Klark Teknik SQ1D Product Information Document
Product Information Document
Compressors/Limiters
SQ1D
8 Channel Dual-Mode Compressor/Gate with
iTS Hysteresis and Flexible Channel Linking
High-performance frequency-
selective compression and gating
with comprehensive control options
Intelligent Threshold Shift (iTS)
gate hysteresis to avoid re-triggering
by low frequency signals
Flexible channel linking allows
multiple combinations of side chain
summing to preserve stereo images
Solo bus allows monitoring of the
side chain control signals without
a ecting channel outputs
RMS and “Vintage” peak-sensing
compressor modes
Soft or hard knee
compressor response
Side chain band-pass lter allows
frequency-selective compression or
gating for creative and
corrective control
External side chain input on
balanced ¼ " TRS connector for
each channel
Electronically balanced inputs and
outputs on Neutrik* XLR connectors
Rugged 3U rackmount chassis for
durability in portable applications
A veritable tool box of dynamics
processing, SQ1D provides 8 channels
of either compression or gating in a
compact 3U high rack unit. This tightly
integrated form factor allows the
channels to be used together with
ease, and includes highly exible
options for channel linking and
side chain ltering and monitoring.
SQ1D features multiple compression
modes with combinations of RMS
and Peak sensing and Hard and Soft Knee characteristics, ideal for both
corrective and creative dynamics processing. In conjunction with the fully-
featured noise gate and side chain options, one SQ1D can replace multiple
other dynamics processors with considerable savings in space, weight
and cost, with the con dence of knowing that whatever the application,
SQ1D is more than capable of providing the required dynamic control of
signal levels.
Auto-ranging universal switch-mode
power supply
3-Year Warranty Program*
Designed and engineered
in England
*All third-pa rty tradema rks are the prop erty of their re spective owne rs.
Their use n either constitu tes a claim of the trad emark nor a liation
of the trade mark owners with M USIC Group. Produc t names
are mention ed solely as a ref erence for compati bility, e ects
and/or compo nents. Warrant y details can be f ound at music-grou p.com.
Product Information Document
Compressors/Limiters
SQ1D
8 Channel Dual-Mode Compressor/Gate with
iTS Hysteresis and Flexible Channel Linking
Intelligent Threshold Shift (iTS)
iTs operates in conjunction with the Gate Hold control to reduce false triggering of noise gates.
When signals (especially low frequency ones) are very close to the gate threshold, a gate can
repeatedly open and close on the programme material. iTS ensures that the gate remains open
by automatically adjusting the gate threshold downwards the moment the signal goes over the
threshold setting. When the signal eventually falls below the (new) temporarily adjusted threshold,
the iTS function resets, ready for the next gate opening. This hysteresis action results in more
decisive operation of the noise gates, and attack envelopes also start instantly and consistently,
even on signals that are only slightly over threshold.
Flexible Channel Linking
Adjacent channels can be linked in any combination for stereo or multichannel operation.
When any number of adjacent channels are linked, the linked channels all adopt the operating mode
(compressor or noise gate) of the left-hand channel of the linked group. This channel’s settings now
control all the members of that group, with only the make-up gain and Side chain lter frequency
controls independent for optimising the action of the compressor or gate for each channel.
Independent Side Chain Monitoring
SQ1D overcomes a common issue with many outboard dynamics processors, where the side
chain listen function is routed to the main output when engaged, which prevents mix engineers
utilising this essential function during a live performance. SQ1D features an additive console-style
Solo Bus which allows monitoring of the incoming signals at source and the ne-tuning of the side
chain lters. Dedicated input and output XLR connectors allow this bus to be cascaded between
multiple units and connected to a spare input channel or auxiliary return on the mixing console,
for easy and convenient monitoring by the mix engineer. A Solo In Place button is included which
will route the side chain signals directly to the audio outputs, a useful feature during the set-up
for a show.
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Product Information Document
Compressors/Limiters
SQ1D
8 Channel Dual-Mode Compressor/Gate with
iTS Hysteresis and Flexible Channel Linking
Multiple Compression Modes
SQ1D features a “Vintage” switch allowing the selection of the default RMS sensing compression
mode, or when engaged, an emulation of many older compressor designs with exponential attack
and release envelopes. When used in conjunction with the “Hard Knee” switch, SQ1D provides several
di erent forms of compression to suit a wide range of programme material. By default, SQ1D o ers
a Soft Knee response, however when the “Hard Knee” switch is activated, a Hard Knee response is
provided instead.
With both mode switches inactive the compressor behaves in the default RMS and Soft Knee modes.
This gives the slowest (and most subtle) feel to the compressor envelopes. The soft knee curve
combines with the adaptive RMS attack and release times to produce gentle envelope responses that
are ideal for compressing sung vocals, but which can still be aggressive enough to limit transients
when needed. The Soft Knee curve also reduces the adaptive nature of the RMS detection slightly,
providing a little more manual control of the envelope timings than is the case below.
When the Hard Knee response is used with RMS mode, the compressor operates in a more
clinical way with a more de ned transition between under threshold and over threshold - this is better suited to limiting style compression.
A small amount of the soft knee curve is still retained keeping the sound reasonably natural but with no modi cation of the compressor envelope.
This means that attacks are more aggressive, but it also allows the adaptive nature of the RMS detection to operate to its fullest extent. This mode
is good for natural sounding limiting of speech.
With the “Vintage” switch active and the default Soft Knee response selected, the compressor employs a dual time constant, linear attack pro le.
This produces extremely subtle attack and release curves during the onset of compression that are largely independent of the envelope
control settings. As the compressor is driven harder (i.e. signals further over threshold) the soft knee e ect reduces, gradually returning manual
control of the attack and release times to optimise capture of larger transients. Like the RMS modes, this compressor mode is very adaptive making
set up of the envelope controls relatively easy. The peak sensing, however, increases harmonic overtones, which add a “Vintage” brightness and
sparkle to the programme, producing extremely transparent and lively sounding compression of acoustic instruments.
When both the “Vintage” and “Hard Knee” switches are selected, the compressor operates with more precise envelope control and a de ned
transition between under- and over-threshold. This produces aggressive compression that gives fast control of extremely dynamic material. It can
also be used to add colour to low frequency signals making it ideal for controlling instruments such as bass guitar. With the highest ratio setting,
this mode allows the compressor to e ectively be used as a limiter.
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Product Information Document
Compressors/Limiters
SQ1D
8 Channel Dual-Mode Compressor/Gate with
iTS Hysteresis and Flexible Channel Linking
Frequency-Selective Compression and Gating
Each channel side chain is equipped with a selectable bandpass lter with wide and
narrow responses. This powerful feature greatly extends the capabilities of the multiple compression
and gating modes. Frequency-selective compression is a very e ective and creative alternative to
equalisation, with the wide bandpass lter response being ideal to enhance the essential character
of an instrument, allowing it to stand out in a mix without the use of harsh- or unnatural-sounding
boosted EQ responses. The SQ1D can also be used as a frequency-selective De-esser by selecting
the narrow bandpass lter response to reduce sibilance or other undesirable artefacts from vocals,
or to remove speci c resonances from instruments or programme material. When the SQ1D is
operating as a noise gate, the side chain lter can be used to select the key frequency component
in programme material that can be used to trigger the operation of the gate, especially useful with
drums kits and percussion instruments.
The exibility of the side chains is enhanced by the inclusion of a dedicated side chain input for each
channel on a balanced ¼ " TRS connector.
Built for the Road
Featuring a rugged steel 3U rackmount enclosure, the SQ1D is designed for the rigours of live
concert touring. Premium Neutrik XLR connectors are used to ensure reliable audio connections,
night after night.
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