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Applications

Audio Outputs

 - Each channel features both XLR and 1/4” TRS servo-balanced outputs.  Outputs may be used 

in a balanced or unbalanced configuration. Unlike the inputs both the XLR and the 1/4” outputs may be used 
simultaneously. An output transformer option is available when very long cable distances are required (see 
“Specifications”).

Operating Level Switch

 - This switch selects between a -10 dBV and +4 dBu nominal operating level. When 

the switch is in the in position, a -10 dBV operating level is selected. When it is in the out position, +4 dBu is 
selected. This switch affects both the input and the output levels.

Applications

Fattening Kick Drums and Compressing Other Drums

Weak, flabby kick drums often have too much boom, and not enough slap. To tighten them up, start with 
the 1046 adjusted for a medium to high RATIO (e.g., 6:1), adjust the THRESHOLD control so that the GAIN 
REDUCTION meters show 15 dB of gain reduction, then increase the RATIO if necessary. In OverEasy® mode, 
the 1046 takes slightly longer to react than in Hard Knee mode, and will therefore emphasize the slap at the 
beginning of the note and reduce the boominess of its body. The 1046 also works well for tightening snare 
drums and tom toms and can be used with drum machines to effectively alter the character of any electronic 
drum sound.

Raising a Signal Out of a Mix

Since reducing dynamic range increases the average signal level by a small amount, a single track can be raised 
out of a mix by boosting its level slightly and applying compression. Start with a 2:1 RATIO and a relatively low 
THRESHOLD setting (-20 dBu). Adjust both controls as necessary.

Compressors have also been used to bring vocals to the forefront of a mix in volume-restricted studios (e.g. 
home studios). Start by adding a foam windscreen to the mic (if it doesn’t have one). Set the RATIO to 10:1 and 
the THRESHOLD to -10 dBu. With your mouth approximately 2 inches from the mic, sing the vocal part, but with 
less volume than normal. Use phrasing to give the part some intensity. An equalizer (e.g., a dbx 242 Parametric 

Equalizer, dbx 30 Series Graphic Equalizers) or a vocal effects device (e.g., a dbx 290 digital reverb) can be 
added to further define the performance.

Note:

 When compressing a stereo program with a 1046, the factors affecting a compression curve and 

the actual RATIO and THRESHOLD settings are the same as those previously covered with reference 
to single channels of program material. However, it will generally be found that large amounts of 
compression are more audible in a mixed stereo program than they might be on the separate tracks that 
were mixed to create the program.

Smoothing out Microphone Levels

When distance is created between the vocalist and the microphone there will be a variation in the signal level. 
Start with low compression (around 2:1) to smooth out any variations. Limiting also benefits intelligibility by 
allowing low-level input signals to be reproduced through the system at higher volume. 

Smoothing out Musical Instrument Levels

Compression smooths out the variations of loudness among instruments. Using the 1046 can also increase the 
instrument’s sustain. Compress the instrument’s output with a ratio of about 4:1.

Speaker Protection

Compressors are frequently used to prevent excessive program levels from distorting power amps and/or 

Summary of Contents for 1046

Page 1: ...MODEL 1046 Operation Manual...

Page 2: ...pment only to the power source indicated on the equipment rear panel To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock refer servic ing to qualified service personnel or equivalent If connected to 240V sup...

Page 3: ...e following two conditions this device may not cause harmful interference and this device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation Operation of t...

Page 4: ......

Page 5: ...tents Introduction 2 Inspection 2 Warranty 2 Connecting the 1046 to your system 3 Operating Controls 3 Rear Panel Operations 6 Applications 7 Installation Considerations 8 Specifications 9 Manual Cont...

Page 6: ...used solely within the U S to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service 3 dbx liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or at our discretion replacing...

Page 7: ...away from audio lines The unit may be turned on and off via the rear panel power switch or from a master equipment power switch Operating Controls Front Panel CHANNEL FOUR INPUTS OUTPUTS OPERATING LEV...

Page 8: ...justable between 1 1 and 1 Note when OverEasy processing is selected the ratio transitions smoothly from the linear to the compressed region As the signal exceeds the threshold the ratio approaches th...

Page 9: ...can be achieved by intentionally driving the signal into heavy PeakStopPlus limiting Great care has gone into the design of the PeakStopPlus limiter to keep it acoustically transparent Appropriate use...

Page 10: ...Gain Reduction meters will indicate the amount of gain reduction occurring as on their masters Gain Reduction Meters All 4 channels have equal precedence as far as signal processing is concerned The...

Page 11: ...ively low THRESHOLD setting 20 dBu Adjust both controls as necessary Compressors have also been used to bring vocals to the forefront of a mix in volume restricted studios e g home studios Start by ad...

Page 12: ...h for all digital media To use the 1046 so that no changes in gain occur unless an emergency arises wildly excessive levels set Hard Knee mode On the RATIO to 1 and the THRESHOLD highest level before...

Page 13: ...amic Attack Time Program dependent typically 15ms for 10 dB 5 ms for 20 dB 3 ms for 30 dB Release Time Program dependent typically 125 dB sec Output Gain 20 to 20 dB Limiter Threshold Range 4 dBu to 2...

Page 14: ...100 120 VAC T 300 mA L 250V 200 240 VAC T 160 mA L 250V Mains Connection IEC receptacle Physical Dimensions 1 75 H x 19 W x 9 D 44 5 x 483 x 229 mm Weight 7 4 lbs 3 4 kg Shipping Weight 9 8 lbs 4 4 kg...

Page 15: ...Notes...

Page 16: ...18 2244V C Printed in China 8760 South Sandy Pkwy Sandy Utah 84070 Phone 801 568 7660 Fax 801 568 7662 Email customer dbxpro com Website www dbxpro com...

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