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5 2 9   S t e r e o   C o m p r e s s o r  

A P I  

 

 

 

 
 

Introduction

 

 
The  new  529  Stereo  Compressor  combines  the 
unmistakable sound of API’s compression technology 
with  the  convenience  and  popularity  of  the  API  500 
Series format.  
 
Carefully  designed  to  deliver  a  wide  range  of 
compression options, the 529 delivers warmth, clarity 
and  punch,  whether  used  for  subtle  adjustments  or 
heavy compression effects.  
 
Based on the unprecedented success of the 2500, the 
529  takes  many  of  the  features  and  controls  from 
API's  famous  stereo  bus  compressor  and  puts  them 
into  the  first  dual  slot  500  series  module  from  API. 
Using  API's  discrete  op-amps  and  transformer 
technology,  the  529  delivers  the  legendary  analog 
sound of API.  
 
The  529  is  a  two-channel,  stereo-linked  dynamic 
processor  designed  for  stereo  program  bus 
compression  and  compression  of  any  stereo  audio 
source.  The  audio  input  signals  from  both  channels 
are combined in a true-RMS power summing fashion 
to  create  the  compression  control  signal  for  the 
detection  path.  Then,  the  resulting  compression 
signal  is  applied  evenly  to  both  channels  for  proper 
balance. All front panel settings control both channels 
simultaneously. 
 
This  stereo  compressor  features  API's  patented 

THRUST

®

 

circuitry for a punchy low end, along with 

an  OLD/NEW  switch  that  lets  you  choose  between 
classic and modern compression characteristics: OLD 
for  vintage-style  feedback  compression  and  NEW  for 
today's more common feed-forward compression. The 
3-position KNEE switch adjusts the shape of the curve at the onset of compression for an "over-easy" 
type compression resulting in a very natural, uncompressed sound or a typical sharp knee type that 
lends itself to a much more severe limiting effect.   
 
The  Auto  MAKE  UP  gain  function  lets  you  adjust  ratio  and  threshold  controls  without  affecting  the 
output level. Alternately MAKE UP gain can be set manually.  
 
 

Features

 

 

Continuously variable 31-position detented controls for Gain, Threshold, Ratio, Attack & Release  

 

Stereo 10-segment LED VU meters show selectable Input or Output levels 

 

10-segment LED Gain Reduction meter 

 

“Over Threshold” LED illuminates when input audio cross the set THRESHold 

 

Patented 

THRUST

®

 

filter for frequency dependent side chain control 

 

3 selectable compressor curve KNEE settings 

 

Selectable NEW or OLD switch for feed-forward or feed-back operation 

 

Selectable automatic or manually variable compressor make-up gain 

 

Full hard-wired relay bypass 

 

Audio circuit uses 2510 and 2520 discrete op amps with transformer output 

 

2-space 500 Series installation 
 

 

 

 

Summary of Contents for 529

Page 1: ... 529 Stereo Compressor OPERATOR S MANUAL V1 5 Written for Automated Processes Incorporated by Daniel Pfeifer 2018 ...

Page 2: ...8301 Patuxent Range Road Jessup MD 20794 USA 301 776 7879 http www apiaudio com ...

Page 3: ... RELEASE 4 MAKE UP GAIN 4 Compressor TYPE 5 NEW Feed Forward 5 OLD Feed back 5 Compression KNEE 6 HARD KNEE Compression 6 MEDIUM KNEE Compression 7 SOFT KNEE Compression 7 THRUST 8 THRUST NORMal 8 THRUST MEDium 9 THRUST LOUD 9 Compressor Bypass OUT 10 Meters 10 Stereo VU Meter 10 GR Gain Reduction Meter 11 ...

Page 4: ... stereo compressor features API s patented THRUST circuitry for a punchy low end along with an OLD NEW switch that lets you choose between classic and modern compression characteristics OLD for vintage style feedback compression and NEW for today s more common feed forward compression The 3 position KNEE switch adjusts the shape of the curve at the onset of compression for an over easy type compre...

Page 5: ...ter selectable OUTPUT or INPUT GR Gain Reduction Meter 10 segment LED gain reduction meter MAKE UP Selects AUTOmatic or MANUAL MAKE UP gain GAIN Manual MAKE Up gain control 0dB to 24dB of output gain when MANUAL is engaged TYPE NEW feed forward or OLD feedback detection path topology KNEE The characteristic of the response curve at the onset of compression THRUST Patented circuit that inserts a fi...

Page 6: ...he set THRESHold Continuously variable between 05 and 4 seconds sec Detented rotary pot for easy recall MAKE UP GAIN GAIN Manual make up gain output level Continuously variable between 0dB and 24dB Active only when the MAKE UP function is set to MANUAL Detented rotary pot for easy recall The 529 Compressor provides automatic and manual make up gain functions AUTOmatic make up gain allows the RATIO...

Page 7: ...lly gets its signal from a split of the input sig nal The detector path can alternately get its signal from a Side Chain Input With this method the RMS detector sends a signal to the VCA that is an exact ratio of the desired compression set by the RATIO control This is how many new VCA based compressors work This can yield more aggressive compression and a harder more affected sound OLD Feed back ...

Page 8: ...on KNEE The KNEE function determines the shape of the 529 Compressor s response curve at the onset of compression The 529 Compressor has three 3 KNEE settings that control how the compressor transitions into compression HARD Sharp response curve MEDium Slightly rounded response curve SOFT Rounded response curve HARD KNEE Compression HARD Sharp response curve Immediate onset of compression sudden t...

Page 9: ...ow LED SOFT KNEE Compression SOFT Rounded response curve Gradual onset of compression fade in up to the set ratio Similar to an over easy type knee More transparent Green LED The knee of the compressor is selected using the KNEE switch KNEE Cycle to select the response curve at the onset of com pression HARD Sharp response curve red LED MEDium Slightly rounded response curve yellow LED SOFT Rounde...

Page 10: ...t a LOUDNESS contour is used to equalize the music at lower levels so it sounds correct Even with this curve there is still a substantial amount of low frequency information compared to high frequency information in the audio signal path When that signal is fed into the RMS detector the detector will process the signal into a DC control voltage based upon those louder low frequencies resulting in ...

Page 11: ... down 15dBat 20Hz and up 15dB at 20kHz is applied to the signal feed ing the RMS detector equalizing the energy going into the RMS detector This decreases the way the higher frequencies are compressed The overall difference is a noticeable increase of punch and low frequencies but a uniformly compressed signal It is the little more punch function The THRUST circuit can be engaged using the THRUST ...

Page 12: ...h the 529 electronics NOTE When the 529 is powered off it is held in the BYPass state When the compressor is not in the BYPass state yellow BYP LED not illuminated the 529 behaves normally OUT Compressor Bypass Toggle to engage and disengage the hard wired bypass BYPass Engages the relay based hard bypass yellow LED IN Engages the compressor signal path green LED Meters The 529 Compressor is equip...

Page 13: ... amount of compres sion being applied When no gain reduction is being applied none of the LED s are lit on the Gain Reduction meter GR When compression occurs the corresponding LED s illuminate to indicate the amount of gain reduction The following gain reduction increments are provided 1 5dB 4dB 6dB 8dB 10dB 12dB 15 dB 17dB 19dB 23dB ...

Page 14: ...8301 Patuxent Range Road Jessup MD 20794 USA 301 776 7879 http www apiaudio com ...

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