dbx 1066 - Manual (Page 10)

6
Operating controls
-15
-10
-5
0
+5
+15
+20
+10
INPUT LEVEL (dB)
OUTPUT LEVEL (dB)
-15 -10 -5 0 +5 +15 +20 +10
1:1 Unity
2:1
4:1
:1
20:1
RED
Above Threshold
GREEN
Below Threshold
Rotation Point Threshold
1:1
2:1
4:1
:1
− 15
− 10
− 5
0
+5
+15
+20
+10
INPUT LEVEL (dB)
OUTPUT LEV
EL (dB)
− 15 −10 −5 0 +5 +15 +20 +10
RED
Below Threshold
Above Threshold
OverEasy Range
GR
EE
N
AM
BER
Figure 2: Hard Knee Compression Curve,and OverEasy® Compression Curve, and Threshold LEDs.
Figure 3 shows the effect of 2:1 compression on a signal as it rises above and falls below the threshold. Below
the threshold the signal is not affected. Above the threshold, the output signal increases by only half of the
increase (in dB) of the input signal level. In other words, with a 2 dB increase in input level, the output
increases by only 1 dB, hence the 2:1 compression ratio.
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
10
Time
Signal Level (dBu)
Below Threshold
Above Threshold
Input Signal
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
10
Time
Signal Level (dBu)
Below Threshold
Above Threshold
Input Signal
Output Signal
Figure 3: Compression Effect on Signal Level with a 2:1 Ratio at a -20 dBu Threshold
Contour Switch - This switch adds a gentle low frequency de-emphasis into the detector path. This is extremely
useful in keeping low frequency program material from “muffling” or “punching holes in” the compressed signal.
This feature allows faster attack times and higher compression ratios with less artifacts. The switch will light
indicating contouring is activated.
Compressor Ratio Control - This control selects the ratio between input and the output levels for signals above
the level set by the COMPRESSION THRESHOLD control. It is adjustable between 1:1 and infinity:1. Note, when
OverEasy® processing is selected, the ratio transitions smoothly from the linear to the compressed region. As the
signal exceeds the threshold, the ratio approaches the ratio set by the COMPRESSOR RATIO control.
Gain Reduction Meter - This 12 stage meter shows the amount of gain reduction due to compression, expan-
sion/gating, or Intelligent Predictive Limiting™, displaying gain reduction from 0 to 30 dB.
Attack Control - The ATTACK control sets the amount of time it takes the 1066 to begin compressing a signal
once the detector has sensed a signal above threshold. The ATTACK range is from 3 dB/msec (for a tighter and
more noticeable compression effect with very little overshoot) to .04 dB/msec (for more delayed, gradual com-
pression). A very fast ATTACK setting will cause the 1066 to act like a peak limiter even though RMS detection