Specifications
Operating Manual - ne24.24M Matrix Processor
16
8.2d Output EQ
The Protea ne24.24M Output EQ section is the same as the input EQ, with the exception of the ability to view the
combined effect of input EQ for each installed and linked input channel to a given output channel. Within the output EQ frame,
each installed and linked input channel has its own <Overlay Input EQ> check box, through which the interaction between
input and output EQ is displayed.
8.2e Output Gain
Output Gain operates in the same manner as Input Gain, ranging from +12dB to Off, with an option to reverse polarity.
8.2f Output Remote Level Control
Each output channel can be remotely attenuated through the back panel 0-5V Remote Level Control pins in conjunc-
tion with the Ashly WR-1, WR-1.5, or by an Ashly RD-8C active remote attenuator connected to the 4-pin data connector on
the back panel.
8.2g Output Compressor/Limiter
A full function compressor/limiter is included on
each output channel. A limiter is commonly used to prevent
transient audio signal spikes from damaging loudspeak-
ers, manage analog and digital recording levels, optimize
broadcast levels, or “thicken” the sound of an audio source
(compression). The adjustable parameters include Limiter
In/Out, Threshold, Ratio, Attack Time, Release Time, and
Link Group, and Attenuation Bus. The ne24.24M limiter
threshold range is -20dBu to +20dBu, or -24VU to +16VU
if the metering option is selected to VU.
The Threshold control determines the signal level
above which gain reduction begins, and is indicated by an
amber LED (S/L) on the ne24.24M face panel, as well as
indicated in the Matrix Meters in software. Increases in audio
level above the threshold will be reduced according to the
ratio settings.
The Ratio control determines the amount of gain
reduction above limiter threshold. Ratio ranges from a gentle
1.2:1 to a very abrupt INF:1. To illustrate how the ratio control
works, imagine a commonly used loudspeaker protection
ratio of 10:1, which means that for every input signal increase
of 10 dB above threshold, the output level will only increase
by 1dB. The higher the ratio, the more pronounced the audio
effect, so use the lowest ratio possible to sufciently address
the problem.
Attack and Release settings adjust the time it takes
the limiter to engage and then disengage when the signal increases above threshold and then subsequently falls back below
threshold. Attack time is adjustable from 0.2ms/dB through 50ms/dB, while release time ranges from 5ms/dB through 1s/dB.
A very fast attack time can sound unnatural, while a very long attack time can miss some of the initial transient. Similarly, a
very short release time can make the audio sound uneven, while a very long release time can create “pumping”, or “breathing”
characteristics depending on the kind of signal. Experiment to nd the best solution for a given application.
The Attenuation Bus allows up to four output channels within a group to share a threshold detector, so that any channel
with a transient signal above threshold will apply equal gain reduction to all other channels within that group which is assigned
to the link bus. The channel which furthest exceeds threshold will determine the resulting reduction on all channels selected to
the attenuation bus. The channel limiter attenuation bus is useful when processing stereo signals.