Application Notes

If the gate is being used creatively, the effect of the gate opening transition can be accentuated. This is particularly useful on drums, improving definition and punch.

The accent effect is totally independent of the range control, so it is possible to reduce the range very low or even off (0dB) and still achieve a noticeable enhancement of transients.

Some benefits of transient accentuation are:

• Increased tonal shaping effectiveness Gates can be used to modify the leading edge of percussive sounds to add definition and punch. This effect can be massively increased by accenting if required.

•Reduction of gated breathing The noise enhancement issues associated with gating background noise can be reduced or totally eliminated, while retaining the tonal shaping and punch that a gate can add to percussive sounds.

•Reduction of delay When gates are used to reshape the transient start of a sound they remove a small amount of sound at the start. This effectively causes a slight delay. Digital gates can capture this sound by using look-ahead techniques, but they are not time machines; the way they work is to delay the signal until the gate has opened. This eliminates any losses from the transient, but delays the signal even further. Using transient accentuation with the gate range at minimum (0dB) ensures that absolutely no sound is lost and no delay is introduced. However, controlled accentuation of the transient is still possible.

•Reduction of resonant howl-roundWith high amplification levels it is possible for a drum to resonate in sympathy with the amplified version of itself similar to microphonic howl-round. It is possible for this sound to be so loud that once open a gate will not shut again. If the sound levels are reduced and the drum transients are accentuated the possibility of howl-round is substantially reduced. The transient accentuation only lasts for 50ms, so any risk of resonant build up is restricted to this time period only.

The transient accentuation feature of the DN530 adds another tool for the sound engineer that can be used to enhance and compliment the application of gating to many types of sound source.

Music PA

The more mics there are in a public address (PA) system, the more background noise and stage clutter will be picked up and amplified unless noise gating is used. The most significant improvement in clarity will be obtained by gating those mics that are used least often. For example, the mic used only occasionally by a backing vocalist.

Mics used at a fairly high gain setting, such as on a string section, will pick up a lot of background noise. To improve PA clarity these should also be gated.

Noise gates on the drum mics will also improve the sound of the kit.

Conference PA

In a conference or business presentation PA system there may be several mics in use simultaneously. Since each mic is placed at some distance from the speaker's mouth, the gain setting on the console will be quite high. Background noise, such as outside traffic or air conditioning, will be picked up and amplified, causing a considerable reduction in the signal to noise ratio of the system. The solution is to gate each mic individually using the DN530.

 

DN530

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Operator Manual

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Klark Teknik DN530 specifications Music PA, Conference PA, Application Notes
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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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