User.qxd

14/01/2000

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ComPounder

users guide
.. handbuch manuel dutilisation manuale utente gua del usario

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THANK YOU for purchasing the
ComPounder brought to you by the Focusrite team Trevor, Peter, Martin, Helen, Tom, Mick, Phil, Micky, Pauline, Jo, Chris, Nathan, Rob and Simon. The chaps at Focusrite are a jolly hard working bunch and take a great deal of pride in designing, building and delivering products which are considered the best audio units around; we hope your new Focusrite unit lives up to that reputation and that you enjoy many years of productive recording. If you would like to tell us about your recording experiences then e-mail us at:- sales@focusrite.com
WIR DANKEN Ihnen, da Sie sich fr
den Kauf der ComPounder entschieden haben. Die ToneFactory ist ein Produkt des Focusrite-Teams Trevor, Peter, Martin, Helen, Tom, Mick, Phil, Micky, Pauline, Jo, Chris, Nathan, Rob und Simon. Wir bei Focusrite sind stolz auf den hervorragenden Ruf, den die hier entwickelten und gebauten Produkte im Studiobereich genieen. Wir hoffen, da Ihr neues Focusrite-Gert Ihren hohen Ansprche ebenso gerecht wird wie unseren eigenen und da Sie es in vielen Jahren erfolgreicher Studioarbeit schtzen {lernen} werden. Wenn Sie uns ber Ihre Erfahrungen bei der Arbeit im Studio berichten wollen, senden Sie bitte eine e-mail an sales@ focusrite.com.
NOUS TENONS vous remercier
davoir choisi le ComPounder, conu par lequipe Focusrite Trevor, Peter, Martin, Helen, Tom, Mick, Phil, Micky, Pauline, Jo, Chris, Nathan, Rob et Simon. Les membres de lequipe Focusrite forment une quipe enthousiaste qui le travail ne fait pas peur. Cest avec beaucoup de fiert quils ont conu at fabriqu des appareils reconnus comme les meilleurs de lindustrie audio. Nous esprons que ce nouveau produit est la hauter de notre rputation et quil vous assistera pendant de longue anns deregistrement. Si vous souhaitez nous faire partager vos expriences en enregistrement, anvoyez-nous un courrier lectronique ladresse suivante: sales@focusrite.com
Grazie per aver acquistato il
ComPounder presentatovi dal team della Focusrite - Trevor, Peter, Martin, Helen, Tom, Mick, Phil, Micky, Pauline, Jo, Chris, Nathan, Rob and Simon. Le persone alla Focusrite sono un gruppo allegro che lavora sodo e traggono soddisfazione nel progettare, costruire e consegnare prodotti considerati le migliori unit audio disponibili; ci auguriamo che la vostra nuova unit Focusrite sia all'altezza di tale reputazione e che possiate ricavarne molti anni di registrazioni produttive. Se desiderate condividere le vostre esperienze di registrazione, fatelo tramite e-mail al seguente indirizzo:sales@focusrite.com

GRACIAS por comprar el

ComPounder de parte de todo el equipo de Focusrite Trevor, Peter, Martin, Helen, Tom, Mick, Phil, Micky, Pauline, Jo, Chris, Nathan, Rob y Simon. El logro de Focusrite se debe a un alegre y duro trabajo en equipo, adems tiene el gran orgullo de disear, construir y entregar los productos que estn considerados como los mejores mdulos del mercado; esperamos que el nuevo Focusrite cumpla con esta reputacin y asi hacerle disfrutar durante muchos aos de grabaciones productivas. Si quieres contarnos tus experiencias con las grabaciones, evianos un e-mail a la siquiente direccin:sales@focusrite.com

A LIMITER sets an upper limit (threshold) on the signal level, and will not let the signal exceed that level. Typically a limiter will be used when the signal is feeding a unit which would overload and distort or be damaged if a particular input level were exceeded. A COMPRESSOR reduces changes in signal level, so that the dynamic range (the difference between quiet and loud sections of music or speech) of the compressed output signal is lower than the dynamic range of the input signal. Compression may be used to restrict dynamic range because different recording media have different dynamic ranges, or to improve clarity of sound in areas of high background noise (e.g. bars or restaurants) where quiet signals would be inaudible. The NOISE GATE is used to keep out or reduce unwanted noise during quiet passages, preventing the signal from passing through until the volume exceeds a preset threshold. When switched to EXPAND the section proportionately decreases the volume of any signal below a certain threshold this produces a more gentle noise reduction effect that is better able to cope with widely varying input signals. Unlike compressors and limiters a noise gate or expander works on signals that are lower than or below the set threshold.

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INTRODUCTION Le ComPounder est la combinaison dun Double Compresseur/Limiteur et dun Noise Gate/Expanseur. Chaque canal peut fonctionner indpendamment avec deux signaux mono, ou les deux sections peuvent tre couples pour fonctionner avec une source stro. Les compresseurs et les limiteurs se comportent tous deux comme des rglages de volume automatiques, rduisant le niveau dun signal lorsquil dpasse un seuil pr-programm. Il est important den comprendre le fonctionnement pour les utiliser correctement.
INTRODUZIONE Il ComPounder un combinato Duale Compressore/Limitatore e Noise Gate/Espansore. Ogni canale pu operare indipendentemente su due segnali mono, oppure entrambe le sezioni si possono unire per funzionare con una sorgente stereo. Sia i compressori che i limitatori agiscono come controlli automatici di volume, riducendo il livello di un segnale se supera una soglia predefinita. E importante comprendere la differenza, per usarli correttamente.

The ComPounder has line level inputs available on both XLR and 3 pole 1/4 jack connectors: inserting a jack cord plug into the jack will override the corresponding XLR. The nominal sensitivity of the input on BOTH connectors is selected by the adjacent switch. Use it set to +4dBu (switch out) when sourcing signals from professional equipment with balanced outputs e.g. mixing desks, professional recorders. Press the switch in to select the -10dBV sensitivity when feeding the unit from semi-professional or consumer equipment such as CD players, DAT recorders, keyboards etc. (such units often have their outputs on jacks or phono connectors). Select the correct level before switching on and passing signal through the unit, these switches can give a bit of a click when operating. With the correct sensitivity selected the 0dB LED of the INPUT LEVEL meter should be illuminated for most of the time with normal signals (see below). Each channel has two outputs provided: a +4dBu balanced output on a male XLR for connection to professional equipment, and an unbalanced -10dBV output on a 3 pole jack for connection to semi-pro/consumer equipment. The latter, though unbalanced, features ground compensation to avoid hum loops when connecting to an unbalanced input: see the diagram on previous page for the correct cabling.
FACILITIES AND CONTROLS POWER - turns the unit on. Turn the unit on before connecting or powering up

DAS BEDIENFELD

POWER - Hiermit schalten sie das Gert ein. Um Einschaltknacken zu vermeiden, sollte Sie das Gert immer vor allen nachfolgenden Gerten in der Reihenfolge einschalten. Wenn sie das Gert im Live-Betrieb in der Stereosumme einsetzen, so schalten Sie zunchst das Mischpult, dann den ComPounder, und zuletzt die Endstufen Ihrer P.A. ein.
Der ComPounder besitzt zwei identische Kanle; die nachfolgende Beschreibung der einzelnen Funktionen kann somit auf beide Kanle angewendet werden.
any equipment that it is feeding to avoid any turn-on noises.
applies to both channels.

NOISE GATE

The ComPounder has two identical channels, and so the following description

SOFT KNEE COMP IN b) Voces de fondo (coros): fuerte y equilibrada compresin para resituar y clarificar las voces que estn fuera de la mezcla. THRESHOLD: entre 9 y 12dB, alrededor de la 1 de reloj. RATIO: a las 12 de reloj. ATTACK: a la 1 de reloj. RELEASE: a las 3 de reloj. BASS EXPAND: a las 7 de reloj. MAKE UP: ajustar para igualar niveles, aprox. a la 1 de reloj. COMP IN c) Bajo: consigue equilibrar las inevitables variaciones de nivel de este instrumento cuando se interpreta en un rango amplio, y adems aadirle algo extra en la parte baja final. THRESHOLD: entre 9 y 12dB de compresin, aprox. a las 10 de reloj. RATIO: a la 1 de reloj. ATTACK: a las 2 de reloj. RELEASE: a las 3 de reloj. (AUTO puede ser til en algunos casos) BASS EXPAND: a las 9 de reloj. MAKE UP: ajustar para igualar niveles, aprox. a las 10 de reloj. SOFT KNEE HUGE COMP IN d) Caja: Se seleccionan un attack y release rpidos para realzar el brillo de la caja. Utilizar un attack ms lento si se quiere realzar el transitorio inicial, pero deber aadirse menos MAKE UP para evitar sobrecargas. THRESHOLD: 12dB de compresin, a las 12 de reloj. RATIO: a la 1 de reloj. ATTACK: a las 8 de reloj. RELEASE: a las 11 de reloj. BASS EXPAND: a las 7 de reloj. MAKE UP: aprox. a las 12 de reloj. COMP IN

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e) Kick drum. These settings give a hard compressed sound, with a good thwack at the start. For a fatter sound, use less MAKE UP, and more BASS EXPAND. THRESHOLD: Adjust for 18.24dB compression as shown on the meter, probably somewhere between 7 and 10 oclock. RATIO: 3 oclock ATTACK: 1 oclock RELEASE: 9 oclock BASS EXPAND: 9 oclock MAKE UP: Adjust for level match, around 12 oclock, watch the overload LED! HUGE COMP IN g) Mix/Programme. This gives very smooth compression, even on complex programme. THRESHOLD: adjust for 9dB compression as shown by the meter with the input signal at its loudest. RATIO: 10 oclock ATTACK: 9 oclock RELEASE: AUTO BASS EXPAND: 7 oclock (you could increase this if you want to emphasise the bass content) MAKE UP: adjust to restore loudness to match the uncompressed signal: probably between 10 and 12 oclock. COMP IN
BASS EXPAND - 9 Uhr MAKE UP - nach Bedarf; ca. 12 Uhr. Achten Sie auf die Overload LED ! HUGE COMP IN f) Mix / Summe; bietet eine sehr weiche Kompression, besonders bei komplexem Klangmaterial. THRESHOLD - Einstellung auf ca. 9dB Kompression bei Pegelspitzen. RATIO - 10 Uhr ATTACK - 9 Uhr RELEASE - Auto BASS EXPAND - 7 Uhr; kann erhht werden, falls Bassanhebung gewnscht. MAKE UP - ca. 10 - 12 Uhr; Angleichen an unkomprimiertes Signal COMP IN

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and content of this manual, Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd makes no representations or warranties regarding the contents. This warranty does not cover any of the following: Carriage to and from the dealer or factory for inspection or repair labour charge if repaired other than by the distributor in the country of purchase or Focusrite in the U.K. Consequential loss or damage, direct or indirect, of any kind, however caused Any damage or faults caused by abuse, negligence, improper operation, storage or maintenance If a product is faulty, please first contact your dealer in the country of purchase; alternatively, contact the factory. If the product is to be shipped back, please ensure that it is packed correctly, preferably in the original packing materials. We will do our best to remedy the fault as quickly as possible. Please help us by completing and returning the Warranty Registration Card at the back of this manual. Thank you.

Copyright:

Copyright January 1999 Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced, photocopied, stored on a retrieval system, transmitted or passed to a third party by any means or in any form without the express prior consent of Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd.

Warranty:

All Focusrite products are covered by a warranty against manufacturing defects in material or craftsmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. Focusrite in the UK, or its authorised distributor worldwide will do its best to ensure that any fault is remedied as quickly as possible. This warranty is in addition to your statutory rights.

www.focusrite.com

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Focusrite audio engineering
Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd, Lincoln Road, High Wycombe, Bucks HP12 3FX England Phone: +44 (0)FAX: +44 (0)e-mail: sales@focusrite.com

Platinum Range | ComPounder

ComPounder

Serious Compression
The Platinum ComPounder is a high performance, dual mono compressor/limiter/gate, designed for the quality conscious audio professional and project studio owner. This highly featured unit is an essential tool for any style of music. The combination of high quality compression with the powerful Bass Expander make this unit a must-have for any dance music engineer, musician or club installer. The compressor in the ComPounder features Class A amplication and a custom VCA circuit design derived from the legendary Red 3. With the unique Bass Expander section you can make kick drums and bass riffs far more powerful and effective. The bass expander circuit uses a unique wire-wound inductor to generate extra bass harmonics, fattening up low frequency signals. Add to this the Huge feature and be afraid, be very afraid! The unique opto circuit featured in the ComPounders two Gate/Expander sections ensures quiet operation with no pops or clicks. In addition, the Limiter features a Class A low distortion design and accurate threshold control to ensure high quality precision limiting. Finally, the link feature enables the ComPounder to act as a true stereo processor, enabling complete stereo control of every compressor/limiter parameter. Whether its used for installation as a mix compressor in clubs and bars, or back at the studio for recording, mixing or mastering, the ComPounder remains in a class of its own, delivering a signature sound thats unmistakable. Class A custom VCA compressor design derived from the RED 3 Legendary Huge feature with Bass expansion Full stereo linking capacity Super-quiet Optical Gate/Expander circuit High performance Optical limiter
Limiter Threshold Range: 12dBu to 26dBu Attack: Fast 1.3:1 through (innity) to overcompression Slope: Attack: Release hard and soft knee 100S to100mS 100mS to 4S Gate Threshold Range: -40dB to +10dB Gate Range: Attack: Release/Hold: Expander Ratio: -20dB or -80dB(full) switched fast or slow variable or xed, 100mS to 4S 2:1

SPECIFICATIONS

Compressor Threshold Range: -24dB to 12dB Ratio:
For in-depth details of connections, specications and comprehensive performance gures, please visit www.focusrite.com

custom VCA compressor

A A A A A

legendary Huge feature

unmistakable signature sound

E and O.E