dbx 263A Operation Manual Download Page 7

ÒessÓ sounds is usually lower than the rest of the vocal program, which means that sibilants receive less
compression than other parts of the vocal, causing them to sound louder.  (A given mic can be another
aggravating factor.)  But not all causes of excessive sibilance are electronic.  The normal levels vary
widely form one voice to another and from one mic technique to another, and inherently harsh sibilants
often ruin an otherwise pleasing singing voice.

The annoyance of excessive sibilance increases when they are transmitted through a channel with limit-
ed dynamic range.  Broadcast and recording engineers can face a major problem since hot high-frequen-
cy signal levels leave little headroom.  And in large-scale sound-reinforcement applications, an extra 6dB
of headroom may require hundreds or thousands of extra watts of amplifier power, especially when com-
pression has increased the relative sibilant level.  Proper control can prevent high-frequency clipping and
tweeter burnout and will enable higher sound-pressure levels without a large increase in amp output.
Equalization is often used in an attempt to cure these problems, particularly if they arise from heavy vocal
compression.  But sibilants can occupy a fairly broad portion of the important 4-8kHz intelligibility band,
and a static EQ dip in this area will cause loss of articulation and dull sound.  Equalization is not the solu-
tion.

Other Applications

The 263A has surprising uses in processing instruments.  Any signals that have large high-frequency lev-
els without accompanying low frequencies can be modified; depending on the control settings, changes
can be subtle or obvious.   Guitar plucks processed through the 263A will be mellower, with less pick
noise and less bite at the start of each note.  ÒSpittyÓ brass will benefit likewise.  Try both HF and
Broadband modes as you experiment.

We have noted that mid-settings of the slider give natural-sounding results and that far-right settings
cause exaggerated effects.  But on synthesizers and drums, go ahead and try extreme settings, and
experiment to find new effects on other instruments.

OPERATION MANUAL

MODEL 263A

T

ECHNICAL SUPPORT

FACTORY SERVICE

Technical Support, Factory Service

The 263A is an all-solid-state product with components chosen for high performance and excellent relia-
bility. Each 263A is tested, burned in and calibrated at the factory and should require no internal adjust-
ment of any type throughout the life of the unit. We recommend that your 263A be returned to the factory
only after referring to the manual and consulting with Customer Service.

Our phone number, Fax number and address are listed on the inside front cover. When you contact dbx
Customer Service, be prepared to accurately describe the problem. Know the serial number of your unit -
this is printed on a sticker attached to the rear panel.

Note:

Please refer to the terms of your Limited Two-Year Standard Warranty, which extends to the first

end-user. After the warranty expires, a reasonable charge will be made for parts, labor, and packing if
you choose to use the factory service facility. In all cases, you are responsible for shipping charges to the
factory. dbx will pay return shipping if the unit is still under warranty.

Shipping Instructions:

Use the original packing material if it is available. Mark the package with the

name of the shipper, and with these words in red: DELICATE INSTRUMENT, FRAGILE! Insure the pack-
age properly. Ship prepaid, not collect. Do not ship parcel post.

Registration Card and User

Feedback

We appreciate your feedback. After you have an opportunity to use your new 263A, please complete the
Registration Card and return it.

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PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS

OPERATION MANUAL

Summary of Contents for 263A

Page 1: ...ISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN This symbol wherever it appears alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk o...

Page 2: ...ou take a moment and read through the manual as it pro vides information that will assist you in using your unit to its fullest potential Common De Essing Applications Reduce sibilance Modifying high...

Page 3: ...bandwidth and should be switched according to what works better sonically which usu ally means High Frequency for performance or recording and Broadband for mixing See the dis cussion About De Essing...

Page 4: ...operation they should be removed at this time Caution Never remove the cover There are no user serviceable parts inside and you run the risk of an electric shock Connect the AC plug shipped with the...

Page 5: ...t for right with regard to the joiner side piece mounting E Place the Left and Right units on a flat surface rear facing so the joiner side pieces are approximately 2 apart Take the joiner assembly an...

Page 6: ...educe the ess just enough to put the balances aright Vary them to suit your ear Also experiment with wider departures from the middle for non vocal material but be advised that far right settings may...

Page 7: ...start of each note Spitty brass will benefit likewise Try both HF and Broadband modes as you experiment We have noted that mid settings of the slider give natural sounding results and that far right...

Page 8: ...Bu 20 20kHz Dynamic Range 105dB DE ESSING Operating Range 35 to 18dB Frequency Crossover Point 800Hz to 8kHz Maximum Attenuation 20dB Attack Time Program dependent 2ms for 10dB DE ESSING 0 6ms for 20d...

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