dbx Pro Compressor Limiter26211, Applications, Raising Average Level in PA Systems

Applications

aging drivers in a sound-reinforcement system (whether you’re doing auditori- um, church, or club sound engineering, or are a mobile DJ for small dances, or like to push the limits of your home’s audio entertainment center). Set the 262 for limiting (Hard Knee mode On, with a COMPRESSION RATIO of 10:1 or greater) and adjust the THRESHOLD to provide 15dB or more of compression (just a few dB below the input clip). For low-level signals, the 262 won’t change gain, but if large signals come along, the gain will be reduced to pre- vent clipping and save sensitive system components from excessive heat buildup or other type of damage.

In circumstances where the 262 is expected to cause no change in gain unless an emergency arises (wildly excessive levels), some operators set Hard Knee mode On, the COMPRESSION RATIO to °:1, and the THRESHOLD to the high- est permissible level.

As a general rule, compressors should be as close to the amplifiers as possible in the signal chain. If the 262 is placed before the EQ (equalizer), for example, a potentially damaging boost in the EQ won’t be seen by the 262 and the speakers may be damaged. For maximum sound pressure levels, large sound reinforcement systems frequently use a separate compressor on each output of the electronic crossover(s).

Raising Average Level in PA Systems

Limiting (i.e., compression at high ratios like °:1) also benefits intelligibility by allowing low-level input signals to be reproduced through the system at higher volume. In a musical performance, this provides additional intimacy as the vocalist’s whispers are heard clearly at every seat in the house. The OverEasy® curve available with the 262 permits a very high amount of compression (COM- PRESSION RATIO of 10:1 or greater) to be used in many situations. This allows dynamic speakers, vocalists and other musicians to concentrate on their presen- tation or performance without worrying about the ill effects of volume changes.

Using Your EQ to Reduce Feedback in Live Settings (Indoor and Outdoor Concerts, Churches)

You can use your 262 and EQ (equalizer) to reduce feedback in clubs, church- es, outdoor concerts and other live settings. Patch or insert the 262 into the main output of a mixer, set the 262 to Hard Knee mode and slowly increase the console gain control until the first feedback “ring” occurs, then set up the 262 with its COMPRESSION RATIO at °:1 and THRESHOLD low. The 262 will catch the first feedback ring and hold it as a constant tone so you can adjust your EQ to minimize it. Continue to increase your console gain and set your EQ until the next 3 or 4 “ring” frequencies have been compensated for.

The 262 as a Line Amplifier

To use the 262 as a line amplifier, adjust the COMPRESSION RATIO control fully counterclockwise (1:1 position), THRESHOLD fully clockwise (+20) and OUT- PUT GAIN to whatever setting is required for the application. Remember, exces- sive gain may lead to output clipping of high level signals. To add compression, adjust the COMPRESSION RATIO and the THRESHOLD controls to the desired settings.

Increasing Sustain

To increase the sustain of a musical instrument (e.g., a guitar or bass). Set the

Compressor/

Limiter26211