Part of the SPL Analog-Blue series, the DynaMaxx is a new type of dynamics processor that has both corrective and creative applications in those areas normally addressed by conventional compressors. In keeping with the SPL design philosophy, it incorporates many new features not found on standard compressors, and a slightly unconventional approach to the control system makes is surprisingly easy to use.
DynaMaxx also premiers a new facility, the De-Compressor , which may be used to counter the effects of overcompression in previously processed source material. DynaMaxx can be used to provide unobtrusive compression and limiting at the premastering stage, or to produce creative compression effects.
Dynamic Intelligence Though auto attack and release functions are nothing new, in the DynaMaxx design, the time constants are automated in a very musical way. DynaMaxx adaptively and intelligently optimizes all time constants in real time during processing so that the compression characteristics are continually matched to the source material.
DynaMaxx is also the first compressor to make use of the new THAT 2181 VCAs, and the circuit actually uses two of these excellent VCAs in a Differential Drive-mode configuration, which increases transparency and dynamics while reducing distortion.
A benefit of the DynaMaxx circuit is that high compression ratios do not affect high frequency details. high amplitude, low-end bass can be controlled without introducing pumping or other negative side-effects. Similarly, complex stereo sources can be processed easily and very musically. DynaMaxx has numerous applications in recording and mixing, as well as for cost-effective stereo mastering, and because of the level of intelligent processing within the unit, there are only two controls to adjust per channel, making operation very intuitive.
Controls: Compression Sets the amount of compression, where the degree of gain reduction is continually monitored via the LED meters.
Gain This is similar to the "make-up" gain control used on conventional compressors and is provided to restore signal levels that have been reduced by the compressor action. This control also compensates for any gain increase in De-Compression mode. The control has a range of 20dB.
SOFT LIMIT: Switches between Compression mode and a Soft Limit mode that features a very gentle soft-knee-characteristic to minimize audible side ffects.
EFFECT COMPRESSION: In this mode, the Release time is set to a fixed 60ms to produce a 'vintage compression' effect that works well on solo instruments and occasionally voices.
DE-COMPRESSION: converts the compressor to an intelligent upward expander that allows you the de-compress highly compressed audio signals, such as samples, keyboards sounds or previously recorded tracks that have been overcompressed. For example, the sounds used in most drum machines are highly compressed, but processing them via the De-compress mode restores their dynamics and vitality.
NOISE GATE: Each channel incorporates a Noise Gate with ARC (Auto-Release-Circuitry), and this too is highly automated. In a mastering situation, it may be used to provide click-free gating at the beginning and the end of a song. The Close-LED indicates when the Noise Gate shuts.
METERING Both channels of DynaMaxx are equipped with a 20-digit LED ladder meter displaying gain changes to a resolution of 1dB. The displayed values range from -10dB to +9dB. Each channel also has an additional Signal LED which illuminates when the input signal is hotter than -40dB.
SIDE CHAIN If it is required to patch in external processing, both left and right channels have Side Chain inputs. If an acceptable sidechain signal is being received, a LED on the front illuminates.
STEREO COUPLE When processing stereo material, the Stereo Couple function should be switched on so that both channels produce the samedegree of gain change. This is necessary to maintain a coherent and stable stereo image. The front panel controls, including the Active switch of channel 1, function as master controls in Stereo Couple mode.
SPECS: Input & Output * Instrumentation amplifier, electronically balanced (differential), transformerless * Nominal input level +6dB * Input impedance = 22 kOhms * Output impedance < 600 Ohms * Max. input level +24dBu * Max. output level +22,4dBu * Minimum load ohms 600 Ohms * Relay Hard-Bypass yes * Power Fail Safety yes
Measurements * Frequency response 20 Hz - 100 kHz (100 kHz = -3 dB) * CCMR (common mode rejection) - 80dBu @ 1kHz * THD & N 0,002% @ 1kHz * S/N CCIR 468-3 -89dBu * S/N A-weighted -105dBu
Power Supply * Torroidal transformer 15 VA * Fuse 315 mA * Ground-Lift switch yes * Voltage selector yes
Dimensions * Housing Standard EIA 19"/1U, 482 x 44 x 237mm * Weight 3,4 kg
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