Klark Teknik DN540 specifications Applications, Introduction

Chapter 1: Introduction

The presence control progressively reduces compression in the 5kHz region.

Attenuation depth and input level meters are provided, plus a switch that changes the output level meter to monitor the input signals.

A external sidechain input on the rear panel is switchable via the front panel.

Applications

The DN540 provides a quality, cost effective and compact compressor unit presented in a traditional 1U quad channel format. This makes it ideally suited to applications where space is limited or when there is no need for eight channels.

The default compressor mode (manual) is ideal for creative compression, whereby the manual envelope controls for attack and release can be adjusted as necessary. This mode provides a semi-linear type of compression, which is suited to percussive instruments (especially thickening drums) and difficult instruments, or for more advanced effects where the added manual control gives vastly superior results, as compared to auto mode.

The auto compressor mode (with the pushbutton AUTO on) provides a root-mean-square (RMS) type of compression. This mode is easy to use because the envelope time constants (attack and release) are automatically adjusted, taking into account threshold and ratio settings relative to signal levels and transients. This makes the DN540 ideal for the novice user or for situations where there is not enough time to set up the envelope manually.

The presence control will be especially useful on vocals to eliminate pumping effects caused by, for example, cymbal spill — because singers typically stand with their microphones (mics) pointing directly at the drum riser — and to add air to the sound without introducing noise.

The DN540 has been primarily designed for the following main application areas:

•Touring live sound In applications where analogue consoles are still required due to their ease of use. Here the DN540 can be used for channel inserts on drums, bass guitars and other instruments. The compressor can be used to control both the dynamic range and to generate musical effects. The presence control reduces pumping on vocals and also increases brightness to a desired level without increasing the risk of squealing if mics are held too close to monitor speakers.

•Theatre live sound Theatres can make use of the compressor in the same way as touring live sound, for vocals and orchestra, but in this case they can probably make more use of the compressor’s more transparent linear style. The presence masking is useful, increasing vocal brightness without bringing up the noise floor, which may be quite poor due to the use of radio mics and mic placement limitations.

•Corporate live event As above, transparent control and effects can be used on channel inserts.

	DN540
2	Operator Manual