User manual SUMMIT DCL-200

[. . . ] Please observe the cautions for HIGH VOLTAGE. Set the line voltage switch to the proper position 2. Determine the proper fuse size by referring to the specifications 3. Check for pilot illumination when powered up. 1. [. . . ] De-essing: Plug a TRS insert cable into the side chain jack on the back of the DCL-200. Plug the send (tip) of the insert cable to the input of an EQ, and the return (ring) of the cable to the EQ output. Boost the frequencies on the EQ that you want to compress (de-ess). Ducking: Send the output of the "lead" program material into the side chain input after inserting the DCL-200 on the "background" program material. Example: Send the output of a vocal mic into the side chain, with the DCL200 inserted on the over-all music track. As the singer uses the vocal mic, the music will decrease in amplitude. This is perfect for broadcast use when the DJ needs to speak over music, or a lead guitar plays a solo over the rhythm track in mixing. Circuit Explanation Linking: The DCL-200 is organized so that in stereo link mode the AC Threshold, Slope, Attack, and Release controls on the top channel operate both channels. The channel 1 side chain is fed with the sum of channel 1 and 2 (combined mono signal). The side chain then generates the controls for both channels. The only problem with this method occurs if the stereo signal has a large out-of-phase component (180 degrees). This out-of-phase signal will sum to zero and not generate any gain reduction. Mono compatibility is necessary for any sound that has the potential for radio or TV play. The DCL-200's method of stereo linking will work very well when the source is mono compatible. Attack and Release: The attack and release settings will change the gain of the side chain. With the attack set at 10 and release set at 0, a voltage divider circuit is formed creating a low output voltage to the control circuit. In this case, increase the setting of the AC Threshold control. By setting the attack at 0 and release at 10, there is no voltage loss in the circuit. The AC Threshold control will need a much lower setting to achieve the same amount of gain reduction as in the previous example. By allowing this interaction, you can adjust the circuit for peak or average responding operation. This allows adjustment of the DCL-200 to deliver a larger variety of smooth sounds. Audio Path: The Audio path has a balanced input followed by the gain cell, a tube amplifier, and a balanced discrete output stage using Dean Jensen designed 990 Op Amps. The 990's are arranged so that operation in either balanced or unbalanced mode will result in the proper gain structure. [. . . ] For the longest life, it is recommended that you turn off the unit when it is not in use. Please mount the unit in your rack, making sure that there is sufficient ventilation, especially on the right and left side of the chassis. The DCL-200 will generate a significant amount of heat; therefore, it is necessary to have good air flow to prevent damage to your DCL-200 or any other pieces of gear housed in the rack with it. The tubes in your Summit Audio DCL-200 have been intensely screened for desired distortion and gain characteristics. [. . . ]