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320A
®
®
Compellor
Compellor
Owner’s Manual
Dual Mono/Stereo Automatic Level Controller
Manual P/N 999-0760 • Revision 2 • 09/30/03
Copyright 2003 Aphex Systems Ltd. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A. Written and produced by Donn Werrbach.
S Y S T E M S
11068 Randall St., Sun Valley, CA 91352 U.S.A.
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Fast Finder Fast Finder Contents 1 2 Quick Start Introduction 3 Installation 4 Speci cations 5 Operating Instructions 6 6 System Description 7 Warranty & Service 8 Appendices 9 Safety Declarations CAUTION: For protection against electric shock, do not remove the cover. No user serviceable parts inside. WARNING: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable pro
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320A 1. Contents Compellor 2. Quick Start - Page 6 3. Introduction - Page 7 3.1 What Is A Compellor? 3.2 What Does It Do? 3.3 How Does It Work? 3.4 A BIt Of Compellor History 4. Installation - Page 10 4.1 Unpacking 4.2 Damage & Claims 4.3 Main Voltage Selection 4.4 Power Cord 4.5 Mounting In A Rack 4.6 Proper Ventilation 4.7 Panel Security 4.8 Tools & Equipment Needed 4.9 Safety Considerations 4.10 Remote Connector 4.11 Reference Level Setting 4.12 Input Connections 4.13 Out
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320A 1. Contents Compellor 6. Operation - Page16 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Recording 6.3 Mixing 6.4 Mastering 6.5 VIdeo Post Production 6.6 Sound Reinforcement 6.7 Live Concerts 6.8 Broadcast Radio Pre-processing 6.9 Broadcast STL/Phone Line Driver 6.10 Television Broadcasting and Cable Systems 6.11 Video and Audio Tape Duplication 6.12 Voice Processing 6.13 Hard Disk Recording 7. System Description - Page 20 7.1 Model Differences 7.2 Signal Flow 7.3 Processing Functions 7.4 Leveling
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320D Compellor Page 4 Page 5
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320A 2. Quick Start Compellor You can use this quick setup to get a signal through your Compellor right away. Then. you’ll want to go on and read through the manual to discover the wealth of information that is available to you. Quick Start 1. Make sure there is signal going through the Compellor with Process both “In” and “Out”. If not, check the input and output wiring. They may be reversed. Be sure to check for the cor- rect input selection (analog or digital) on the rear panel. Leave Co
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3. Introduction 3.1 What Is A Compellor? A Compellor is the first and only product designed specifically for the transparent control of audio levels. While other audio processors are designed simply to compress and limit audio signals, a Compellor is designed to intelligently manage the dynamic range of audio without causing noticeable changes to the character and feeling of the sound. Contained within the Compellor are three gain controllers: a frequency discriminate leveler, a com
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320A 3. Introduction Compellor circuit. They thought that all audio processors should be noticeable. We had to explain that the unit was in fact working, and we asked them to listen to their mixes with and without the Compellor. After they did that, they were amazed at the results. Meanwhile, broadcast- ers were discovering the Compellor. They found it greatly enhanced their air chains. The Compellor soon won the favor of broadcasters internationally. Some owners may be interested in how
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In 1994, Aphex introduced the current Compellor Models 320A and 323A. The model “A” revision signifies the inclusion of an improved patented Leveler circuit called the “Frequency Discriminate Leveler” (FDL) while all other aspects of the Model 320 remain the same. With the FDL, Compellors became even more transparent and useful than ever before. Now, in 2003 (as this manual is being written), the Compellor is still the most advanced and effective audio level controller available. Page
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320A 4. Installation Compellor 4.1 Unpacking Your Compellor was packed carefully at the factory in a container designed to protect the unit during shipment. Nevertheless, Aphex recommends making a careful inspection of the ship- ping carton and the contents for any signs of physical damage. 4.2 Damage & Claims If damage is evident, do not discard the container or packing material. Contact your carrier immediately to file a claim for damages. Customarily, the carrier requires you, the cons
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320D Compellor 4.4 Power Cord The Compellor uses a standard IEC power cord set. The appropriate mains plug for each country is normally shipped with each unit. However, if you must install or replace the plug, Power Cord Color Codes USA Color Code IEC/Continental Color Code Black = Hot (live) Brown = Hot (live) White = Neutral Blue = Neutral Green = Ground Yellow/Green = Ground use the correct wiring code as follows: 4.5 Mounting In A Rack The Compellor occupies one standard 19 in. x 1 3/4 in
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320A 4. Installation Compellor Installation should be performed only by qualified individuals. It is the installer’s responsibility to insure his personal safety and the safety of others in the work area. It is never a good idea to work alone in the vicinity of high power electrical and radio frequency equipment. 4.10 Remote Connector Remote control, a feature of the Models 320A and 323A. 4.11 Reference Level Setting The Compellor should be normalized to match the operating level of your s
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The output impedance of 65 ohms is optimized for driving long cables and consequently a Compellor can drive just about any kind of line, balanced or unbalanced, of any length. Unique servo balanced output circuitry automatically maintains the proper gain and level into a balanced or unbalanced output line. Output connections are made by means of 3-pin male XLR jacks. The pinout follows the same conventions as the input jacks described above, and you should exercise the same care about
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320A 5. Speci cations Compellor 5.1 INPUTS Connector: 3 pin XLR female Type: transformerless, servo balanced, RFI fIltered Impedance: 22K-ohms balanced, 11K-ohms unbalanced Operating Level: user selectable +4dBu or -10dBV Max input level: +27dBu(ref = +8), +25dBu(ref = +4), +10.8dBV(ref = -10) CMRR: >90dB/100Hz, >70dB, 1KHz, >50dB, 20KHz 5.2 OUTPUTS Connector: 3 pin XLR male Type: electronic servo balanced (unbalanced without 6dB loss) Impedance: 65 ohms bal or unbal (nominal load 60
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5.6 RATIO Compressor: 1.1:1 to 3:1 program dependent Leveler: 20:1 Limiter: >30:1 5.7 ATTACK TIMES Compressor: 5 to 50mSec program dependent Leveler, fast: 20Hz = 1.5 Sec > 1KHz Frequency Discriminate Leveler Leveler, slow: 20Hz = 5 Sec > 1KHz Frequency Discriminate Leveler Limiter: 1 uSec 5.8 RELEASE TIMES Compressor: 200 mSec to 1 Sec program dependent Leveler, fast: 3 Sec Leveler, slow: 10 Sec Limiter: 200 mSec 5.10 OTHER SPECIFICATIONS AC input: IEC standard receptacle with v
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320A 6. Operation Compellor 6.1 Introduction The “Quick Start” guide in the front of this manual is the best way to begin using your Compellor. You will get a good feel for what is going on, and you will have a signal going through the processor, ready for fine tuning. We strongly recommend reading section 8 describing the Compellor’s features and controls in order to understand what all the settings mean. For the present purposes, we will discuss specific applications of a Compellor and
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has too wide a dynamic range, it can cause broadcast processors (if the processing does not include the Compellor) to work too hard and generate audible artifacts. These are all reasons to master a final mix which has a controlled dynamic range. The goal, of course, is to maintain the sound quality of the studio while you are trying to ‘tighten’ the mix. Adjust the Compellor for 2 to 4dB of gain reduction with the Process Balance at 11 o’clock. Stereo Enhance should be in and Leveling Link i
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320A 6. Operation Compellor numerous other devices which effectively control the level differences, but none have the transparency of the Compellor. These other devices, particularly multiband compressors and limiters, have a ‘sweet spot’ which renders the best results. Adjust the Compellor so that its output is driving the downstream processors at their sweet spot. 6.9 Broadcast STL/ Phone Line Driver The aural STL’s and phone lines have limited dynamic range. It is advisable to do processi
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6.13 Hard Disk Recording Transferring music to hard disk can be improved using a Model 320D. It is a known fact that CD’s are mastered at varying average levels with some strikingly lower or higher in volume level than others. When building a broadcast or webcast music library on a hard disk audio server, it would be nice to have a way to even out those levels so the on-air segues will always be smooth and fat. The Compellor can do that without adding artifacts across the whole inven- tory o
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320A 7. System Description Compellor - 7.1 Signal Flow The Compellor contains an input stage, an intermediate VCA stage, and an output stage. The input audio signal undergoes all processing in the VCA stage and is subsequently sent out through the output stage. A side chain system produces the control signals which change the VCA gain according to the signal processing requirements. 7.2 Processing Functions A Compellor provides automatic gain control and excess peak control through the t
