dbx 160S Owner's Manual page 18

Operating
BALANCED GROUND-
REFERENCED OPERATION
Jensen
¨
Output
Transformer
Sidechain Send and Return Connectors: When the front panel Sidechain switch is in the IN posi-
tion, the 160S RMS level detection is "listening" to the audio signal presented at the Sidechain
Return connector. Each channel features separate sidechain capabilities using the same quality gold-
plated Neutrik® XLR connectors as for the main audio input and output connections. Each channel's
sidechain connections are marked "send" for the output, and "return" for the input. Note that input
and output cables may be permanently installed here without disrupting the 160S's normal signal
path; sidechain functions are only active and available while the unit is in
from the front panel. This feature makes the 160S ideal for permanent mounting in a large rack sys-
tem, with connections going to a patch bay. When selected, the sidechain Send connector (XLR
male) "sends" the audio signal from the 160S to the outboard gear in the sidechain loop. (ie: dbx 20
or 30 Series Graphic Equalizer or digital delay. See the section marked Operating Notes for more
information on the sidechain functions of the 160S.) The audio is processed, and sent from the out-
put of that device back to the 160S via the Return connector (XLR female). As the signal is brought
back into the 160S, its RMS level is used to trigger the compression/limiting. This allows the 160S to
be very versatile in many applications, from ducking to frequency-specific compression or limiting.
Two separate cables are used in favor of the conventional single "Y" cable, because they supply bal-
anced signal to the sidechain gear, and are much more convenient to locate and use in a fast-paced
studio or live sound environment.
The signal path of the sidechain function is "relay-selected" in order to keep the signal path short
and clean.
C hassis Ground Binding Post : (
the user another method to provide comprehensive grounding options for any installation. It is easy
to think of the binding post as being synonymous with the ground pin on any AC power cord. (The
ground pin on an AC cord should NEVER be removed, shorted out, or "lifted".) The post allows the
chassis ground to be connected to another ground source if desired. (ie: a chassis ground system
provided by another piece of gear) Wire may be connected to the binding post by securing the
stripped end of the wire through the hole in the post, located under the hardened plastic nut-top of
the post. Access to the hole is gained by unscrewing the top part of the post far enough to reveal
the hole underneath. Insert the stripped end of the wire and tighten the top (nut) part of the bind-
ing post to secure the connection.
16
controls
160S
+
Chassis
1 2
Ground
3
-
10k 1W
Ground Switch closed
Unbalance Switch open
GND
Switch
Chassis
Ground
) The green Chassis Ground binding post is supplied to give
UNBALANCED GROUND-
REFERENCED OPERATION
+
Chassis
Jensen
¨
Output
Transformer
Ground Switch closed
Unbalance Switch closed
(6dB drop in output level)
Chassis
Ground
SIDECHAIN
1 2
Ground
3
-
GND
Switch
mode, selected