Ashly Comprehensive Guide to the CLX-52 Compressor/Limiter

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Operator Manual – CLX-52 Compressor/Limiter

Safety Instructions – 3

Introduction - 4

CLX-52 – 5

Connectors & Cables – 5

Physical Description - 6

Front Panel

Rear Panel

Installation – 7

Physical Description

The CLX-52 is 1RU, and weighs 8 pounds

CLX-52 Front Panel

Typical Applications - 8

Troubleshooting - 9

Dimensions - 9

Specifications - 10

Warranty - 11

1.Gain - The Gain control adjusts incoming signal level to the VCA circuit. It is always active, so switching out the limiter function has no effect on this control. This control should normally be left at "0" to achieve accurate Threshold calibration.

2.Threshold - The Threshold control has a range of -40 to +22 dB, allowing applications from low level compression to high level limiting. The Threshold control determines the audio level above which Gain Reduction occurs. When the signal peaks exceed the selected threshold, the LED comes on and gain reduction is occurring.

3.Ratio - This control determines the ratio of change in output level to changes in input level for signals above threshold. The numbers printed around the Ratio control are calibrated in db and indicate the increase in input (above threshold) required to produce a 1db increase in output. This can be expressed conveniently as a ratio. If the output remains constant no matter how high the input level, we have an infinite () input/output ratio. It should be remembered that the Ratio control has no effect on signals which are below threshold.

4.Attack Time - The response of the compressor/limiter to signal levels above threshold is further defined by the Attack Time control. Attack time is the amount of time that the unit takes to attenuate the output level after threshold has been reached. This unit provides continuously variable attack times from 200 microseconds to 20 milliseconds.

5.Release Time - Release time, is the time required to restore system gain to normal after the input signal has fallen below threshold level. Proper release time will depend on the type of program material being processed and the way in which the limiter is being used.

6.Output Level - Output Level control is provided to fully cut or restore up to 18 dB of system gain. For unity gain, set the control to 0.

7.In/Out Switch - This switch enables you to quickly hear the CLX compressor/limiter in or out of the audio chain. When the switch is in the OUT position, all limiting and compression controls and functions are bypassed, with the exception of the Gain and Output controls, which continue to function.

8.Stereo Tie Switch - This switch allows for Gain Reduction on a stereo signal with no degradation of the stereo image. When pressed in, the Stereo Tie Switch combines each channel's internal detector outputs so that the channel with the loudest signal will determine the action applied to both channels. Leave this switch out for normal operation.

9.Threshold/Gain Reduction Display - As soon as the threshold level is reached, the yellow LED illuminates. Depending on how far the input level rises above threshold, successive red LED’s will illuminate, indicating gain reduction. Gain Reduction can best be described as the difference between input level and the resulting change to output level. For signals above threshold, output level will increase only to the extent that the ratio control allows.

10.Input/Output Meter Select - While the Gain Reduction display accurately represents the action of the limiter, comparing input to output levels in real time is somewhat more intuitive, and is made simple using the Input/ Output Meter Select switch. The Input meter takes its signal just after the Gain control, and will indicate input signal level regardless of CLX output levels or limiter settings. The output meter display takes its signal from the actual output of the unit, so every control that affects the output will also have an effect on output meters. Used in conjunction with the gain reduction meters, Input/Output meters prove to be an extremely useful diagnostic tool when working with system dynamics and level control.

A unique feature of Ashly Compressor/ Limiters is the incorporation of a double release-time constant. When a conventional compressor/limiter is adjusted for slow release times, transients such as mic “pops” may cause a severe reduction in gain followed by a slow fadeup, making the action of the limiter very obvious. With the double time constant, release from gain reduction after a brief transient is always fast, with a slower release after a sustained overdrive.

Copyright© 2006 – Ashly Audio Inc.

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Contents Ashly Audio Inc CLX-52 Compressor/LimiterThis page intentionally left blank Operator Manual CLX-52 Compressor/LimiterSafety Instructions WarrantyAbout Ashly What Compressors And Limiters DoIntroduction CLX-52 Compressor/Limiter Connectors & CablesCLX-52 Connectors & Cables Unbalanced Connections and GroundingPhysical Description CLX-52 Front PanelPhysical Description Installation InstallationAC Power Operator Manual CLX-52 Compressor/Limiter CLX-52 Rear PanelTypical Applications Troubleshooting DimensionsTroubleshooting 9 Dimensions Specifications SpecificationsLimited Warranty WarrantyCopyright 2006 Ashly Audio Inc
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