-4

FREQUENCY

200

800

6k1

40Hz

ACCENT

0dB

8

4

12

-50

25

0dB

THRESHOLD

-20

Block Diagram

DN530

QUAD GATE

CREATIVE

GATE - CHANNEL 1

IN 1

PUSH

SOLO BUS IN

PUSH

SOLO BUS OUT

OUT 1

EXT

EXTERNAL

SIDECHAIN 1

DN530

36 Operator Manual

Appendix D: Balanced/Unbalanced Audio

Balancing refers to the type of input or output signal connections in an audio system.
These connections are specifically designed to reject external noise, such as from mains
wiring and internal interference from adjacent signal cables. Unlike unbalanced lines,
which are more susceptible to noise, balancing is especially useful when long cable runs
are used between pieces of equipment and can also provide other benefits, including an
increase in line signal level and a decreased possibility of ground loops. Balanced
connections are typically employed on long cable runs, such as to amplifiers, or for
cables carrying sensitive or low level signals, for example, mics. A balanced line
typically employs connectors of the XLR and 1/4” TRS jack plug types.

The basic principle of balanced interconnection is the cancelling out of any electrical
noise by means of a three-cable connection to achieve the required signal. Two of the
cables, called “hot” and “cold”, are used to carry signals, and the third is a grounded
shield that surrounds the hot and cold cables. (An unbalanced connection only has two
cables, one of which, the grounded shield, is also used for signal return.) As the hot
and cold cables are of equal voltage (and the same source impedance), but of opposite
polarity, when they are subtracted any noise voltages — caused by interference and
noise pick-up — appearing identically on both cables is cancelled out; the difference
between them being the resultant signal.

However, in practice the electrical noise on both cables will never be identical, and the
degree to which it is reduced is measured by the common mode rejection ratio (CMRR).
The electronically balanced input and output connections of the DN530 have the benefit
of high common mode rejection (CMR), which eliminates externally induced
interference such as mains hum etc. CMR is the ability of a balanced input to reject the
part of the incoming signal that has the same amplitude and opposite phase on both
input terminals, referenced to ground. As a specification, CMR is usually stated as a dB
ratio, called CMRR, at a given frequency.

Note: On balanced circuits, the ‘hot’ signal is also known as “+ve” and “in phase”, while
the ‘cold’ signal is also known as “-ve” and “out of phase”.

DN530
Operator Manual 37

Balanced/Unbalanced Audio

38 Operator Manual

DN530

Appendix E: Crib Sheet

The following page contains a crib sheet. You can photocopy (or print) this page if you
want more copies.

DN530
Operator Manual 39

Crib Sheet

Application:

EXT

EXT

EXT

EXT

DN530

QUAD GATE

CREATIVE

SIDECHAIN 4

GATE - CHANNEL 4

SIDECHAIN 3

GATE - CHANNEL 3

SIDECHAIN 1

SIDECHAIN 2

GATE - CHANNEL 1

GATE - CHANNEL 2

THRESHOLD

HOLD

ACCENT

ATTACK

RELEASE

BYPASS

DUCK

FILTER

SOLO

FREQUENCY

-20

-50

25

0dB

200

800

6k1

40Hz

RANGE

40

1

0

0dB

2ms

2ms

30us

0dB

0.03

0.03

1ms

8

4

0.3

0.3

3ms

12

2s

2s

10ms

CLIP

SHUT

ACC

HLD

THR

REL

THRESHOLD

HOLD

ACCENT

ATTACK

RELEASE

BYPASS

DUCK

FILTER

SOLO

FREQUENCY

-20

-50

25

0dB

200

800

6k1

40Hz

RANGE

40

1

0

0dB

2ms

2ms

30us

0dB

0.03

0.03

1ms

8

4

0.3

0.3

3ms

12

2s

2s

10ms

CLIP

SHUT

ACC

HLD

THR

REL

THRESHOLD

HOLD

ACCENT

ATTACK

RELEASE

BYPASS

DUCK

FILTER

SOLO

FREQUENCY

-20

-50

25

0dB

200

800

6k1

40Hz

RANGE

40

1

0

0dB

2ms

2ms

30us

0dB

0.03

0.03

1ms

8

4

0.3

0.3

3ms

12

2s

2s

10ms

CLIP

SHUT

ACC

HLD

THR

REL

THRESHOLD

HOLD

ACCENT

ATTACK

RELEASE

BYPASS

DUCK

FILTER

SOLO

FREQUENCY

-20

-50

25

0dB

200

800

6k1

40Hz

RANGE

40

1

0

0dB

2ms

2ms

30us

0dB

0.03

0.03

1ms

8

4

0.3

0.3

3ms

12

2s

2s

10ms

CLIP

SHUT

ACC

HLD

THR

REL

Location: Date:

Application:

EXT

EXT

EXT

EXT

DN530

QUAD GATE

CREATIVE

SIDECHAIN 4

GATE - CHANNEL 4

SIDECHAIN 3

GATE - CHANNEL 3

SIDECHAIN 1

SIDECHAIN 2

GATE - CHANNEL 1

GATE - CHANNEL 2

THRESHOLD

HOLD

ACCENT

ATTACK

RELEASE

BYPASS

DUCK

FILTER

SOLO

FREQUENCY

-20

-50

25

0dB

200

800

6k1

40Hz

RANGE

40

1

0

0dB

2ms

2ms

30us

0dB

0.03

0.03

1ms

8

4

0.3

0.3

3ms

12

2s

2s

10ms

CLIP

SHUT

ACC

HLD

THR

REL

THRESHOLD

HOLD

ACCENT

ATTACK

RELEASE

BYPASS

DUCK

FILTER

SOLO

FREQUENCY

-20

-50

25

0dB

200

800

6k1

40Hz

RANGE

40

1

0

0dB

2ms

2ms

30us

0dB

0.03

0.03

1ms

8

4

0.3

0.3

3ms

12

2s

2s

10ms

CLIP

SHUT

ACC

HLD

THR

REL

THRESHOLD

HOLD

ACCENT

ATTACK

RELEASE

BYPASS

DUCK

FILTER

SOLO

FREQUENCY

-20

-50

25

0dB

200

800

6k1

40Hz

RANGE

40

1

0

0dB

2ms

2ms

30us

0dB

0.03

0.03

1ms

8

4

0.3

0.3

3ms

12

2s

2s

10ms

CLIP

SHUT

ACC

HLD

THR

REL

THRESHOLD

HOLD

ACCENT

ATTACK

RELEASE

BYPASS

DUCK

FILTER

SOLO

FREQUENCY

-20

-50

25

0dB

200

800

6k1

40Hz

RANGE

40

1

0

0dB

2ms

2ms

30us

0dB

0.03

0.03

1ms

8

4

0.3

0.3

3ms

12

2s

2s

10ms

CLIP

SHUT

ACC

HLD

THR

REL

Location: Date:

Application:

EXT

EXT

EXT

EXT

DN530

QUAD GATE

CREATIVE

SIDECHAIN 4

GATE - CHANNEL 4

SIDECHAIN 3

GATE - CHANNEL 3

SIDECHAIN 1

SIDECHAIN 2

GATE - CHANNEL 1

GATE - CHANNEL 2

THRESHOLD

HOLD

ACCENT

ATTACK

RELEASE

BYPASS

DUCK

FILTER

SOLO

FREQUENCY

-20

-50

25

0dB

200

800

6k1

40Hz

RANGE

40

1

0

0dB

2ms

2ms

30us

0dB

0.03

0.03

1ms

8

4

0.3

0.3

3ms

12

2s

2s

10ms

CLIP

SHUT

ACC

HLD

THR

REL

THRESHOLD

HOLD

ACCENT

ATTACK

RELEASE

BYPASS

DUCK

FILTER

SOLO

FREQUENCY

-20

-50

25

0dB

200

800

6k1

40Hz

RANGE

40

1

0

0dB

2ms

2ms

30us

0dB

0.03

0.03

1ms

8

4

0.3

0.3

3ms

12

2s

2s

10ms

CLIP

SHUT

ACC

HLD

THR

REL

THRESHOLD

HOLD

ACCENT

ATTACK

RELEASE

BYPASS

DUCK

FILTER

SOLO

FREQUENCY

-20

-50

25

0dB

200

800

6k1

40Hz

RANGE

40

1

0

0dB

2ms

2ms

30us

0dB

0.03

0.03

1ms

8

4

0.3

0.3

3ms

12

2s

2s

10ms

CLIP

SHUT

ACC

HLD

THR

REL

THRESHOLD

HOLD

ACCENT

ATTACK

RELEASE

BYPASS

DUCK

FILTER

SOLO

FREQUENCY

-20

-50

25

0dB

200

800

6k1

40Hz

RANGE

40

1

0

0dB

2ms

2ms

30us

0dB

0.03

0.03

1ms

8

4

0.3

0.3

3ms

12

2s

2s

10ms

CLIP

SHUT

ACC

HLD

THR

REL

Location: Date:

DN530

40 Operator Manual

Appendix F: Service Information

This appendix contains routine service and maintenance instructions.

Routine maintenance

To help keep your DN530 unit in good working order and to make sure it gives you
optimum performance, we recommend that you carry out the following at monthly
intervals:

• Clean the unit (see “Cleaning” below).

• Check the controls for freedom of operation.

• Check the functionality of all controls, that is, control knobs, pushbuttons and LEDs.
You can carry out a visual check of all illuminated items (LEDs etc.) by switching the
unit off and then on again, as they should all illuminate during power up.

• Check the functionality of the equipment.

Cleaning

Switch off the unit and electrically isolate it from the mains before cleaning.

Clean the DN530 using a dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use harsh abrasives or solvents.
When cleaning the unit, take great care not to damage control knobs, pushbuttons etc.

Replacing the mains fuse

The equipment must be independently isolated from the mains voltage supply
before any attempt is made to change the protective fuse. The fuse and its
cover must always be replaced before the equipment is reconnected to the
mains voltage supply.

Only use the correct replacement type when changing the fuse. Fuse specification is
printed on the rear cover.

To remove the fuse, pull out the fuse drawer (see “Mains input” on page 17). Then,
prise out the fuse from the furthest compartment (the nearest compartment is for a
spare fuse); a small, flat-bladed screwdriver may be useful for this.

Insert a new fuse in the rear fuse compartment, and close the drawer.

After replacing a fuse, check that the unit is working properly.

Always ensure that there is a spare fuse available.

DN530
Operator Manual 41

Service Information

Equipment disposal

When this equipment has come to the end of its useful life, its disposal may come under
the DIRECTIVE 2002/96/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of
27 January 2003 on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

Hazardous substances in WEEE contaminate water, soil and air and ultimately put at
risk our environment and health. The directive aims to minimize the impacts of WEEE
on the environment during their life times and when they become waste.

The WEEE directive addresses the disposal of products when they have reached the end
of their life and contributes to the reduction of wasteful consumption of natural
resources. This will help to reduce pollution, and protect the environment and
ourselves.

If this equipment carries a ‘crossed-out wheelie bin’ (shown left), please
do not dispose of WEEE as unsorted municipal waste but collect and
dispose of in accordance with local WEEE legislation. The horizontal bar
underneath indicates that the product was placed on the EU market after
13th August 2005.

For WEEE disposal, see our website at www.klarkteknik.com for
information.

42 Operator Manual

DN530

Thank you for reading through this Operator Manual.

We hope you found it useful.

Please feel free to send us your comments.

Our contact details and website address can be found

at the front of this manual.

Klark Teknik
Klark Industrial Park, Walter Nash Road,
Kidderminster. Worcestershire. DY11 7HJ. England.
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.klarkteknik.com

© 2011 Red Chip Company Ltd.