COMP 500 ® OPTICAL COMPRESSOR 500 SERIES MODULE Owner’s Manual
SAFETY DECLARATIONS SAFETY DECLARATIONS T CAUTION: For continued protection against risk of fire, replace only with the same type and rating of fuse. ATTENTION: pour une protection continue contre les risques d’incendie, ne remplacer qu’avec la même valeur et même type de fusible. WARNING: Do not place objects containing liquid on this unit as it is not designed to protect against spillage.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INSTALLATION 1.0 INSTALLATION 5 2.0 INTRODUCTION 6 3.0 CONTROLS AND INDICATORS 3.1 Drive Control 3.2 Ratio Control 3.3 Gain Reduction Meter 3.4 Release Control 3.5 Output Level Meter 3.6 Enable Button 3.7 Link Button 4.0 COMPRESSION 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 2. Before removing your COMP 500 from its box, discharge any static electricity buildup you may have by touching your 500 series rack. 9 5.0 OPTICAL COMPRESSION 10 4.
2.0 INTRODUCTION The COMP 500 module is an optical compressor. It features an electronically balanced input and uses a Jensen JT-11DL nickel output balancing transformer. The optocoupler was designed to be as fast as possible and is produced exclusively for Aphex. The COMP 500 also features stereo linking. The Ratio control determines how hard the input signal is compressed. It has a range of 1.5:1 to 10:1.
3.5 OUTPUT LEVEL CONTROL This knob controls the overall output level of the module and drives the output level meter. 3.6 OUTPUT LEVEL METER This 10-sement meter provides visual feedback of the output level of the device. The meter range if from -20dBu to +3dBu. 3.7 ENABLE BUTTON This is essentially a bypass for the device. When the module is active this button will light up. The light will go off when the unit is bypassed. 3.
5.0 OPTICAL COMPRESSION-WHAT IS IT? There are many ways to create a circuit that controls the gain reduction of a compressor. Each method has its own characteristics and all have produced popular compressors over the years. One of the most popular types is the optical compressor. An optical compressor is created from the combination of a light sensitive resistor called a photocell, and a light source such as a small bulb or LED.
6.2 SERVICE INFORMATION If it becomes necessary to return this unit for repair, you must first contact Aphex for a Return Authorization (RMA number), which will need to be included with your shipment for proper identification. If available, repack this unit in its original carton and packing material. Otherwise, pack the equipment in a strong carton containing at least 2 inches of padding on all sides. Be sure the unit cannot shift around inside the carton.