Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Alesis CLX440
Summary of Contents for Alesis CLX440
- Page 1 Compressor / Limiter / Expander Reference Manual 2001 CLX-440 Reference Manual...
- Page 2 CLX-440 Manual CLX-440 Reference Manual...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Contents...3 Welcome!...6 How to Use This Manual ...7 Important Safety Instructions...8 CE Declaration of Conformity...10 Instructions to the User (FCC Notice)...14 Quick Start Guide ...15 If you can't wait to get started:...15 Step 1: Hook it up to a mixer ...15 Step 2: Try some compression ...16 Step 3: Try some gating...17 Connections...19... - Page 4 Key Filtering for a Tom Mic gate...48 Staccato Gating a Synth Pad...49 Troubleshooting...51 Troubleshooting Index ...51 Avoiding ground loop noise ...52 Line Conditioners and Protectors ...53 Care and Maintenance...54 Cleaning ...54 Refer All Servicing to Alesis...54 Obtaining Repair Service ...55 Specifications...57 CLX-440 Reference Manual...
- Page 5 Audio Input ...57 Sidechain/ Key Inputs...57 Direct Output...57 Audio Output ...57 Audio Performance ...57 Mechanical ...58 Alesis Limited Warranty...59 CLX-440 Reference Manual CLX-440 Manual...
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Page 6: Welcome
We believe in our products, because we've heard the results that creative people like you have achieved with them. One of Alesis' goals is to make high- quality studio equipment available to everyone, and this Reference Manual is an important part of that. -
Page 7: How To Use This Manual
How to Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications for the CLX-440. While it's a good idea to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about studio equipment should use the table of contents to look up specific functions. -
Page 8: Important Safety Instructions
CLX-440 Manual Important Safety Instructions Safety symbols used in this product: This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit. This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks. This symbol warns the user that output connectors contain voltages that can cause dangerous electrical shock. - Page 9 into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. 10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 11. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Page 10 CLX-440 Manual Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) Symboles utilisés dans ce produit Ce symbole alèrte l’utilisateur qu’il existe des instructions de fonctionnement et de maintenance dans la documentation jointe avec ce produit. Ce symbole avertit l’utilisateur de la présence d’une tension non isolée à...
- Page 11 10. Evitez de marcher sur le cordon secteur ou de le pincer, en particulier au niveau de la prise, et aux endroits où il sor de l’appareil. 11. N’utilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le constructeur. 12. N’utilisez qu’avec un stand, ou table conçus pour l’utilisation d’audio professionnel ou instruments de musique.
- Page 12 CLX-440 Manual Verwenden Sie zur Reinigung nur ein weiches Tuch. Verwenden Sie keine flüssigen Reinigungsmittel. Dies kann gefährliche Folgen haben. Halten Sie sich beim Aufbau des Gerätes an die Angaben des Herstellers. Stellen Sie das Gerät nich in der Nähe von Heizkörpern, Heizungsklappen oder anderen Wärmequellen (einschließlich Verstärkern) auf.
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Page 13: Ce Declaration Of Conformity
CLX-440 Manual CE Declaration of Conformity See the Internet site: www.alesis.com CLX-440 Reference Manual... -
Page 14: Instructions To The User (Fcc Notice)
CLX-440 Manual Instructions to the User (FCC Notice) This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. -
Page 15: Quick Start Guide
If you can't wait to get started: The Alesis CLX-440™ is a unique product, but its basic hookup and operation is similar to other compressors in most respects. If you're experienced with signal processors, this chapter is a "shorthand" guide for those who want to start using the CLX-440 right away. -
Page 16: Step 2: Try Some Compression
quick start guide • chapter 1 Step 2: Try some compression Play some signal into the unit While learning the unit, you should play a CD or a multitrack source into the compressor. Choose a song or part that doesn’t change much, so that you can take your time experimenting with the different features. -
Page 17: Step 3: Try Some Gating
Step 3: Try some gating Find a "peaky" signal For this exercise, you’ll need some signal that has a lot of peaks. For example, a full mix with a drum part, a jangly guitar part, or a conga with room reverb on it. This will show you how to set the controls so that only the peaks go through the unit. - Page 18 quick start guide • chapter 1 Front Panel Diagram -50dBFS Rear Panel Diagram 1 Sec -50dBFS 1 Sec 1 Sec 1 Sec CLX-440 Reference Manual...
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Page 19: Connections
10° C to +40° C (50° F to 104° F), in up to 80% non-condensing humidity. These are not absolute limits, but Alesis cannot guarantee that the CLX-440 will meet its published specs or remain reliable if operated outside of these ranges. -
Page 20: Power
Do not substitute any other type of AC cord; IEC-spec cables of various lengths may be purchased from electronics stores or your Alesis dealer. The ground connection is an important safety feature designed to keep the chassis of electronic devices such as the CLX-440 at ground potential. - Page 21 For 100-120 VAC 50/60 Hz operation in the US, Canada and/or Japan, use Alesis UL/CSA power cord #7-41-0001. • For 230 VAC 50 Hz operation in England, use Alesis Power cord #7-41-0004. • For 220 VAC 50 Hz operation in Europe and Scandinavia, use Alesis EU power cord #7-41-0002.
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Page 22: Connecting Inputs And Outputs
connections • chapter 2 Connecting inputs and outputs ✪ When connecting audio cables and/or turning power on and off, make sure that all devices in your system are turned off and the volume controls are turned down. Connecting to the Channel Inserts of a mixing console: Unbalanced I/O Most recording consoles have a jack near the mic and line inputs... -
Page 23: Connecting To The Main Inserts Of A Mixing Console
This example shows you how to connect the CLX-440 to one mono source. You can use this method to connect two mono or stereo sources to the CLX-440. You would need up to four insert cables to make these connections. Balanced I/O Some recording consoles have balanced sends and returns for each channel. -
Page 24: Connecting To The Inserts On An Instrument Amplifier
connections • chapter 2 the compressor to the inputs of your mixdown recorder, monitor system, etc. However, if you connect the CLX-440 this way and use the mixer’s master fader to fade out and the end of a song, the sound will change as you fade out and less compression occurs. -
Page 25: About Audio Cables
Don't use line transformers: Many XLR-to-1/4" adapters sold at electronics stores are NOT adapters, but transformers (and very low quality transformers at that). Don't use these on the output of the CLX-440—they're unnecessary and generally sound awful because they don't have the headroom to handle the CLX-440's output. -
Page 26: Dual Channel Operation
Insert the plugs in the jacks a few times, to clean the internal jack contacts. Although Alesis does not endorse any specific product, chemicals such as Tweek and Cramolin, when applied to electrical connectors, are claimed to improve the electrical contact between connectors. -
Page 27: Basics Of Compression
Basics of Compression This section will explain how compression works, and explain the functions of the CLX-440’s controls. What is compression? A compressor essentially turns down the volume of any audio which is louder that a set level. This level is called the compressor threshold level. -
Page 28: Description Of Controls
basics of compression • chapter 3 Description of Controls There are six knobs on the top row of each channel of the CLX- 440, labeled Threshold THRESHOLD begin. As long as the input signal level is below the Threshold level, the CLX-440 will do nothing to the signal. Once the input signal crosses the Threshold, the CLX-440 will begin compressing at an intensity set by the Input Signal... -
Page 29: Ratio
-10dB and the Ratio is set for 4:1. When the third peak of the input signal crosses the Threshold, the CLX-440 starts to reduce the signal level, as shown in the figure (b). Figure (c) shows the output signal level, with the original signal shown with a dotted line. -
Page 30: Knee
basics of compression • chapter 3 recorder overloads every time the kick drum hits, you can use Peak limiting to keep the kick from peaking above the rest of the music. When set to signal’s average level, much like our ears adjust to loud or soft sounds. -
Page 31: Compression Artifiacts
Compression Artifiacts When you apply a lot of gain reduction (6dB or more), you may hear some problems on the output. Here are a few common side effects to applying a lot of compression and some ways to avoid them. Pumping and Breathing When a compressor is making large changes to the input signal (10 to 12 dB or more), the noise floor will also rise and fall with... -
Page 32: Limiting
basics of compression • chapter 3 Limiting Limiting is compression with a very high Ratio setting (10:1 or more). It is typically used for stopping peaks in the signal from distorting the rest of the chain without affecting the dynamic range of the signal. -
Page 33: Stereo Detection
Stereo Detection The CLX-440 takes the greater of both left and right sides of each channel before they are detected for compression or expansion. The reason for this is so the two sides of a stereo signal are not gain reduced differently. For example, if a guitar was panned to the right and went above the threshold level, and the left and right sides were not linked, only the right side would be gain reduced. -
Page 34: Sidechain
basics of compression • chapter 3 Sidechain There are a pair of balanced jacks on the rear panel which can alter the way the compressor functions, Direct Out and Sidechain. DIRECT OUT out without compression. Using this jack by itself does not affect the rest of the compressor circuit. -
Page 35: Basics Of Expansion
This section explains the expansion features of the CLX-440. What is expansion? An expander reduces gain the opposite way a compressor does. When the input signal level is below the threshold level, that audio will be attenuated according to the ratio setting. If the expansion ratio is 4:1, then audio that is 1dB under the threshold will be attenuated so that it is 4dB below the threshold. -
Page 36: Description Of Controls
basics of expansion • chapter 4 Description of Controls There are six knobs on the bottom row of each channel of the CLX-440, labeled Threshold THRESHOLD As long as the input signal level is above the Threshold level, the CLX-440 will do nothing to the signal. Once the input signal crosses below the Threshold, the CLX-440 will begin expanding at an intensity set by the For example, if the threshold level is set to –30dBfs, the ratio is... -
Page 37: Knee
Knee knob is used to vary between Hard and Soft knee KNEE expansion styles. When the CLX-440 is set for Hard knee, the expansion ratio applies only to signals below the threshold level. If the CLX-440 is set for Soft knee, the expansion ratio gradually increases from 1:1 to the currently selected ratio over a range of approximately 5 dB, so that the transition from unexpanded to expanded is more gradual. -
Page 38: Release
basics of expansion • chapter 4 Release RELEASE takes to begin expanding after the signal crosses under the threshold. The range of this control is 1 ms to 2 seconds. By using the HOLD decay of percussive sounds. Use a longer hold time for more room sound or gated effects. -
Page 39: Keyed Expansion
Keyed Expansion The expander section has a function called in operation to the compressor’s sidechain. The key input plugs directly into the detection circuit and breaks the flow of the input to the detector when the the input signal to be processed before the expander detects it and allows a completely different signal to key the expander. - Page 40 basics of expansion • chapter 4 CLX-440 Reference Manual...
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Page 41: Applications
This section is designed to get you started with the CLX-440 by giving some sample settings. These are merely suggested settings, experiment and find your own once you begin to hear what the CLX-440 does to your sound. Compressor Applications Vocal Limiting Vocalists tend to be one of the most dynamic recording challenges in any studio or stage. -
Page 42: Vocal Compression
applications • chapter 5 Vocal Compression In other cases, you may want to compress the entire dynamic range of a vocal . This is typical of pop vocals and voiceovers for radio commercials. Whenever there is signal, there is some compression taking place;... -
Page 43: Bass
get more stick out of the snare drum, and turn it down for a synth pop slap. Bass Since bass guitar forms the foundation of most Rock and Jazz music, it’s important that the level of the Bass doesn’t jump around in the mix. -
Page 44: Compressor Applications Using The Sidechain
applications • chapter 5 Compressor Applications using the Sidechain De-essing Occasionally when recording vocals, the letter "s" seems to jump out louder than the rest of the part. This is because sibilant letters, especially the letter s, have more high frequency energy than other letters. -
Page 45: Ducking
Ducking Ducking is often used when doing voiceovers. It allows background music to automatically be turned down whenever a external source, such as an announcer’s voice, begins to speak. You can also use ducking to have one instrument push the other out of the way, such as the bass guitar ducking every time the kick drum hits. -
Page 46: Expander Applications
applications • chapter 5 Expander Applications Gating a Noisy Guitar Amp When a rock guitar amp is set loud enough to sound good it usually creates quite a bit of hiss. These settings will mute the guitar when it isn’t playing. •... -
Page 47: Expander Applications Using The Key
Expander Applications using the Key Gated Reverb A popular effect for drums is to use distant room mics or a digital reverb set to a long decay, then gate them so that the reverb suddenly cuts off. To do this we will use the snare drum as a key to open the reverb gate. -
Page 48: Key Filtering For A Tom Mic Gate
This means we need to filter the signal before it reaches the detector. Plug the equalizer, such as the Alesis PEQ-450. Plug the EQ output into a mixer input for now so that you can hear the effects of the EQ. -
Page 49: Staccato Gating A Synth Pad
Staccato Gating a Synth Pad An interesting effect using the sound from another, completely unrelated sound. This works well when the signal being keyed is a legato part that doesn’t change much and the key input signal is a percussive sound. This example will combine a simple string pad performance, playing whole notes, with a 16 create a staccato synth effect. - Page 50 applications • chapter 5 CLX-440 Reference Manual...
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Page 51: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating your CLX-440, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support for assistance. Symptom No audio from outputs Buzz from outputs CLX-440 Reference Manual Troubleshooting... -
Page 52: Avoiding Ground Loop Noise
troubleshooting • chapter 6 AC hum Avoiding ground loop noise In today’s studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has its own computer chip inside, there are many opportunities for ground loop problems to occur. These show up as hums, buzzes or sometimes radio reception and can occur if a piece of equipment "sees"... -
Page 53: Line Conditioners And Protectors
KEEP AUDIO WIRING AS FAR AWAY FROM AC WIRING AS POSSIBLE. Many hums come from audio cabling being too near AC wiring. If a hum occurs, try moving the audio wiring around to see if the hum ceases or diminishes. If it’s not possible to separate the audio and AC wiring in some instances, make sure that the audio wires don’t run parallel to any AC wire (they should only cross at right angles, if possible). -
Page 54: Care And Maintenance
LUBRICANTS USED IN THE SWITCHES AND CONTROLS! Spray onto a cloth, then use cloth to clean the unit. Refer All Servicing to Alesis We believe that the CLX-440 is one of the best signal processors that can be made using current technology, and should provide years of trouble-free use. -
Page 55: Obtaining Repair Service
Alesis warranty. Tape a note to the top of the unit describing the problem, include your name and a phone number where Alesis can contact you if necessary, as well as instructions on where you want the product returned. - Page 56 Customers outside the USA and Canada: Contact your local Alesis distributor for any warranty assistance. The Alesis Limited Warranty applies only to products sold to users in the USA and Canada. Customers outside of the USA and Canada are not covered by this Limited Warranty and may or may not be covered by an independent distributor warranty in the country of sale.
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Page 57: Specifications
Specifications Subject to change without notice Audio Input Input Connectors: Nominal Input Level: Maximum Input Level: Input impedance: Sidechain/ Key Inputs Input Connectors: Nominal Input Level: Maximum Input Level: Input impedance: Direct Output Output Connectors: Output Level-Stereo Input : Output Level-Mono Input : Output impedance: Audio Output +4dBu/-10dBV Switchable... -
Page 58: Mechanical
troubleshooting • chapter 6 THD+N: Frequency Response: Power consumption: Mechanical Size: Rack spaces: Weight: All measurements done over a 22 Hz - 22 kHz range with 1 kHz sine wave at -1dBFS input. Impedances are measured at 1 kHz. <0.003%, Analog In to Analog Out 22-22 kHz ±0.50 dB, Analog In to Analog Out... -
Page 59: Alesis Limited Warranty
During the warranty period ALESIS shall, at its sole and absolute option, either repair or replace free of charge any product that proves to be defective on inspection by ALESIS or its authorized service representative. concerning this warranty shall be resolved as prescribed by law. - Page 60 This warranty only applies to products sold to purchasers in the United States of America or Canada. The terms of this warranty and any obligations of Alesis under this warranty shall apply only within the country of sale. Without limiting the foregoing, repairs under this warranty shall be made only by a duly authorized Alesis service representative in the country of sale.