dbx Zone Pro 1260, User Manual

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Detailed Parameters
ZonePRO ™ User Manual
26
Section 4
ZonePRO ™
Threshold -40 to +20dBu
Threshold is the signal level at which the unit starts to compress the signal. If the level is set to
-10 dBu, than any signal larger than -10 dBu is compressed while any signal that has a level
that is lower than -10dBu is left at the same signal level. For most signals the most natural com-
pression is achieved when most of the signal content remains just below the threshold and only
the peaks cross the threshold.
Ratio 1.0 to Inf:1
Ratio is the amount the unit reduces the signal level of the sound that is above the threshold.
A 2:1 ratio means that if the incoming signal is 2dB over the threshold the unit will compress
the signal, and outputs a signal that only goes 1dB over the threshold. For light compression
choose a lower ratio, while a heavy compression requires a higher ratio. A setting of Inf:1 makes
the compressor act as a limiter.
Gain -20 to +20 dB
This parameter is used to compensate for the gain lost during compression. By using heavy
compression on a signal and then boosting the signal with the output gain, the user can create
a signal that sounds much louder than it actually is.
Auto On/Off
When Auto Mode is on, the ZonePRO™ automatically sets the Attack, Hold, and Release times
for the signal. The auto mode constantly adjusts these parameters in real time for optimum per-
formance from the unit. You will find that for most applications, not only is using the auto mode
faster and easier but by letting the unit constantly tweak these parameters for you will result in
a better end result.
Attack 0.1 m Sec to 200 m Sec
Attack is how fast the compressor starts to compress the signal after it passes the threshold. Fast
attack is useful when dealing with lots of fast transients. The attack control is not active when
in auto mode.
Hold 0 to 500 m Sec
Hold is the time the ZonePRO remains in compression after the signal has dropped below the
threshold. A longer hold time is useful in smoothing out the sound when compressing several
fast peaks that are fairly close together in time. The hold control is not active while in auto
mode.
Release 360 dB / Sec to 5 dB / Sec
Release is how fast the ZonePRO comes out of compression. The release is in dB per second.
For example, if release is set to 5 dB /sec, and the signal is at 10dB of gain reduction, the release
time is 2 seconds. Having a release time that is either too fast or too slow for the signal can
result in audible artifacts called pumping or breathing. This can cause volume drops in your sig-
nal that may not be desired. The release control is not active while in auto mode.