Neve 2254/R User Manual

2254/R

Limiter Compressor

User Manual

527 - 386

Issue 2.3

The 2254/R Limiter Compressor has been designed specifically for the

sound recording industry, for the control of programme dynamics.

It is based on the classic 2254 series, originally released in 1969.

2254/R Limiter Compressor Issue 2.3

Health & Safety Notice

For your own safety and for the protection of others,

please observe the following safety precautions:

• Read these instructions.

• Heed all safety warnings.

• Do not use near water.

• Clean only with a dry cloth.

• Do not install near heat sources.

• Do not block ventilation openings.

• Protect the power cord.

• Only use accessories specified by the manufacturer.

• Unplug when unused for long periods of time.

• Refer all servicing to qualified personnel only.

AMS NEVE

Billington Road

Burnley

Lancs

BB11 5UB

England

Phone [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Web: www.ams-neve.com

Support: http://www.ams-neve.info/crm/fault_report.html

In the unlikely even that this unit should malfunction or develop a fault, then please register
the fault details on our website, by clicking the link below.
You will also need to enter the unit's serial number when you do this, so please have this to
hand.

http://www.ams-neve.info/crm/fault_report.html

Once the fault details have been registered, one of our technical support team will be in touch
via email.
This link should also be used for further operational or technical help, or any general enquiry
about the unit.

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2254/R Limiter Compressor Issue 2.3

Table of Contents

Health & Safety Notice

Introduction

Principles of Operation............................................................................................4

Recall Software......................................................................................................4

Front Panel Controls

Power...................................................................................................................5

In.........................................................................................................................5

Link......................................................................................................................5

Limiter section...........................................................................................................6

Limit.....................................................................................................................6

Limit Level.............................................................................................................6

Limit Recovery.......................................................................................................6

Fast Attack............................................................................................................6

Fast Attack Time....................................................................................................6

Compress section.......................................................................................................7

Compress..............................................................................................................7

Compress Ratio......................................................................................................7

Compress Threshold...............................................................................................7

Gain Make Up........................................................................................................7

Compress Recovery................................................................................................7

Meter........................................................................................................................8

Rear Panel

Line Input..............................................................................................................9

Output..................................................................................................................9

Set Gain................................................................................................................9

Sidechain Link........................................................................................................9

Power DIN socket.................................................................................................10

Fuse....................................................................................................................10

USB....................................................................................................................10

Technical Earth.....................................................................................................10

Chassis...............................................................................................................10

Recall Software

Installation for PC.................................................................................................11

Installation for Mac...............................................................................................13

Firmware Upgrade

Selecting a File for Transfer...................................................................................14

File Downloading..................................................................................................15

Corrupted or Old Firmware....................................................................................15

Unit Specifications

General...............................................................................................................16

Limiter................................................................................................................16

Compressor.........................................................................................................16

Meter..................................................................................................................16

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2254/R Limiter Compressor Issue 2.3

Introduction

The 2254/R Limiter Compressor is a sophisticated and powerful tool for
the control of programme dynamics, and has been designed specifically
for the sound recording industry.

To this end, considerable range of control is provided within a small unit
whilst adhering to high standards of performance.

It is based on the classic 2254 series originally released in 1969.

Principles of Operation

A single control element is used, capable of some 50dB of gain change
with low distortion and noise.

This element is driven by two independent sidechains – one of which acts
a limiter and the other which acts as a compressor.
Each of these functions operates in a closed loop and may be used in
isolation or together.

• The Compressor sidechain samples the programme level before the

output line amplifier, thus enabling make-up gain to be provided
where necessary.
A series of shaping networks are employed to yield five different
compression ratios and by controlling the effective sidechain gain, the
threshold may be varied over a wide range.

• The Limiter sidechain samples the line amplifier output and thus

controls the absolute limit of the programme.

A variety of time constants are available to suit the nature of the
programme.

Where two 2254/R units are used together to control the left and right
signals of a stereo programme, the control voltages from the two
sidechains may be linked to ensure that no shift in image takes place.

Recall Software

All of the switches and settings on the unit can be recalled for later reset
using the Recall software.

The settings of up to 16 units can be stored and recalled in this way using
either discrete USB ports on your computer (or Mac) with one per unit, or
using a powered USB hub.

All soft switches are instantly recallable using a single mouse click, while
rotary controls are reset manually by matching them to on-screen
graphics.

The Recall software is the same as that which is used for the 88 series of
Neve outboard units (8801, 8803, 8804 and 8816).

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2254/R Limiter Compressor Issue 2.3

Front Panel Controls

Power

The Neve logo switch to the left of the meter switches the unit on and off.

The button will light red when the unit is on.

In

Lights yellow when selected, and sends the signal through the units
circuitry, even if the unit does not have the Limit or Compress functions
selected.

The unit constitutes a buffer amplifier having high input and low output
impedance.

If unlit, the Input XLR on the rear of the unit is connected directly to the
Output XLR i.e. the unit is bypassed.

Link

Lights yellow when selected.

Press this button when you wish to link two 2254/R units together so they
can process the Left and Right of a stereo signal, first making sure that
the 9-pin Link sockets on the rear of both units are connected together.

See pin-outs information on page 8.

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