CLX-52 CLX-51 Compressor/Limiter Operating Manual Th. 2 0 +3 -3 -6 -10 -15 -6 -10 +6 -3 4 Gain Reduction (dB) 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 7 0 +3 5 Threshold 4 ∞ Ratio Input/Output Level (dB) Clip -18 -15 -12 -9 -6 -3 0 +3 +6 +9 +20 0 .5 5 1.5 3 +6 -20 +10 +20 2.5 -40 dB +22 2 dB +15 Gain 3 2 10 -3 1 .2 -6 10 20 1 30 .5 Th. 2 0 Output Input +3 -10 +6 +6 Channel 1 -10 -6 +10 2 15 .2 mS 20 Attack .
Operating Manual - CLX-52 and CLX-51 Compressor/Limiter Table Of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2 UNPACKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3 AC POWER REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4 MECHANICAL INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Manual - CLX-52 and CLX-51 Compressor/Limiter 1. INTRODUCTION 3. AC POWER REQUIREMENTS The Ashly CLX-SERIES of Peak Compressor/ Limiters were designed in response to the need for universal peak-sensitive automatic gain control (AGC) devices with exceptional audio performance and rugged durability. It took years of research to realize this goal, with much of that time spent in developing a wide-bandwidth, ultra-low-distortion, low noise VCA (voltage controlled amplifier).
Operating Manual - CLX-52 and CLX-51 Compressor/Limiter Th. 2 0 -6 +3 -3 -10 +6 -6 -20 -10 -15 dB +15 Gain -40 -3 4 Gain Reduction (dB) 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 7 0 5 +3 +6 3 ∞ Ratio 5.1 GAIN The Gain control is used to adjust incoming signal level to the VCA circuit. It is always active, so switching out the limiter function has no effect on this control. Used in conjunction with the Input/Output Level Meter Display, this control is useful for setting up optimal system levels.
Operating Manual - CLX-52 and CLX-51 Compressor/Limiter Th. 2 0 -6 +3 -10 +6 -20 dB +15 Gain -40 -3 4 Gain Reduction (dB) 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 7 0 5 +3 +6 4 Ratio -3 1 .2 -6 10 20 1 30 .5 ∞ 0 .5 5 1.5 3 +10 +20 2.5 2 dB +22 Threshold 3 2 10 Input/Output Level (dB) Clip -18 -15 -12 -9 -6 -3 0 +3 +6 +9 +20 Output Input +3 +6 Channel 2 -10 Model CLX-52 Dual Channel Comp/Limiter +10 2 15 .2 mS 20 Attack .
Operating Manual - CLX-52 and CLX-51 Compressor/Limiter Channel Two Made In USA CLX-52 TIP = Detector Return/Ducking Input (Use Mono Plug For Ducking) RING = Detector Send 100-120VAC 50-60Hz 12W 6. CONNECTIONS AND CABLES 6.1 Balanced vs. Unbalanced Audio Connections Balanced signal connections are preferred in pro audio applications because of their improved immunity to induced hum and noise.
Operating Manual - CLX-52 and CLX-51 Compressor/Limiter Channel One 3 2 1 TIP = Detector Return/Ducking Input (Use Mono Plug For Ducking) RING = Detector Send TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE REPLACE ONLY WITH SAME TYPE FUSE. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR.
Operating Manual - CLX-52 and CLX-51 Compressor/Limiter Procedure: Mixer 1. Set up the CLX unit’s controls as follows: Crossover Low High CLX-52 a. b. c. d. e. f. g. Output level control to -20dB. Input Gain control to 0dB. Threshold control to -30dB. Ratio control to infinity (∞) Attack time to 5mS. Release time to 1 Sec. Limit switch IN 2. Adjust equalizer controls to a flat setting, and if the equalizer has an overall volume control, boost it by 10 to 15 dB. Power Amplifier 3.
Operating Manual - CLX-52 and CLX-51 Compressor/Limiter 5. As soon as the first feedback frequency has been removed, the Ashly CLX unit will automatically bring up system gain until another feedback point is induced. Repeat the equalization procedure until it becomes impossible to distinguish individual, predominant feedback frequencies. 6. Return all mixer, EQ overall gain, and compressor/limiter gain controls to normal settings. 7.
Operating Manual - CLX-52 and CLX-51 Compressor/Limiter 7.4 Special Effects Altering the Texture of Musical Instruments It would be impossible to mention here all the ways that compression is used to create new sounds with familiar instruments. Some typical uses are: 1. Creating a “fatter” kick drum or snare sound. 2. “Thickening” acoustic guitars. 3. Adding punch and sustain to electric bass or guitar. In general, use a gentle compression ratio, say 4:1, with a 10 mS attack time, 0.1 Sec.
Operating Manual - CLX-52 and CLX-51 Compressor/Limiter 9. DESIGN THEORY THE NEED FOR GAIN CONTROL The human ear excels in its ability to detect an extremely wide range of loudness levels, from the quietest whisper to roar of a jumbo jet. When we attempt to reproduce this dynamic range, by means of amplifiers, tape recorders, CD players, or radio transmitters, we run into one of the fundamental limitations of these electronic media: limited dynamic range.
Operating Manual - CLX-52 and CLX-51 Compressor/Limiter usually set as fast as possible, consistent with distortionfree performance. Release time would also be relatively short, so that the output signal would be restored to normal as quickly as possible after the transient. Compression is frequently used to keep overall signal level within a specific dynamic range, and for this application, slower attack and release times are usually chosen.
Operating Manual - CLX-52 and CLX-51 Compressor/Limiter our earlier limiter prototypes which measured fine and sounded terrible. This led us to use a purely subjective approach in the design of the detector - we did a lot of listening to determine what sounded good and what didn’t. Two important features emerged from this re- 10. TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS Note: Unshielded cables, improperly wired connectors, and cables with broken strands of wire are very common problems.
Operating Manual - CLX-52 and CLX-51 Compressor/Limiter 11. WARRANTY INFORMATION 13. SPECIFICATIONS Thank you for your expression of confidence in Ashly products. The unit you have just purchased is protected by a five-year warranty. To establish the warranty, be sure to fill out and mail the warranty card attached to your product. Fill out the information below for your records. Gain: .................. Ratio: .................. Attack Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . Release Time: . . . . . . . . . . .
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Operating Manual - CLX-52 and CLX-51 Compressor/Limiter ASHLY AUDIO INC. 847 Holt Road Webster, NY 14580-9103 Phone: (716) 872-0010 Fax: (716) 872-0739 Toll Free (800) 828-6308 Internet: http://www.ashly.com/ 1997 by Ashly Audio Corporation. All rights reserved worldwide.