Applied Research and Technology TransY User manual

TransY
TWO CHANNEL DISCRETE TRANSISTOR FET BASED COMPRESSOR/LIMITER
USER'S MANUAL

II
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS –READ FIRST
This symbol, whenever it appears, alerts you This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts
to the presence of uninsulated dangerous you to important operating and maintenance
voltage inside the enclosure. Voltage that instructions in the accompanying literature.
may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock. Please read manual.
Read instructions: Retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference. Heed all warnings
printed here and on the equipment. Follow operating instructions printed in this user guide.
Do not open: There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer any service work to qualified technical
personnel only.
Power sources: Only connect unit to mains power of type marked on rear panel. Power source must provide a
good ground connection.
Power cord: Use the power cord with sealed mains plug appropriate for your local mains supply as provided
with the equipment. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet consult your service agent. Route the
power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on, stretched or pinched by items placed upon or against.
Grounding: Do not defeat the grounding and polarization means of the power cord plug. Do not remove or
tamper with the ground connection on the power cord.
Ventilation: Do not obstruct the ventilation slots or position the unit where the air required for ventilation is
impeded. If the unit is to be operated in a rack, case or other furniture ensure that it is constructed to allow
adequate ventilation.
Moisture: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock do not expose the unit to rain, moisture, or use in damp
or wet conditions. Do not place a container of liquid on it, which may spill into any openings.
Heat: Do not locate the unit in a place close to excessive heat or direct sunlight, as this could be a fire hazard.
Locate the unit away from any equipment, which produces heat such as: power supplies, power amplifiers and
heaters.
Environment: Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat, and vibration when operating and storing. Avoid tobacco
ash, drink spillage and smoke, especially that associated with smoke machines.
Handling: To prevent damage to the controls and cosmetics avoid rough handling and excessive vibration.
Protect the controls from damage during transit. Use adequate padding if you need to ship the unit. To avoid
injury to yourself or damage to the equipment take care when lifting, moving or carrying the unit.
Servicing: Switch off equipment and unplug the power cord immediately if it is exposed to moisture, spilled
liquid, objects fallen into opening, the power cord or plug becomes damaged during a lightning storm, or if
smoke odor or noise is noted. Refer servicing to qualified technical personnel only.
Installation: Install the unit in accordance with the instruction printed in the user manual.

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TransY
TWO CHANNEL DISCRETE TRANSISTER FET BASED COMPRESSOR/LIMITER
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS –READ FIRST........................................................................II
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................1
Key Features Include:.............................................................................................................................1
INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................................................2
Unpacking...............................................................................................................................................2
AC Power Hookup ..................................................................................................................................2
Analog Audio Connections .....................................................................................................................2
REAR PANEL connections and controls..............................................................................................3
Balanced Inputs......................................................................................................................................3
Balanced Outputs ...................................................................................................................................3
Detector Loop.........................................................................................................................................3
Output Ground switch.............................................................................................................................3
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS and INDICATORS ....................................................................................4
Bypass Switch ........................................................................................................................................4
Threshold Control ...................................................................................................................................4
Ratio Control...........................................................................................................................................4
Attack Control.........................................................................................................................................5
Release Control......................................................................................................................................5
De-Esse Control .....................................................................................................................................5
Output Control ........................................................................................................................................5
Gain Attenuation LED Meter...................................................................................................................5
Level LED Meter.....................................................................................................................................5
Meter Source switch ...............................................................................................................................5
The Link Switch ......................................................................................................................................6
Power......................................................................................................................................................6
APPLICATIONS.......................................................................................................................................6
Compressor/ Limiter ...............................................................................................................................6
Stereo Mix and Mastering.......................................................................................................................6
Vocal and Instrument Leveling ...............................................................................................................7
Ducking...................................................................................................................................................7
WARRANTY INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................8
Limited Warranty (USA only) ..................................................................................................................8
Online Registration .................................................................................................................................8
Exclusions...............................................................................................................................................8
Service.....................................................................................................................................................9
SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................................................................10
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig. 1 - Rear Panel .................................................................................................................................3
Fig. 2 - Front Panel controls...................................................................................................................4

1
INTRODUCTION
The TransY compressor/limiter features a discrete, low noise transistor audio path using a Field
Effect Transistor for level control producing incredible detail. The unique feed forward detector
topology and the servo FET drive circuitry provide a new level of flexibility and tone. The unit can be
set to control audio levels from smooth and unobtrusive to full-blown deep sustain.
From the Active balanced input to the transformer-coupled output, the TransY abounds with easily
adjustable reliable, repeatable functions due to the attention to detail in the design. The TransY
adapts to a multitude of applications with its' +4/-10 level switch. A wide range of adjustments are
available through the front panel controls always producing a musical result. Even the universal
power supply adapts to line voltages allowing you to tour the world or connect to portable power
sources without interruption.
Apply the TransY as your secret weapon from playing out live to recording and mastering. The
TransY can handle whatever you throw at it producing a professional result. Master your unique
sound with the TransY.
Key Features Include:
Low noise, low THD discrete transistor audio path for incredibly detailed sound.
Unique servo controlled FET gain reduction circuit.
Rotary Slope switches provide reliable, repeatable results.
De-esser reduces sibilance when compressing vocals.
Detector loop with separate input and output jacks allows contoured compression.
10-segment peak sensitive Level meter can monitor either the Input or output.
High resolution LED Gain Reduction.
Custom Output Transformer reduces ground noise and maintains level for balance/unbalanced
connections.
Hardwire bypass simplifies troubleshooting, even when power is lost.
+4/-10 I/O switch optimizes the S/N and operation with a wide range of equipment.
Link for stereo mode makes all CH1 controls the Master.
Universal External supply with locking connector reduces noise and provides uninterrupted operation over
a wide range of line voltages.
Rugged, reliable steel chassis shields the preamp from external noise.
3-year parts and labor warranty.

2
INSTALLATION
The ART TransY may be used in a wide variety of applications and environments. Housed in a rack-
mountable, all-steel enclosure, the unit is designed for continuous professional use. Mounting location
is not critical. However for greater performance and reliability, we recommend that users not place the
unit on top of power amps, or other sources of heat and/or strong magnetic fields.
Unpacking
The TransY was packed with care at the factory. The shipping carton was designed to protect it
during initial shipment. Please retain this carton for use in transporting TransY when it is not installed
in a rack, or in the unlikely event that the TransY requires servicing. The shipping carton should
contain:
The TransY
The user's guide
48V Power supply
IEC power cord
AC Power Hookup
TransY has an external power supply designed to operate from 85 to 250VAC, 50 to 60Hz. Units
manufactured for use outside of the United States have been modified to comply with the required
electrical specifications for the country of use. Under no circumstances should the power cable be
altered. If the cable becomes cut or damaged, discontinue its use and have it replaced before
operating TransY.
The power source must provide a good ground connection, and the ground pin on the mains plug
should never be defeated.
Analog Audio Connections
Audio connections to and from TransY are:
Balanced input: [XLR] Pin 2 = Hot (+), Pin 3 = Cold (-), Pin 1 = Ground
[1/4-inch] Tip = Hot (+), Ring = Cold (-), Sleeve = Ground
Balanced output: [XLR] Pin 2 = Hot (+), Pin 3 = Cold (-), Pin 1 = Ground
[1/4-inch] Tip = Hot (+), Ring = Cold (-), Sleeve = Ground
Detector output: [1/4-inch] Tip = Hot (+), Ring , Sleeve = Ground
Detector input: [1/4-inch] Tip = Hot (+), Ring , Sleeve = Ground
Unbalanced 1/4-inch cables may be used on the balanced inputs and outputs with no damage to
TransY however, we strongly recommend users use a balanced connection whenever possible to
reduce noise. We recommend using only high-quality cables equipped with the appropriate
connectors.

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REAR PANEL connections and controls
Balanced Inputs
The TransY provides both an XLR and 1/4-inch input jack. These jacks are balanced, but the 1/4-
inch jack can be used with unbalanced signals by simply plugging in an unbalanced cable.
The inputs are designed for use with line level signals ranging from –30dBm to +20dBm. While it is
possible to plug an instrument directly into the TransY, it is desirable to run the instrument into a
preamp ahead of the unit. This will provide a stronger signal and will keep noise to a minimum.
Microphones must connect through a microphone preamplifier (like the ART Pro MPA II) before
connecting into the TransY.
NOTE: The TransY has a passive (hardwire) bypass. This means that the bypass works even if the
power is off.
Balanced Outputs
The analog output of the TransY is available on both a 1/4-inch TRS balanced jack and an XLR jack.
This output is transformer balanced. The output has a low impedance for driving long lines.
“0” on the output meter corresponds 0dBu (.775 VRMS) at the output jacks when the I/O switch is set
to +4 and -10dBV when set to -10.
Detector Loop
The Detector loop is an insert point between the buffered input signal and the Detector of the
compressor.
Connecting an EQ to process this signal can contour the compressor's response when gain reduction
is present.
Connect an audio signal to the Detector Loop Input and have the TransY reduce gain when a signal
is present to provide Ducking (see the APPLICATIONS section for more information).
Output Ground switch
The Output Ground switch allows you to disconnect the input ground from the output jack. This is
useful in eliminating ground loops.
Fig. 1 - Rear Panel

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FRONT PANEL CONTROLS and INDICATORS
Bypass Switch
The TransY BYPASS switch physically connects the input jack to the output jack on each respective
channel (also known as a hardwire bypass). The analog signal still passes from input to output if the
Bypass switch is in the out position, even when power is off.
Threshold Control
The THRESHOLD control sets the point at which the TransY will act on a signal. Turning this control
counter-clockwise lowers the threshold (adding more compression to a signal). Turning this control
clockwise raises the threshold.
Proper setting of the INPUT THRESHOLD control is dependent on the input signal. The easiest way
to set this control is to start with the control fully clockwise. Slowly turn the control counter-clockwise
(lowering the threshold) until the yellow (0) LED light on the COMPRESSOR ATTENUATION meter
begins to light. Next adjust the control (either lower or higher) for the desired amount of compression.
Use the attenuation meter as a visual guide to the amount of compression applied.
Ratio Control
The RATIO Control selects the “amount” of compression applied to the input signal once that signal
reaches or exceeds the threshold. This compression amount is expressed as a ratio of input to
output. For example if a 4:1 compression ratio is chosen, for every 4dB over the threshold the input
signal rises, the output level only rises by 1dB. In this case if the input signal increased 12dB over the
threshold, the output level would only rise by 3dB.
In general, compression ratios of 10:1 and greater are considered “limiting". The TransY may be used
as either a compressor or a limiter with all of the following:
In a mixer’s channel insert points.
Between a microphone preamp and signal processors.
Between pre-amplified electronic musical instruments (synthesizers, guitars, bass, samplers, acoustic
instruments with pickups) and other line-level equipment.
Fig. 2 - Front Panel controls

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Attack Control
The ATTACK control sets the time it takes the Compressor/Limiter to respond to increases in signal
level (by reducing gain) and shape the front end of the dynamics envelope.
One example is to listen to a snare hit and adjust the ATTACK control. A short attack makes the
snare sound “thin”. As the attack time goes longer (the knob is turned clockwise) more of the thump in
the compressed snare can be heard. The downside is that this creates an overshoot, or “transient”,
the length of which is the time set by the ATTACK control.
Overshoots less than 1 mSec. are very hard to hear even when they are clipped. If the ATTACK is set
too fast, the gain may be reduced too much and thereby create a pumping sound1.
Release Control
The RELEASE control sets the time the Compressor/Limiter takes to increase the gain after the input
level drops.
Longer settings maintain the dynamics of the input signal, while shorter settings reduce the dynamics.
Shorter settings will also increase the apparent reverberation, and at extreme gain reduction settings,
lead to breathing artifacts2.
De-Esse Control
De-essing refers to reducing the "s" and "sh" sounds level that is be increased when adding
compression. The TransY De-esser control lowers the threshold of compression of a narrow band of
frequencies to maintain a more natural level of sibilance as you increase compression.
Output Control
The OUTPUT control adjusts the Overall gain of the TransY.
The Channel 1 knob always controls the output level of Channel 1, but can also serve as a master
output level when the Link Mode is active.
Gain Attenuation LED Meter
The attenuation meter displays the TransY compressor/limiter action. The meter covers a very large
range while offering high resolution. The yellow (0) LED illuminates when the input signal reaches or
exceeds the compressor detector threshold setting (Threshold control) and results in a reduction of 1
dB or more.
Level LED Meter
This meter displays the signal level present at the output of the unit. "0" on the meter corresponds to
0dBu (.775 VRMS) at the output jacks when the I/O switch on the rear panel is set to +4 and -10 dBV
(.194 VRMS) when set to -10.
Meter Source switch
This switch selects the source for the LED level meter. When "out" the output signal is monitored.
Depressing the switch displays the signal level present at the input of the unit.
1“Pumping” in a Compressor/Limiter sounds like the compressor has over-reacted and reduced the level too much.
2“Breathing” is the sound of the Compressor/Limiter turning up the gain so quickly breathing noises between words during
vocal processing are heard.

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The Link Switch
The two channels of the TransY can be configured for stereo operation by depressing the LINK
switch. Link Mode connects the gain reduction of the two channels together for stereo operation. The
Detector signals of the two channels are summed so either channel's signal can trigger gain
reduction. Channel 1's controls (THRESHOLD, RATIO, ATTACK, RELEASE, DE-ESSE, OUTPUT)
become the master and Channel 2's controls are ignored. Link Mode ensures that each channel of
the stereo input signal is processed identically to prevent any shifting or distortion of the stereo
image.
All of the switches (Bypass, Meter Source, +4/-10, Ground Lift) remain independent in link mode.
Power
The POWER switch turns the power on and off to the unit. The TransY should be turned “on” with all
monitor levels turned down to protect against any thumping caused by power up. Likewise, the
TransY should be turned off only after turning all monitor levels down. Power on the TransY before
any monitoring outputs or power amps are turned on.
If the TransY fails to power up when the POWER switch is turned on, check to see that its power cord
is plugged into an active outlet. If the unit still fails to operate properly, turn it off and unplug it.
APPLICATIONS
Compressor/ Limiter
The main application of the TransY is to control the dynamic range of an audio signal. Plug a line
level (post preamplifier or other gain stage) source into either input, and set the threshold and output
controls to provide the desired amount of compression to the input signal.
To keep the compression effects to a minimum, adjust the THRESHOLD and RATIO controls such
that the Compressor Attenuation meter reads 10dB or less.
Stereo Mix and Mastering
Because of its low noise and excellent tonal qualities, the TransY is ideal for processing mixes when
recording. Used as a mastering device, the TransY is capable of adding volume and impact to the
overall signal level. The TransY is ideal for live use as well.
Putting the unit into link mode simplifies the control usage while maintaining the stereo image of the
source material. The knobs on Channel 1 override CH2's controls.
The TransY really does a good job of controlling the peak content when setting the attack and release
short and the Ratio to :1. Make sure not to set the Threshold too low however. Only 6-10 dB
indicated on The Compressor Attenuation meter is required to maximize the level of digital
recordings.