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PRESONUS Blue Max User Manual

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  • Page 2 S M A R T C O M P R E S S O R © 1997, PreSonus Audio Electronics, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
  • Page 3 During the warranty period PreSonus shall, at its sole and absolute option, either repair or replace, free of charge, any product that proves to be defective on inspection by PreSonus or its authorized service representative. To obtain warranty service, the purchaser must first call or write PreSonus at the address and telephone number printed below to obtain a Return Authorization Number and instructions of where to return the unit for service.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS A Word About Compression Introduction Features Front Panel Basic Layout Back Panel Basic Layout Presets Quick Start Basic Connections Basic Operating Procedures Specifications...

  • Page 5: A Word About Compression

    OVERVIEW OVERVIEW A Wor d About Compr ession ..just three of many terms used to Punch apparent loudness, presence… describe the effects of compression/ limiting. are forms of dynamic range (volume) control. Compression limiting Audio signals have very wide peak to average signal level ratios (sometimes referred to as dynamic range which is the difference between the loudest level and the softest level).
  • Page 6 OVERVIEW much compression destroys the acoustical dynamic response of a performance. (‘Over compression’, however, is used by some engineers as an effect, and with killer results!) Compressor/limiters are commonly used for many audio applications. A kick drum can get lost in a wall of electric guitars. No matter how much level is increased, the kick drum stays ‘lost in the mud’.

  • Page 7: Introduction

    This dynamics processor was built with state of the art components to deliver crystal clear compression for an infinite period of time. believe the Blue Max to be an exceptional sounding unit at an exceptional price. We hope you agree.
  • Page 8 • V Output control allows gain changes from -20dB to +20dB. IDECHAIN NSERT • S Sidechain insert allows the Blue Max to be used for special processing applications such as de-essing and ducking. PERATION • +4dBu O -10dBV O Internal operating levels are switchable from +4dBu to -10dbV for system matching requirements.

  • Page 9: Front Panel Basic Layout

    P A N E L B A S I C L A Y O U T The front panel on the Blue Max is divided into three sections. These are: 1. Presets: Fifteen detented preset positions and Manual select. The Presets for the Blue Max are controlled by this sixteen position rotary encoder.
  • Page 10 For example, if you have the ratio set to 20:1, input set at 0dB, the output of the Blue Max will be limited to the internal threshold of the compressor, which is set to - 10dB in manual mode.
  • Page 11 Manual mode. Input / Output Meter The Input/Output meter shows the signal level being processed by the Blue Max. Input refers to the signal level being processed by the Blue Max before processing. Output refers to the signal level...
  • Page 12 CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS after processing. ‘0dB’ on the meter is referenced to the +4/-10 switch on the rear of the unit. In +4 mode, 0dB = +4dBu. In -10 mode, 0dB = -10dBV. Gain Reduction Meter The Gain Reduction meter indicates the amount of gain being reduced by the compressor in dB.

  • Page 13: Back Panel Basic Layout

    Process In/Out The Process button is similar to a bypass button except that the signal is still effected by the Input of the Blue Max. Pushed in, the Blue Max is processing the signal (compressing). Pushed out, the Blue Max is no longer compressing the signal, however the input gain setting remains active.
  • Page 14 (0dB = -10dBV) gear. With the switch in the ‘-10’ position, the signal is raised internally so that it is processed at the lower noise floor of your Blue Max’s internal circuitry. The signal level is lowered on the way out to match up with your line level gear’s input.

  • Page 15: Presets

    CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS It moves the vocal more up front in the mix. Threshold Ratio Attack Release -3.3dB 2.8:1 0.002mS 38mS SCREAMER - For loud vocals. Fairly hard compression for a vocalist who is ‘on’ and ‘off’ the microphone a lot. It puts the voice ‘in your face’.
  • Page 16 CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS electric bass and give you control for more consistent level. Threshold Ratio Attack Release -4.4dB 2.6:1 45.7mS 189mS ACOUSTIC GUITAR - This setting accentuates the attack of the acoustic guitar and helps maintain an even signal level keeping the acoustic guitar from disappearing in the track.
  • Page 17 CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS ORCHESTRAL - Use this setting for string ‘pads’ and other types of synthesized orchestra parts. It will decrease the overall dynamic range for easier placement in the mix. Threshold Ratio Attack Release 3.3dB 2.5:1 1.8mS 50mS STEREO LIMITER - Just as the name implies. A hard limiter setting (brick wall) ideal for controlling level to the 2 track mixdown deck or stereo output.
  • Page 18 CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS PUMP - Make the Blue Max ‘pump up the prime’. A setting for making the compressor pump in a desirable way. This effect is good for snare drum to increase the length of the transient by bringing the signal up after the initial spike.

  • Page 19: Quick Start

    BASIC SETUP & OPERATION 3 . 1 Q U I C K S T A R T Connect your Blue Max using one of the diagrams below. Select either +4 or -10 operating level. (Reminder: +4 is for ‘pro’ levels such consoles, ‘consumer’...

  • Page 20: Basic Connections

    BASIC SETUP & OPERATION 3 . 2 B A S I C C O N N E C T I O N S Note: If you don’t get any signal flow at first, try swapping the input and output connections.
  • Page 21 BASIC SETUP & OPERATION...

  • Page 22: Basic Operating Procedures

    B A S I C O P E R A T I N G P R O C E D U R E S Your Blue Max was designed with a mode of operation. fixed threshold This differs from other compressors in the fact that there is no threshold control.
  • Page 23 Input/Output meter. This gives you an equal level output so that you can switch processing in and out to compare difference. Your Blue Max was designed with a high gain mono input to act as a pre- amp for instruments such as guitar and bass.
  • Page 24 BASIC SETUP & OPERATION the 12o’clock positions. You may also want to start with one of the preset settings as described above.
  • Page 25 TECHNICAL 4 . 1 S P E C I F I C A T I O N S Number of Channels.............. 2 Dynamic Range ............>115dB Signal to Noise Ratio.............>95dB Headroom ..............+24dBu Frequency Response........10Hz to 50kHz Crosstalk............>82db @ 10kHz Compression Ratio..........1:1 to 20:1 Compressor Attack Time......0.01mS to 100mS Compressor Release Time ......10mS to 500mS Input Impedance, Left/Mono........100kOhms...

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