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C2 Stereo Compressor- User's guide

C2

15

COMPRESSION BY-PASS : switch introduces audio path gain

adjustment and instant muting of the compression sidechain so that true comparisons
can be monitored.

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

Stereo audio balanced signals are received by the dual 'superbal' input stages which
provide ideal input conditions and minimise common mode interference. The input gain
stages form a matrix which produces a 'sum and difference' pair of signals ('MS' stands
for 'middle and side', the 'sum' signal carries the main or 'middle' information while the
'difference' signal is the 'side' or stereo positioning information) which are then
compressed separately, but using the same sidechain. Compression metering is driven
directly from this sidechain giving a reading of dB compression. Audio level metering is
driven direct from the 'sum' signal after compression giving an accurate state of the total
stereo level within the system in dBs. The compression attack time is continuously
variable, as is the release time. Both the attack and release characteristics are non-
linear and follow established curves which give the Joemeek compressor a unique
sound. Compression by-pass is done by disabling both the sidechain and the optical
cells, while at the same time reducing the system gain to compensate for compression.
This gives a similar effect to a true 'hard wire' by-pass; but with the advantage of
keeping any gain make-ups.

After compression, the Sum and Difference signals are reconverted back into
conventional left and right with a second matrix which incorporates the output gain
control. After the output gain stage, the left/right signals are fed to a pair of symetrical
balanced output stages which give optimum drive conditions to balanced lines.

The use of the 'sum and difference' compression method eliminates any error in
left/right level during compression as well as correcting for any electrical gain error in
either the input or the output gain controls.

REGULATIONS AND SAFETY

The JOEMEEK Compressor has been designed and built to conform to all known safety
requirements in the world. Within the European Union the Compressor easily meets the
requirements for electrostatic and electromagnetic emissions, and conforms to all safety
requirements of the European Common Market, the 'CE' symbol on the rear of the unit
indicates compliance. In the United States of America the compressor complies with UL
requirements.

Содержание C2

Страница 1: ...C O M P R E S S I O N ...

Страница 2: ... and compression 6 The C2 as a limiter 6 Connections Operation 7 Control explanations 8 Problems 9 Tips on use examples 10 Ted Fletcher s says Technical specification 14 System description 15 Regulations Warranty 16 Ted Fletcher This instruction book was written by Ted Fletcher the designer of the original JOEMEEK compressor and the whole JOEMEEK range of professional audio equipment Ted worked in...

Страница 3: ...e photo optical stereo compressor designed for individual stereo mono source compression or final mixdown and mastering The C2 is capable of a very wide range of compression effects from the lightest tightening of the sound up to the heaviest pumping effects needed to replicate the heaviest 60 s rock sounds The JOEMEEK C2 gives you the full sound of real photo optical compression in a package for ...

Страница 4: ...he C2 is NOTsuitable for direct connection ofmicrophones 2 As a mono or stereo channel insert For this sort of operation you will have a mixer with channel insert points These are usually 3 pole jack sockets where the output of the channel is the tip and the returning input is the ring of the jack You will need a couple of special cables made up as insert splitters so that the output from the tip ...

Страница 5: ...t of your mixer or soundcard to the input of the C2 Connect the output of the C2 to your mastering recorder Listen to the compressed signal by monitoring the output of your mastering recorder MONO OPERATION The Joemeek C2 compressor is designed primarily as a stereo compressor but there is no reason why it cannot be used as a mono compressor To use it in stereo simply connect to the left and right...

Страница 6: ...e the functions of compressor and limiter and to stonewall any and all signals above a certain level The musical effect is that I know I m over simplifying VCA compressors sound muddy and flat under heavy compression situations while old compressors sound lively and retain sparkle ITS HORSES FOR COURSES a good VCA compressor limiter will do a good job making medium wave radio sound a bit louder an...

Страница 7: ...o off switch out Set the ATTACK control to 4mS and the RELEASE control to just above minimum Set OUTPUT control to minimum Feed some programme material into the unit and set the INPUT GAIN so that the row of LEDs on the right hand side of the unit come alight up to the 4 level This shows that there is sufficient signal in the C2 to compress Set the output to match the equipment being driven profes...

Страница 8: ... simple terms this changes the threshold of the compression although with this compressor the threshold is not clearly defined the compression starts very gradually and the compression ratio changes with programme content and amplitude For practical purposes winding up the compression control increases the amount of compression In use you will find that musically all controls are interrelated It s...

Страница 9: ...ain control and winding up the compression a bit more Or you can reduce the output gain 4 I can t make the compression gentle enough It takes practice The setting of the Attack control close to fastest is quite critical as is the compression control You could also try a longer release time to smooth out pumping effects 5 It won t pump hard enough Again it takes practice getting the gain control in...

Страница 10: ...that level VOICES The compressor adds stability and depth to solo voices Over compression with fast attack times on voice will change the apparent tonal quality so listen carefully Try recording first with a little compression then adding more at a different release time on the mix A good starting point for solo voice compression is Attack 7mS Release 1 7 secs drive the compression so that only on...

Страница 11: ... and then increase the input gain if more compression is needed GUITARS Wind it on It s possible to get superb sustain effects from the compressor Try using about 4mS attack and about 1sec release with the compression control at full To increase the sustain simply turn up the input control to full if necessary ORCHESTRAL A little light tightening of an orchestral sound will make it more present an...

Страница 12: ...ession is being used on a complete mix or on a group of instruments if any instrument or sound in the mix is suddenly louder than others it will kick down the level of all the rest As the sound stays bright and present with this compressor it s possible to go much heavier than on any other compressor without the sound going muddy but the initial balance gets more critical Experiment with the attac...

Страница 13: ...he compression and experiment with depths and attack release times It s unlikely that you will need extremes of compression at this stage however Joe Meek the man himself used to put up to 10dB of extra compression on at this stage GENERALLY because the compressor is so extremely quiet and free of any nasty distortions its quite OK to use it both on individual tracks and on the mix so I tend to us...

Страница 14: ... making it into a limiter In common with all the other Joemeek compressors the compression varies with frequency and tonal content it s got the Joemeek sound The VC3 mounting all metal case is based on tried and tested design Already with its smart new metering and outstanding performance the C2 looks like becoming not only a design milestone but also the compressor that everybody has to have TECH...

Страница 15: ... the Joemeek compressor a unique sound Compression by pass is done by disabling both the sidechain and the optical cells while at the same time reducing the system gain to compensate for compression This gives a similar effect to a true hard wire by pass but with the advantage of keeping any gain make ups After compression the Sum and Difference signals are reconverted back into conventional left ...

Страница 16: ...WARRANTY In the unlikely case of a breakdown please return the unit in its original packing through the supplier The unit will be attended to immediately and returned to your supplier If any breakdown occurs excluding physical mistreatment within 12 months of purchase no charge will be made DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY This analogue audio processing equipment conforms to the standards and requirement...

Страница 17: ...RIBUTION BY JOEMEEK Distribution phone 44 1626 333948 fax 441626333157 e mail sales joemeek uk com MANUFACTURED BY FLETCHER ElectroAcoustics Ltd Quay House Quay Road Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 2BU ENGLAND If it sounds right it is right Joe Meek 1964 ...

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