dbx DDP User manual

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Operator Manual

WARNING FORYOUR PROTECTION
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS
HEED ALL WARNINGS
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
CLEAN ONLY WITH A DAMP CLOTH.
DO NOT BLOCK ANY OF THE VENTILATION OPENINGS.
INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURERS
INSTRUCTIONS.
DO NOT INSTALL NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS
RADIATORS,HEAT REGISTERS,STOVES; OR OTHER APPA-
RATUS (INCLUDING AMPLIFIERS) THAT PRODUCE HEAT.
ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS/ACCESSORIES SPECIFIED BY
THE MANUFACTURER.
UNPLUG THIS APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS
OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.
WATER AND MOISTURE:Appliance should not be used near
water (e.g. near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry
tub,in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool,etc). Care
should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not
spilled into the enclosure through openings.
POWERSOURCES: The appliance should be connected to a
power supply only of the type described in the operating
instructions or as marked on the appliance.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be
taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an
appliance is not defeated.
POWERCORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be
routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched
by items placed upon or against them, paying particular
attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the appliance.
SERVICING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, the
user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that
described in the operating instructions. All other servicing
should be referred to qualified service personnel.
UNITS EQUIPPED WITH EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE FUSE
RECEPTACLE: Replace fuse with same type and rating only.
MULTIPLE-INPUT VOLTAGE: This equipment may require
the use of a different line cord, attachment plug, or both,
depending on the available power source at installation.
Connect this equipment only to the power source indicated
on the equipment rear panel. To reduce the risk of fire or
electric shock, refer servicing to qualified service personnel
or equivalent.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
NOTICE FOR CUSTOMERS IF YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER
CORD.
WARNING:THISAPPLIANCEMUST BEEARTHED.
The cores in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following
code:
GREEN and YELLOW - Earth BLUE - Neutral BROWN - Live
As colours of the cores in the mains lead of this appliance may not corre-
spond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug,pro-
ceed as follows:
• The core which is coloured green and yellow must be connected to
the terminal in the plug marked with the letter E, or with the earth
symbol, or coloured green, or green and yellow.
• The core which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal
marked N or coloured black.
• The core which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal
marked L or coloured red.
This equipment may require the use of a different line cord,attachment plug,
or both, depending on the available power source at installation. If the
attachment plug needsto be changed,referservicingto qualified service per-
sonnel who should refer to the table below. The green/yellow wire shall be
connected directly to the units chassis.
WARNING: If the ground is defeated, certain fault conditions in the unit or in
the system to which it is connected can result in full line voltage between
chassis and earth ground. Severe injury or death can then result if the chas-
sis and earth ground are touched simultaneously.
The symbols shown above are internationally accepted symbols that warn of
potential hazards with electrical products. The lightning flash with arrowpoint
in an equilateral triangle means that there are dangerous voltages present
within the unit. The exclamation point in an equilateral triangle indicates that
it is necessary for the user to refer to the owner’s manual.
These symbols warn that there are no user serviceable parts inside the unit.
Do not open the unit. Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all
servicing to qualified personnel. Opening the chassis for any reason will void
the manufacturer’s warranty. Do not get the unit wet. If liquid is spilled on
the unit,shut it off immediately and take it to a dealer for service. Disconnect
the unit during storms to prevent damage.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

U.K. MAINSPLUG WARNING
A molded mains plug that has been cut off
from the cord is unsafe. Discard the mains
plug at a suitable disposal facility. NEVER
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU
INSERT A DAMAGED OR CUT MAINS PLUG
INTO A 13 AMP POWER SOCKET. Do not use
themains plug withoutthe fusecover in place.
Replacement fuse covers can be obtained
from your local retailer. Replacement fuses
are 13 amps and MUST be ASTA approved to
BS1362.
LITHIUM BATTERY
WARNING
CAUTION!
This product may contain a lithium battery.
There is danger of explosion if the battery
is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with an
Eveready CR 2032 or equivalent. Make sure
the battery is installed with the correct
polarity. Discard used batteries according to
manufacturer’s instructions.
ADVARSEL!
Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosjonsfare.Ved utskift-
ing benyttes kun batteri som anbefalt av
apparatfabrikanten. Brukt batteri
returneres apparatleverandøren.
ADVARSEL!
Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig
håndtering. Udskiftning må kun ske med
batteri av samme fabrikat og type. Levér det
brugte batteri tilbage til leverandøren.
VAROITUS!
Paristo voi räjähtää, jos se on virheellisesti
asennettu.Vaihda paristo ainoastaan laite-
valmistajan suosittelemaan tyyppin. Hävitä
käytetty paristo valmistajan ohjeiden
mukaisesti.
VARNING!
Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte.
Använd samma batterityp eller en ekviva-
lent typ som rekommenderas av apparattil-
lverkaren. Kassera använt batteri enligt fab-
rikantens instruktion.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ELECTROMAGNETIC
COMPATIBILITY
This unit conforms to the Product
Specifications noted on the Declaration
of Conformity. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
• this device may not cause harmful
interference, and
• this device must accept any inter-
ference received, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired
operation.
Operation of this unit within significant
electromagnetic fields should be avoided.
• use only shielded interconnecting
cables.
Power Supply
Operating Voltage: 100 VAC 50/60 Hz
120 VAC 60 Hz
230 VAC 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption: 28 Watts
Mains Connection: IEC 320 receptacle
Backup Battery Type: 3 Volt Lithium, Eveready Style ER2032 or equivalent

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English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Français . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Deutsch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Español . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
ENGLISH
Section 1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . .2
Unpack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Quickstart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Section 2: The DDP Tour . . . . . . . . .3
Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Front Panel/Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Signal Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Setups and Programs . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Gate Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Compressor Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Limiting Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
De-essing Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Sidechain EQ Section . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Dither . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Section 3: Setup/Basic Operation . . .6
Analog Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Digital Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
MIDI Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
The Curve Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Software Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Threshold Metering . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Program Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
The Bypass Button . . . . . . . . . . .10
Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Ext. S-chain and the Digital Meters .12
Viewing Elements of a Chain . . . . .14
Linked Programs . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Dual-Mono Programs . . . . . . . . .14
Section 4: Editing/Recalling/Saving
Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
The Store Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Moving Around . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Editing Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Editing Compressors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Editing Limiters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Editing De-Essers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Editing the Dither Parameters . . . . . . . . .19
Editing the Sidechain EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
More About Sidechain EQ . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Changing Chain Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Saving Programs and Setups . . . . . . . . . .21
Saving a Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Saving a Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Replace Old . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Store New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Section 5: Utility Functions . . . . . . .24
Contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Sample Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
AutoLoad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Input Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Output Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Digital Input Level Controls . . . . . . . . . . .25
MIDI/SysEx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
A/D Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
High-Pass Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Section 6: Appendices . . . . . . . . . . .27
APPENDIX 1: Misc. Information . . . . . . . . .27
Hard Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Change Default Startup Program . . . . .27
Front Panel Lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
TYPE IV™ Conversion System . . . . . . .27
TSE™ Tape Saturation Emulation . . . . .27
TCM™ Transient Capture Mode . . . . .28
LINKED SETUPS VS. MONO SETUPS . . . . . . .28
DITHERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
APPENDIX 2: Factory Setup Listing . . . . . . .29
APPENDIX 3: Factory Program Listing . . . .31
APPENDIX 4: MIDI/SysEx/CC Guide . . . . . .32
MIDI Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
MIDI Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
MIDI Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Continuous Controller Listing . . . . . . . . . .32
SYSEXBasics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
General Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Hex Value Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
SysEx Program Dump Sample . . . . . . .35
APPENDIX 5: Factory Service/Warranty . . . .36
APPENDIX 6: Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . .37
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Manual - Contents
1

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Congratulations on your purchase of the dbx DDP Digital Dynamics Processor. For over 25 years dbx has been
the industry leader in dynamics processing. With the introduction of the DDP, we take that same leadership into
the digital domain. We are sure you will find the DDP able to meet all your dynamics control needs.
This manual will be your key to understanding the full functionality of the powerful DDP. Read it carefully. After
you have become familiar with the unit, we encourage you to experiment and find creative ways that the DDP
can make you a better musician and engineer.
Unpack
Your DDP was carefully manufactured, tested, burned in, and packaged at the dbx factory. Before you proceed
further, make sure the following items are included in your packaging:
• dbx DDP Digital Dynamics Processor
• Operator’s manual
• Power cord
• Warranty registration card
You should save all packaging materials if possible. They were designed to protect the unit during shipping, and
in the unlikely event that your DDP should require service, use only the factory packaging to return it to the fac-
tory.
Quickstart
If you are one who prefers to plug and play and read later, follow these simple instructions for setting up the
DDP, and get on your way:
1. Make sure that AC power is not connected to the DDP. Turn off the power to your console, recorder,
and other devices in your setup.
2. Make audio connections in one of several ways:
A. Wire the analog inputs and outputs into a patch bay. This method will prove to be the most
useful in the long run.
B. Connect the DDP’s inputs and outputs directly to the insert point of a console’s input strip,
group output, auxiliary send and return, or main outputs.
C. Connect the DDP’s input to another device’s outputs, and connect the DDP’s outputs to the
line inputs of a console.
3. With the power switch in the OFF position, connect the power cable (included) to the DDP.
4. Press the LightPipe METER SELECT switch IN to select the INPUT meters for the analog signal. Turn the
analog audio input level pots all the way to the OFF (-∞) position (fully counter-clockwise). Apply
power to the other devices in the setup first, then the DDP. The DDP “wakes up” in the default pro-
gram mode. You may use the large wheel to the right of the screen to scroll through the various pro-
grams.
5. When you have a program selected that suits your application, you can start making sound: make sure
there is signal arriving at the DDP’s input, and begin to turn up the INPUT level pots until the
LightPipe input meters are peaking at, but not above “+12”. And away you go!
Section 1: Introduction
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FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE FROM THE DDP, MAKE SURE TOUSE PROPER INPUT LEVELS.

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HARDWARE
Front Panel
Analog Input and Output Level Controls
These controls adjust the analog audio levels of the DDP at the input and output stages. Note that the analog out-
put level controls do not affect any digital processing or digital output levels. However, the analog outputs still
function while the digital outputs are engaged.
Meter Select Switches
These lightpipe switches select between analog input and output monitoring for the Level Meters.
Level Meters
These meters monitor either analog input or output, depending on the orientation of the Meter Select Buttons.
LCD Display
The large LCD display shows the program, curve, digital meters, parameters, and modules selected by the
Function Buttons and the Data Wheel.
Data Wheel
The Data Wheel changes selected parameters, programs and modules.
Function Buttons
The Function buttons activate the programs, modules, utilities, and parameters of the DDP.
Power Switch
Turns the DDP on and off.
Rear Panel
IEC Power Cord Receptacle
IEC Power Cord Receptacle.
Digital I/O (Optional)
The optional Digital I/O card provides digital input and output capabilities in either AES/EBU or S/PDIF formats at
24 bit word lengths.
MIDI In and Out/Thru Connectors
These connectors provide full MIDI functionality to the DDP. The Out/Thru jack allows you to use the DDP at any
point in the MIDI chain. All automation functions are accessed through the MIDI connectors.
Analog Inputs and Outputs
Each analog channel features both XLR and 1/4” TRS electronically balanced inputs and outputs. They may be
used in a balanced or unbalanced configuration. To use unbalanced signal, use a 1/4” TS jack, or ground pin 3 of
the XLR cable.
Section 2: The DDP Tour
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Signal Flow
The following simple illustrations show how audio signal flows through the DDP, and how the LCD display
works. They will help you to understand where the DDP’s metering points are located, as well as identify the var-
ious elements of the LCD display.
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Section 2: The DDP Tour
Figure 1: DDP Signal Flow
Figure 2: DDP LCD display

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SOFTWARE
The DDP software works on a hierarchal philosophy. Every program number consists of a processing “setup”
which is built from processing elements that make up a “chain”. There are several preset chains which may be
used to produce a desired effect. Once the desired effect is reached, you may rename and save the setup to a
user library area. The setup’s chain may consist of any or all of the following: gating effects, compression effects,
limiting effects, parametric EQ, sidechain parametric EQ effects, and/or de-essing effects. There are several preset
mono and linked setups. For a complete listing of the setups in the DDP, see section 6. Processing setups are
linked together using True RMS Power Summing™ (see section 8) for superior stereo operation, or two separate
setups may be used in dual mono mode. Each element of the chain has a full complement of parameters that can
be manipulated very precisely via the Function buttons and the Data Wheel. The following figure shows the
hierarchal building block system used in the DDP.
Setups and Programs
Setups are recalled, manipulated and stored individually. Setups must be recalled into programs before they can
be accessed for use. Each program has a number assigned to it, and consist of a linked setup or two independent
mono setups.. Following is a brief description of the various processor elements that make up the DDP.
Section 2: The DDP Tour
Figure 3: Program Components
Gate:
The gate is a dbx expander/gate which gives control over the
“ramp” or ratio of the opening, There are also Attack, Hold, and
Release times available. Transient Capture Mode™ is also found in
the Gate section, with variable delay times available.
For a complete list of the parameters available in the gate, see sec-
tion 4. For an explanation of Transient Capture Mode, and its
implementation in the DDP, see Section 6.
Compressor:
The compressor offers comprehensive control over all parameters.
OverEasy® is present, with a variable knee feature (VariKnee™)
found only on the DDP. Auto attack and release, and a hold fea-
ture make the compressor more unique than other compressors.
For a complete list of the parameters available in the compressor,
see section 4.
Limiter:
The limiter offers precise control over Threshold, Attack, and
Release. Release times are set in the measurement standard dB/ms.
For a complete description of the limiter, see section 4.
De-Esser:
The DDP’s de-esser allows a wide frequency control range
between 800Hz and 8kHz. The range is wide enough to accom-
plish the most demanding of de-essing needs.
For a complete list of the parameters available in the de-esser, see
section 4.
Sidechain EQ / In-Line EQ:
The DDP offers you the ability to do EQ processing in the
sidechain circuit without having to hook up an extra unit. It’s easy
to perform frequency-specific contouring functions all within the
DDP’s software. Also in the EQ section is the new TSE™ Tape
Saturation Emulation algorithm, which works in tandem with the
TYPE IV™ Conversion System to capture the essence of any ana-
log signal in a pleasing way never accomplished before.
For an explanation of the EQ functions of the DDP, see section 4.
For information on the TYPE IV™ Conversion System and its
implementation in the DDP see Section 6.
Dither:
Ditherng capabilities are available to users who have the DDP
Digital I/O module installed. Dithering allows you to optimize the
digital performance of the DDP’s 16 and 20 bit digital output.
For a complete description of dithering, see section 4.

ANALOG CONNECTIONS
The DDP is designed to interface as easily as possible to your system. To that end, it may be used in the insert
path of a console, in a patch bay, or as a group output processor. Figure 4 shows the DDP used in an insert point
of a console. Analog audio connections are made using standard XLR or 1/4” TRS cables. The rear panel is
marked as “Channel One” and “Channel Two” to correspond to the way the DDP’s software identifies the two
channels of audio. If you are used to using the “left/right” identifiers and plan to use the DDP in such a system,
just ensure that each channel of the DDP is consistent in its hookups between the inputs and the outputs (ie: if
you use the DDP’s Channel One input in the “left” side of your system, make sure that Channel One’s output also
goes to the “left” side of your system). Refer to the illustration of the DDP rear panel on the previous page.
The DDP uses wide ranging analog input and output gain pots that allow the use of either -10dBV or +4dBu con-
nections without the use of a sensitivity selection switch.
DIGITAL CONNECTIONS
If you have purchased the optional digital input / output module for your DDP, you have the ability to perform
complex dynamics processing tasks on digital signals without having to leave the digital domain. The DDP Digital
I/O also offers the ability to convert analog to digital signals using the proprietary dbx TYPE IV™ Conversion
System. The dbx TYPE IV™ algorithms capture an analog signal into the digital domain while maintaining the best
qualities of an analog recording, and minimizing the sometimes harsh qualities of digital recordings.
When the digital card is installed in the DDP, the analog outputs are still operative, giving you simultaneous ana-
log and digital output. When digital input is selected via the Utilities button, the analog inputs are disabled. For a
complete description of the Utilities functions see Section 5.
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Section 3: Setup/Basic Operation
Figure 4: DDP Insert Path Connections
Figure 5: The DDP rear panel

MIDI CONNECTIONS
The DDP has a full complement of MIDI functionality. The MIDI connectors on the Rear Panel are configured in
the traditional way: with an “In” jack and an “Out/Thru” jack. The DDP can be used in common MIDI systems at
any point in the MIDI chain. MIDI setup functions are accessed with the Utilities button and are generally the
same as the functionality you are used to with most other MIDI devices. Program numbers and setups may be
changed and bypassed via the standard MIDI commands. In addition, presets may be saved off of the DDP and
reloaded via the MIDI functions. Full SysEx and Continuous Controller functions are also a part of the DDP’s
architecture. A full explanation of the MIDI, SysEx and CC functions are discussed in Section 5.
THE CURVE WINDOW
After you have chosen a program, you will want to change some of the parameters to meet your specific needs.
One of the most useful tools available on the DDP for setting up a proper compression curve is the curve win-
dow. In the curve window you can see the combined effects of all dyanamics-related parameters expressed in a
graphical format. The figure below shows the different parts of the curve window you will see as you edit the
gate, compressor, and limiter functions of the DDP.
When working with the sidechain EQ, or the in-line EQ, the curve window changes to show a graphical represen-
tation of the 3 parametric bands in a frequency grid. Your adjustments to the three bands are shown in real time.
Additionally, the de-esser has its own graphical way of displaying its parameters, as seen below. The frequency is
shown on the bottom, or X axis, and the low frequency rolloff is shown on the side, or Y axis. Again, changes to
the parameters are updated in real time.
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Section 3: Setup/Basic Operation
Figure 6: The compression curve window, the EQ window, and the De-Esser window.

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SOFTWARE NAVIGATION
Threshold Metering
On every program, you will find threshold metering for each element of the processing setup. These take the
same form as the now-standard dbx 10 Series processors’ threshold meters: a plus (+) or minus (-) sign in a
square box.
Compressor
For the compressor, the threshold meter has three segments. (See figure 7 above.) The first is the minus
(-) sign. It indicates that the threshold that is set in the compressor section is not being exceeded by the
program material. There is no processing taking place in the compressor section if the threshold is not
being exceeded, no matter what the other compressor settings are. The next part of the threshold meter is
the “o”. It represents the OverEasy range of compression. When the signal level is in the OverEasy®
range, the “o” part of the meter will be blackened, indicating that the signal is in the soft knee mode of
compression. (For a complete explanation of the OverEasy® parameter, see section 4.) The third segment
of the compressor meter is the plus (+) sign. It is blackened when the signal is being fully compressed at
the ratio set by the Ratio Parameter control.
LimiterThe limiter’s threshold meter works on the same principle: when the signal is under the threshold setting
(which is set in the limiter section), the signal is not being processed by the limiter section. If the DDP’s
screen shows that you are getting gain reduction, it is through some other chain element. To determine
which element is triggering gain reduction, look at the other threshold meters to determine which ele-
ment’s threshold is being exceeded by the signal. When the signal exceeds the threshold set in the limiter
section, the plus (+) sign will darken, and gain reduction will begin to occur as a result of the signal
exceeding the limiter’s threshold.
Gate / Expander
When the signal is under the threshold set in the gate section, the gate is “closed”, or signal is being
attenuated. When the signal is under the threshold, the minus (-) sign is darkened, and when the signal
passes over the threshold, the plus (+) sign is darkened.
De-Esser
The De-esser also has a threshold meter. The threshold meter for this element is also displayed in the
upper left corner. When the plus sign is reversed - white “+” on black background, the threshold has
been exceeded and de-essing is being applied to the signal.
Section 3: Setup/Basic Operation
Figure 7: The DDP’s threshold meters
Compressor Threshold Meter
Gate Threshold Meter
Limiter Threshold Meter
De-Esser Threshold Meter

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Operating Modes
Program
The DDP comes ready to turn on in “Program Mode”. There are a series of 50 factory programs, as well as
enough room to name and store up to 50 of your own programs. The factory designed programs have been given
obvious names, according to application and should be a good jumping off point for all of your processing needs.
They cannot be erased. Their names and characteristics are listed in section 5. At the factory, the factory-designed
programs were also copied into the re-writable user program area. A user program can be erased at any time by
saving a new program in its place.
After you have set up and turned on the DDP, it will be in “program” mode and will show something like the fol-
lowing in the middle section of the LCD display screen:
The large number on the display indicates the program number. It is the method used to bookmark programs,
and all programs have a program number. Each program can store either a linked setup, or two dual mono
setups.
There are two ways to take a look at the setup for any program:
1. While in “program” mode, the display will show the chain for each setup in the curve window, located
on the far right side of the display. The abbreviation for each chain element is as follows:
Equalizer: EQ Gate: G Compressor: C or Cmp
Limiter: L De-Esser: DS Sidechain EQ: SEQ
Section 3: Setup/Basic Operation
Figure 9: Display showing elements of each setup in a dual mono program.
Figure 8: Sample display showing Program #28, Setup 1 is “small Voc” and Setup 2 is “De-Ess Voc”.
Program
Number Channel
Identifier
Gain
Reduction
Meter
Program
Name
Channel 1
Setup Name
Channel 2
Setup Name
Channel 1
Chain Type
Channel 1
Threshold Meters
Channel 2
Chain Type
Channel 1
Threshold Meters

2. Press the “CH 1” or “CH 2” button, (depending on which setup you want to look at) while the “pro-
gram” button’s light is on. You are now in “setup” mode. This method lets you see the setup for one
channel at a time. The contents of the setup type will be displayed in the third line of text. As you
press the CH1 or CH2 button, the program LED will go off, and the LED on the button you pressed
will light, indicating that you are now looking at channel one’s (or two’s) setup. In addition to this
visual feedback, there will be text which says “USER setup” or “FACTORY Setup” in the curve win-
dow on the far right side of the display. By turning the Data Wheel, you can scroll through setup
library. You will notice the various factory setups as well as all your user setups in the user setup
libraries. You can store up to 100 linked setups, and 100 mono setups. As you do more projects with
your DDP, you will begin to gather all types of setups that you have designed and saved for yourself.
To get out of setup mode and back to program mode, simply touch the program button. The LED associated with
the Channel button will turn off and the Program button LED will turn on.
While in program mode, you may scroll through the different factory designed programs by simply turning the
Data Wheel. By default, the DDP is shipped with the AutoLoad feature activated. This means that the program
number displayed on the screen is the one which is active, scrolling though the programs cancels any changes
you made to the program you last edited. (See Section 4 for details on editing and storing programs and chains,
and Section 5 for more information on AutoLoad and other utility features) In AutoLoad ON mode, it may be wise
to scroll through programs while in “Bypass” mode, or turn down the system’s output levels to avoid possible
gain changes from one program to another. Enter Bypass mode by pressing the Bypass button. Its LED will light
indicating that the DDP is in Bypass mode.
The Bypass Button
The DDP’s meters continue to operate in bypass mode, giving you the ability to change and adjust parameters
while bypassed. Refer to Figure 1 for more information on where the DDP’s metering points are located. It may
take a little practice to adjust parameters without being able to hear the effects of the adjustments. However, this
feature is very useful in that it allows you to change programs, setups or parameters in a live situation without
subjecting your audio system or an audience to the sudden change. Simply bypass the DDP, make your changes,
make sure the meters are showing the desired effect, then take the DDP out of Bypass mode.
Setup Mode
Setup mode is the method by which you will manipulate parameters to make them fit your application exactly.
While every effort was made to produce factory presets that work for most applications, it should be noted that
no two systems, situations or applications are exactly alike. Therefore you will have to change and fine tune the
parameters in the chains that have been provided for you. As you become familiar with this process, you will
become more adventurous and creative in setting up your DDP for various applications. In dual mono mode,
each chain is manipulated separately. In linked mode, the stereo pair shows up on the screen as one chain, and
therefore only needs to be edited once.
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Section 3: Setup/Basic Operation
“CH 1”
Button
“CH 2”
Button
“PROGRAM” Button
Figure 10: Function buttons and LCD display in chain mode.

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There are five different linked chain types built in to the DDP. Every linked setup uses one of these five chain
types. From these chains you can customize your own unique setups by modifying the chain’s parameters. They
are listed below.
Section 3: Setup/Basic Operation
Figure 11: Available linked chains

External Sidechain and the Digital Meters
The DDP’s external sidechain path offers you the ability to use other processors in the sidechain path. The digital
meters give you comprehensive feedback for ease of setup. Note in figure 12 above where the metering points
are for the digital meters when the DDP is in external sidechain mode. The Channel One meters will be showing
signal whether or not there is signal being passed through the sidechain. The Channel Two meters also show on
the way to the sidechain device as well as coming back form the device. When you press the Bypass button in
sidechain mode, both input meters will continue to operate, allowing you to see levels while bypassed.
There are also six different mono chains available to any dual mono program on the DDP. Three have in-line 3-
band parametric EQ and three have sidechain EQ. They are listed on the following page:
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Section 3: Setup/Basic Operation
Figure 12: DDP Linked Chain Type #3 Audio Connections

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Section 3: Setup/Basic Operation
Figure 13b: Available Mono Chains

From Program Mode (press the Program button), you can enter setup mode by pressing either the “CH 1” button
or the “CH 2” button. Notice that when you do, several things happen on the screen:
1. The reversed-text channel number (either “1” or “2”) to the right of the program number will light, indi-
cating the “active” channel. The other number will go out. (If you are working with a linked setup,
both the “1” and “2” will light, as well as the word “link” between the two numbers.)
2. The first line of text says. “Ch 1 Setup”. The second line of text indicates the setup’s title.
3. The third line of text shows the elements of the setup’s chain in their proper order.
4. The curve window shows text reading “FACTORY setup”, or “USER setup”.
5. Using the Data Wheel, scroll through the available setups. You should recognize these from the previ-
ous pages. The chain that is displayed in the window is the one that is active. All the DDP’s factory
setup names are listed in Appendix #1, page 24.
Viewing Elements of a Chain
Individual elements of every setup chain may be viewed and their parameters manipulated. We have provided
you with a full slate of parameters for each element. They are described in section 4.
Linked Programs
Select a linked program. If you want to edit the parameters of a linked setup, simply press the
function button that corresponds to the element you want to edit. For example, if you wish to
edit the parameters of the compressor, just press the compressor button. It will light up, as will
the compressor icon to the right of the program number on the DDP’s display, indicating that you
are ready to edit the parameters of the compressor. As you do so, the STORE button will light
indicating that you have made changes to the parameters and must store them in order for them
to be saved for later use.
Dual-Mono Programs
Using a dual mono program number, (one without the “LINK” icon lit between the “CH1” and
“CH2” icons) select the element you wish to edit by simply pressing the corresponding function
button, like the Compressor button, for example. Note that as you do, the icon corresponding to
the element lights up beside the program number, the function button lights up, and the top line
of text shows the element being edited. Also note that either the CH1 or CH2 icon is lit. It lets
you know which channel’s compressor you are editing, for example. To edit the other channel’s
compressor, simply press the Compressor button again. Everything stays the same except for the
CH1 icon has turned off and the CH2 is lit. You can switch between channels in this way from
any chain element. If the CH1 and CH2 setups are different from each other, trying to switch to
an element not present in the other setup will result in nothing happening at all. You will remain
in the channel that contains the element you selected.
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Section 4: Editing/Saving/Recalling Programs
Setup mode in
dual mono Setup mode in linked mode

THE STORE BUTTON
Whenever a parameter has been changed, the Store button will light, prompting you that there have been
changes made to the setup. If you want to keep the changes, you must store the new setup. You may choose to
rename and save the setup in the setup library. Or you may choose to abandon your changes when you leave the
program for another one. Refer to the end of this section on page 20 for complete instructions for saving setups.
MOVING AROUND
Since there are only three parameters viewed at any one time it is necessary to have multiple “pages” of parame-
ters. The gate has three pages of parameters, for example. On the first page of the gate section there is: Gate
ON /OFF, Threshold, and Ratio. The other pages can be seen by pressing the NEXT PAGE / PREV PAGE buttons.
The number of the current page is shown to the right of the program number and under the chain identifying
numbers in reversed-text. See Figure 14 below.
The SELECT button moves the cursor between the three lines of parameters on each page, and the DATA wheel
changes the parameter that is selected. Note that in order for any changes to be heard, the element must first be
in the “on” position.
EDITING GATES
Parameters of the Gate
The parameters included on the DDP for gating operations are as follows:
Gate: (Off/On) This is a bypass for the gate section. Turning it to “off” darkens the plus (+) sign, indicating that
the gate is passing signal through, regardless of the other gate settings.
Threshold: (From -75dB to 0dB) The threshold range goes from -75dB to 0dB. With the threshold set towards -
75dB, it takes less signal level to “open” the gate. A setting closer to 0dB requires more amplitude or level to
open the gate. As you move the threshold around, notice the behavior of the curve window. The “knee” of the
threshold moves up and down according to your setting. Moving the threshold “up” means it takes a louder signal
to exceed the threshold.
Ratio: (From 1:1 to 1:∞) The gate ratio sets the amount of gain reduction. (With a lower ratio setting, the gain
reduction is lower than a higher ratio.) For mild gating effects, or downward expansion, set the ratio around 1:2,
or for more extreme effects set it to 1:∞. For example, a setting of 1:2 means that for every 1dB that the signal is
below the threshold (say, 4, for example), the gate imposes 2dB of gain reduction on the signal (for a total of 8dB
in this example). As you move the ratio control around, notice the action of the curve in the curve window.
Attack: (From 0.1ms to 200m) As the signal reaches the threshold area, the Attack control sets the speed at which
the gate opens. Use very fast attack times to catch the fronts of transient signals.
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Section 4: Editing/Saving/Recalling Programs
Figure 14: Gate parameters and curve
Threshold knee
Gate ratio
Chain Program page number

Hold: (0ms to 500ms) The Hold control sets the amount of delay time the gate is held open after the signal pass-
es below the threshold point.
Release: (From 360dB/sec to 5dB/sec) Release sets the speed at which the gate “closes” after the end of the Hold
time is reached.
TCM™ : (Off/On) Transient Capture Mode™ is the method by which the gate is able to catch the very beginnings
of fast transient signals. Using TCM™ results in a smoother sounding signal, because of the increased ability to use
slightly less aggressive settings and still achieve the desired effects in gating, compression, and limiting.
TCM™ Time: (From 0µs to 3ms) TCM delay time is the length of time the audio signal is delayed, allowing the
detectors to begin to react to the signal. For a complete explanation of TCM™ Transient Capture Mode™, see sec-
tion 6.
EDITING COMPRESSORS
Parameters of the Compressor
The parameters included on the DDP for compression operations are as follows:
Compressor: (Off/On) As with the gate, the compressor section must be turned on to be active. The curve win-
dow will show the compression threshold, as well as the ratio and gain levels.
dbx OverEasy®: (Off, Knees 1-10) Activating the OverEasy® threshold characteristic softens the compression
knee, making the transition between uncompressed and compressed signal as seamless as possible. In addition to
having the on/off setting, you may choose varying knee curves with the VariKnee™ variable knee algorithm (see
figure below). Selecting Knee #1 activates the curve next to the hard knee curve, #2 selects the next softer knee,
etc., up to Knee #10, which is the softest knee. Figure 16 below illustrates the varying degrees of OverEasy soft
knee settings that VariKnee™ provides. Although the curve window does not indicate the softness of the knee, be
aware that this kind of flexibility in knee settings is available when you change the VariKnee™ settings.
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Section 4: Editing/Saving/Recalling Programs
Figure 15: Compressor parameters and curve
Threshold point
Compressor Ratio
Figure 16: OverEasy® VariKnee™ curves
Knee #1 - Small OverEasy range
Knee #10 - Larger OverEasy range
Input
Output
16

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Auto Mode: (Off/On) Activating Auto mode disables the Attack, Hold and Release controls. Attack and release
settings become fully program-dependent, and manual changes in the settings do not have any effect on the audio
signal or the response of the compressor. Auto mode is especially effective on signals such as vocals or other
highly dynamic signals. Most factory setups use Auto mode because of its ability to perform smooth compression
under widely varying circumstances.
Threshold: (From -60dB to +4dB) Setting the threshold is the same on the compressor as it is on the gate or lim-
iter. There is a visual representation of the threshold on the curve window, and as you edit the parameter, you
will see motion up or down on the curve window, allowing much greater understanding of the effects of each
parameter on the entire compression algorithm.
Ratio: (From 1:1 through ∞:1) As the signal passes through the threshold region, it begins to be compressed at
the rate set with the ratio setting. It is expressed in a ratio for ease of use, for example, with a ratio setting of 4:1,
the signal would have to increase by 4dB in input to increase the output by 1dB. With the wide-ranging control
on the DDP, it is possible to achieve very smooth, transparent compression as well as heavy, “in-your-face” com-
pression effects.
Gain: (From -20dB to +20dB) When a signal is compressed, by definition some of its gain is taken away. It there-
fore typically becomes necessary to boost the now-compressed signal back up to a useable level. By doing so, the
average signal level has been increased, so it sounds louder than before compression. As you make this adjust-
ment you can see the effect in the curve window. Note that if you add too much gain, the clip icon willappear in
the curve window. If this happens, either reduce the gain or use the limiter. The compressed signal is now more
dynamically controlled and can be boosted to a level that was not possible before it was compressed.
Attack: (From 0.1ms to 200ms) As the signal exceeds the threshold, the speed at which the compressor begins to
react is set by the Attack control. Its range is from very fast to somewhat slow, allowing you to have all the con-
trol you want. The Attack control is active when not in Auto mode (see Auto mode above).
Hold: (From 0ms to 500ms) The hold time sets the amount of time the compressor waits before it begins to
release after the signal passes below the threshold. If the signal goes back above the threshold, the hold time is
“restarted” and will hold the compressor at that amount of gain reduction for the set time, after the signal once
again moves below the threshold. The Hold control is active when not in Auto mode (see Auto mode above).
Release: (From 360dB/sec to 5dB/sec) The release control sets the speed at which the signal is returned to nor-
mal level after it has gone below the threshold, and the Hold time has been exceeded. The Release control is
active when not in Auto mode (see Auto mode above).
When Auto Mode is activated, the Attack, Hold and Release controls
are program-dependent and are not affected by your manual settings.
Section 4: Editing/Saving/Recalling Programs