User Manual

DynaMaxx
4
Part of the SPL Analog-Blue series, the DYNAMAXX is a new type of
dynamics processor that has both corrective and creative applica-
tions in those areas normally addressed by conventional
compressors. In keeping with the SPL design philosophy, it incor-
porates many new features not found on standard compressors,
and a slightly unconventional approach to the control system
makes is surprisingly easy to use.
D
YNAMAXX also premiers a new facility, the DE-COMPRESSOR,
which may be used to counter the effects of overcompression in
previously processed source material. D
YNAMAXX can be used to
provide unobtrusive compression and limiting at the premaste-
ring stage,or to produce creative compression effects.
Why is D
YNA
MAXX
so different? Though auto attack and release
functions are nothing new, in the D
YNAMAXX design, the time
constants are automated in a very musical way. D
YNAMAXX adapti-
vely and intelligently optimizes all time constants in real time
during processing so that the compression characteristics are
continually matched to the source material. D
YNAMAXX is also the
first compressor to make use of the new THAT 2181 VCAs, and the
circuit actually uses two of these excellent VCAs in SPL’s Double
VCA-Drive
TM
mode configuration, which doubles the operating
range while increasing transparency and reducing distortion.
A benefit of the D
YNAMAXX circuit is that high compression ratios
do not affect high frequency detail – high amplitude, low-end
bass can be controlled without introducing pumping or other
negative side-effects. Similarly, complex stereo sources can be
processed easily and very musically. D
YNAMAXX has numerous
applications in recording and mixing, as well as for cost-effective
stereo mastering, and because of the level of intelligent proces-
sing within the unit, there are only two controls to adjust per
channel, making operation very intuitive.
CONTROL OVERVIEW
COMPRESS:
Sets the amount of compression, while the degree of gain reduc-
tion is continually monitored via the LED meters.
GAIN:
This is similar to the ‘make-up’ gain control used on conventional
compressors and is provided to restore signal levels that have
been reduced by the compressor action. This control also
compensates for any gain increase in DE-COMPRESSION mode.
The control has a range of 20dB.
SOFT LIMIT:
Switches between COMPRESSION and SOFT LIMIT mode
featuring a gentle soft-knee-characteristic to minimize audible
side effects.
EFFECT COMPRESSION:
In this mode, the Release time is set to a fixed 60ms to produce a
'vintage compression' effect that works well on solo instruments
and occasionally voices.
Introduction
The DYNAMAXX is a new type of
compressor-limiter.
D
YNAMAXX premiers a new func-
tion: the DE-COMPRESSOR.
DYNAM
AXX adaptively and
intelligently optimizes all time
constants while processing so
that you gain optimum
compressor performance
throughout a song.
D
YNA
MAXX is the first compressor
to use the new THAT 2181 VCAs
– in SPL’s Double VCA-Drive
TM
mode.
The applications are in recor-
ding,mixing,and mastering.