User manual ALESIS NANOCOMPRESSOR

[. . . ] ALESIS NanoCompressor Reference Manual Introduction INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the Alesis NanoCompressor Dynamics Processor. To take full advantage of the NanoCompressor's functions, and to enjoy long and troublefree use, please read this user's manual carefully. How To Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions of the NanoCompressor. Though we recommend you take time to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about compressor/limiters should use the table of contents to look up specific functions. Chapter 1: Your First Session with the NanoCompressor. [. . . ] The other end of the cable (which splits into two, 1/4" mono connectors) are connected to the [LEFT] input and [LEFT] output, respectively. If you do not hear any audio after making these connections, swap the input and output cables at the NanoCompressor, as these may be wired backwards. Once the proper connection has been made, you must set the output level so that you aren't clipping the mixer input. As a general rule, if the [REDUCTION] meter is showing an average -6 dB of gain reduction, the [OUTPUT] knob should be set for +6dB (one tick above the 0 marker). NanoCompressor Manual 11 Connections Using the NanoCompressor with a Powered Mixer You can dramatically improve the sound quality of a powered mixer by connecting the NanoCompressor to it in the same way you would connect it to a regular mixer, with one important note: 7 Never connect an output intended for a loudspeaker (the power amplifier output) to the input of the NanoCompressor. This will cause damage that will not be covered by the warranty. Consult the manual of your mixer for more information. Generally, the best way is to connect the "Master Insert" jack of the mixer to the NanoCompressor following the procedure on page 13. If the system is not stereo, you may connect only the [LEFT] side of the NanoCompressor to the mixer's Master Insert. You can also connect the NanoCompressor (or multiple NanoCompressors) to the individual channel insert(s). Note: Be careful not to use too much compression when mixing live sound, the speakers may feed back with too much gain reduction on the PA. Mixer Main Outputs Some mixers, such as live PA boards and small home studio mixers, may not have inserts on the channels or even the main out. In this case, you can still use the NanoCompressor to control peaks by putting the NanoCompressor between the Main Output of your mixer and the Input of your power amp or tape recorder. Note: During studio mixdown, if the output of the mixer is feeding a compressor before the mixdown tape deck and the song fades out, the sound of the mix will probably change as it fades. This is why it's better to use the Main Inserts if they are supplied on your mixer, since these are typically pre-fader. See your mixer's reference manual for more information. 12 NanoCompressor Manual Connections Avoiding Ground Loops In today's studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has complex routing and computer logic, there are many opportunities for ground loop problems to occur. These show up as hums, buzzes or sometimes radio reception and can occur if a piece of equipment "sees" two or more different paths to ground. While there are methods to virtually eliminate ground loops and stray radio frequency interference, most of the professional methods are expensive and involve installing a separate power source just for the sound system. Here are some easy helpful hints that a professional studio installer might use to keep those stray hums and buzzes to a minimum. KEEP ALL ELECTRONICS OF THE SOUND SYSTEM ON THE SAME AC ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT. Most stray hums and buzzes happen as a result of different parts of the sound system being plugged into outlets of different AC circuits. If any noise generating devices such as air conditioners, refrigerators, neon lights, etc. , are already plugged into one of these circuits, you then have a perfect condition for stray buzzes. Since most electronic devices of a sound system don't require a lot of current (except for power amplifiers), it's usually safe to run a multi-outlet box or two from a SINGLE wall outlet and plug in all of the components of your system there. KEEP AUDIO WIRING AS FAR AWAY FROM AC WIRING AS POSSIBLE. Many hums come from audio cabling being too near AC wiring or the power transformers used by equipment requiring an external supply. If a hum occurs, try moving the audio wiring around to see if the hum ceases or diminishes. If it's not possible to separate the audio and AC wiring in some instances, make sure that the audio wires don't run parallel to any AC wire (they should only cross at right angles, if possible). TO ELIMINATE HUM IF THE ABOVE HAS FAILED: A) Disconnect the power from all outboard devices and tape machines except for the mixer and control room monitor power amp. [. . . ] DO NOT SPRAY THE CLEANER DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRONT OF THE UNIT AS IT MAY DESTROY THE LUBRICANTS USED IN THE SWITCHES AND CONTROLS!Spray onto a cloth, then use cloth to clean the unit. Refer All Servicing to Alesis We believe that the NanoCompressor is one of the best compressors that can be made using current technology, and should provide years of trouble-free use. However, should problems occur, DO NOT attempt to service the unit yourself. Service on this product should be performed only by qualified technicians. [. . . ]