Noise enhancement, Ducking, De-essing | Klark Teknik DN530 specs

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.

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
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DN530 specifications

The Klark Teknik DN530 is a versatile and powerful dynamic range compressor, designed to meet the demands of both music production and live sound engineering. Renowned for its high-quality audio processing capabilities, the DN530 offers a wide array of features that benefit professionals in various audio applications.

One of the standout features of the DN530 is its dual-channel compressor design. This allows users to process two separate audio signals simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for stereo applications. The compressor utilizes advanced VCA technology, which ensures consistent dynamic control while maintaining the natural character of the audio. This technology provides a transparent sound, making it suitable for a variety of instruments, vocals, and other audio sources.

The DN530 offers comprehensive control over compression parameters, including threshold, ratio, attack, and release. The threshold determines the level at which compression begins, while the ratio defines the degree of compression applied to signals exceeding the threshold. Users can manipulate the attack and release settings to shape the compressor's response to the audio signal, allowing for greater flexibility in achieving the desired sound.

Another key characteristic of the DN530 is its sidechain feature. This allows users to introduce external audio signals to control the compression applied to the primary signal. This function is particularly useful for dynamic ducking effects, such as reducing the volume of background music when a vocal is present or achieving a pumping effect in dance music.

The DN530 also includes an innovative metering system, featuring LED indicators that provide clear visual feedback on signal levels, gain reduction, and other important parameters. This enhances the user experience, allowing sound engineers to make informed adjustments quickly and efficiently.

Built with rugged construction, the DN530 is designed to withstand the rigors of live performance environments. Its sturdy chassis and reliable components ensure longevity and durability, making it a trusted addition to any professional audio setup.

In summary, the Klark Teknik DN530 is a feature-rich dynamic range compressor that excels in both studio and live sound scenarios. With its dual-channel capability, advanced VCA technology, comprehensive control over compression parameters, sidechain functionality, and robust build quality, it stands out as a top choice for audio professionals seeking to enhance their sound processing capabilities.