RNCL User Guide Issue3
Contents
1. Priere de lire dangereuses pouvant dangereuses pouvant avant utilisation r sulter en des r sulter en blessures blessures graves Ou personnelles mineures causant la mort l g res ou en dommages la propri t Important Ce manuel est lire attentivement avant de brancher cet appareil pour la premi re fois Suivre les instructions de s curit Lire et comprendre ces intructions avant l utilisation de l appareil ou avant d pannage essai ajustement ou r paration Ne pas se conformer aux Instructions de s curit peut provoquer de graves blessures AVIS RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR Avis lerre Cet appareil DOIT tre mis la terre La mise terre ne doit pas tre d branch e du terminal principal sous acune circonstance Avis Changer le Fusible Afin d viter un risque de feu remplacer seulement avec fusible de la meme valeur et type tel qu indiqu sur l appareil 500mA T 220V ou IA T 100V Les fusibles sont de type IEC 20mm protection surtension pour fusibles Avant de changer le fusible teindre l appareil et enlever la prise d alimentation Localisez le battement au dessus du connecteur IEC et ouvrez le utiliser un petit tournevis Allez parfaitement le fusible appropri fourni dans le paquet des accessoires et fermez le battement 6 INSTRUCTIONS DE SECURITE IMPORTANTES Cable de Secteur Le cable de secteur IEC fourni doit tre correctement au cable d alimentation a2. reduction takes place the input and the output signals are identical with the When ambience is selected the output difference between them being zero signal is neither the compressed limited signal nor the input signal it is the difference With ambience selected the output will between them also be zero i e silence Note that under some conditions the phase of the signal passing through will be altered Comp Limiter For ambience mode to have any effect the signal must undergo gain reduction using any combination of compression or limiting therefore all the compressor limiter controls influence the ambience effect Adjusting the output gain changes the balance between the compressed limited output and input signals and therefore has a major effect on the behaviour of ambience mode 19 Operational Guide Applications A variety of special effects can be created using the ambience mode One of the most useful is a reduction in the background audio that may be behind a foreground signal The limiter mode can be used but more gentle effects can be achieved using the compressor Before switching to ambience mode the compressor should be adjusted to give a modest degree of compression perhaps peaking at around OdB For now leave the output gain control at the centre Q mark Switch in the ambience mode and adjust the output gain control until a useful effect is obtained The compressor cha
3. apparatus near water e Unplug the unit before cleaning Clean only with a damp cloth e Do not block any of the ventilation openings Install in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions e Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators heat registers stoves or other apparatus including amplifiers or power supplies that produce heat e Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or grounding type plug A polarised plug has two blades with one wider than the other A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong The wider blade or the third prong are provided for your safety When the plug provided does not fit into your outlet consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet e Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus e Avoid using mains outlets on the same circuits as air control systems or other equipment that regularly switches on and off e Only use attachments accessories specified by the manufacturer e Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time e Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way such as the power supply cord or plug is damaged liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus the apparatus has been exposed to rain or mo
4. f Channela ot l Channel B sme CHAIN SIOE CHAIN rativ Earth Link The CHASSIS GROUND post is internally connected to both the case and the safety earth If the link is removed for technical reasons such as earth loops then the ANALOGUE GROUND post must be wired separately to the installation technical earth point Audio Connections Two identical sets of 3 pin XLR connectors are provided for each compressor channel A and B Inputs are female outputs are male All connectors follow the European wiring convention Pin Screen Pin 2 Hot Pin 3 Cold The main inputs and outputs are transformer balanced the outputs coupled using Rupert Neves tertiary feedback output stage design The side chain inputs and outputs are electronically balanced using Rupert s TLA transformer like amplifier design System Level Switch Each compressor channel is fitted with a switch to change the system operating level between 4dBu and OdBv as required System levels can be changed independently allowing the unit to be operated as two separate mono compressor limiters or as a stereo pair 1 7 Overview by Rupert Neve Each section of the RNCL has a compressor and a limiter which can be adjusted independently of each other The following discussion describes the behaviour of compressors and limiters and the purpose of each type of control Compression For signals below a certain level compresso
5. whatsoever for any loss or damage caused by service maintenance or repair by unauthorised personnel Part No MANRNCL Issue 3 Harman International Industries Ltd Langley House Third Avenue Trafford Park Manchester M I7 FG Ap United Kingdom Tel 44 0 161 868 2400 AN EK Fax 44 0 161 873 8010 E mail amek amek com Web www amek com 4 Contents Unpacking 4 Safety Safety symbols 5 Earthing Changing the fuse Mains Cable 7 00V 220V operation Installation Location 10 Rack mounting Power up and clicks Cleaning Audio Connections I Overview by Rupert Neve 12 Block Diagram 15 Operational Guide Compressor Controls 16 Limiter Controls 18 Ambience 19 Meter Controls 21 Master Controls 22 OdB Pad ST Link Specifications 23 Warranty 24 Unpacking Check List The following items are included with the product It is recommended that packaging materials are retained until all expected items are accounted for and found to be operating correctly Carton Packet containing 4 off M6 mounting screws 4 off plastic washers off fuse for OV operation Moulded lt Mu Quality Certificate Compressor Limiter Guide A y Protective foam materials IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Safety Caution For your own safety and to avoid invalidation of warranty all text marked with these Safety Symbols should be read carefully Please keep this information Impo
6. System 9098 Compressor Limiter by Rupert Neve the designer User Guide Serial No AL IMPORTANT For convenience write your serial number in the box above and keep this guide in a safe place The number can be found on the rear of the product and also on the Authentification Certificate This number MUST be quoted in all communications in order to obtain technical support and spare parts from either the factory or your dealer Harman International Industries Ltd 1997 All rights reserved Parts of the design of this product may be protected by worldwide patents AMEK is a trading division of Harman International Industries Ltd Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor AMEK shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of information or any error contained in this manual or through any mis operation or fault in hardware or software contained in the product No part of this manual may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system transmitted in any form or by any means electronic electrical mechanical optical chemical including photocopying and recording for any purpose whatsoever without the express written permission of AMEK It is recommended that all maintenance and service on the product should be carried out by AMEK or it s authorised agents AMEK cannot accept any liability
7. ashers supplied to help preserve the finish of the facia panel The facia graphic layer is under surface printed to provide a robust hard wearing surface designed to last the life of the product in virtually any operating environment Failure to use the supplied fixings may result in damage to the facia surface which can invalidate the warranty It is recommended that additional rack mount side supports are used In conjunction with the facia panel fixings particularly when the unit is mounted in a flite case or vehicle where vibration and transit shocks can be expected Powering up and Clicks Clicks may be heard from in out switches when the product is powered up these will dissipate after approximately 10 minutes This is perfectly normal Cleaning Unplug the unit before cleaning The product should be cleaned with a soft brush around the controls If the facia becomes dirty use a damp cloth with a little household soap to remove the dirt DO NOT use solvent cleaners under any circumstances or the facia may be permanently damaged and warranty invalidated Audio Connections cere WARNING AVERTISSEMENT AC input 52 GHz 7e meet te a sind de rot yoa ty r gt some Te Air teem an quem te re 12010 28 240 Max SIVA appes UN be ee Pens Se vol aoe beper LT TC 2 Chatte Cat pp eee DOT afin de LRQ LT 2 m de tee can mn we CAN AVIS pomme Sisian 9098 Dual Ha ele ON Ot Pass let Sada UT MO UN We aa Ei SESAO eae Sena No
8. chain is selected or not 21 Operational Guide potoan METER SOURCE far werers STEREO CALLIS Ww AMBEME oF or at wera Une gt gH H 0000o o o OdB Pad The meter pad reduces the reading of both and B VU meters when in I P O P or S C modes When enabled meter readings are reduced by QdB O then represents 4dBu Master Controls 22 ST Link When enabled identical gain reduction takes place in both A and B channel paths Compression and or limiting is selected for both paths at the same time and the characteristics for both paths are adjusted from the A path controls The gain reduction applied is derived from whichever path has the greatest signal Specifications Noise 50R source Measured with RMS rectifier 22Hz 22kHz filter No lim comp in circuit 100 dBu Lim and or comp tn circuit 92 dBu Frequency Response measured from a 50R source and driving a OK load Compressor amp limiter in circurt but no gain reduction 20Hz 20kHz 0 2dB lt 0Hz and gt 120 kHz 3dB THD Noise kHz tone from a 50R source and driving a OK load 20dBu output no comp limiter in circuit 0 002 20dBu i p compressed 3 1 to give OdBu o p 0 03 20dBu i p limited to give OdBu o p 0 03 Crosstalk One channel i o 20dBu Signal w rt 20dBu measured at other output better than O5dB at 20Hz and kHz better than 90dB at 20kHz Note Figures apply whet
9. d from the Dealer or Amek and postage shipping must be prepaid 4 This warranty shall only be available if a The Equipment has been properly installed in accordance with instructions contained in Amek s manual and b The End User has notified Amek or the Dealer within 14 days of the defect appearing and c No persons other than the authorised representatives of Amek or the Dealer have effected any replacement of parts maintenance adjustments or repairs to the Equipment and d The End User has used the Equipment only for such purposes as Amek recommends with only such operating supplies as meet Amek s specifications and otherwise in all respects in accordance with Amek s recommendations 5 Defects arising as a result of the following are not covered by this Warranty Faulty or negligent handling chemical or electro chemical or electrical influences accidental damage Acts of God neglect deficiency in electrical power air conditioning or humidity control 6 The benefit of this Warranty may not be assigned by the End User 7 End Users who are consumers should note their rights under this Warranty are in addition to and do not affect any other rights to which they may be entitled against the seller of the Equipment 24
10. erall signal level Alternatively HF boost can be applied which will make the compressor act more severely on high frequency signals This can be used to de ess over sibilant signals 1 7 Operational Guide Level Sets the maximum signal level which passes through the limiter Limiter Output Gain METER SOURCE nero DOESN vEt srereo mea _ a AMBIENCE rs 3 e unt E a Q oH a oak Release Changes the time taken for gain reduction to return to zero after limiting Fast Attack Selecting fast allows even short term transients to cause gain reduction Compression and limiting cause the output signal level to be reduced In many cases it is not the overall reduction in level which is required but a reduction of the difference between the high and low levels The drop in output level can therefore be compensated for using the output gain control 1S The output gain control only affects the output when either limiting or compression Is switched in This means that the difference between the compressed and direct signal can be heard without a serious change in the perceived volume The output gain control also has a particular role when using the ambience mode ZAMERA uNe Ambience The ambience switch is a unique feature of the RNCL which allows background ambient noise to be reduced and is best oe If controls are adjusted so that no gain understood by listening to tt
11. gnal exceeds a threshold The illustration shows how the output level varies with input level for different B to ai threshold settings The ratio is set at 5 1 m deu For a given ratio the amount of gain reduction increases 0 dBu with lower threshold settings P 10 All ratios slopes 5 1 Release Time JE The diagrams can show how the compressor handles P signals of constant amplitude such as pure tones Real a E E A INPUT LEVEL dBu programme signals however continually change in level and the compressor can be required to respond in a variety of ways For example consider a programme with fairly constant level but which contains a short loud bang It s likely that a compressor would be required to reduce the level of the bang Once the bang has passed the compressor should stop compressing and allow the signal to pass without being reduced If we expect the bang to be a short one it would be preferable for the compressor to stop compressing quite quickly This is termed a short release time If we now consider a signal which has regular high level pulses such as a heavy rhythmic bass line and if this signal passes through a compressor with a short release time the gain will return to normal after every bass note This can create an unpleasant effect called pumping in which the level of all the other instruments is forced up and down by the compressor between each bass note Setting a slower re
12. her or not limiting compression is enabled Mechanical Dimensions and Weight Size 19 2U rack unit 482 x 89mm Depth including connectors 420mm Weight 8 4kg Power Consumption SW typical Notes All specifications are subject to change without notice 2 Figures quoted are measured on a normal production sample and typical of performance normally achieved however they do not constitute a guaranteed 23 Warranty Amek is a trading division of Harman International Industries Ltd End User means the person who first puts the equipment into regular operation Dealer means the person other than Amek if any from whom the End User purchased the equipment provided such a person is authorised for this purpose by Amek or it s accredited Distributor Equipment means the equipment supplied with this manual 2 If within the period of twelve months from the date of delivery of the Equipment to the End User it shall prove defective by reason only of faulty materials and or workmanship to such an extent that the effectiveness and or usability thereof is materially affected the Equipment or the defective component should be returned to the Dealer or to Amek and subject to the following conditions the Dealer or Amek will repair or replace the defective components Any components replaced will become the property of Amek 3 Any Equipment or component returned will be at the risk of the End User whilst in transit both to an
13. is therefore labelled level The limiter behaviour is based on the peak value of the input signal unlike the compressor which uses an RMS rectifier 25 Combining Compression and Limiting The RNCL has been designed to provide a flexible gain reduction tool In many cases a combination of compression and limiting can be useful 20 Compressor threshold is 5 dBu ratio 2 1 15 Limiter level is 6 dBu Oo Limiting oa Compression OUTPUT LEVEL dBu A typical signal may benefit from compression beginning at a modest level and with a gentle slope If the input pe level exceeds a second threshold the limiter can prevent 45 further output increases The diagram shows typical 20 curves that might be used Linear 20 15 10 5 O 5 10 15 20 25 INPUT LEVEL dBu 14 329 9S 1939 3nd3no i ureyD PIS LA gPO I 0 yndu rs napr Pa UOIDNPSy ules J WJOJSULJ ASIOW NA ndino NE IX E v a yejd ve4 a 1X CO A9 joqw s S O13U07 1012939 v a Ndo a y SIWY Block Diagram uAnJoy urey P S APO I ZH ndu YIL AGPO 3ndu O J WJOJSULJ our 102939 XAEed uj 49SU o2u9Iquuy dno WIL JOSS DOJd punois gt eq pues uleYyD P S Operational Guide METER SOURCE nero fast on LOESeAM s vet srereo amet if a AMBEME oF a at wera Une La idl LLLE 0 Li Attack Changes the time o
14. isture the apparatus does not operate normally the apparatus has been dropped Unplug the unit under these circumstances e Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions e Use only the mains lead provided with the equipment Other leads may not have sufficient current rating e Do not operate this unit with the cover removed IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Mains Cable The supplied IEC mains cable must be terminated correctly to the AC mains supply before use Use only an approved AC plug or power distribution device The three cores are colour coded as follows Green Yellow Safety Earth The Green Yellow core in the mains Brown Live cable is a safety ground and must be Blue Neutral connected at all times OO0V 220V Operation Before adjusting the operating voltage always switch off the unit and remove the AC power cable Locate the flap above the IEC connector and open it using a small screwdriver Remove the barrel and replace it so that the correct voltage marking is outermost then close the flap The new voltage setting should be visible through the window Fit the appropriate fuse supplied in the fixings pack Securite Precaution Pour votre s curit et afin de ne pas interrompre la garantie il est important de lire attentivement les paragraphes marqu s d un symbole Conserver ce document Top Importante Avis Avertissement information Dangers ou pratiques Dangers ou pratiques
15. lease time causes the gain reduction to remain in effect between each bass note and the pumping is reduced Average Level This latter example also shows that until the music ends the gain will remain reduced by a certain amount It can therefore be useful to have some additional gain available to compensate for this reduction Using compression together with make up gain has the effect of increasing the average level of the programme signal which makes the material sound louder Overview Attack Time The compressor attack control adjusts the rate at which it begins to compress If it is set to a short time fast attack gain changes occur quickly Slower attack times mean that gain reduction hardly occurs at all before the transient has passed Typical programme material contains transients spikes which may cause gain reduction to occur Some of these transients will be extremely fast and have very little effect on the sound of the signal Setting a long attack time means that virtually no gain reduction occurs because the transient has passed before compression has had time to build up Limiting Limiting also provides a form of compression but one with an extremely high and fixed ratio The RNCL has a ratio of in excess of 00 As with the compressor the point at which gain reduction occurs is variable The limiter ratio is extremely high which means that the threshold is effectively the maximum level that can be output and
16. racteristics can also be changed as required Comp Limiter With care a form of gain reduction can be achieved which reduces the audio in the gaps between the main signal This description could also apply to the behaviour of an expander or gate but it is Important to note that ambience Is not the same as either of these effects With the ambience effect the degree of gain reduction is a function of the high level components of the input signal The greater these are the greater the degree of gain reduction the more severe the compression when ambience is switched out Expansion or gating attenuates the signal path either by a preset amount or by an amount based on the low level 2 0 components of the input Gain reduction When selected to G R the meter indicates 0 in the absence of an input signal or any gain reduction If the signal exceeds the compression threshold or limit level the amount of gain reduction is displayed In ambience mode the meter continues to show the amount of compression or limiting but due to the nature of the ambience mode no longer reads the reduction in the output signal level Metes Lo I P The meter displays the input signal O P level and is calibrated to show 0 for signals of 4dBu The output signal level is displayed The calibration is the same as for reading input S C S C metering allows the input to the side chain XLR input to be displayed whether side
17. rs provides a linear path allowing these signals to pass without the gain being processed in any way Once these signals exceed that certain level the gain is reduced in a controlled manner The amount of gain reduction depends on two variables ratio and threshold 25 1 1 Ratio To describe ratio we will assume that the threshold remains fixed The gain reduction applied can be either gentle or more severe The most gentle of course is no reduction at all and this occurs if the ratio is set at 1 The ratio is sometime referred to as the slope as shown on the graph This shows how the output level varies with input level at different ratio settings The threshold is set at OdBu a 20 15 10 5 OUTPUT LEVEL dBu D 20 15 10 5 O 5 10 15 20 25 i INPUT LEVEL dBu Gain reduction compression is the difference between What the output level would be without compression and the actual output On the graph it is the distance between the line and output for that Input level Signals are reduced in a logarithmic manner i e the reduction is based on dBs not voltages 12 A signal which is OdB above the threshold on a compressor with a 5 1 ratio will be reduced in level so that it is only 2dB above the threshold at the output With a fixed threshold the amount of gain reduction increases with higher ratio settings Threshold ee The other major variable is the amount by which the en si
18. rtant Caution Warning information Hazards or unsafe Hazards or unsafe Read this before practices which can practices which can proceeding result in severe result in minor personal personal injury or injury or product or death property damage Important Please read this manual carefully before connecting this apparatus to the mains for the first time Obey the following safety instructions Read and understand these instructions before operating the apparatus or doing troubleshooting testing adjustments or repairs Failure to comply with the safety instructions may result in personal injury CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN Caution Earthing This apparatus MUST be earthed Under no circumstances should the mains earth be disconnected from the mains lead Caution Changing the Fuse To avoid the risk of fire replace only with same value and type of fuse as marked on the unit 500mA T 220V or IA T 100V Fuses are 20mm anti surge IEC type Before changing the fuse always switch off the unit and remove the AC power cable Locate the flap above the IEC connector and open it using a small screwdriver Fit the appropriate fuse supplied in the fixings pack and close the flap Safety WARNING For your own safety and to avoid invalidation of the warranty please read this section carefully e Do not place the apparatus on an unstable surface e Do not insert objects through any apertures e Do not use this
19. vant l utilisation Prot ger le cordon d alimentation afin d viter qu il soit pi tin cras ou pinc en particulier au niveau des prises de courant des fiches femelles et des points de sorties de l appareil Utiliser seulement une prise de courant conforme Les 3 cables l int rieur du cable d alimentation sont de couleurs suivantes Le cable vert jaune l int rieur du cable d alimentation est la s curit terre et doit tre toujours connect Vert Jaune Prise de Terre Marron Phase Bleu Neutre 00V 220V Fonctionnement Avant le r glage du voltage toujours teindre et d brancher l appareil Localisez le battement au dessus du connecteur IEC et ouvrez le utiliser un petit tournevis Enlevez le baril et replacez le afin que le voltage marquer correct est le plus l ext rieur alors fermez le battement Les nouveaux voltage mettre devrait tre visible travers la fen tre Allez parfaitement le fusible appropri fourni dans le paquet des accessoires Installation 10 Location This product is designed and screened to minimise internal electromagnetic emissions and provide immunity to external electromagnetic fields To reduce the risk of performance degradation due to external interference do not site this unit close to sources of strong magnetic fields such as power supplies power amplifiers loudspeakers etc Rack Mounting This product is designed to be rack mounted using the screws and w
20. ver which compression begins to occur Threshold Adjusts the level setting at which gain reduction begins to occur Release Determines the time taken for Ratio gain reduction to stop being Changes the severity of gain applied reduction once the signal exceeds the threshold setting In Switches the compressor section into circuit This is independent from the limiter section Compressor Hard Knee Selects a different shape to the compression curve When not selected compression begins gradually as the signal exceeds the threshold It only reaches the set ratio several dB above the threshold Selecting Hard Knee makes the change less gradual Auto The release time can be made variable depending upon the signal causing the compression Short term overloads will release quickly and long term overloads 1 6 more slowly Side Chain In Both channels of the RNCL use two audio paths The primary path carries the input signal passes it through the gain reduction device and provides the output The secondary path receives the same input signal but processes It to determine the gain reduction to be applied This path is called the side chain Compressor Selecting Side Chain In allows equalisers or delays to be inserted into the side chain which feeds the compressor This means gain reduction can be frequency dependent LF cut can be applied to the side chain to prevent a bass line pumping the ov
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