dbx 1066 - Manual (Page 11)

7
Operating Controls
circuitry is used. Slower ATTACK settings cause the 1066 to act like an RMS or averaging detecting compressor/
limiter.
Release Control - The RELEASE control sets how fast the compression circuit returns the input to its original
level. The RELEASE rate is from 250 dB/sec (where compression follows the envelope of the program material
very tightly) to 5 dB/sec (for very smooth compression).
Auto Switch - This switch overrides both the ATTACK and RELEASE controls and enables preset program-depen-
dent attack and release times. These times are derived from the input signal and continuously change to match
its dynamics. The switch lights indicating the attack and release times are being automatically adjusted in a
program-dependent fashion. Enabling this AUTO Function duplicates the “classic dbx sound” of the 1066’s fore-
runners which have become standards in the industry.
Input/Output Level Meter - This 8-stage meter directly reads the input and output levels when the rear-panel
OPERATING LEVEL SWITCH is in the +4 dBu position. In the -10 dBV position, the input signal is boosted by
11.8 dB (the difference between +4 dBu and -10 dBV) to convert a semi-pro -10 dBV level signal to the profes-
sional +4 dBu internal level of the 1066, while the output signal is attenuated by 11.8 dB to convert back to a
-10 dBV level. Since the meter is calibrated for +4 dBu operation, it reads about 12 dB higher than the actual
input and output signal levels when the OPERATING LEVEL SWITCH is set to -10 dBV.
Input/Output Meter Switch - This switch selects the signal for metering by the INPUT/OUTPUT LEVEL METER.
The switch lights indicating the input signal is currently being sent to the meter. When the switch is in the out
position, the output signal is selected for metering, and the switch will not be illuminated.
Output Gain Control - This control sets the output gain of the compressor. It can be continuously adjusted
between -20 dB and +20 dB. Use this control to compensate for signal level loss due to compression and to
adjust the nominal output level of the unit.
Bypass Switch - This switch bypasses the unit completely. A relay “hard-wires” the input directly to the output,
and the signal is not processed in any way. The switch will light indicating that the unit is currently bypassed.
It is also significant to note that in the event of power failure, the relay will automatically bypass the unit.
Upon power-up, the relay provides a turn-on delay of approximately 1.5 seconds.
PeakStopPlus™ Level Control - This control sets the level to which the output signal is reduced whenever it
exceeds this level. It can be adjusted between +4 dBu and +22 dBu (OFF). This PeakStopPlus™ limiter uses a
dbx two-stage limiting process. The first stage is the Instantaneous Transient Clamp™ which clamps the signal
with a soft logarithmic clamp function. This logarithmic function assures that the signal will not exceed the
level set by the PeakStopPlus™ LEVEL control by more than 2 dB typically, and that it will not introduce harsh
artifacts. The second stage is a unique program limiter featuring Intelligent Predictive Limiting™. Its function
is to monitor the input signal and intelligently predict the amount of gain reduction needed to keep the output
signal below the ceiling set by the Instantaneous Transient Clamp™. Note, since the PeakStopPlus™ limiter is a
fail-safe limiter it must come after the OUTPUT GAIN control. If the OUTPUT GAIN is set too high as compared to
the PeakStopPlus™ LEVEL control, continuous limiting can occur. While PeakStopPlus™ is typically used as a pro-
tective function, creative effects can be achieved by intentionally driving the signal into heavy PeakStopPlus™
limiting. Great care has gone into the design of the PeakStopPlus™ limiter to keep it acoustically transparent.
Appropriate use of it can protect your gear while keeping the signal free of artifacts.