dbx 1074 User manual

®
1074
Quad
NoiseGate
User Manual

WARNINGFORYOURPROTECTION
PLEASEREADTHEFOLLOWING:
KEEPTHESEINSTRUCTIONS
HEEDALLWARNINGS
FOLLOWALLINSTRUCTIONS
DONOTUSETHISAPPARATUS NEAR WATER
CLEANONLYWITHADRYCLOTH.
DO NOT BLOCK ANY OF THE VENTILATION OPENINGS. INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.
DO NOT INSTALL NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS RADIATORS, HEAT REGISTERS, STOVES,
OROTHERAPPARATUS (INCLUDING AMPLIFIERS) THAT PRODUCE HEAT.
ONLYUSEATTACHMENTS/ACCESSORIES SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER.
UNPLUG THIS APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERI-
ODSOFTIME.
Donotdefeatthesafetypurposeofthepolarizedorgrounding-typeplug. Apolarizedplug
hastwobladeswithonewiderthantheother. Agroundingtypeplughastwobladesand
athirdgrounding prong. The wide blade or third prongareprovided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsoleteoutlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, conve-
niencereceptacles,andthepointwheretheyexitfromtheapparatus.
Useonlywiththecartstand,tripodbracket,ortablespecifiedbythemanufacture,orsold
with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combinationtoavoidinjuryfromtip-over.
Referallservicingtotoqualifiedservicepersonnel. Servicingisrequiredwhentheappa-
ratushasbeendamagedinanyway,suchaspower-supply cord or plug is damaged, liq-
uid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposedtorainormoisture,doesnotoperatenormally,orhasbeendropped.
POWERON/OFFSWITCH:ThePowerswitchusedinthispieceofequipmentDOESNOTbreak
theconnectionfromthemains.
ALL-POLE MAINS SWITCH: An all-pole mains switch with a contact separation of at least
3mm in each pole shall be incorporated in the electrical installation of the rack or build-
ing.
FORUNITS EQUIPPEDWITHEXTERNALLYACCESSIBLEFUSERECEPTACLE: Replacefusewith
sametypeandratingonly.
MULTIPLE-INPUT VOLTAGE: This equipment may require the use of a different line cord,
attachmentplug,orboth,dependingontheavailablepowersourceatinstallation.Connect
thisequipmentonlytothepowersourceindicatedontheequipmentrearpanel.Toreduce
theriskoffireorelectricshock,refer servicingtoqualifiedservicepersonnelorequiv-
alent.
ThisEquipmentisintendedforrackmountuseonly.
SAFETYINSTRUCTIONS
NOTICEFORCUSTOMERS IF YOUR UNIT ISEQUIPPEDWITHA POWER CORD.
WARNING:THISAPPLIANCEMUSTBEEARTHED.
Thecoresin the mains lead arecolouredinaccordance with the following code:
GREENandYELLOW - Earth BLUE - Neutral BROWN-Live
Ascoloursofthecoresin themainsleadofthisappliancemay notcorrespondwiththecolouredmarkings
identifyingtheterminals in your plug, proceedasfollows:
•The core which is coloured green and yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug
markedwiththe letter E, or withtheearthsymbol, or coloured green, orgreen andyellow.
•The core which is colouredbluemustbeconnectedtothe terminal marked N orcolouredblack.
•Thecore whichiscolouredbrown mustbeconnectedto theterminalmarkedLor colouredred.
This equipment may require the use of a different line cord, attachment plug, or both, depending on the
availablepowersourceatinstallation. Iftheattachmentplugneedstobechanged,referservicingtoqual-
ified service personnel who should refer to the table below. The green/yellow wire shall be connected
directlytothe units chassis.
WARNING:Ifthegroundisdefeated,certainfault conditions in the unit or in the system to whichit is con-
nected can result in full line voltage between chassis and earth ground. Severe injury or death can then
resultifthe chassis and earth groundaretouchedsimultaneously.
LIVE
ENEUTRAL EARTH GND
CONDUCTOR
L
NBROWN BLUE
GREEN/YEL
BLACK
Normal Alt
WIRE COLOR
WHITE
GREEN
Thesymbolsshown aboveareinternationally acceptedsymbolsthat warn ofpotentialhazards with
electricalproducts. The lightning flash with arrowpointin anequilateral triangle means that there
aredangerousvoltagespresentwithintheunit. Theexclamationpointinanequilateraltriangleindi-
catesthat itis necessary forthe userto referto the owner’s manual.
Thesesymbols warnthat there areno userserviceable partsinside the unit. Donot openthe 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
spilledontheunit,shutitoffimmediatelyandtakeittoadealerforservice. Disconnecttheunitdur-
ingstorms toprevent damage.
CAUTION
ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

U.K.MAINSPLUGWARNING
Amoldedmainsplug thathasbeencutofffromthe cordisunsafe. Discardthe mainsplug
at a suitable disposal facility. NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU INSERT A
DAMAGEDORCUTMAINS PLUG INTO A13AMPPOWERSOCKET. Donot use the mainsplug
withoutthefusecoverinplace. Replacementfusecoverscanbeobtainedfromyourlocal
retailer. Replacementfusesare13ampsandMUSTbeASTA 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 bat-
tery is installed with the correct polarity.Discard used batter-
ies according to manufacturer’s instructions.
ADVARSEL!
Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosjonsfare.Ved utskifting 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 laitevalmistajan suosittelemaan tyyppin.
Hävitä käytetty paristo valmistajan ohjeiden mukaisesti.
VARNING!
Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte.Använd samma batteri-
typ eller en ekvivalent typ som rekommenderas av apparattil-
lverkaren. Kassera använt batteri enligt fabrikantens instruk-
tion.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ELECTROMAGNETIC
COMPATIBILITY
This unit conforms to the Product Specifications noted on the
Declaration of Conformity. Operation is subject to the following
twoconditions:
•thisdevicemaynotcauseharmfulinterference,and
•this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Operation of this unit within significant electromagnetic fields
shouldbeavoided.
•useonlyshieldedinterconnecting cables.
DECLARATION OF
CONFORMITY
Manufacturer’s Name: dbx Professional Products
Manufacturer’s Address: 8760 S. Sandy Parkway
Sandy, Utah 84070, USA
declares that the product:
Product name: dbx1074
Note: Product name may be suffixed by the letters -EU.
Product option: none
conforms to the following Product Specifications:
Safety: IEC 60065-98
EMC: EN 55013 (1990)
EN 55020 (1991)
Supplementary Information:
The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive
72/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC as amended by Directive 93/68/EEC.
dbx Professional Products
Vice-President of Engineering
8760 S. Sandy Parkway
Sandy, Utah 84070, USA
August, 31, 2001
European Contact: Your local dbx Sales and Service Office
or Harman Music Group
8760 South Sandy Parkway
Sandy, Utah 84070 USA
Ph: [phone]
Fax:[phone]

Table of Contents
1074
Introduction
0.1 Defining the 1074..............................................i
0.2 Service Contact Info.........................................ii
0.3 Warranty............................................................ii
0.4 Installation Recommendations........................iii
Section 1 - Getting Started and Applications
1.1 Rear Panel Connections...................................2
1.2 Front Panel Connections..................................2
2.1 Basic Connection..............................................4
2.2 Suggested Applications....................................4
Appendix
Block Diagram........................................................6
Specifications ..........................................................7
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1074 User Manual
Table of Contents

INTRO
CUSTOMERSERVICEINFO
1074DEFINED
WARRANTYINFO
®
INTRODUCTION
1074

Introduction
®
1074 User Manual
i
1074
Congratulations on your purchase of the dbx Professional Products 1074 Quad Noise Gate. For
over 30 years, dbx Professional Products has been the industry leader in dynamics processing.
With the introduction of the 1074, the standard for Noise Gate Processors has been raised by
the industry leader once again. The 1074 Quad Noise gate offers is the perfect tool for any gat-
ing need that may come about. From whether you need to remove unwanted noise or other
background noise. The 1074 is also ideal for gating high transient material through four inde-
pendent channels.
This manual will be your guide to understanding the full functionality of the powerful 1074.
After you have become familiar with the unit, we encourage you to experiment and find cre-
ative ways that the 1074 can help you optimize your specific application.
The dbx 1074 Quad Noise gate provides the user with four independent channels of noise gate
capabilities. In addition, the 1074 also offers the following features:
• 4 Dedicated and independent Channels of user selectable Noise gating in
any combination including: dual stereo, or two mono and one stereo.
• Advanced program adaptive circuitry ensures fast attack times to pre-
serve the character of percussive sounds and incredibly smooth release
that won’t chop off reverb tails or decaying guitar chords
• 2-Segment threshold status LEDs on each channel
• Balanced Inputs and Outputs: Stereo couple for channels 1&2 and 3&4
• Key Input for External Gate Triggering
0.1 Defining the 1074
INTRODUCTION

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Introduction
1074
1074 User Manual
If you require technical support, contact dbx Customer Service. Be prepared to accurately
describe the problem. Know the serial number of your unit. This is printed on a sticker attached
to the rear panel. If you have not already taken the time to fill out your warranty registration
card and send it in, please do so now.
Before you return a product to the factory for service, we recommend you refer to the manu-
al. Make sure you have correctly followed installation steps and operation procedures. If you
are still unable to solve a problem, contact our Customer Service Department at [phone]
for consultation. If you need to return a product to the factory for service, you MUST contact
Customer Service to obtain a Return Authorization Number.
No returned products will be accepted at the factory without a Return Authorization Number.
Please refer to the warranty below, which extends to the first end-user. After expiration of the
warranty, a reasonable charge will be made for parts, labor, and packing if you choose to use
the factory service facility. In all cases, you are responsible for transportation charges to the fac-
tory. dbx will pay return shipping if the unit is still under warranty.
Use the original packing material if it is available. Mark the package with the name of the ship-
per and with these words in red: DELICATE INSTRUMENT, FRAGILE! Insure the package prop-
erly. Ship prepaid, not collect. Do not ship parcel post.
This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and only in the United States.
1). The warranty registration card that accompanies this product must be mailed within 30 days
after purchase date to validate this warranty. Proof-of-purchase is considered to be the bur-
den of the consumer.
2). dbx warrants this product, when bought and used solely within the U.S., to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service.
3). dbx liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or, at our discretion, replacing defec-
tive materials that show evidence of defect, provided the product is returned to dbx WITH
RETURN AUTHORIZATION from the factory, where all parts and labor will be covered up
to a period of two years. A Return Authorization number must be obtained from dbx by
telephone. The company shall not be liable for any consequential damage as a result of the
product's use in any circuit or assembly.
4). dbx reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements
upon this product without incurring any obligation to install the same additions or
improvements on products previously manufactured.
5). The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and dbx neither
assumes nor authorizes any person to assume on its behalf any obligation or liability in con-
nection with the sale of this product. In no event shall dbx or its dealers be liable for spe-
cial or consequential damages or from any delay in the performance of this warranty due
to causes beyond their control.
0.3Warranty
0.2 Service Contact Info
ii

Introduction
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1074 User Manual
iii
1074
FOR RACK MOUNT USE ONLY - Install the 1074 in your rack with the provided rack screws.
When installed in a rack, the unit should be positioned with enough room (at least one 1U
above the and 1U below the unit) to allow proper ventilation. The 1074 should not be mount-
ed above or below anything that generates excessive heat. Ambient temperatures should not
exceed 1130F (450C) when equipment is in use. Although the unit is shielded against radio fre-
quency and electromagnetic interference, extremely high fields of RF and EMI should be avoid-
ed where possible.
0.4 Installation Recommendations

Getting
Started
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Getting Started
Section 1
1074

Getting Started
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1074 User Manual
2
Section 1 1074
IEC Power Cord Receptacle
This is the power cord receptacle of the 1074. An IEC cord is included with the shipped prod-
uct.
Power Switch
Turns the 1074 on and off.
Output Connectors
The output section of the 1074 offers electronically balanced XLR connections.
Operating Level Switch
The operating output level allows you to select between either +4dBu or -10dBv output level.
Key Input Jack
The 1/4” TRS jack, will allow you to add a source signal directly into the gating path of the
1074, which is used to trigger the gating effect.
Input Connectors
The input section of the 1074 offers electronically balanced XLR connections.
Note: The following controls are available either independently for all
four channels of the 1074, with the exception of the STEREO
COUPLE button.
Filter Control - 80Hz to 8kHz
The filter control allows the user to select the frequency at which
gating occurs. Frequency ranges from 80Hz to 8kHz.
Filter - On/Off
Pressing the Filter button will engage the filter.
Key Input - On/Off
Pressing the Key button will engage the inserted Key input source
signal.
1.2 Front Panel Controls
300
1.1 Rear Panel Connections

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Stereo Couple
The Stereo couple button is used to select either Stereo or Dual mono modes on the 1074. To
couple channels as stereo pairs, press the Stereo Couple between each pair. When this proce-
dure is performed, the odd-numbered channel becomes the master, and the even-numbered
channel, becomes the slave. The slave channel’s controls, buttons and LEDs will be disabled,
and control for both channels of the pair is controlled via the master channel’s controls.
With the stereo couple button out, each channels of the pair (1&2) or (3&4) function as two
separate mono gates. Each channels has its own independent controls.
Stereo Couple LED
The Stereo Couple LED indicates that the two channels are stereo-coupled.
Threshold Control
Adjusting the this control sets the level at which the gate will open and allow the signal at
the input to pass through to the output. Turning the knob fully counter clockwise (to off)
allows the gate to pass all signals unattenuated effectively bypassing the gate. Turning the
knob fully clockwise causes the gate attenuate input signals below +10dBu. The amount of
attenuation depends on the setting of the depth control.
Depth Control
This control sets the amount of attenuation applied to the signal once it is below the threshold.
Release Control
Adjusting the RELEASE control sets how fast the gate closes once the input signal falls below
the threshold. The release rate is from .01 seconds (fully counter clockwise) to 3 seconds
(fully clockwise).
Note: The gate release rate is accelerating, in that the dB/Sec rate continually increases as the
gate closes.
Getting Started Section 1
1074
1074 User Manual 3

Setup and Applications
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31074 User Manual
4
Section 2 1074
• Turn off all equipment before making any connections.
• Install the 1074 in your rack with the provided rack screws. It is essential that when the 1074
is being mounted in a rack mounting enclosure, the unit should be positioned with enough
room (at least 1U of space above the unit and 1U of space at the below the unit) to allow
proper ventilation. The 1074 should not be mounted above or below anything that gener-
ates excessive heat. Ambient temperatures should not exceed 1130F (450C) when equipment
is in use. Although the unit is shielded against radio frequency and electromagnetic inter-
ference, extremely high fields of RF and EMI should be avoided where possible.
• Make audio connections via XLR plugs.
For input and output connections, use the XLR balanced or unbalanced connections. For Key
input applications, use 1/4” TRS balanced or unbalanced connections.
• Apply power to the 1074. Connect the AC power cord to the AC power receptacle on the
back of the unit. Route the AC power cord to a convenient power outlet away from audio
lines. The unit may be turned on and off from the rear panel power switch or from a master
equipment power switch.
1). Gating Dry and Percussive sounds such as snare Drum and Kick Drum.
2). Gating sounds that have longer decay times such as cymbals and
Pianos
3). Gating Hum or Buzz from live instruments or recorded tracks.
4). Eliminating Headphone leakage into microphones.
5). Gating instrument microphones to eliminate amplifier bleed.
6). Adding Dynamics to a track or mic’d instrument.
7). Suppress feedback by gating microphones.
8). Control gating action by an external signal at the Key Input on the
rear panel.
9). “Tighten Up” a room by gating out undesired ambience.
2.2 Suggested Applications
2.1 Basic Connection of the 1074

APPENDIX
BlockDiagram
Specifications
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APPENDIX
Appendix
1074

Appendix
Ch. 1 and/or 3
1074 Block Diagram
Input
RMS
Detector Control
BYPASS
Monitor
DepthThreshold
Filter
Filter
Release
Key Input
+
-
Outputs
VCA
Key
Key
Ch. 2 and/or 4
Input
RMS
Detector Control
BYPASS
Monitor
DepthThreshold
Filter
Filter
CV 1/3
CV 1/3
Stereo
Couple
Release
Key Input
+
-
Outputs
VCA
Block diagram
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1074 User Manual
Appendix
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6
1074

Input
Connectors: XLR (Pin 2 and tip hot)
Type: Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
Impedance: Balanced > 50 kOhm, unbalanced >25 kOhm
Max Input Level: > +22 dBu balanced or unbalanced
CMRR: 40dB: Typically >55 dB at 1 kHz
Key Input: Electronically balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered Balanced 50 kOhm,
unbalanced >25 kOhm
Output
Connectors: XLR (Pin 2 hot)
Type: Servo-balanced/unbalanced, RF filtered
Impedance: Balanced 60 Ohm, unbalanced 30 Ohm
Max Output Level: > +22 dBm balanced, > +20 dBm unbalanced
System Performance
Bandwidth: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0/-0.5 dB
Frequency Response: 0.35 Hz to 200 kHz, +0/-3 dB
Noise: < -96 dBu, unweighted, 22 kHz measurement bandwidth
Dynamic Range: > 115 dB, unweighted
THD+Noise: 0.008% typical at +4 dBu, 1 kHz unity gain
0.08% typical at +20 dBu, 1 kHz, unity gain
< 0.1% any amount of compression up to 40 dB, 1 kHz
Interchannel Crosstalk: < -80 dB 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Stereo Coupling: True RMS Power Summing
Power Supply
Operating Voltage: 100-120 VAC 50-60 Hz or 200-240 VAC 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption: 30 Watts
Fuse: 100-120 VAC:300 mA Slow Blow
200-240 VAC: 160 mA Type T
Mains Connection: IEC receptacle
Physical
Dimensions: 1.75"Hx19"Wx9"D (4.4cmx48.3cmx20.1cm)
Weight: 6.9 lbs.
Shipping Weight: 9.3 lbs.
Note: Specifications subject to change.
Specifications
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1074 User Manual
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Appendix Appendix
1074
7

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8760 South Sandy Pkwy.
Sandy, Utah 84070
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Questions or comments?
E•mail us at: [e-mail]
or visit ourWorldWideWeb home page at:
www.dbxpro.com
A Harman International Company
18-0431
®