dbx 1066, Operation Manual

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Operating Controls
even though RMS detection circuitry is used. Slower ATTACK settings cause the 1066 to act like an
RMS or averaging detecting compressor/limiter.
Release Control - The RELEASE control sets how fast the compression circuit returns the input to its
original level. The RELEASE rate is from 250 dB/sec (where compression follows the envelope of the
program material very tightly) to 5 dB/sec (for very smooth compression).
Auto Switch - This switch overrides both the ATTACK and RELEASE controls and enables preset pro-
gram-dependent attack and release times. These times are derived from the input signal and continu-
ously change to match its dynamics. The switch lights indicating the attack and release times are being
automatically adjusted in a program-dependent fashion. Enabling this AUTO Function duplicates the
“classic dbx sound” of the 1066’s forerunners which have become standards in the industry.
Input/Output Level Meter - This 8-stage meter directly reads the input and output levels when the rear-
panel OPERATING LEVEL SWITCH is in the +4 dBu position. In the -10 dBV position, the input signal
is boosted by 11.8 dB (the difference b4 dBu and -10 dBV) to convert a semi-pro -10 dBV level
signal to the profes4 dBu internal level of the 1066, while the output signal is attenuated by 11.8
dB to convert back to a -10 dBV level. Since the meter is calibrated for +4 dBu operation, it reads about
12 dB higher than the actual input and output signal levels when the OPERATING LEVEL SWITCH is
set to -10 dBV.
Input/Output Meter Switch - This switch selects the signal for metering by the INPUT/OUTPUT LEVEL
METER. The switch lights indicating the input signal is currently being sent to the meter. When the
switch is in the out position, the output signal is selected for metering, and the switch will not be illumi-
nated.
Output Gain Control - This control sets the output gain of the compressor. It can be continuously
adjusted between -20 dB and +20 dB. Use this control to compensate for signal level loss due to com-
pression and to adjust the nominal output level of the unit.
Bypass Switch - This switch bypasses the unit completely. A relay “hard-wires” the input directly to the
output, and the signal is not processed in any way. The switch will light indicating that the unit is current-
ly bypassed. It is also significant to note that in the event of power failure, the relay will automatically
bypass the unit. Upon power-up, the relay provides a turn-on delay of approximately 1.5 seconds.
PeakStopPlus™ Level Control - This control sets the level to which the output signal is reduced when-
ever it exceeds this level. It can be adjusted b4 dBu and +22 dBu (OFF). This PeakStopPlus™
limiter uses a dbx two-stage limiting process. The first stage is the Instantaneous Transient Clamp™
which clamps the signal with a soft logarithmic clamp function. This logarithmic function assures that the
signal will not exceed the level set by the PeakStopPlus™ LEVEL control by more than 2 dB typically,
and that it will not introduce harsh artifacts. The second stage is a unique program limiter featuring
Intelligent Predictive Limiting™. Its function is to monitor the input signal and intelligently predict the
amount of gain reduction needed to keep the output signal below the ceiling set by the Instantaneous
Transient Clamp™. Note, since the PeakStopPlus™ limiter is a fail-safe limiter it must come after the
OUTPUT GAIN control. If the OUTPUT GAIN is set too high as compared to the PeakStopPlus™
LEVEL control, continuous limiting can occur. While PeakStopPlus™ is typically used as a protective
function, creative effects 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 trans-
parent. Appropriate use of it can protect your gear while keeping the signal free of artifacts.
PeakStopPlus™ Threshold (+) LED Indicator - This LED illuminates when the output signal exceeds
the level set by the PeakStopPlus™ LEVEL control indicating that PeakStopPlus™ limiting is occurring.
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