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Summary of Contents for Spectra V610
- Page 1 Model V610 Operation Manual Contact Information: 860 West Riverdale Road Suite D6 Riverdale, UT 84405 801-605-8849 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST WWW.SPECTRA1964.COM...
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Page 2: Unpacking And Inspection
Depending on the program content, the Model V610 “COMPLIMITER” will accept an input signal from -50 dBu to -40 dBu just prior to beginning compression, as well as standard line level input signal. -
Page 3: Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS Input Impedance……………………..………………………………………………….600 ohms Output Impedance………………………..………..Approximately 120 ohms (1kHz), floating Output Loading………………………..…………...600 ohms to Infinity, balanced or unbalanced Maximum Gain……………………………………………..………………………………..65 dB Input Level………………………………..…………………………Typically -50 dBu to +10 dBu Threshold Attack Level………………………………………..…………………………-40 dBu Output Level………………………..…………………………………Typically +21 dBu Signal-to-Noise Ratio……………………...…..Not less that 80 dB below +4 dBu output with -40 dBu input (threshold), 20 Hz to 20 kHz, unweighted. - Page 4 PROPER SETUP OF THIS CONTROL WILL ALLOW FOR CONSISTENT AND REPEATABLE PERFORMANCE The V610 compressor circuit is designed to operate levels of -40dBu or greater. The input level control allows for 2dB, incremented adjustment to attain -40dBu level. As gain is increased beyond the -40dBu input level, resulting compression follows incrementally.
- Page 5 (gain), and output level, (make up gain). Improper level adjustment can result in loss of dynamic range and possibly increased system distortion. The V610 Complimiter has a gain of 65dB. Of the total, approximately 40dB of gain is provided by the second, 110A amplifier module.
- Page 6 Release Control The release control knob affects the signal release time after initial signal compression. Maximum release time, marked "100" on the front panel, will slowly restore gain to the original level. Long release times are often used for multiple source program material, main program channel material, mastering, or very slow source material from a single source.
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Page 7: Modes Of Operation
This mode of operation always occurs when both the average and peak level of the signal waveform are below the threshold attack level of -40 dBu. Since neither the compression nor limiting functions of the Model V610 will be activated, the slope control and release time settings will have no effect on the output, and 20 dB of normal linear amplification will be provided. - Page 8 Control settings: For low signal levels (e.g. Microphone, etc.), no attenuation of the input signal is required and the threshold attack LED will occasionally flash whenever input levels are above threshold. For higher signal levels (e.g. Line, etc.), it is preferable to operate above the point of threshold and thus maximize the signal-to-noise ratio of the system. The slope control is set to approximately normal linear amplification (“100” slope control setting = fully clockwise), the release control setting is not critical and may be set at maximum time. The input level control is adjusted so the threshold attack LED is continually illuminated. For either of these two conditions, adjust the output level control to obtain the level required. Typical Application: This mode provides amplification for input signal levels below the -40 dBu threshold attack level, such as when normal microphone output levels, (-50dBu), are terminated directly to the Model V610. For higher level input signals, setting the slope control to approximately normal linear amplification has the practical equivalent of switching the Model V610 out of the circuit. Peak Limiting Only For all levels of the input signal waveform where peak signals are above threshold, and average level is below threshold, peak limiting occurs. Peak waveforms or transients, by definition, are high amplitude, short time-base, and are beyond the audible range, (20 kHz). Thus, the independent limiting function will attack, instantaneously, to provide complete peak overload protection. The limiting curve approximately follows the compression curve and, a continuously variable limiting curve is obtainable. For positive amplitude protection, a flat compression slope provides a flat limiting protection line. Control Settings: Increase the input level control until the threshold attack LED occasionally begins to flash, indicating peaks are beginning to cross threshold. The control setting will approximately represent the maximum amplitude of the peak material for this audio program selection. The maximum amount of peak limiting will occur just prior to the point where the VU meter begins to indicate gain reduction. The slope control is set for minimum, (flat), slope of the limiting, (and compression), curve (fully clockwise). Since compression is not being activated, the release control setting is not critical and would be set for maximum release time, (fully clockwise). Adjust the output level control to obtain the level required. Typical Application: Maximum Vu output without affecting dynamic range is obtained with maximum peak limiting. With no compression of audio program source material, no peak program material will be transferred through the Model V610, thus allowing improved audio level. As a result, increased headroom will be realized without associated “peak overload”, (typically 10dB). In addition, an improvement in signal to noise ratio will be achieved in proportion to the increase in signal level. Compression and Limiting Simultaneously This mode of operation occurs when the average level continually alternates above and below the constant threshold attack level. When the audio program waveform initially crosses threshold, the limiter will attack and hold until the compression function takes over. The cycle will repeat each time the average level crosses the threshold.
- Page 9 The compression slope does not change the threshold attack level or the threshold indication. The release time will determine how long the function will hold. Control Settings: Increase the input level control until the Vu meter begins to indicate compression. The threshold attack LED indicator will be illuminated continuously since the average signal level will now be above threshold. The amount of additional compression is dependent upon the input level control setting. When the release control is set for the shortest release time, maximum average level will be obtained with an increase in audio level and distortion. Longer release time will provide the smoothest action with minimum audio level changes, minimum distortion and average level slightly lower than the maximum. Adjust the output level control to obtain the level required. Typical Application: This mode is used whenever a small or intermediate amount of compression is desired. Compression Only When the average level of the input signal to the compressor/limiter is continually above the threshold attack level, this mode occurs. Control Settings: Increase input level until the LED gain reduction meter indicates compression. Generally, longer release times should be used. Typical Application: Wherever a large amount of compression is required, operate in this mode. Limiting and Compression with Additional Output Limiting/Broadcast Application This mode is the same as the previous “Compression and Limiting Simultaneously” mode, except that additional amplitude protection at a fixed level is provided by driving the output amplifier to maximum output, (peak clipping). The system provides “limiting-on-limiting,” which assures maximum power output or maximum percent modulation. When utilized in this manner, an external pad after the Model V 610 is needed to reduce the higher output level to line level. The red overload lamp indicator is set to illuminate for output amplifier signals of approximately +22 dBu, well in advance of the actual output amplifier limiting of +18 dBu or greater. Under normal circumstances, this is the preferred operation. However, additional precise laboratory lamp indication at the point of output amplifier limiting may be preferred. Calibration of the overload light for this function is available at a nominal charge from the factory. Control Settings: Set the controls in the same manner as described in the previous “Compression and Limiting Simultaneously” mode except that the output level control should be set so the red overload lamp begins to flash. Thus, a final fixed amplitude protection line is provided to prevent subsequent overload distortion, over-modulation, etc. Typical Applications: This mode is particularly applicable to broadcast applications where a maximum percentage of modulation is required. A resistance in series, (e.g. 600 ohms, 1000 ohms potentiometer, etc.) where signal output is sufficient to pad the signal positive down to standard +8 dBm broadcast line...
- Page 10 (e.g. 600 telephone lines etc.) level. This mode may be used for any application where maximum level is to be obtained without crossing above a maximum amplitude protection line. CONTROL AND MONITOR FUNCTIONS Constant Threshold Operating Advantages The constant threshold attack level provides a significant operating advantage by eliminating the need to continually reset the input level for each new variation of compression ratio. Thus, comparison analysis on simplified “A-B” basis is possible and the selection of the desired slope of the compression curve is easier, more accurately determined, and requires less time. No “De-Ess” Roll-Off The need for “de-ess” or “de-emphasis” has been eliminated through the advanced design dual function, independent compression and limiting of the Model V610. Conventional single function analog compressor/limiters are not capable of reacting in time to protect against higher frequency sibilant sounds without markedly sacrificing the performance of audio program material. Considerable engineering design effort was required to develop a sophisticated dual function system. “De-ess” or “de- emphasis” controls frequencies irrespective of whether or not transients or sibilant peaks are present. The professional audio engineer is no longer in control of the final program output from such competitive conventional units due to either “roll-off” of all high frequencies to avoid sibilant distortion from only a few high frequencies, or tolerate sibilant distortion from high frequency peak overload. THE FREQUENCY RESPONSE OF THE MODEL V610 DOES NOT CHANGE UNDER NORMAL LINEAR AMPLIFICATION, LIMITING AND/OR COMPRESSION. Input and Output Level Controls THE INPUT CONTROL REGULATES THE AMOUNT OF COMPRESSION/LIMITING DESIRED. The system is capable of receiving input signals 30 dB above the constant threshold attack level without degradation in performance. The output control regulates the system output level and is located after the compression/limiting plug-in module and before the final amplifier plug-in module. Continuously variable control of the input and output signal levels is provided to allow any value of attenuation. The Vu meter may be used to monitor accurately this attenuation. Slope (Compression/Limiting Ratio) Control The Model V610 provides both: 1. The widest range of compression/limiting ratios – from approximately 1.1:1 (approaching linear amplification) to 100:1 (flat slope).
- Page 11 2. Continuously variable selection of compression ratios – which may be changed during use to obtain any desired slope of the compression curve without producing transients, pops, clicks, etc., or changing the threshold attack level. For inputs up to the point of threshold (-40 dBu), the compressor/limiter provides 20 dB of gain. Thereafter, the output is dependent upon the compression/limiting ratio selected. The unit restricts/limits any program material from exceeding, in amplitude, the selected compression/limiting ratio curve. Distortion and gain decreases as the compression/limiting ratio is reduced from the extreme flat setting. When the slope control is set to the maximum compression/limiting ratio of approximately 100 to 1 (“0” slope control setting = fully counterclockwise), the compression/limiting curve is flat. Hence, the maximum amplitude output is held to a constant -20 dBu for any input level up to 30 dB above threshold. This extremely flat slope is very useful whenever a positive protection line limit is required. Conversely, when the slope control is set to the minimum compression/limiting ratio of approximately 1.1:1 (“100” slope control setting = fully clockwise), the slope of the compression curve approaches the linear amplification curve. The Model V610 approximates the operation of a normal linear amplifier, and provides approximately 20 dB of gain for input above threshold. For typical intermediate slope control settings, refer to Figure 1, Compression Curve Slope vs. Slope Control Settings. For slope control settings of approximately “50” (50% open), a signal input increase of 15 dB above threshold, will increase the output approximately 7.5 dB, which is a 2:1 compression/limiting ratio.
- Page 12 Release Control The continuously variable release time control regulates only the compressor release function. Distortion is a function of release time and the amount of compression/limiting. Maximum release time (“100” on the panel, fully clockwise) will slowly restore gain back to its original level. For lowest distortion and smoothest response, the release time should be at least an order of magnitude greater than the time of one cycle of the lowest frequency to be processed. Longer release time settings are often used for multiple source program material, main program channel material, mastering, or very slow music from a single source. Minimum settings of release time, (“0” on the panel, fully counterclockwise), will quickly restore gain back to its original level. For maximum average level below a fixed amplitude output, the release control should be set at the shortest time; however, distortion and level change variations will be greater. Minimum release times are often used for single source, vocal or solo source material with low background noise and/or low background program material. As the background level increases, the quick release to normal level, (short release time), will be audibly detectible as a rapid change in background program level.
- Page 13 Figure 2, Actual Release Time, (90% signal recovery) vs. Release Control Settings, illustrates the wide degree of continuous release time variation available. In addition, all the release times may be reduced if required. Please consult the factory for adjustment procedures. FIGURE 2 ACTUAL RELEASE TIME VS. RELEASE CONTROL SETTINGS Release Control Settings (Panel Markings) 100 5 dB 0.05 0.4 0.7 1.2 3.5 5.5 Comp. Actual 10 dB 0.08 0.6 1.0 3.0 5.7 8.5 Release Comp. Time 15 dB 0.14 0.7 1.4 3.5 6.2 9.2 (Seconds) Comp. 20 dB 0.16 0.9 1.8 4.5 Comp.
- Page 14 The red overload indicator input LED will illuminate whenever excessive input or output signal level overload, (+22 dBu), occurs. In some applications it is particularly desirable to utilize the output overload indicator LED as a guide to obtaining additional limiting with the output of the Model V610. Dimensions and Mounting The Model V610 is designed to fit a standard 19 inch electronics equipment rack, cabinet or console, and requires 5 ¼” inches of vertical rack space. The unit may be mounted in any position. The 4 oval cutouts on the ends of the front panel are provided for mounting. The front panel is 1/8” x 3 1/2” x 19”. Behind the front panel, the unit is 5 ¼” high, 17” wide and 8 1/2” deep. The net weight is 10 pounds. The unit is completely self contained and does not require forced air cooling. Design Schematics and Physical Layout The Model V610 Block Schematic Design is shown in Figure 5. The Model 101 Audio Amplifier, Model 601 Compressor/Limiter and Model 603A Gain Reduction Meter Amplifier modules must be repaired only by the factory due to the precise and critical parameter requirements of the components utilized. Arbitrary insertion of standard components cause catastrophic failure of the plug-in modules and should not be attempted. It is for this reason that the plug-in module schematics are not provided. Please contact the factory for additional service information and schematics on non critical components. EQUIPMENT WARRANTY The following warranty is effective for all Spectra Sonics, LLC (Manufacturer) products. Spectra Sonics warrants that this product is free of defects in both materials and workmanship. Should any part of this product be defective, the Manufacturer agrees at its option, to: A. Repair or replace with a like new replacement any defective part free of charge (except transportation charges) for a period of one year for all products. This warranty period begins on the date the end user is invoiced for the product, provided the end user provides proof of purchase that demonstrates that the product is still within the warranty period and returns the product within the warranty period to Spectra Sonics, LLC, according to the Product Return and Repair Policy set forth below. All inbound shipping costs are the responsibility of the end user; Spectra Sonics, LLC will cover all outbound shipping costs. Product Return and Repair Policy Return to Manufacturer 1. An RMA (return merchandise authorization) number must be obtained by the end user from Spectra Sonics, LLC. 2. The user must return the product to Spectra Sonics, LLC with proof of purchase (showing purchase date) for a warranty claim, and display the RMA number on the outside of the shipping package. THIS WARRANTY IS VOID IF: • The product has been damaged by negligence, accident, act of God, or mishandling, or has not been operated in accordance with the procedures described in the operating and technical instructions, or •...
- Page 15 This warranty extends only to the original end user and in not assignable or transferable. This warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Utah, without regard to the conflicts of interest’s provisions thereof. STEREO INTERCONNECTION OF THE C610, V610, AND THE 611 Located at the rear of the 600 series Complimiter unit, is a connector, (labeled “link”), used for two channel, “stereophonic” interconnection of two units. Since only the tip portion of a ¼” connector is used, both mono and TRS connector type cables will work.
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