Chapter 6: Gate Control Functions

This chapter gives details of the control functions of the DN530 gate.

Attack

Attack is the time taken for the gate to open after an over threshold signal. The shape of the attack is fixed and has been carefully tailored to produce a transparent gating action.

Hold

Minimises chattering in conjunction with the internal hysteresis. Once the signal has been detected as having fallen below threshold, this control defines a waiting period before the gate starts to close. This is particularly useful for low frequency material and instruments with oscillating or unpredictable decay envelopes.

Release

Release is the time taken for the gate to close after the programme material falls back below threshold. As with attack, the shape is crucial to the sound and has been tailored to produce the most transparent gating action possible.

Range

Controls the amount of gain reduction that is applied to signals below threshold. The gain reduction can be infinite, but things often sound more natural when it is backed off to only 10dB or 15dB. With this type of setting, the background noise and spill remain at a reduced level, but become less noticeable because they do not noticeably switch in and out with the gating action. The maximum range is given when the control is fully

anti-clockwise, that is, set to infinity (4).

Threshold

This is the gate operating point. Signals that go over threshold will open the gate, while signals that go below threshold will close the gate. In both cases, gate opening/closing occurs over a period of time, which is dependent on the envelope (attack and release) control settings.

Accent

Normally, during an opening transition the gain changes from -n dB (n is set up by the range control) to 0dB. When the accent control is turned up the transition goes from -n dB to a positive +n dB gain (the amount of positive gain is set by the accent control up to a maximum of +12dB). This accented level only lasts for a short period of time (50ms), after which the gain returns to 0dB. The effect this produces is similar to the thickening action compressors impart on drums when their attack time is set very slow.

DN530

 

Operator Manual

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Klark Teknik DN530 specifications Gate Control Functions
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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.
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