Series, 160s, 160sl – dbx 160SL User Manual

Page 25

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De-Essing
To apply de-essing to vocals (i.e., a reduction of sibilance), use a parametric equalizer in the sidechain circuit and
set it for high frequency boost in the specific frequency range where the vocal

hiss or lisp occurs (generally in

the 4-6kHz region). This pre-emphasizes the already

hissy vocal input to the detector. Used in conjunction with a

moderate to high threshold and compression ratio, this arrangement greatly attenuates the

essing without affecting

the basic sound quality or balance of the voice. While it is true that all frequencies are lowered in level when
the compressor is triggered, generally the

sss sound occurs alone, before or after the dominant tone in the voice.

Increasing sustain
To increase the sustain of a musical instrument (e.g., a guitar or bass), use an equalizer in the sidechain circuit
and boost the EQ in the dominant frequency range of the instrument, along with a fairly low threshold and a
moderate compression ratio.

Using a Filter in the Level Detector Circuit
The results of inserting a filter in the level detector circuit are basically the same as obtained with an equalizer, as
previously described. Those frequencies passed by the filter are subject to compression (or at least they are sub-
ject to considerably more compression than those frequencies outside the passband). Because a passive filter can
have insertion loss, it may be necessary to lower the 160SL’s threshold setting to maintain a given amount of gain
reduction within the filter passband; this can be determined by monitoring the 160SL’s threshold indicator LEDs.

Multi-way speaker systems
If a single compressor is to be used with a multi-way speaker system (i.e., before the crossover, after EQ), the
system operator is faced with the problem of keeping levels below the point of destruction of the most sensitive
part of the system. If, for example, mid-range drivers are frequently damaged, the whole system must be operated
at a lower sound-pressure level, or additional mid-range drivers must be added. By inserting an equalizer in the
detector path of the 160SL, it can be made more sensitive to frequencies in the range handled by the sensitive
drivers. The system can then be run at higher levels and will only be dropped back when damaging, mid-range
signals are present.

Pre-emphasis for broadcast applications
By inserting a pre-emphasis filter network in the sidechain circuit of a 160SL processing pre-emphasized audio,
higher levels can be run within the headroom limitations of the broadcast chain.

Anticipated Compression
By feeding the program directly to the 160SL’s sidechain return and sending the audio signal through a delay line
before the audio input, the unit can anticipate the need for a gain change. See diagram on the following page.
With some experimentation, the effect can be that of zero attack time at a given frequency. Additional signal
delays beyond this zero time will then cause the compressor to finish reducing the gain before the leading edge
of the loud passage even enters the signal input. This will suppress the program material preceding this loud
passage. The 160SL will then begin to release (recover from compression) before the loud passage has ended.

160SL

lue

series

160SL

controls

160SL

notes

160SL

Operations

160SL

Operations

Inspection

Operating

Connection

Installation

Technical

Introduction

to your system

considerations

contents

concept

diagram

applications

support and factory service

160SL

Specifications

160SL

Manual

Design

Block

Controls

Advanced

Warranty

lue

series

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