User manual SPL KULTUBE

[. . . ] Manual Model 2049 Stereo Compressor Kultube (Model 2049) Version 1. 1 ­ 11/2004 R & D: Ruben Tilgner Manual The information in this document has been carefully verified and is assumed to be correct. However Sound Performance Lab (SPL) reserves the right to modify the product described in this manual at any time. This document is the property of SPL and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner, in part or full without the authorization of SPL. Limitations of Liability: In no event will SPL be liable for any damages, including loss of data, lost profits, cost of cover or other special, incidental, consequential or indirect damages arising from the use of the unit, however caused and on any theory of liability. This limitation will apply even if SPL or an authorized dealer has been adviced of the possibility of such damage. Sound Performance Lab SPL electronics GmbH P. O. [. . . ] Before this point the ratio between the in- and output is exactly the same, so that for example an input level of ­30 dBu will also be present on the output. In the area where the curve turns sharply the ratio is approx. This means that only a fourth of the dynamic gain is present on the output. A level jump of 8 dB will be reflected by just 2 dB on the output. 12 Understanding and enjoying the Kultube The Ratio control As indicated above, this determines the ratio between the in- and output level above the threshold setting. The preset value specifies how the input dynamics should behave with respect to the output: a ratio of 1 to 2 means that only half of the dynamic change will be present on the output. At 10 dB of dynamics there will only be 5 dB on the output, whereas using a ratio of 1:8 means 10dB becomes just 1. 25 dB, etc. In short, this determines how much dynamics is allowed to remain. If the compressor is used to process vocals with very large variations in loudness, you would select a high ratio value (1:5 ­ 1:10) to produce a well-balanced and intelligible signal. When processing summed signals on the other hand, very high settings will be used in part to process only the peaks of the signal. This means careful setting of the threshold control is very important. Operating Fig. 2, , , Ratio Hardknee" The slope of the compressor curve may be straight with a sudden rise (hardknee, Fig. 2), but it may also show a softly curved slope in which compression begins slowly (soft-knee, Fig. 3, , , Ratio Softknee" 13 Operating Understanding and enjoying the Kultube In the latter case the ratio changes depending on the in0ut signal. As the preset threshold value is approached the ratio is comparatively small (1:1. 5) and doesn't reach the preset maximum value until high input levels are present. The result is much less conspicuous compression, since the process does not kick in as suddenly as with hard-knee mode. On the other hand, hard-knee results in greater loudness and density of the program material. When using the de-compressor the ratio is exactly reversed, i. e. an input level change of 2dB for example results in an output of 4dB. The printed ratio values cannot be used here, since they clearly deviate. You should therefore use the de-compressor with care, since it will always make the signals louder. Setting of the threshold control should also be done with caution. The Attack control Among the most important functions of a compressor is controlling the time constants. The attack control determines one of these times, namely the kick-in behavior of the compressor. [. . . ] Any and all warranties, express or implied, arising by law, course of dealing, course of performance, usage of trade, or otherwise, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for particular, are limited to a period of 1 (one) year from either the date of manufacture. Some states or countries do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state, country to country. SPL electronics GmbH 41372 Niederkruechten, Germany 23 Kultube ­ Manual Your notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [. . . ]