MODEL 165A Compressor/Limiter dbx SERVICE MANUAL (Preliminary)‘ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). ‘REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. CAUTION: To REDUCE THE RISK OF | NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE, WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK. DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OF MOISTURE. “This symbol, wherever it appears, ‘alerts you t portant operatng land manenance instuctons the accompanying itralur. Read the manual “This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you tothe presence of uninsutatog dangerous vokage inside bie enciosure — votage that may be suftoien i constuite a nak o shock ‘Manofactured under one or more of the following U.S. patents: 3.377.792; 3.681.618; 3.714.462; 3.789.143 4,097,167, 4.329.598; 4.403.199; 4409500, 4,425,551; 4.473.795. Other patents pending, “This dbx-branded product has been manufactured by AKG Acoustics, Inc. AKG is a registered trademark of Akustiche u. Kino-Gerte Ges mb. Austra. ‘All trademarks are property of their respective companies. ‘This manual is part number 96022-000-02 © Copyright 1993 by AKG Acoustics. Ine. 100- FB- 193 dbx Professional Products _adivision of AKG Acoustics, Inc. 1525 Alvarado Steet, San Leandro, CA 94577 USA ‘Telephone (1) 510/351-3500 Fax: (1) 510/351-0500 ao oe oe oo = es eeeBRIEF OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Fo 1 — Front Penal sues Function Seitghe These thes interlocking pyinouttons getermne where” the mat “riers Gutbut ee! or ne rmourr6/ Gain Change Inout ive metering woe ris stmuch comormrvion may De nevoed. Ourbut ive meering Une asa ck "ern ore ner enceeaing sorted massmumy ana th ove ain of te 16S {Fae preen LED i ON wmen te sor reper naciad oy tne rom pene! stack and release contro. Guin change Mrerng Bre Trearagn LEDS ON ween te ttamen woe woos» more precatinavation cl how much ot te prop bai compre then ean be Somer on the Thremnelé necator LED! The mete, ween using go chara. contol gat agi eapoe time wll be tcies by the See oom panel manuelievtomae testen sna h manuel moce, BY the Sek eed Tita fw contrat {Fixe pain charms commande by te OvtbUr par eantol are mot Sablayed by tne meer um change tear) [Er groperiys Inout an output levels are cuupiayed on a” RMS ba ‘Maver The mate it factory sat so that OVU os 4 46 snout oF eutDUt bral, Function etch Compremion Comro! Clockwise rotstion of Sereorerot mcreeus the maximum amount of Zomeresion trom 171 (unity gain! ub to "the unt can ba connderaa to be © tgieste how meny 6B of compresion the 365 u prowaing- NOTE. The sere benaath the meverfecn 8 erocet sgjatment to nasure the needle ae SOV wen tor unt 4 OFF: mot {tended for calibration. See page 8 tor (ter recelbration neteuctions Power ON/OFF Swich Engage chit Swch to apply AC bower to me unit. ‘The LED (Light Emiring Diode) inatestor above wil be hhurametes ‘when the power i! ON. No signa low ‘when the power # OFF, unten the ‘System Bou button bs enpeped, ‘Auto Asch /Rolause Indicator ‘Tow LED illuminated ween the TES in Auto Attach Raton mos. ia ‘Ghanne! monaural] oparetion, tha vnaten gevermines ‘whetmer the anit wl be the imarter [controling unt) oF ‘a slave, Te unt becomes & ‘dave when the bution ‘resins IN, ond the LED. ‘Sbove tne burton turns ON t© ckeate the save rts. 19 ‘nares operation, all gin. ‘Aura Switch Engage this witch 10 ‘lace the 165 inthe Auto Attach? Reteose mode, The comprenors fieck rate and alesse rate ten Utomatically very to suit the ‘olume envalooe of the Inout ‘tena The arch anc rele ‘horacaersticn may beset manually twrtn the adiocert front penal core ‘ols wien the weit snot engeged. bby the 165 has » high input weneitivity, lowering the: Tes, OUTPUT GAIN wetting can avoid the need for Controls. The Slave follow fhe Mariers commana wath the exceptions of Meter [elems Rate Control Clockwise Tomuon of te control adios the ‘Threshold Control Agivst this eee ‘maxima reieae rate trom 4,000 6B knob to set compretion rom #0 a8 5 + Bremeona to 10 g8 per swcona: Te 17-8 wv) a 21008 12.45 V1 Eontrol aerting only sttecn the 165° mode, the (2) signal inout m Girectly connected to the f+) teria of camera Scertucmemen tne unt inmansel_ Sonal output sno te) nal put Greely connected Wertmesarewsoponpere Sea harns increment 18544 tithe i nm cotaut Ths, in Byouss Moos te some middie of the Over Easy! ragion. in Auto Artack/Release mode. 18 uingie-endeo when the imput i tingleended, end belanced ‘won the input connection balanced. s-Tnrechola is datinad as the point of 6 4B goin reduction winen the unit maximum (ntinee) comprenton ravi. 0 ae is mterenced to 0.775 V RMS. dou” and “Over Eary” re trademarks of Sox Inc.Fig. 2— Rear Pant rove" mode, the two units may @ Drocassing 8 stereo program. A multrpin male com Brctor is tuppiveg wrth aach 165 40 the coupler cable (in be axtembled wang the waring clagram in Figure 7. NOTE: Only two Moce! 165's ean be couples fopeiner, Four amit cannot be counted together for ‘buee La-channall operation. For this BUTBOL® we Facommend tne wes of two dbx Mooel 162 stereo Comprentorimiters ‘Signa! Output These terminals ted {he program preceued By the 165 te {ha next oven inthe AUCHO Bath." Fe For Models sold inthe U.S.A. tis 1/4 amp, So wort AGC type fuse provects the primary sie St te unit's 117V AC power supply. Be eure 10 {feolace r loven fue wth one of the same sie ond {ype f the fane blows consisemy, contact the @Ds Rectory or your abs oasler. Signal input Thaeeterminat ecceot ‘he incomuna eure program for Drocessing by the Moge! 165." ‘AC Power Cable Conner: this Detector Input The 165 comes from the factory eter Caibrasion Contre! This recersed, cable toa 117 VAC. S0or (prim trees terminal rapped to the adjacent SSrenoriracnetpie vimmer maybe, 6D NE AC Dow source Sipe input (o) and (=I terminals. W you wh to ead o Drecialy calibrate the meter ‘Oniy. Moet for tse wth (pen scents to the 165% Detector Inout for S20 VU impart or Output love is ‘otner power soureet cutis Sraerion of an suxiiary Gerce, you may do 10 ‘Saviralent to envemere trom —10.0B ‘fre Unied States are (as mvi vo 2100 (245 Vi. lie Contac he ox ‘The Moge! 165 reauires © maximum of 18 wate AC Power shen Trengnal) in such exes, gna fod to the iNET Dt'tne susilary sever, ona iso to the detector DUE, tng the suniluary Gevice's OUIDUT fs fed tO the 165 Sat nut, ‘Unies: the inetllation i permanent. the com ‘actions rucribed above can be Bwward. There {fore wm recornmand waving » fem Tie/Ring Sleeve ‘phone jacks to the 16S inete0e, “normalling” the [Bots oo that the Signal input-to~Detector Input tink E\nocmally ertablisned vis the jocks, BUT i Sutomatislly disconnected whenever # Dlug i froerted tn tne Detector Inout jack. A similar jock ‘may be used for the 165 outout. (See Figure 6 for Gntormation on wring of theve jocks) Sriy sucio hgh fo] ond tow f=} eerminas, ond it shores Che (Chasse termunal with the Signal Input. = ee. eeeINTRODUCTION ‘The dbx Model 165 it a professional single channel compressor limiter that features the new dbx Over Easy compression curve, The dbx Over Easy compression ‘curve permits extremely smooth, almost inaudible com- Dression due to the gradual change of compression ratio around the threshold, instead of the customary sharp Direthold. This curve, plus dbx’s true RMS level detector coupled to a wide-range voltage controlled amplifier in 4 feed-forward circuit, makes it potsible to achieve larger amounts of compression without adverse audible side effects, ‘The RMS level detector is separately accessible, allowing various signal conditioners — equalizen, filters, delay lines, ete. — to be inserted in either the level etector oF signal path independently. This feature aids in the compression of certain difficult types of material, ‘3 well asin the erestion of special effects. In addition to dbx's automatically variable attack and release time circuitry (as on the Models 160, 161, 162. 163 and 164), a front panel switch and controls provide for ‘manually adjustable artick and release rates over very wide range “The Mode! 165 alto features stereo coupling for two 1165's (at the touch of a front panel burton), LED indicators showing whether the signal is at, above or below the threshold of compression, a 30 dB dynamic range meter (indicating input, output and gain change levels), and a rear panel zero VU calibration adjustment A hard-wired bypass switch, also located on the front antl, is convenient for checking the effect of the compression, and assures failsafe flow of audio through the unit. The maximum input level is +24 dB (12.3 V RMS) and maximum output level is #23 dBm. The ‘output amplifiers have a source impedance of 47 ohms and will drive input loads of 600 ohms or greater impedance. Output gain is also adjustable over a very ‘wide range (+ 20 dB], 40 the Model 165 is compatible ‘with virtually all professional sound and creative audio equipment, Perhaps the most flexible and useful compressor/ “2 8 ‘OUTPUT LEVEL (48) Tm 5 0-8-3 oD INPUT LEVEL (a8) 3A ~ Conventional Comeramae/Limiter limiter ever offered, the dbx Mode! 165 is well suited to | wide range of applications including: tape recording, ie mastering, radio and TV production and broadesst, live concert sound reinforcement, and theatrical production, More About Separate Level Detector Access ‘Because auxiliary 1ound equipment can be used to Process the level detector signal but not the main audio input signal (or vice-versa), the 185 offers the user an ‘opportunity to create many unusual effects. By con ‘ecting it to additional signa! processors, such at 8 parametric equalizer, the Model 165 can be converted Yo a de-esser, » vocal stresser or a levelensitive filter. Certain musical or vocal elements in a program can be suppressed without affecting others. In addition to these signal conditioning functions, many erestive special effects are possible More About Over Eary Comprestion Conventional compressor limiters have a sharp knee at the threshold point (see Figure 3A). That is, when the input signal is below the threshold, the gain remains {fixed (1:1 ratio or no compression), but when the input signal goes above the threshold, the gain abruptly decreases according to the compression ratio for which ‘he unit is adjusted (several fixed compression ratios are shown in Figure 3A). This abrupt change in gain in a conventional compressor limiter is often audible and ‘therefore undesirable to the user. ‘The dbx Over Easy approach utilizes » soft knee at the threshold of compression (see Figure 3B). The ‘Over Easy compressor/limiter gradually increases its ‘compression ratio from 1:1 towards the set comprestion iO as the input signal rises through the threshold region. Thus an age old dream can be realized... ‘Gynamic range restriction without audible, abrupt gain changes. When properly operated, the Model 165 is a highly effective compressor imiter that you don't hear working Tu 5 0-8 +1 ot o20 (INPUT LEVEL (eB) 3B— Over Emey Compremor/Limier Fit 3— Over Eary Vern Conventional Compremion‘Since dbx Over Easy compressor/limiters have no istinet point at which the gain changes, the threshold ‘on uch units is defined diHerently from conventional Units. We define the threshold to occur approximately mid way between the fixed gain portion of the curve and the point where the curve “levels off” at the selected Compression ratio. At an infinite compression rerting. ‘threshold is defined as the level at which 6 dB gain reduction is realized. At this setting, the maximum permissible output level is 5 dB above the threshold. ‘At lower compression settings, the threshold represents somewhat less gain reduction. (In contrast, a conventional Ccompressorfimiter yields O dB of gain reduction at the ‘threshold; gain reduction begins just above the threshold.) ‘To see how the 165's Threshold indicator LEDs correlate ‘with the compression curves, refer to Figure 4. 1 eo g ze So 5 T RED E -s N88 | Above threshold 10 (Over easy range =%-w-8 0 INPUT LEVEL (68) prepress) SIGNAL CONNECTIONS Make input ane output connections to the barrier strip on the rear panel (Figures § and 6). Input Connection or balanced of floating lines, connect the signal lends to the (+) and (-) terminals, and the shield to the chassis ground (* } terminal. For unbalanced lines, connect the Signal high led to the (+) terminal, and jumper the (=) {206 chassis ground ( } together for connection of the Shield, When using an unbalanced connection, reversing ‘he (+) and (—) input terminal will cause the ovtput signal to be 180" out of phase (reverse polarity) relative to the input signal. Level Detector Input Connect For normal compressor operation, leave the factory installed straps connected between the Detector (+) and the Input Signal (+) terminals and the Detector (—) and Input Signal {—) terminals, (Refer to Figure 5.) !f you wath to gain access to the 165's Detector Input for insertion of an auxiliary device, you may do 40 by removing the strapping. wiring the auxiliary device's ‘output to the 165's Detector Input terminals, and feeding the auxiliary device's input with the same signal fed to the 165's Signal Input. in certain situations, te auxiliary device may need to be inserted in the signal ath, not in the detector path. In such cases, signal it fed to the input of that device, and also to the detector input, and the auxiliary device's output is fed to the ‘TES signal input. Uniess the installation is permanent, this connection can be awkward. Therefore, we recom mend wiring a few Tip/Ring/Sleeve phone jacks to the 165 instead, and using the jacks for Signal and Detector inputs as well as for the Signal Output. Figure 6.) -— ee ee ee eeeFig. 6~ Signal Inout & Ourput Jacks With A Normalling deck Bor The Detector tnpat Dortea ines indicate location of ‘Sottona! mult ject persia! wared! for feeding but Of eurilory ‘Sevce wath same progrom at 165 Signal MOU. "The outbut of the dbx 165 is designed to feed balanced ff unbalanced 600 ohm or greater loads. The outDUt ‘tage is single ended, x0 that in normal operation, the {=} signal output terminal is internally connected to the (#1 terminal. When the system bypass switch is engaged, the signal inputs are directly connected to the signal ‘outputs (so a balanced input would produce a balanced output). Grounding ‘For maximum hum rejection, avoid common ground ing at the input and output (ie., double grounding). One method that unually works is to ground the shield at the 1465's output Ground (+) terminal and also ground it at the input of the following device. Do not connect the ‘shield at the 165's input Ground terminal; leave the input shield connected only to the output of the device ‘feeding the 165. ‘Stereo Coupler Cable ‘When you wish to link two Model 165's for processing a stereo program, 2 cable must be constructed to join ‘the Stereo Coupler connectors on the two units. Use the ‘mating connectors supplied with each Model 165, and ‘wice the eable according to Figure 7. Use connectors ‘Supplied with units, or equivalent (Cinch-Jones P-312—CCT). The cable should be 6-pair, twisted 24 ga. wire with shield (Belden 9506). ‘Once the cable is connected to the two 165%, it may be left in place at all times. When both units’ Stereo Coupler switches are placed in “master” mode (button OUTH, the 165's operate completely independently; steree operation is achieved simply by switching one of ‘the two units to “Slave” mode (button IN, Siave LED ON). Input Impedance & Terminations "There iz sometimes 2 misunderstanding regarding the nature of marching and bridging inputs, the use of ‘terminating resistors, and the relationship between ‘actual input impedance and nominal source impedance. Most electronic outputs work well when “terminated” Fig. 7— Storwo Coupler Cable NOTE: The exbre for the Gos Mode! 162 is not comperibie with the Mood 165. bby an input (connected to an input) having the same or a higher actual impedance. Outputs are usually over- loaded when terminated by an impedance that is lower than the source impedence. When the input impedance is nearly the same impedance as the source, itis known as "matching” input. When an input is 10 times the Source impedance, oF more, the input is considered to bbe a “bridging” input. ‘The dbx Mode! 165 signal input has an actual impedence of 22,000 ahms in balanced configuration €or 11,000 ohms in unbalanced (it has a high-Z* input). ‘This makes the 165 tignal input suitable for use with virally any nominal source impedance, low or high. The dbx signal input will bridge 150-ohm or 600-ohm Glow-Z) tines, ‘The dbx 165 detector input has an actual impedance ‘of 600,000 ohms in balanced configuration or 300.000 ‘ohms unbalanced. This very high impedance means the level detector will bridge virtually any nominal source impedance. It alzo means that when the jumper connectors link the detector and signal inputs, the Cetector has a negligible effect on the 165's input impedance as “seen” by the source device. The very high impedance of the detector does suggest, however, that ‘cables from an external processor 10 the detector input bbe kept as short as practical to reduce susceptibility to ‘hum and RFI. "Terminating resistor: are not needed for the dbx 165, signal or detector inputs to operate correctly, but may bbe required at these inputs when they are fed from devices (such as passive equalizers) designed for a specified load impedance. “The dbx 165 output is capable of driving loeds of [GOO ohms or greater. While it may be terminated by a low impedance, such termination is not required. (“isan abbreviation for “imoedence.OPERATION & APPLICATIONS Additional Information on the Setting and Function of Certain Controls. Compression Control ‘This contro! is continuously adjustable from a com- pression ratio of 1:1 to infinite compression (that is, no Change in output level regardless of changes in input Tevel above the set threshold). High compression (sertings (greater than 6) significantly level out program materials. Fafinite compression virtually stops music levels from exceeding the threshold setting. Lower compression ertings (below 4) still permit dynamic range to exist. “They are used to tighten up the sound of a bass guitar, lead guitar, snare drum, kick drum and vocals. Moderate ‘overall compression is typically used during stereo mixdowns, Here 2 variety of settings could be used. ‘Wile any compression ratio can be set with thi control, remember that the Over Easy curve causes ‘that ratio to be approached gradually as the input signal level ries through the threshold. Only when the input signal is considerably above the threshold does the 165 closely approach the set ratio of compression. (See Figure 3.) ‘Threshold Adjurtment & LED Indicators "The Threshold control sets the level at which the 165 begins to compress the signal where the Over Easy compression cur input signal), The control has a wide range s0 that the etired results can be obtained with any line level input signal. When the Threshold control is set too low, the 165 will compress most if not all of the input signal (ted LED ON most of the time). At low compression ratios, the very low threshold setting can be used to gently reduce the overall dynamic range of the program. Low threshold sertings (~20 to —40) are used when rogram materials are to be comprested. Low settings, ‘with high input levels, cause the 165 to “work” all or more of the time than with lower input levels. The of vocals and instruments typically use lower settings. Compression of the whole program, however, may not ‘sound natural, expecially at compression ratios of 10:1 for greater. High threshold settings (—10 to +10) a red for limiting program levels or where only peaks are to be compressed. The major portion of the program material é¢ not processed with a high threshold setting. Speaker protection and peak overload prevention are just two applications. NOTE: Whenever threshold level and compression ratio ‘servings are made, itis important to watch the LED's ‘and meter for reference and confirmation. Remember ‘that a compressor fimiter is» too! that can provide Gesirable effects when used properly. When used to excess, the results can sound unusual, end may be of value only for special effects. With the Compression control set for the desired maximum compression ratio (or an approximation thereof), rotate the Threshold control counterclockwise Until the desired sound, special effect, or amount of gain reduction is achieved. ‘Auto Switch & Auto Atmck/Relese LED Indicator ‘When the Auto switch is IN (Auto Mode), the LED indicator will be illuminated and the Model 165 will automatically adjust its attack rate and release time to Suit the program envelope. (This Auto Model sets the ‘Model 165 for the same attack and release characteristics ss: dbx Models 160, 161, 162, 163 and 164 compressor/ limiters.) When the Auto switch is OUT [manual model, ‘me LED indicator above it turns OFF. and the front panel Attack and Release rate controls determine the maximum rate of gain change and the behavior of the evel detector circuitry (see below ‘Artack Rate & Release Rate Controls "The Model 165 is the first dbx compressor Aimiter to offer a choice of automatic or user adjustable attack and Felease characteristics. In Auto Mode, the 165 urilizes the patented dbx RMS level detector with its program Sependent attack/release characteristics to obtain atural-sounding compression or limiting. For special eflects and certain signal situations, however, itis often Gesirable to et fixed attack and release characteristics. Manual mode sHords this capability. The Auto Mode is recommended for vocals as well as instruments. When (Getermining separate attack and release rate control setting, it provides 9 good starting point. Because the ‘Auto Mode has a variable attack rate, the 165 may ‘compress or limit some program materials smoother ‘than in the manual mode which has a fixed rate of ‘attack This is especially true on vocals. Where To Set Attack & Release Controls "There is no “right” way to set the Attack and Release controls. Generally, one would want a slow enough Release to avoid “pumping” or “breathing” Sounds caused when background sounds are audibly modulated by the dominant signal energy, yet the ‘release must be fast enough to avoid suppression of the (Gesired signal after # sudden transient or a loud note has ‘Gecayed. Depending on the desired effect, one might want a very slow Attack so that percussive or transient founds are not restricted, but average volume levels are held within the desired range. ‘Avery fast attack setting (control maximum counte clockwise) will cause the 165 to act like a peak limiter ‘even though RMS detection circuitry is used. Slower fartack settings cause the 165 to act like an RMS oF averaging detecting compressor/imiter. Don't forget, fartack and releate controls operate together and with ‘the compression ratio control. Changing any one control may necessitate changing the other settings. (Meter Calibration & Use "The meter in the 165 is tactory calibrated to indicate “0” when the signal level is +4 0B (1.23 V) ‘ateither the input or output of the 165, depending ‘on the meter function switch position. (When the meter is in Gain Change mode, “0” indicates no gain Change: the meter calibration control does not affect ‘this mode.) ‘To recalibrate the meter, engage the Input meter ‘function switch ani feed a 1 kHz signal at the selected nominal operating level (the level desired for # “0 VU ‘meter indication) to the 165's signal input. Then adjust ynel METER CALIBRATION control until the Use of an Equalizer in the Level Detector Cireuit for Frequency Weighted Compression, De-essing, of Increasing Sustain it is possible to “separate” certain instruments from ‘a mix by frequency weighted compression. This function is crested by inserting an equalizer ahead of the Mode! 4165's level detector input, but not in the main signal input path. Peaking the equalizer in a certain frequency range will tend to suppress any frequencies (notes) in ‘that register. A relatively high threshold setting can Bllow normal sounds to be unaffected while sole or very — ee eee ee eeeloud sounds are held back. Of course, when compression does occur, the level of the entire program is atfected. For this reason, it may be more useful to reserve this combined EQ/compression technique for isolated sound fources, such as a single channel of vocal or a single instrument in 2 multi-track program. Unlike overall program equalization, EQ of the level detector will take ttfect only when signals are above threshold (or when Those frequencies affected fall above the set threshold). Depending on the threshold serzing, lower-level funda ‘mentals or harmonies will not cause compression, and ‘the program is not subject to the phase shift normally caused by program equalization. For example, consider a single channel carrying the preamplified signal from a microphone placed near & Cymbal and 8 tom-tom. Set up the 165 with an equalizer in the level detector path, as depicted in Figure & The ‘equalizer can be adjusted for boost with a peak at about 5 kHz, causing the cymbal to be compressed on a very loud crash, preventing tape saturation at high frequencies where there is lest headroom. However, gentle tapping Of a drumstick or brushing of the cymbal will not be hheld back. Assuming the tom-tom is a lower frequency instrument, and ean be better tolerated by the tape, ‘here is less need for compression on it. The equalization in the detector eircuit means that the compressor will not be triggered as readily by a loud tom beat as by an ‘equally loud cymbal crash. “Another application for this type of EO boost in the level detector is for increasing the sustain of a guitar, bass, fete: this requires EO boost in the dominant frequency ange of the instrument, along with a fairly low threshold ‘ands moderate compression ratio. ‘Still another related application involves de-essing of vocals (reduction of sibilance). Use a parametric equalizer in the level detector circuit and set it for high frequency bboott in the specific frequency range where the vocal “hias” of isp occurs. This pre-emphasizes the already “niasy” vocal input to the detector. Used in conjunction ‘with » moderate to high threshold and compressi ‘ratio, this arrangement greatly attenuates the “essing” ‘without atfecting the basic sound quality or balance of ‘the voice. While itis true that all frequencies are lowered in level when the compressor is triggered, generally the “ss” sound occurs alone, before or after fhe dominant tone in the voice. (If this seems unlikely, just try to hum and hiss at the same time.) "The converse of the above EQ techniques may be used: dipping the equalizer will cause any sound in the ‘affected register to pull the level up because it will seem ‘to require less compression than the other frequencies. FILTER OF. EQUALIZER PROGRAM SOURCE Fig. 8 — Equalizer or Fiver Used withthe Level Devector tnpwt Use of » Filter in the Level Detector Circuit ‘The results of inserung a filter in the level detector it are basically the same as obtained with an equali- er. as previously described. Those frequencies passed by ‘he filter are subject to compression (or at least they are subject to considerably more compression than those frequencies outside the passband). Because a passive filter can have insertion loss, it may be necessary to Jower the 165 Threshold serting to maintain a given. amount of gain reduction within the filter passband: this can be determined, as usual, by monitoring the 165's ‘threshold indicator LEDs. Use of » Time Delay Line in the the Level Datactor Cireuit for Zero or Negative Attack & Release Times ‘While the Model 165 can be set for incredibly fart attack times, there will always be some small transient that “gets patt” the level detector. In some cases — such ‘3: maximum modulation broadcasting ~ it may be esirable to preserve the sonic quality obtained with # Slower attack time, yet it may not be permissible for teven the slightest overshoot to get past the compresior/ Timiter. A delay line (digital or analog) ean be used in ‘this instance. By feeding the program directly to the 1165's detector input, but delaying the feed to the 165's fignal input, the unit can “anticipate” the need for » ‘gain change. (Refer 10 Figure 9.) With some experimen- {ation, the effect can be that of “zero” attack time. ‘Additional signal delays beyond the “zero” time ‘established above would then cause the compreszor to 1 edge of the loud ‘passage enters the signal input, suppressing program ‘which is not above threshold. Also, the 165 would begin recover from compression (release) before the input signal has dropped back to the set threshold, causing the ‘output to surge higher in level as the note er passage is ‘Gecaying. This special effect obtained with the time ‘Gelay might sound akin to reverse playback of a tape recording. ‘Access to the 165's level detector makes possible ‘a wnole range of effects not normally available. The ‘more you think about it and experiment, the more use- ful this capability can become. Fig. 9 — Daley Line Unad With The Signal Input ‘The 165 As A Line Amplifier "To use the 165 as a line amplifier, adjust the COMPRESSION RATIO contra! to fully counterctock- wise (1:1 position), THRESHOLD to full clockwise position (+10) and OUTPUT GAIN to whatever setting {is required for the application. Remember that, a: with ‘any amplifier, excessive gain may lead to output clipping ‘of high level signals. To add compression, adjust the COMPRESSION RATIO and the THRESHOLD controls to the desired sertings.SPECIFICATIONS Input Characteristics IMPEDANCE ‘Signal: 22 Koha, palanend: 11 tohm, unbalanced Brtector! £00 tehmt, peanoed:'300 Koh, unbslanen teveL ‘Sqnal: 424 a8 1123 VI maximum Brrocior: 320 68 138.6 Vi mazeram Qurput Characteristics IMPEDANCE {Laut than 47 ohma lace low 2 oxrout! keven DISTORTION ‘2ng harmon, 0.08%, re rarmome: 07% (Auto or Manual with Atteck & ‘ateea Comets Cantered! NOTE: Daroron tipues ore tren! at infinite compresion Tan, 0 dBm {0.778 VI inovt nd eutout and herman {nletieelyunattaceed by comorenton rie, tha eonttnts and 190, =1 68 from 20 Hr 20 20 woz Loner THRESHOLD iaasvr COMPRESSION RATIO ‘Continuously werable trom 1:1 80 itininy:t ATTACK RATE Continuously sarah from 400 68 per mitiagcond 10 Yaa per muliascond! RELEASE RATE ‘Continuewsly warable frm 4,000 8 per secon 12 S018 oer socond ourrurt cain, Continuously sariable rom =20 6B 10 62048 Mereting RANGE 30.68 (trem =20 10 +10 VU FUNCTION ‘Seatchable fo input teva, output bevel or goin change CALIBRATION (Factory prevet at VU #4 a8 11-23 VI: rear pone! ‘Douentometer arts 0 VU tor say lr! trom = 10.28. Grd mvi ve “1008 (245 Vi Connectors ‘SIGNAL Jones type barrier sip fr signa input, signal eutout, STEREO COUPLER serial trom =D 40 (7.8 mV) 0 + 10.68 ‘POWER REQUIREMENTS: 7 V AE 210%, 60 or 60 Hr: 24 V AC. $0 0° 60 ME ‘beeunole on soecial ret tor use ounce the US. DtensiONs. 19” wade x 2-1/2" high x 10-178" sn [da Som # 89 cm = 257 emi: eitae for rack mounting wet welant BLOCK DIAGRAM ee ee ee ee ee1, Preliminary Setup dbx 165A Initial Test Procedure TT Connect the dbx 165A under test to the 165A test box using the appropriate cables. aia reer that the “THRESHOLD”, "COMPRESSION", "db/HSEC ATTACK” and TUEVSEC RELEASE” pots all have the correct travel. (E.G. Insure that cach of these pots travels just as far past the nost CCW calibration fark as they do past the most CW calibration mark. 2. Power Supplies zoel Gonnect the dbx 165A to the proper AC power (120 or 240VRMS). Place Che POWER" aviteh to t's “IN” (ON) position. Note that the “POWER” LED Lights. 2.2 measure the voltage on the left side of R14 with a DVM. Adjust RB for a reading of +15.00+.01VDC. 2.3 sexetre the voltage on the far side of RIS with a DVM, This must read =15.00+.15VDC. 2.4 Measure the voltage on the collector (metal can) of Q5- +20.00+-20DC. 2.5 Meesuré the voltage on the collector (metal can) of Q12- This must read -20.00+.4VDC. This must read NOTE: The stop level pot must be fully CW for all tests except test 10 3. RMS ADJUSTMENTS et Place the "STEREO COUPLER switch to it's “IN” (SLAVE) position. Note that the “SLAVE” LED is lit. 3.2 LIE ene side of ¥20. (Between R39 and C17). Apply 100H2 at “O°dBV (1.OOVRMS) to test bax. Set the “INPUT” switch on the 165A test bor to "J25 Pin 1". 3.3 Place the "AUTO" axitch to it's “OUI” (MANUAL) position. Note that The “AUTO” LED de lit. (NOTE: The “AUTO” LED should be lit when the SSTEREO COUPLER” switch is in “SLAVE” regardless of the position of the “AUTO” switch). 3.6 Observe the waveform on QA2 PIN 1. It should be a fullwave rectifi- cation pattern. Adjust R45 for equal positive alternations. These Giternatations should have an amplitude of approximately BOMV. 3.5 bese the “INPUT” evitch on the 165A test bor to “J25 PIN 2°. Observe the wavefors on QA2 PIN 1. It should be a full wave rectification pattern. Adjust B59 for equal positive alternations. These Piternations should have an amplitude of approximately BOMV- Place the "AUTO" sviteh to it's "IN" (AUTO) position. The waveform ax QA2 PIN 1 should now be « symmetrical sinewave with an amplitude of not more than 3MV P/P. 3.7 Place the “INPUI” switch on the 165A test box to “J25 PIN 1” and repeat step 3.6. 3.8 apply 2KH2 at "0" DB and measure the DC voltage at QA2 PIN 1 (far side of R48). Note this reading. 3.9 Place the “INPUI™ switch on the 16: measure the DC voltage at QA2 PIN 1. noted in step 3.8. 3.20 Igeeail the Lifted end of Y20. Place the “INPUT” switch in the 1654 test box to “NORMAL”. Measure the DC voltage at QA2 PIN 1. This NEltage should read: Add -38mvde to the voltage measured in step Se. This 4s the voltage you should read for step 3.10 +/—éuvic. 3.6 5A test box to “J25 PIN 2” and ‘Adjust R52 for the same voltage4 6. Threshold LED Indicators 4.1 With the “STEREO COUPLER” switch still to it's IN" (SLAVE) position, place the “REMOTE” switch on the 165A test bor to “POSITION 4°. 4.2 Measure the DC voltage at the "DVM Banana Jacks” on the 165 test box and adjust the “OUTPUT GAIN” pot on the dbx 165A for .QOVDC. Note that the “BELOW” (GREEN) LED is lit. 4.3 While still pressing the “THRESHOLD TEST” switch, adjust the “OUTPUT GAIN" por until the point where the “BELOW” LED has just gone “COMPLETELY” out and the “YELLOW” LED is lit brightly. The DVM must read +140+5MVDC. 4.4 While still pressing the “THRESHOLD TEST” switch, adjust the “OUTPUT GAIN” pot until the point where the “YELLOW” LED has just gone “COMPLETELY” out and the “ABOVE” (RED) LED is lit brightly. The DVM must read +380+54VDC. ‘Threshold Calibrate 5.1 Place the "STEREO COUPLER” to it's “OUI” (master) position. Note that the slave LED is no longer lit. 5.2 Place the “AUTO” switch to it's “OUT” (manual) position. Note that the "AUTO" LED is not lit, place the “AUTO” switch back to it's “IN” (AUTO) position. 5.3 Apply 1KHZ at +10DB. Place the threshold pot fully CW. Adjust R65 until the red threshold LED is on and then back off on R65 until the yellow threshold LED just comes on. 5.4 Apply 1KHZ at -4ODB. Place the threshold pot fully CCW. The yellow threshold LED must be on. 5.5 Place compressor knob to “4”. 5.6 Place R140 fully CW then COW slightly. 5.7 Apply 1XZ ODB (1.00VRMS). Note: Reading on DB meter (adjust gain pot for reading). 5.8 Apply 1KHZ +20DB (10.VRMS). Meter reading should increase SDB. Adjust R140 until the requirements of 5.7 and 5.8 are met. 5.9 Repeat steps 5.7 and 5.8 until no adjustment of R140 ds necessary. 5.10 Set the “COMPRESSION” pot fully CW. Apply 1KHZ at “O"DB and set the “OUTPUT GAIN" pot for a convenient reading on the external DB neter. (e.g. -20DB). Apply 1KHZ at +20DB. The reading on the external DB meter must not change more than +.5DB. System Bypass and Compression Test 6.1 Apply 1KHZ at “O” DB and place the “SYSTEM BYPASS” switch to it's "IN" (SYSTEM BYPASS) position. The external DB meter should read “O"-.2DB. Note that the “OUTPUT GAIN” pot on the DBX 165A has no effect on this reading. Place the “SYSTEM BYPASS” switch to it's “OUT™ position. Meter Calibration - Input Mode 7.1 Shut the power off and set the mechanical zero on the dbx 165A meter for “PRECISELY” “O". Set the power back on. 7.2 Apply 1KHZ at “O"DB. Place the “THRESHOLD” pot fully CW. Place the “METER” switch on the dbx 1654 to “INPUT”. Insure that R125 (R.P.) will vary the reading on the dbx 165A meter from -11.5 to +10DB. Set R125 for “PRECISELY” “O". You might have to change R169 to a value between IMohm and 680K obm to meet this spec. 7.3 Apply 1KHZ at -20DB. The dbx 165A meter must read ~20+1DB. =_— ee8. ga. 10. Meter Calibration ~ Output & Gain Change Node 8.1 Apply 1KK2X at “O"DB. Place the "METER" switch to "OUTPUT". Set the “COMPRESSION” pot fully CCW. 8.2 Place the “REMOTE” switch on the 165A test box to “POSITION 7” and neasure the DC voltage at the DVM Banana Jacks with a DVM. Install the knob on the "OUTPUT GAIN” pot so that when the slot in the inob is lined up "PRECISELY" with the "0" calibration mark, the DVM reads less than +.200vdc~ 8.3 With the “OUTPUT GAIN” pot set “PRECISELY” on “0°. Adjust R77 for minimum 2nd harmonic distortion. ‘Adjust R138 for “PRECISELY” “0” on the external DB neter- ‘Adjust R172 for “PRECISELY” “O" on the dbx 165A meter. 8.4 Place the “METER” switch to “GAIN CHANGE”. The dbx 165A meter must read "0" +/-1dB. 8.5 Place the “THRESHOLD” pot fully CCW. Vary the "COMPRESSION" pot until the external DB meter reads -10DB. The reading on the dbx 165A meter must be -1041.5DB. Place the “METER” switch in “OUIPUT™. The dbx 165A meter must read ~10+1.5DB. 8.6 Place the “THRESHOLD” pot fully CW and the "COMPRESSION" pot fully CCW. Insure that the "OUTPUT GAIN” pot will vary the reading on the ‘external DB meter from approximately ~19DB to approximately +19DB. Total swing must be not less than 38DB. Noise 9.1 With the “COMPRESSION” pot still fully COW and the “OUTPUT GAIN" pot set to "0, short the input to the dbx 165A by placing all of the attenuator ewitches ont he K-H oscillator to their “OUI” positions. The noise reading on the external DB meter aust be -78DB or better. (unweighted). Frequency Response 9A.1 Apply 1KHZ at “O"DB and adjust the “OUTPUT GAIN” pot on the dbx 165A for “PRECISELY” “O"Db on the external DB meter. Sweep the K-H oscillator from 20HZ to 20KHZ. The output should not vary more than +.5DB or -1-0DB. Peak Stop Adjust 10.1 Set KH to 1KHZ at 1.00vrms 10.2 Place the “SYSTEM BYPASS” switch to it's “IN” position. Note that the external DB meter reads “O" + .2DB. 10.3 Adjust the “volts” pot on the K-H oscillator until the external DB meter reads -2.2DB (e.g. .77Svrms)- 10.4 Place the "SYSTEM BYPASS” switch to it's “OUT” position. 10.5 The front panel switches should be as follows: Threshold - Fully GH Compression ~ Fully CCW Stop Level ~ “0” Output Gain - "0"10.6 Adjust R165 fully GW. Note the waveform on the scope. No clipping aiJuld be evident. The 2nd harmonic distortion should be less than +0322. 10.7 Adjust RI65 CCW until the 2nd harmonic distortion reads -1%- 0.8 The peak stop LED should be on. 1018 Increase the output of the K-H oscillator to +10DB. The external DB aetTe Should read +3DB41DB. Note that the waveform on the scope is mere ettpped. (Eug-, the comers of the vaveforms are rounded). 40.10 Recate the rSeop level” fully CW. The “peak stop” LED should be off- Renate the “stop level” pot until the “peak stop’ LED lights. This sorete occur when the “stop level” knob on the 165A reads 10+3- 10.11 No clipping should be observed on the scope- iOLTa Rotate che “Stop level” pot slightly CCW until “soft” clipping 16 seretved on the scope. This should occur when the “stop level” Inob reads 10+3DB. 10.13 Rotate the “stop level” pot fully CW. 10.14 Reset the KH oscillator to 1.00vrms. 11. Maximum Output - 600 Ohms ait Apply IRHZ at +20Db and place the "NORMAL/600 OHM” switch on che 1654 ‘ppt sox to “600 OHMS". Adjust the “OUTPUT GAIN” pot until clipping fe observed on the scope. Clipping must be symmetrical and aust A eee reot less than +2308 (11.00vrms). Return the “NORMAL/600 OHM" switch to “NORMAL”. 12. Clamping Circuit 12.1" Apply 1EZ at “O"DB. Set the "COMPRESSION" pot fully CCW. Set the “OUTPUT GAIN” pot to “0” on the front panel. 12.2 Observe the waveform on the scope. Place the “POWER” switch off and note that the waveform on the scope collapses without any DC shifts occuring above or below the P/P level of the sinewave. 12.3 Note that when the “POWER” switch is turned on, the waveform on the cope goes to an intermediate level for a short period of time, and then to it's final level. 13. Remote Test 13.1 Apply 1KHZ at “O” DB. Place the “STEREO COUPLER” switch to “OUT” (MASTER). “THRESHOLD” pot fully CCW. “COMPRESSION” pot fully CCW. AUTO” switch to “IN” (AUTO). “OUTPUT GAIN" pot fully Gi. “STOP LEVEL” pot fully Ci. 13.2 Measure the voltage at the “DVM Banana Jacks” on the 165A test bor~ The voltages should read as follows: Position of test bor stereo coupler switch 1. Press "LED TEST” switch. Note LED is lit. 2. ove 3. Voltage reads +1.8VDC. Rotate the “THRESHOLD” pot fully CH. The voltage reads -1VDC. = = =o oe eee13.3 4. ove 5. Place the “COMPRESSION” pot fully GW. The voltage reads greater than ~.09VDC (in a negative direction). Rotate the “THRESHOLD” pot fully CCW. The voltage now reads +.05VDC. 6. Ove. 7, + iavoe 8. Quoc 9. > +16w0c 10. owe La. ove 12) Press the “LED TEST” switch. Note LED is lit. Place the “STEREO COUPLER” switch to it's “IN” (SLAVE) position. Position of test bor stereo coupler switch. 6. Place the “COMPRESSION” pot fully CCW. Place the “METER” switch to “GAIN CHANGE”. Note the reading on the dbx 165A meter. Press the “THRESHOLD TEST” switch. Note that the reading decreases 2-408. 8. Note the reading of the dbx 165A meter. Press the “THRESHOLD TEST” switch. Note that the reading decreases -5-10DB. Attack/Release Tine Test 14.1 Set the "THRESHOLD" pot fully CCW. Set the “COMPRESSION” pot fully CW. Set the “db/MSEC RELEASE” pot to “40”. Set the “db/SEC RELEASE” pot fully CW. Set the "AUTO" switch to it's “OUT” (MANUAL) position. Set the "STEREO COUPLER” switch out. 14.2 Measure the DC voltage at the far side of R92 with DVM. Set R93 for a reading of approximately ~3vdc. 14.3 Apply a 200HZ Toneburet signal. Set the scope vertical pot to “.1V/CM". Set the scope horizontal pot to “S0MSec/Qi". Observe the waveform at S3 PIN 9. Adjust R93 until a slew rate of -300MV per 1/2 second is obtained, as shown in figure A. The scope should be DC coupled. If the waveforms offset is too much for scope, see addendum 1 + 32%eMadd Test 14.20 as follows: 14.2a.. Connect the test lead from the thie box to the junction of R&S and Pan bx 165A under test. pias” test jack on the 38X 1 of Qa2 on the dbx 165 or .g test 14.20 is as follows: tn step 14.3, we are trying to monster & signal that looks like that BRaun un figure #1 below, on the -1V2C scale (YA) of a Philips Scope- there must be enough range 4 ion pot of channel Te e° Shoe a 2e3v0c level to appear on Se O° (high) screen of the Jeope. on some Philips Scopes this Can ‘be done, on some Philips scopes ‘this cannot be done. go enable this signal to be monits lead has been added to ‘the reason for addin: ro db this red on all Philips Scopes, a test ‘this lead goes to the ~5vDC ieebay in the 3BX test box, through # 22% 738 tor. During step 14 SEPEy. es/165a test procedure) this ese is connected to the junction GP yas ana pin 1 of QA2, Tnis voltage biases the output of the FHS Ckse gaz) slightly negative, and changes £6 signal at pin 9 of 53 to Rae like that shown in figure #2 belov (approximately) - 200k 1k.) can now be monitored on ali Philips Scopes, OF the .1vDC scale.14.4 Set the scope vertical pot to “.5v/cm(DC)” and adjust the vertical position pot so that the bottom line is “0” VDC. 14.5 Set the "db/SEC RELEASE” pot fully CCW. The waveform on the scope should look like that shown in figure B. i" B | a 14.6 Set the “db/MSEC ATTACK” pot fully CCW. The waveform should still look like that shown in the left diagram above. Set the “db/MSec ATTACK" pot fully CW. The waveform should look like that shown in figure C. 14.7 Apply a 3KHZ Toneburst signal and observe the output of the dbx 1654 on the scope. Place the scope vertical pot to ".2V/CM” and set the ‘scope horizontal pot to “5 HSEC/CH". Adjust the “OUTPUT GAIN" pot on the dbx 165A until the first cycle of the waveform covers approximately 8 vertical centimeters. The waveform should look like that shown in figure D. Dem AP arpre Ist Sime Wave 14.8 Place the “AUTO” switch to it's "IN" (AUTO) position. The waveform should look like that shown in figure E. 14.9 Place the "AUTO" switch to it's “OUT” position 14.10 Rotate the release pot “CW” until the P/P voltage of the first sine wave of the toneburst waveform is approximately 2 cn. 14.11 The release pot knob should point to approzimatly 100. 15. Detector Separation 15.1 With an ohmmeter, check between te detector and input and the signal and input on the rear terminal strip. This must measure more than 100K ohms. Measure between the detector ~ input and signal ~ input. This must also measure more than 100K ohms. 4a. 1s. 1. 20. 22. 22. apply ikz @ 068. Place the power switch OUT position while observing Apply eur Of the clamping circuit on the scope. Place the power suassh-F0 she a t20t tion and observe the action of the clamping circdit on fhe ScoPe- Spe TN Petia be no transients that exceed the final P/P amplitude of the sinewave, with power on. notate the STOP LEVEL pot COW unté the xed. STOP LED just Lights: thse should “the ste ei pot reads +5 2 245. At this time no clipping should occur when “the stop Rotate the STOP LEVEL pot to 0. Observe that the be observed on the scope. be observe che scope is clipped softly. Rotate the STOP LEVEL pot fully CH. Place the load switch on the 165A test box to ON. Rotate ‘the 165A until clipping is observed on the scope. j and occur at an amplitude greater than +21dBv wh on the 165A test box to off Apply kHz @ +2088. ‘the QDTPUT GAIN pot on Clipping must be symmetrica: (#23DvM). Place the load switcl the OUTPUT GAIN pot until it lines up Apply kHz @ 0dB. Rotate the knob of ‘Observe that 2nd harmonic bechanically with the 0 on the front panel~ @istortion is less than .05%. apply a 3kiiz toneburst from the 3bx test box. Apply ORME ARESHOLD pot fully CCW. Rotate the COMPRESSION pot fully C¥- aoe Ee euliy CW. Rotate the RELEASE pot fully CCW. Place the AUTO switch to its OUT position. ‘Flace the STEREO COUPLER switch to its ovf position. re Hladt’cne scope Vertical pot to .2V/CH and set the scope Horizonsal Pot to aieecyn. aejust the QOTFUT GAIN pot on the dbx 165 until the first cycle eee ivetorm covers approximately @ vertical centimeters, The wave form Should look like that shown in the left diagram below. MANUAL avTO place the AUTO suitch to its IN (AUTO) position, The vaveform should Look like that™shown in the above right diagram. Rotate the release pot CW until Place the AUTO switch to its OUT position. ‘The release pot should reac ‘the wave formon the scope measures 2cm P/P- approximately 100. Adjust the METER CALIBRATION pot cn the rear panel until Apply 1kHz @ OdB. a6. the 165A meter reads approxima’