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dbx 463X User Manual

dbx 463X
31 pages
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Preliminary
Technical
Service
Manual
MODEL
463X
OverEasy®
Noise
Gate
Expander
dbx
Professional
Products
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dbx 463X Specifications

General IconGeneral
Channels2 (Stereo)
Frequency Response20Hz - 20kHz, ±0.5dB
Frequency Range20Hz - 20kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio>90dB
Power Requirements15W
Dimensions48.3 x 4.4 x 21.6 cm

Summary

dbx 463X Features Overview

Single-Slider Operation

Highlights the ease of use with a single slider for gating amount and severity.

Adjustable Threshold Control

Details the knob for setting the signal level at which gating begins.

High-Impedance Input

Describes the front-panel 1/4" Hi-Z input for instruments and microphones.

Stereo Strapping Capability

Explains how two units can be linked for stereo operation or combined with other models.

Key Input Functionality

Notes the availability of a 'Key' input for special frequency-sensitive gating applications.

Inspection and Installation Guide

Rack-Mounting Instructions

Provides guidance for rack-mounting single units and pairs of 463Xes.

Audio Connections and Hookups

Line-Level Input/Output

Details for connecting unbalanced line-level audio signals using shielded cables.

Balanced Input/Output Considerations

Explains how to connect to balanced sources and destinations, managing ground loops.

Key and Hi-Z Input Usage

Describes the function and connection of the Key input for external control and the Hi-Z input.

Setting Up and Operation

Choosing the Correct Input

Guidance on selecting between the rear line input and front Hi-Z input.

Operational Setup Steps

Step-by-step process for adjusting threshold and expansion for optimal gating.

Hi-Z Gain Trim Adjustment

Instructions for setting the Hi-Z input gain to prevent input distortion.

Stereo Gating Configuration

How to achieve true stereo gating by linking units.

Noise Gating Principles

Gating vs. Downward Expansion

Explains the basic concepts of noise gating and the 463X's downward expansion approach.

Slider Control Functions

Details how the main slider affects expansion ratio, release rate, and attenuation.

Noise Gating Applications

Noise Reduction

Using the gate to eliminate unwanted background sounds and leakage between audio sources.

Sound Quality Enhancement

Modifying ambience, reverb tails, and overall sonic character with gating.

Specific Use Cases

Covers hum removal, MIDI stacks, keyed gating, and vocal/instrument processing.

System Block Diagram

Signal Path Overview

Visual representation of the 463X's internal signal flow and processing stages.

Circuit Theory of Operation

Audio Signal Path Details

In-depth explanation of the preamp, VCA, and output buffer stages.

RMS Detector Circuitry

Explanation of the dbx RMS detector and its role in level sensing and control voltage generation.

Control Voltage Processing Circuits

Details on the threshold, attenuation limit, and expansion processor circuits.

Troubleshooting and Alignment

Required Test Equipment

List of instruments and tools necessary for calibration and troubleshooting.

Initial Inspection and Disassembly

Procedures for checking unit integrity and safely accessing internal components.

Power Supply Verification

Steps to confirm the correct output voltages from the unit's power supply.

Alignment Procedures

Detailed calibration steps for RMS symmetry, level, VCA, and Hi-Z gain.

Threshold and Expansion Calibration

Setting the threshold and verifying the downward expansion LED response.

Distortion Performance Check

Procedure for measuring Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) across different frequencies.

Schematic and Component Layout

Main Circuit Board Layout

Diagram illustrating the physical placement of components on the main PCB.