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 Drawmer
MX30
2 channel gated compressor/limiter
The MX30 Gated/Comp/Limiter is a low cost professional quality dynamics
processor containing some of the proprietary design circuitry used in
the more expensive models in the Drawmer range. The MX30 has many automated
features enabling fast, effective dynamic control while retaining the
instinctively laid out control parameters, sonic character and high technical
specification which have made Drawmer the industry standard.
Program Adaptive' Gate
Used to remove unwanted noise below a preset level, each channel consists
of a variable Threshold Gate incorporating Drawmer's 'Program Adaptive'
circuitry. Although quick and simple to operate, the gate's auto-circuitry
continually optimizes such parameters as Attack, Hold, Ratio and Release,
completely eliminating 'chatter' when the signal is fluctuating on
or around Threshold. Two LED's show when the signal is 'above' or
'below' Threshold and a push button switch allows additional control
of Release time. This design approach also retains all 'leading edge'
information making the gate ideal for 'cleaning up' vocals or retaining
the 'punch' on gated drums. Switching is provided for 'Fast' or 'Slow'
release characteristics. The 'Fast' mode can be used for instruments with
rapid decay times or for additional tightening of the gating effect. The
'Slow' mode is more suitable for vocals and instruments with longer decay
times or can be used to smooth over rough fade outs. A single LED indicates
gating action.
Soft Knee 'Auto Compressor'
The gate is followed by a variable Threshold, variable Ratio, soft knee
compressor with fully automatic Attack and Release. Large transients are
controlled instantly whilst small signal variations are treated gently,
retaining as much 'life' as possible and without generating unpredictable
side effects. From the slightest to the most aggressive levels of compression,
the MX30 handles it all with ease and displays the amount of compression
taking place on a high resolution Gain Reduction bargraph meter.
Output
The Gain control is used to compensate for the amount of compression and
brings the signal to the required output level as displayed by the output
bargraph meter. A variable Threshold 'zero overshoot' limiter, essential
for avoiding distortion when mastering to digital or speaker protection
in a 'live' situation, adds the final polish to the signal by keeping
control over signal peaks. The Limit threshold provides an absolute maximum
peak level which no signal can pass. Fast transients are clipped instantly
whilst more sustained peaks are dealt with by applying Gain Reduction,
indicated by a single LED.
Controls
Gate Threshold
This control sets the level below which gating takes place and may be
set anywhere in the range of -70dB to +20dB. A green LED illuminates to
show when the signal is above threshold (i.e. gate open) and a red LED
illuminates when the signal is below Threshold (i.e. gate closed).
Release
Either a Fast or Slow auto release contour may be selected depending on
the material being processed. An LED indicates when Slow release status
is engaged. Percussive material with little or no reverb is generally
treated using the Fast release setting, whereas with slow decays or a
significant amount of added reverb will usually respond better to the
Slow release setting.
Compressor Threshold
This determines the input level above which gain reduction will be applied
and may be set anywhere in the range of -40dB to +20dB. Soft Knee compression
takes place for signals exceeding the threshold level by up to 10dB above
which level, conventional 'ratio' compression is applied.
Gain Reduction Bargraph Meter
A nine segment LED bargraph meter continuously monitors the gain reduction
applied by the compressor over a range of 0dB to 30dB.
Ratio
Sets the final compression ratio that will be applied once the 10dB soft
knee region is exceeded. The ratio may be continuously adjusted from 1.2:1
to infinity:1 allowing the possibility of true hard limiting. The higher
the ratio setting the more compression takes place (eg. A ratio of 8:1
means that an 8dB increase in volume at the input will appear as a 1dB
increase in volume at the output).
Stereo Link
The unit can function as two independent gated/compressor/limiters or
when 'link' mode is engaged for stereo use Channel 1 becomes the
master, automatically duplicating its parameters across to Channel 2.
In this mode the same degree of gain reduction is applied to both audio
channels to prevent image shifting.
Output Gain
The output level may be attenuated or amplified by up to 20dB to compensate
for level changes caused by compression. This control comes directly before
the Peak Limiter detector and this fact should be taken into account when
setting the Peak Limiter threshold.
Peak Limit
This control sets an absolute limit that the output signal will not be
permitted to exceed. The limiter is 'zero response time' and controls
peaks without any audible distortion. For transparent 'peak protection'
the output gain control should be set to ensure that the Peak Limiter
operates only occasionally. Alternatively, the unit can be driven into
heavy limiting for creative effects.
Input/Output Bargraph Meter
An eight segment LED bargraph level meter monitors the level of the output
signal over a range of -20dB to +15dB. When Bypass is selected this meter
reads input level.
Specifications
Dimensions: 18.98"W x 1.73"H x 7.87"D
Weight: 7.06 lbs (incl packaging)
Drawmer compressors/limiters |
MX30 | DL241
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DL441 | DL251
| DL651 Sixpack |
1968 Merc | DSL424
|
