Drawmer S3 Multi-Band Stereo Tube Compressor User Manual

Page 8

DRAWMER S3 O

PERATOR’S

ANUAL

METERS

VU Meter:

Two moving coil VU meters monitor either the level of the input or output signal.

Pad:

Vu - +10dB - +20dB

A three-position switch adjusts the meters to show either normal output level, (and for those working at ‘hot’ output

levels) VU +10dB or VU +20dB modes. i.e. with the switch at VU +10dB - when the VU meter reads 0dB the actual

level is +10dB.

Response:

Peak VU - VU

On smooth, gentle pieces of music the “VU” (average level) setting would be sufficient, however, on fast dynamic

signals the “Peak VU” setting provides more accurate readings.

Select:

Output - Input

Set to "Input" and adjust the level of the incoming signal: an optimal level of 0dB provides optimum headroom and

signal-to-noise ratio. If the input level is too low little compression will occur (and, raising the overall output level of

the signal will amplify the noise floor).

The Output setting shows the signal level after the signal has been summed and the “Gain” (17) and “Balance” (18)

have been applied.

OUTPUT

Temperature Led

The S3 is at optimum temperature when the front panel LED indicator is lit, i.e. after the soft start and when the

valves have reached optimum temperature - this may take a few seconds.

Gain:

-11 - +12dB

The S3 provides a single control to modify the stereo output level after summing, without having to adjust the three

band gain controls (and thus altering the mix). Adjust so that the output signal approaches the desired level only on

signal peaks.

Balance:

Left - 0 - Right

Modifies left/right balance within the stereo mix.

Bypass:

Off - On

A fully balanced hard-wire unit bypass connects the input directly to the output.

Note: in bypass the VU meters display the levels as though the unit is still compressing until the Meter Select

switch is set to “Input”. This has been implemented to provide the user with optimum control of the meters.

Power:

Off - On