320A

Appendix D

Compellor

 

TABLE 1 - BALANCED & UNBALANCED CONNECTOR WIRING STANDARDS

3-Pin XLR

1/4” TRS Phone

Standard Wiring Convention (Balanced)

 

 

 

Pin-1

Sleeve

Ground/Shield (Earth, Screen)

 

 

 

Pin-2

Tip

Positive (Signal, High, Hot)

 

 

 

Pin-3

Ring

Negative (Signal Reference, Return, Low, Common)

 

 

 

1/4” TS Phone

RCA

Standard Wiring Convention (Unbalanced)

 

 

 

Tip

Center Pin

Positive (Signal)

 

 

 

Sleeve

Shell

Ground/Shield (Signal Reference/Return)

 

 

 

audio line from a low impedance and receive into a high impedance. Generally, a minimum 1: 10 ratio is possible. This is called “bridging”. This has become modern practice and all balanced inputs are normally running 10K ohms or higher impedance. Because of these developments, it is no longer as critical to consider impedance when dealing with interfacing pro line level equipment (impedance “matching” is mostly a requirement of the past).

A word on impedance and interfacing adapters:

If you are connecting between two line level devices and they have di￿erent connectors (example: 1/4” phone to XLR or vice-versa), you do not need to use an impedance matching transformer. With very few exceptions you are strictly dealing with a di￿erence in connector types and should only use hard-wired adapters (or cables) for this situation.

APPENDIX D: Standard Cable Wiring

In relation to 1/4” phone jacks, you may see the terms “TS” and “TRS” as abbreviations. Here is a what that means: TS refers to the Tip-Sleeve or “mono” 2- conductor type and TRS refers to Tip-Ring-Sleeve or “stereo” 3 conductor type 1/4” phone connectors. This applies to jacks (female connectors) and plugs (male connectors).

The following instructions show all the di￿erent ways you will probably ever need to hook up your 320D as well as any other equipment you may own. You will see that connecting balanced outputs to balanced inputs is ultimately simple and the same cable will work for all ￿avors of output stages.

Connecting a balanced output to an unbalanced input requires a little more knowledge and care. You should refer to your equipment manuals and determine the type of balanced output stage that is provided, then use the correct “transition cable” as depicted in this section. Improper transition cables can cause crosstalk, hum, and distortion problems within your system.

TYPES OF BALANCED OUTPUTS

Believe it or not, there are at least 5 types of balanced output stages in use today. They may be placed into two main classes: transformer balanced, and transformerless balanced, usually called “active bal - anced”. Transformer balanced outputs are becoming outdated because of their high cost and their sonic limitations. However, they can still be found on a lot of older equipment.

Within the transformerless class, there are several types of circuits that are used by di￿erent manufac - turers. These di￿erent types of output circuits all look just about alike to any balanced line, but they act dif - ferently when driving an unbalanced line. You need to observe the proper cable wiring for each type of

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Aphex Systems 320A owner manual Appendix D

320A specifications

The Aphex Systems 320A is a dynamic processor designed to enhance the quality of audio recordings in professional settings. Known for its exceptional performance and versatility, the 320A offers a unique combination of compression, limiting, and expansion functionalities. This unit is an essential tool for sound engineers and producers looking to achieve polished sound.

One of the standout features of the 320A is its dual channel processing capability. This allows users to apply dynamic processing to two separate audio signals simultaneously, making it ideal for stereo or dual mono setups. The 320A offers a range of controls, including threshold, ratio, attack, release, and gain, allowing precise adjustments to be made according to the needs of any project.

The 320A utilizes Aphex's proprietary Intelligent Clipping technology, which helps to prevent distortion at high signal levels. This feature is particularly beneficial when working with dynamic sources like vocals and percussive instruments. Intelligent Clipping ensures that the audio remains smooth and clear, even when processed aggressively.

In terms of connectivity, the Aphex 320A is equipped with balanced XLR and TRS inputs and outputs, ensuring compatibility with various audio sources and devices. The unit supports both line-level and mic-level signals, providing flexibility for different recording scenarios. Additionally, its low noise operation ensures that the final output retains pristine audio quality.

Another significant characteristic of the 320A is its user-friendly interface. The front panel features easy-to-read meters and clearly defined controls, making it straightforward for users to monitor the audio levels and adjust settings in real-time.

The 320A also includes a sidechain capability, allowing users to trigger compression or expansion from an external source. This feature is useful for achieving effects like ducking or creating rhythmic dynamics in a mix.

In summary, the Aphex Systems 320A is a feature-packed dynamic processor that serves as an invaluable tool for audio professionals. With its dual channel processing, Intelligent Clipping technology, flexible connectivity options, and user-friendly design, the 320A stands out in the realm of audio processing equipment, delivering high-quality performance for a variety of recording and mixing applications.