Specifications

Page 14 CX335 Technical Manual
Operation
The unit should be connected in line with the stereo signals to be processed either by
breaking the existing connection between mixer console and cross-over or amplifiers or
via suitable insert points on the master outputs of the console, (if such exist).
Setting up the front panel controls is easiest if the Peak Limiter threshold is initially set to
maximum. This allows the compressor to be set up in isolation. The ratio setting depends
on how firmly the signal dynamics need controlling; as a rule, higher ratios provide a
higher degree of control but also tend to be more audible in operation when high levels of
gain reduction are required. The integral soft-knee feature of the CX335 renders these
effects far less pronounced, but this factor should still be taken into consideration when
setting up. Although, a higher compression ratio may be used than on a conventional
compressor without compromising the sound quality.
Adjust the Threshold control until the desired amount of gain reduction occurs. This is
judged partly by ear and partly by observing the gain reduction meter. In general, a
maximum gain reduction of between 6dB and 10dB will be adequate. When in the soft
knee mode, you will notice that the threshold control is rotated more clockwise than would
normally be expected.
Set the Gain control to give the required output level using the level meter to guide you.
Additional assistance can be obtained by alternately selecting Bypass mode and normal
compressor operation, in both modes the optimum Gain setting will give equal output
levels on the meter, but a slight increase in the 'music power' with the compressor
operating. Avoid running at very high output levels as this reduces the available amount
of signal head room and could lead to distortion in extreme cases.
Once the gain is correct, set the Peak Limiter Level control so that the limiter LED only
lights briefly on extreme signal peaks. Alternatively, set the Peak limiter Level to the
desired maximum output value and then adjust the compressor Gain control to ensure
minimum limiter activity. One major use of the peak limit control is to prevent input
distortion or clipping on the following amplifiers. If only peak limiting is required then we
suggest setting the compressor ratio to greater than 1:30, the compressor threshold to at
least 12dB lower than the normal input level and using the soft-knee mode as opposed to
using the peak limiter alone.
The Peak limiter has no separate on / off control, but turning the Peak Level control fully
clockwise will prevent any unwanted limiter action. To effectively bypass the compressor
section turn the compressor Threshold up to its maximum of +10dB (fully
counter-clockwise) and set the Ratio to its lowest setting of 1.2:1 although we do not
recommend using the peak limiter without the support of the compressor section.