Limiter Section - Redback A 5360 User Manual

When an inpu t signal is above the THRESHOLD reference level, the setting of this control determ
dec ibels (dB) by which the input signal must change in level to produce a 1dB increase in the signal level at the output of
the A 5360. A setting of 2:1 indicates an input:output ratio wherein a 2dB increase in signal (above threshold) will produce
a 1dB increase in output signal. A setting of ∞:1 indicates that an infinite increase in input level would be required to raise
the output level by 1dB. In other words, the output level stays constant when the input signal rises above threshold.
C ompressor ATTACK and RELEASE Control:
The ATTACK control sets the amount of time it
sen sed a signal above threshold. The ATTACK range is from FAST (for a tighter and more noticeable compression effect
with very little overshoot) to SLOW (for more delayed, gradual compression). A very fast ATTACK setting will cause the A
5360 to act like a peak limiter even though RMS detection circuitry is used. Slower ATTACK settings cause the A 5360 to
act like an RMS or averaging detecting compressor/limiter.
The RELEASE control sets how fast the compression circ
fro m FAST (where compression follows the envelope of the program material very tightly) to SLOW (for very smooth
compression).
There is no ab solute right way to set the ATTACK and RELEASE controls. However, in general, you will want them set
slo w enough to avoid pumping or breathing sounds caused when background sounds are audibly modulated by the
dominant signal energy, yet the release must be fast enough to avoid suppression of the desired signal after a sudde
transient or loud note has decayed. For low frequency tones (e.g., bass guitar), set RELEASE and ATTACK to 2:00 or
slower.
Note : ATTACK and RELEASE controls operate together and in conjunction with the RATIO control. Changing one control may necessitate changing another setting.
A UTO Switch and LED:
This switch overrides b
rele ase 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.
O UTPUT GAIN Control:
Adjust this control to va
GA IN control does not interact with the threshold of compression.
The OUTPUT GAIN control is especially useful to compensate
536 0's dynamic processing effects. After you adjust the A 5360's controls for the desired amount of compression (and
gating), set the OUTPUT GAIN to add the same amount of gain that is shown on the GAIN REDUCTION meters. For
example, if the average amount of gain reduction shown on the meters is 10dB, then setting the OUTPUT GAIN contro
10dB will compensate for the 10dB average level reduction at the output. Note that the OUTPUT GAIN control comes
before the Peak circuit.
Note: Because +20dB of ga
in can be added at the A 5360 output, it is possible to cause clipping even when the input level is within the specified range.
For example, when the COMPRESSION RATIO is set at a low number, extreme clockwise rotation of the OUTPUT GAIN may cause the A 5360 ou
stage to clip program peaks.
B YPASS Button and LED:
Depress this button to "ha
eve n if it is unplugged). Note that BYPASS works independently for each channel, even when the unit is stereo-coupled
(via the STEREO COUPLE button).
In Bypass mode, the input is sent
una ltered input signal at the A 5360's OUTPUT. Bypass mode is especially useful for making comparisons between
processed and unprocessed signals.
The BYPASS LED turns On in Byp

LIMITER Section

PEAK LEVEL Control an
This control allows you to set th
com es after the compression, gating and output gain circuitry; this provides for an absolute limit to be put on the peak
excursions at the output. Peak works instantaneously; you can apply moderate amounts of A 5360 compression and st
be protected from large transients, other short-term overloads and overmodulation.
Peak is a smooth well-controlled soft clipper whose behavior is sonically similar t
takes the A 5360 to begin compressing a signal once the detector has
oth the ATTACK and RELEASE controls and enables preset program-dependent attack and
ry the amount of fixed gain (up to ±20dB) in the A 5360's output amplifier stage. The OUTPUT
rd-wire bypass" the A 5360's circuitry,(i.e., unaltered input signal will pass through the unit
directly to the output, bypassing the A 5360's processing and controls and presenting
ass mode if the A 5360 is being provided with AC power.
d LED:
e maximum peak output level of the A 5360 regardless of any other control. Peak
uit returns the input to its original level. The RELEASE rate is
for the RMS level decrease which results from the A
o the gentleness of compression; its
ines the number of
n
l to
tput
ill
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