NOTE: The switches on this module are not part of the automation or recall systems.
235L Noise Gate/ Expander
The API 235L Noise Gate/Expander is a new product design, as API has not offered a gate module
since 1974. The 235L is a great sounding gate/expander with the ability to reduce noise in any
type of program. The 235L can open unusually fast, without losing any part of the sound. Its
extreme flexibility, repeatable settings, and superb sound make it ideal for all studio, live sound,
and broadcast applications.
The API 235L Noise Gate/Expander is one of the fastest noise gates manufactured today. When an
engineer is faced with program material with a high level of background noise, the 235L can
either Gate the signal at a preset Threshold, or with the use of the Expander function, can reduce
the background noise to an almost undetectable level. This can be achieved without the typical
loss of the program material caused by slow triggering of the signal, or "pinging" caused by false
triggering.
With a wide range of adjustment, the 235L can operate from -45 to +25 dBu, fitting into any
audio situation regardless of program level. Once the Threshold level is set, the Attack time can
be selected to react faster than 100 micro seconds or slightly slower than 25 milliseconds to
reduce false triggering. Although the Depth control has a full range of -80 dB, the scale is
expanded in the first half of rotation so 0 to 9 dB is available for fine tuning of subtle,
undetectable gating. The second half of rotation is from 10 to 80 dB for more drastic noise
reduction.
The Expander function selects a 1:2 ratio, allowing the signal to "sneak up" to the full signal level
without any loss of "under threshold" nuances of vocals and percussion. Setting the threshold in
the Gate function to the desired level, then switching to the Expander mode is the perfect setup.
For special gating functions such as the famed "gated snare reverb", the Release function can be
switched to Hold, and the Release control becomes the Hold time. In both functions, the
unselected one has a set time of 100ms.
When used with the other 200L series modules, a complete input strip can be built from input
through dynamics, equalization, and final output.
The 235L makes use of the 2510 and 2520 op-amps and therefore exhibits the reliability, long
life, and uniformity which are characteristic of API products.
200 Slots may alternately be fitted with a 235L Gate/Expander Module.
Features
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Threshold control from -45 to +25dBu
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Variable Fine Adjustable Depth to -80 dB
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Fast, Medium and Slow Attack Times
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Adjustable Release/Hold Time, 50ms to 3 seconds
•
2:1 Expander or Noise Gate Selection
•
Release or Hold Switch for Release control knob
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Always at Unity Gain, Regardless of settings
•
LED Gain Reduction Meter
•
Uses the API 2510 and API 2520 Op-Amps
•
Transformer Output to +28dBu
TYPE: Selection between “new” and “old” types of compressors.
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NEW: “Feed-forward” compressor
•
OLD: “Feed-back” compressor
-dB (Gain-reduction Meter): LED meter indicates the amount of gain reduction
