dbx Pro 566 owner manual Ratio control

OUTPUT LEVEL (dB)

+20

+15

+10

+5

0

-5

-10

-15

1:1 Unity

RED

Above Threshold

2:1

4:1

20:1

:1

Rotation Point Threshold

GREEN

Below Threshold

OUTPUT LEVEL (dB)

+20

+15

+10

+5

0

−5

−10

−15

							1:1
							2:1
							4:1
							:1
						R	RED
					E
				B			Above Threshold
				M
				A
		E	E	N		OverEasy Range
	R
G

Below Threshold

-15 -10 -5 0 +5 +10 +15 +20	−15 −10 −5 0 +5 +10 +15 +20
INPUT LEVEL (dB)	INPUT LEVEL (dB)

Figure 3: Hard Knee and OverEasy® Compression Curves

RATIO control:

This control selects the ratio between input and the output levels for signals above the level set by the Threshold control. It is adjustable between 1:1 (no compression) and infinity:1 (full compression). Note that when OverEasy¨ processing is selected, the ratio slopes gradually from the linear to the compressed region. As the signal exceeds the threshold, the ratio approaches the ratio set by the Ratio control.

ATTACK control:

This control sets the amount of time it takes the 566 to begin compressing a signal once the detector has sensed a signal above the threshold. The attack range is from 3 dB/msec for a tighter and more noticeable compression effect with very little overshoot to .04 dB/msec for a more gradual compres- sion that preserves attack transients. A very fast attack setting will cause the 566 to act like a peak Limiter even though RMS (average level) detection circuitry is used. Slower attack settings cause the 566 to act like an RMS or averaging detecting Compressor/Limiter.

AUTO switch:

This switch overrides both the Attack and Release controls and enables preset program-dependent attack and release times. These times are derived from the characteristics of the input signal and con- tinuously change to match its dynamics. The switch lights indicating the attack and release times are being automatically adjusted in a program-dependent fashion. Enabling the Auto function duplicates the Òclassic dbx soundÓ of the 566Õs forerunners which have become standards in the industry.

RELEASE control:

The Release control sets how fast the compression circuit returns the input to its original level. The release rate is from 250 dB/sec where compression follows the envelope of the program material very tightly to 5 dB/sec for very smooth compression.

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