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Harman DBX 162SL User Manual

Harman DBX 162SL
31 pages
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User Manual
Compressor/Limiter
®
162SL
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Harman DBX 162SL Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypeCompressor/Limiter
Channels2
InputsXLR, 1/4" TRS
OutputsXLR, 1/4" TRS
Stereo OperationYes
Maximum Input Level+24dBu
Maximum Output Level+24dBu
Sidechain I/O1/4" TRS
Frequency Response20Hz - 20kHz, ±0.5dB
Power Requirements100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
Signal to Noise Ratio>90dB (unweighted)

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

Safety Instructions

Guidelines for customers regarding power cords and earthing requirements for safe operation.

Warning for Your Protection

General warnings and instructions for safe use and maintenance of the apparatus.

Electromagnetic Compatibility and Compliance

U.K. Mains Plug Warning

Specific safety warning regarding the use and alteration of UK mains plugs.

Declaration of Conformity

Statement of compliance with safety and EMC directives, listing relevant standards.

Introduction

Why You Need A Compressor

Explains the necessity of compressors due to limitations in audio reproduction and human hearing.

The Difference Between Compressors and Limiters

Differentiates between compressors and limiters based on their gain reduction characteristics and threshold behavior.

The Compression and Limiting Effects

Visualizes and explains the effects of compression and limiting on audio signals using diagrams.

Limiters and PeakStopPlus®

Discusses the role of limiters, especially for transients, and introduces the PeakStopPlus technology.

Features

Component and Design Highlights

Lists premium components and design strategies used in the 162SL for high performance.

Connection To Your System

Connecting the 162SL

Step-by-step guide for connecting the unit, including mounting and power-up procedures.

Basic Compressor Setups

Illustrates two fundamental ways to set up the compressor for processing audio signals.

Operating Controls

Front Panel Description

Detailed explanation of each control and switch on the front panel of the 162SL.

OverEasy® and Hard Knee Characteristics

Explains the OverEasy switch and the difference between OverEasy and hard knee compression characteristics.

Compression Control

Describes how the Compression control adjusts the amount of gain reduction based on input signal level.

Auto Switch

Explains the function of the Auto switch for automatic or manual attack and release timing.

Attack and Release Controls

Details the Attack and Release controls, their ranges, and their impact on compression/limiting.

Stop Level Control

Explains the Stop Level control for setting the maximum peak output level, including PeakStopPlus.

PeakStopPlus® Switch and LED

Describes the PeakStopPlus switch and its associated bi-color LED indicator for limiting status.

Sidechain Switch and LED

Explains the Sidechain switch and LED for activating sidechain processing and monitoring its status.

Bypass Switch and LED

Describes the Bypass switch and LED for activating the hard-wire relay bypass function.

Output Gain Control

Explains the Output Gain control for adjusting the output amplifier stage gain.

Peak LED

Details the function of the Peak LED, indicating when the output level approaches clipping.

VU Meter

Explains the functions of the VU meter, including input, output, and gain reduction monitoring.

Meter Selection Switches and LEDs

Describes switches for selecting input, output, and gain reduction meter modes.

Stereo Couple Switch and LED

Explains the Stereo Couple switch for linking channels and its associated LED indicator.

Power LED

Indicates the status of the unit’s power connection and switch.

Rear Panel

Audio Input and Output Connectors

Details the XLR and 1/4" connectors for audio input and output, including wiring configurations.

Pin 1 Lift Switch

Explains the function of the Pin 1 Lift switch for breaking ground loops.

Sidechain Send and Return Connectors

Describes the 1/4" TRS connectors for sidechain send and return signals for advanced processing.

AC Power Controls and Receptacle

Explains the AC power switch operation and the standard IEC power inlet receptacle.

Operating Notes

OverEasy® vs. Hard Knee Compression

Discusses the differences between OverEasy and hard knee compression and their visual representations.

Using The Compression Control

Explains how to use the Compression control to set the desired ratio and its effect on output level.

Stereo Coupling Operation

Details how to use the Stereo Couple switch for processing stereo programs effectively.

Auto Switch Functionality

Explains the function and benefits of the Auto switch for automatic attack and release timing.

Setting Attack and Release Controls

Guides on setting manual attack and release times for optimal compression and limiting.

PeakStop®/PeakStopPlus® Usage

Describes how to use the PeakStop and PeakStopPlus limiter functions to control peak output levels.

Specific Applications

Microphone Level Smoothing

Tips for smoothing vocal level variations using compression with specific ratio and threshold settings.

Instrument Level Smoothing

Guidance on using compression to improve instrument sounds by leveling dynamics and increasing sustain.

Enhancing Mix Presence

Techniques for using compression to make specific tracks or vocals stand out in a mix.

Live Feedback Reduction

Method for using the 162SL with EQ to identify and minimize feedback frequencies in live audio.

Tape Saturation Prevention

How compression can prevent recording levels from saturating tape tracks with varying input levels.

Speaker Protection

Using compression/limiting to protect speaker drivers from excessive levels and improve intelligibility.

Sidechain Applications

Frequency-Weighted Compression

Using an EQ in the sidechain to alter compressor response based on specific frequency bands.

De-Essing Vocals

Applying de-essing to vocals by using a parametric EQ in the sidechain to reduce sibilance.

Increasing Instrument Sustain

Using sidechain EQ to boost dominant frequencies and increase instrument sustain.

Filter in Level Detector Circuit

How inserting a filter in the level detector circuit affects compression sensitivity to specific frequencies.

Multi-way Speaker System Protection

Using sidechain EQ to protect sensitive drivers in multi-way speaker systems.

Broadcast Pre-emphasis Filter

Utilizing a pre-emphasis filter in the sidechain for broadcast applications to manage headroom.

Anticipated Compression (Ducking)

Using a delay in the sidechain to anticipate signal changes and achieve zero attack time effects.

Technical Support and Factory Service

Warranty Information

Details the product warranty terms, conditions, and limitations for the original purchaser in the US.

Block Diagram

162SL Signal Flow Diagram

Visual representation of the signal path and functional blocks within the 162SL unit.

Specifications

Input and Output Specifications

Technical specifications for input and output connectors, impedance, and levels.

System Performance Metrics

Details on system-wide performance metrics like frequency response, noise, dynamic range, and THD.

Compressor and Limiter Parameters

Specific technical parameters for the compressor and limiter sections, including ranges and types.

Function Switches and Indicators

Lists and explains the function of all switches and indicators on the unit.

Power Supply and Physical Dimensions

Specifications for operating voltage, power consumption, fuse ratings, dimensions, and weight.

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