dbx 296 User manual

MODEL
296
SPECTRAL
ENHANCER
OPERATION
MANUAL

dbx ROECT|
OPERATING
CONTROLS
Front Panel
BYPASS
ew
FF
(kHz)
CLIP
eeccccce
e
2
ay
1.5
243.9
62
10 16
25
40
5
5
7
4 6
4
6
|
|
AZ
+9
i
i
2
.
i.
:
Spectral
Enhancer
96
|
*
iJ
14
MIN
‘MAX
OFF
MAX
+
MAX
OFF
GAIN
(dB)
HISS
REDUCTION
LF
DETAIL
HF
DETAIL
C)
a
INPUT
PROCESS
Note:
The
INPUT
and
PROCESS
controls
are
available
independently
for
channel
1
and
2.
POWER
LED:
The
red
POWER
LED
lights
when
AC
power
is
applied
to
the
rear
panel
power
jack.
INPUT
Control<
BYPASS
Button
and
LED:
Press
this
button
In
to
bypass
the
front
panel
controls,
effectively
canceling
the
function
and
processing
effect
of
the
296’s
enhancement
settings.
The
input
signal
is
still
present
at
the
296’s
Output,
but
is
now
unaltered
by
the
296’s
controls.
The
BYPASS
feature
is
especially
useful
for
making
comparisons
between
processed
and
unprocessed
signals.
(Note:
the
296
BYPASS
is
hardwired.
It
will
pass
signal
even
if
the
unit
is
not
powered.)
The red BYPASS LED lights when BYPASS is active.
GAIN
(dB)
Control:
This
control
sets
the
level
of
the
input
signal.
To
add
gain,
rotate
the
control
clockwise
from
0.
To
attenuate
the
input
signal,
rotate
the
control
counterclockwise
from
0.
Note
that
the
0
setting
(control
set
to
12
o’clock
position)
is
the
nominal,
or
unity
gain
setting;
in
this
case,
the
input
is
neither
boosted
or
attenuated.
PROCESS Controls
HISS
REDUCTION
Control
and
HF
CUTOFF
LED
Meter:
Use
the
HISS
REDUCTION
control
to
activate
the
296’s
high
frequency
filter.
For
normal
operation,
adjust
this
control
clockwise
from
MIN
until
the
audible
hiss
is
re-
duced
or
eliminated.
The
fully
counterclockwise
setting
turns
the
Hiss
Reduction
function
Off.
Note
that
HISS
RE-
DUCTION,
when
active,
is
applied
to
the dry input
signal
before
any
“detailing.”
The
HF
CUTOFF
LED
meter
is
a
useful
guide
to
setting
the
HISS
REDUCTION
control
because
it
shows
the
bandwidth of the
filter at
every
moment,
providing
visual verification of the
filter's
audible effect.
LF
DETAIL
Control:
Use
this
control
to
set
the
amount
of
low
frequency
energy
that
the
296
adds
to
the
input
sig-
nal.
The
LF
DETAIL
control
boosts
the
“bottom
end”
frequencies
(centered
around
50Hz)
while
simultaneously
cut-
ting
the
“muddy”
mid-bass
frequencies.
For
most
applications
requiring
LF
DETAIL,
start
with
the
control
at
5
and
adjust as
necessary. The fully
counterclockwise setting
turns
this
section
Off.
HF
DETAIL
Control:
Use
this
contro!
to
set
the
amount
of
high
frequency
energy
that
the
296
adds
to
the
input
signal.
Continuous
analysis
of
the
input
signal
intelligently
and
automatically
determines
the
amount
of
equaliza-
tion
necessary
at
each
moment
to
achieve
detailed,
defined
audio
that
is
never
shrill
or
over-sibilant.
Modest
set-
tings
(between
4
and
6)
go
a
long
way
for
most
applications,
and
fully
clockwise
settings
will
be
more
than
sufficient
for
almost
any
application.
The
fully
counterclockwise
setting
turns
the
HF
DETAIL
Off.
CLIP
LED:
The
red
CLIP
LED
lights
when
the
296’s
controls
are
adjusted
so
that
the
unit
is
clipping.
If
this
occurs,
your
output
peaks
may
be
exceeding
+20dBu.
Turn
down
one
or
more
of
the
following
296
controls
until
the
LED
Stays
off:
HF
DETAIL,
LF
DETAIL,
INPUT
GAIN.
If
clipping
is
still
evident
at
the
296
output,
the
input
signal
to
the
296
is
too
“hot”;
turn
down
the
level
of
the
unit
driving
the
296
(e.g.,
keyboard,
preamp,
mixer,
etc.).

Model
296
OPERATING
CONTROLS
Rear Panel
CHANNEL 1
MANFACTURED UNDER
THE FOLLOWING US PATENT
INPUT
OUTPUT
1050217
O
+ Tip
) — RING ) USE ONLY © POWER
SLEEVE
SPECIFIED
18-VAC
=
POWER
SUPPLY
INPUT
Jacks:
Use
1/4”
phone
plugs
to
connect
these
inputs
to
your
source.
The
296’s
INPUT
jacks
accept
either
balanced
or
unbalanced
signals.
Nominal
input
level
is
OdBu
and
clipping
level
is
+20dBu.
Input
impedance
is
100kQ.
OUTPUT
Jacks:
The
OUTPUT
jacks
accept
4°
pnone
plugs.
Nominal
output
signal
level
is
OdBu
into
60022,
and
typical
maximum
output
signal
level
is
+20dBu
into
6002.
Output
impedance
is
47Q.
The
outputs
are
single-
ended
(or
unbalanced),
Tip
Hot.
AC
Power
Supply
Jack
Plug
the
AC
Power
Supply
(shipped
with
your
unit)
into
this
jack
and
an
appropriate
AC
power
source.
Note
that
the
296
does
not
have
a
power
button.
It
is
recommended
that
the
296
be
“On”
at
all
times.
Power
consumption
is
low.
If
you
do
not
plan
to
use
the
296
for
an
extended
period
of
time,
unplug
it.
Connection
to
an
inappropriate
power
source
may
result
in
extensive
damage
which
is
not
covered
by
the
war-
Warning:
Be
sure
to
verify
your
actual
line
voltage
is
the
same
as
the
voltage
level
printed
on
the
power
supply.
)
ranty.

OPERATING
NOTES
_
=
dbx
PROJECT
|
OPERATING Nui ES
Using the 296
The
best
way
to
become
familiar
with
the
296,
whether
in
the
studio
or
live,
is
to
pass
audio
through
it
and
listen
to
the
effects
produced
by
turning
the
various
controls.
Use
the
table
shown
below
to
get
you
started.
Then,
experiment
with
the
296’s
controls
and
try
different
settings.
You
might
be
surprised
at
what
you
hear.
Best
of
all,
you
may
create
the
perfect sound for your needs.
Suggested Uses For Each Control
i
.
as
Mixing
Club
Voice
Keyboard
Guitar
BassGuitar
Drums
Stringal
ete
oon
am
Post
Sound/
Hiss
> Recommended; These sound sources can be effectively re-energized and enhanced with treatment. Use to taste.
Program-Dependent; Use when program material requires treatment. Make sure you use only as much treatment as needed.
— Not Recommended. The 296 is generally not applicable for these applications.
Hiss Reduction
Unlike
the
enhancement
“detail”
circuitry
which
enhances
a
signal
and
then
mixes
it
back
with
the
main
signal
at
the
device's
output,
the
296’s
HISS
REDUCTION
is
applied
to
a
signal
before
it
reaches
the
enhancement
circuitry.
(Note
that
the
hiss
reduction
acts
upon
the
entire
pre-processed
signal.)
Therefore,
the
sound
you
hear
is
actually
com-
posed
of
“detailed”
signals
mixed
back
together
with
the
main
audio
path
(which
may
have
been
hiss
reduced).
The
Hiss
Reduction
and
HF
Detail
circuitry
“talk”
to
each
other.
When
the
Hiss
Reduction
is
active,
the
maximum
amount
of
HF Detail
that
can be added to the
signal
is reduced.
This
circuit
is
most
effective
when
used
in
the
tracking
process.
If
your
overall
mix
requires
hiss
reduction,
be
aware
that
with
some
types
of
reverb,
the
reverb
effect
may
be
diminished.
When
possible,
add
reverb
after
treatment
with
a
296.
“Detailing” Controls
The
HF
DETAIL
and
LF
DETAIL
controls
are
“level”
controls
that
“mix”
the
desired
effect
into
the
original
program
ma-
terial.
Start
with
both
controls
set
fully
counterclockwise
to
defeat
the
effect.
Advance
either
control
to
hear
that
con-
trol’s effect.
;
HF Detail
On
mixed
program
material,
the
HF
DETAIL
usually
produces
the
best
sound
if
adjusted
in
the
4
to
6
range;
the
detail
and
definition
of
the
program
material
is
improved,
yet
the
material
does
not
sound
excessively
shrill.
If
HF
DETAIL
processing
is
applied
to
single
tracks,
the
control
must
be
set
to
individual
taste.
Use
your
ears,
and
judge
how
the
processing
affects
the
sound
of
the
track
in
the
context
of
the
entire
mix.
Generally,
if
the
program
material
is
very
bright
to
begin
with,
you
will
hear
little
effect;
if
the
program
material
is
dull,
you
will
hear
very
significant
brightening.
Note
that
for
any
HF
processing
to
occur,
there
must
be
some
high
frequency
signal
content
present
in
the
input
sig-
nal.
The
296
also
works
well
in
treating
final
mixes
which
contain
previously
treated
individual
tracks
because
the
unit
will
only
add
highs
when
they
are
below
the
threshold
determined
by
the
HF
DETAIL
control
setting.

Model 296
The
HF
DETAIL
processing
introduces
surprisingly
little
noise
because
it
intelligently
differentiates
noise
from
other
program
material
and
does
not
enhance
noise.
LF Detail
The
296’s
LF
DETAIL
is
a
static
EQ
that
uses
a
specially
derived
curve
to
boost
the
lower
bass
frequencies,
while
cut-
ting
mid-bass
mud.
This
“mud”
can
come
from
too
many
bounces
on
analog
multi-track,
limited
EQ
ona
mixing
con-
sole,
improper
miking
techniques,
etc.
The
circuit
provides
a
very
different
type
of
effect
than
the
EQ
on
a
typical
mixer
—
enhancing
and
re-energizing
the
signal’s
low
end.
Don’t
hesitate
to
re-adjust
the
LF
DETAIL
for
different
pro-
gram
input
or
different
EQ
settings
on
your
mixer.
The
LF
DETAIL
can
also
be
used
in
conjunction
with
bass
enhance-
ment
devices
(such
as
a
dbx
120XP
Subharmonic
Synthesizer).
Be
careful
not
to
exceed
your
system's
maximum
level handling capability when using extreme settings.
CONNECTING THE 296 TO YOUR SYSTEM
Basic Connection
The
296
can
be
used
with
any
line-level
device.
Some
common
examples
include
mixing
consoles,
electronic
musical
mR ANA Te
instruments.
natch
have
and
cinnc!
PREAMP, OUTPUT
MIXER, _ as esssstssisnseots
INSERT SEND
AUDIO
SOURCE
INPUT | OUTPUT
CHANNEL 1
INPUT
OUTPUT
a
©
Sw
Va
©)
Se
+TIP
— RING
= SLEEVE
USE ONLY
SPECIFIED
POWER SUPPLY
296 REAR PANEL
For all connections, refer to the following steps:
1. Turn Off all equipment before making any connections.
2. Mount the 296 in a 1U rack space (Optional).
MANFACTURED UNDER
THE FOLLOWING US PATENT
5050217
MIXER,
AMPLIFIER,
INSERT RETURN
O
© POWER
18-VAC
The
296
requires
1
rack
space
(height)
and
1
rack
space
(width).
It
can
be
mounted
above
or
below
anything
that
doesn’t
generate
excessive
heat;
it
requires
no
special
ventilation.
Ambient
temperatures
should
not
exceed
113°F (45°C) when equipment is powered.
Note: Avoid
over-tightening
of
rackmounting
screws
as
this
could
damage
the
front
panel.
Caution: Never remove the cover. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
. Make connections via 4” phone jacks according to your requirements.
When connecting your 296, consider the following patch points: a mixer’s channel or subgroup inserts when using
the 296 on individual instruments or tracks; the mixer’s main outputs when mixing; main outs of a submixer (i.e.,
keyboard
mixer)
as
the
signal
is
sent
to
main
mixer;
between
a
DAT’s
output
and
an
analog
cassette
input.
When
using
a
chain
of
processors,
the
296
may
be
placed
either
before
or
after
effects
or
dynamics
processors.
We
rec-
ommend
you
use
common
sense
and
experiment
with
different
setups
to
see
which
one
provides
the
best
results
for
your
needs.
For
example,
when
mixing
material
while
adding
reverb,
the
296
usually
works
best
when
placed
CONNECTING THE 296 TO YOUR SYSTEM
AN

TECHNICAL
SUPPORT,
FACTORY
SERVICE
:
dbx
PROJECT
|
before
the
reverb.
4.
Connect
the
AC
power
supply
(shipped
with
the
unit)
to
the
296’s
rear
panel
POWER
jack
and
an
appro-
priate
AC
power
source.
Note:
Check
the
line
voltage
(printed
on
the
power
supply)
and
verify
that
it
is
correct.
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT,
FACTORY
SERVICE
Technical Support, Factory Service
The
296
is
an
all-solid-state
product
with
components
chosen
for
high
performance
and
excellent
reliability.
Each
296
is
tested,
burned
in
and
calibrated
at
the
factory
and
should
require
no
internal
adjustment
of
any
type
throughout
the
WEA Afar weate Var LU . awe
papain
ee
--urned
to
the
factory
only
after
referring
to
the
manual
and
consult-
ing
with
Customer
Service.
Our
phone
number,
Fax
number
and
address
are
listed
on
the
inside
front
cover.
When
you
contact
dbx
Customer
Service,
be
prepared
to
accurately
describe
the
problem.
Know
the
serial
number
of
your
unit
—
this
is
printed
ona
sticker
attached
to
the
rear
panel.
Note:
Please
refer
to
the
terms
of
your
Limited
Two-Year
Standard
Warranty,
which
extends
to
the
first
end-user.
Af-
ter
the
warranty
expires,
a
reasonable
charge
will
be
made
for
parts,
labor,
and
packing
if
you
choose
to
use
the
fac-
tory
service
facility.
In
all
cases,
you
are
responsible
for
shipping
charges
to
the
factory.
dbx
will
pay
return
shipping
if
the
unit
is
still
under
warranty.
Shipping
Instructions:
Use
the
original
packing
material
if
it
is
available.
Mark
the
package
with
the
name
of
the
shipper,
and
with
these
words
in
red:
“DELICATE
INSTRUMENT,
FRAGILE
Insure
the
package
properly.
Ship
prepaid,
not
collect.
Do
not
ship
parcel
post.
Registration
Card
and
User
Feedback
We
appreciate
your
feedback.
After
you
have
an
opportunity
to
use
your
new
296,
please
complete
the
Registration
Card
(located
in
the
back
of
this
manual),
detach
it
from
the
manual
and
return
it.
SCHEMATICS
Schematics
for
the
296
are
provided
in
the
296
Service
Manual,
available
from
our
Customer
Service
Department
for
a
nominal
fee.

Model 296 Sao ale wale) ts
SPECIFICATIONS
Note: OdBu = 0.775Vrms Specifications are subject to change.
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz, +0dB, —1.0dB
5Hz - 40kHz, +0dB, —3.0dB; Referenced to IkHz
Input (Balanced or Unbalanced)
Impedance 100kQ
Max
Level
+20dBu
Gain
Adjustable;
—-o
to
+14dB
Output
Impedance 47Q
Max
Level
+20dBu
into
600Q
(Unbalanced)
Distortion
+
Noise
<0.1%
(Typically
0.02%)
20Hz
-
20kHz,
0dBu
Output
Noise
<-80dBu.
Unweighted.
20H7
-
20kH7 Bandwidth.
>100dB, Unweighted
Dynamic Range
<-90dBu @ IkHz
>40dB (Any Frequency)
Input Gain, Hiss Reduction, LF Detail, HF Detail, Bypass
AC provided by external power supply included with unit.
0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F)
Power Requirements
Operating Temperature
Dimensions (H x D x W) 1.75” x 4” x 19” (4.45cm x 10.16cm x 48.5cm)
Rack Space 1 Rack Unit .

WARRANTY
United
States
Warranty
Limited
Warranty
This
warranty
is
valid
only
for
the
original
purchaser
and
only
in
the
United
States.
We
warrant
dbx
products
against
defects
in
material
or
workmanship
for
a
period
of
two
years
from
the
date
of
original
purchase
for
use,
and
agree
to
repair
or,
at
our
option,
replace
any
defective
item,
except
external
power
transformers,
without
charge
for
either
parts
or
labor.
IMPORTANT:
This
warranty
does
not
cover
damage
resulting
from
accident,
misuse
or
abuse,
lack
of
reasonable
care,
the
affixing
of
any
attachment
not
provided
with
the
product,
loss
of
parts,
or
connecting
the
product
to
any
but
the
specified
re-
ceptacles.
This
warranty
is
void
unless
service
or
repairs
are
performed
by
an
authorized
service
center.
No
responsibility
is
assumed
for
any
special,
incidental
or
consequential
damages.
However,
the
limitation
of
any
right
or
remedy
shall
not
be
ef-
fective
where
such
is
prohibited
or
restricted
by
law.
Simpiy
tane
or
sip
youl
Wor
prouuct
prepaid
to
Our
service
ueparument.
be
sure
LO
include
your
saics
slip
as
p.
Ny
of
pur-
chase
date.
(We
will
not
repair
transit
damage
under
the
no-charge
terms
of
this
warranty.)
dbx
will
pay
return
shipping.
NOTE:
No
other
warranty,
written
or
oral
is
authorized
for
dbx
products.
This
warranty
gives
you
specific
legal
rights,
and
you
may
also
have
other
rights
which
vary
from
state
to
state.
Some
states
do
not
allow
the
exclusion
of
limitations
of
incidental
or
consequential
damages
or
limitatian=
~-
'
sw
long
an
implied
war-
rant HA pA than ab
BM ep py re pee
International
Warranty
Bedingungen
dbx
gewahrt
2
jahre
Garantie
ab
Verkaufsdatum
auf
nachweisbare
Material-
und
Fabrikationsfehler
(ausgenommen
externe
Netzgerite).
Der
Garantieanspruch
erlischt
bei
unsachgemi8er
Handhabung,
elecktrischer
oder
mechanischer
Besch-
hadigung
durch
miBbrauchliche
Anwendung
sowie
bei
unsachgemaBer
Reparatur
durch
nichtautorisierte
Werkstatten.
Zur
Inanspruchnahme
der
angefiirten
Garantieleistung
ist
der
Nachweis
da
Kaufes
(ordentliche
Rechnung
da
Verkdufers
erfor-
derlich).
Transport-und
Portospesen,
welche
aus
der
Ei
nsendung
des
Gerdtes
zur
Garantiereparatur
erwachsen,
kénnen
von
dbx
nicht
tibernommen
werden,
das
Risiko
der
Zusendung
trigt
der
Kunde.
Die
Garantie
wird
ausschlieBblich
fiir
den
ur-
spriinglichen
Kaufer
geleistet.
Warranty
Conditions
dbx
warrants
dbx
products
(except
for
external
power
transformers)
against
evident
defects
in
material
and
workmanship
for
a
period
of
two
years
from
the
date
of
original
purchase
for
use.
This
warranty
does
not
cover
damage
resulting
from
misuse
or
abuse,
or
lack
of
reasonable
care,
and
inadequate
repairs
performed
by
unauthorized
service
centers.
Performance
of
re-
pairs
or
replacements
under
this
warranty
is
subject
to
proof
of
purchase.
Shipment
of
the
defective
item
for
repair
under
this
warranty
will
be
at
the
customer’s
own
risk
and
expense.
This
warranty
is
valid
for
the
original
purchaser
only.
Conditions
de
garantie
Pour
toute
mise
en
cevre
de
garantie
ou
de
service
aprés-vente,
vous
devez
vous
adresser
A
votre
revendeur.
Notre
société
as-
sure
au
revendeur
le
remplacement
gratuit
des
piéces
détachées
nécessaires
A
la
réparation
pendant
deux
ans,
a
partir
de
la
date
de
votre
facture,
sauf
en
cas
de
non
respect
des
prescritions
d’utilsation
ou
lorsqu’
une
cause
étrangére
a
l’appareil
est
responsable
de
la
défaillance.
Cette
guarantie
n’est
pas
applique
pour
les
transformers
external.
Les
dispositions
stipulées
ci-
dessus
ne
sont
pas
exclusives
du
bénéfice
au
profit
de
l’acheteur
de
la
garantie
légale
pour
défaut
et
vice
cachés
qui
s’appli-
que,
en
tout
état
de
cause,
dans
les
conditions
des
articles
1641
et
suivants
du
Code
Civil.
Condizioni
di
garanzia
L’dbx
presta
garanzia
per
due
anni
dalla
data
della
vendita
per
difetti
di
materiale
e
fabbriccazione
che
possono
essere
provati.
II
diritto
di
garanzia
cessa
in
caso
di
manipolazione
impropria,
danneggiamento
electtrico
o
meccanico
attraverso
i’uso
non
approriato
e
riparazione
inesperta
eseguita
da
officine
non
autorizzate.
E’
indispensabile,
per
la
prestazione
della
garanzia,
presentare
la
carta di
garanzia
debitamente
riempita
dal
rivenditore
autorizzato
e
la
fattura
di
vendita.
Spese
di
tras-
porto
che
risultano
dall’invio
dell’implanto
per
la
riparazione
in
garanzia,
non
possono
essere
assunte
dall’dbx
i’invio
é
a
ris-
chio
e
pericolo
del
cliente.
La
garanzia
verra
data
solo
al
primo
acquirente.
Condiciones
de
garantia
dbx
concede
dos
afios
de
garantia
(menos
fuentes
de
poder
exteriores)
por
defectos
comprobables
de
material.
o
de
fabrica-
cidn
a
partir
de
la
fecha
de
venta.
El
derecho
de
garantia
caduca
en
caso
de
procederse
a
uno
manipulaci6n
inadecuada
en
caso
de
producirse
dafio
electrico
0
mecdnico
por
uso
indebido,
asi
como
también
en
caso
de
reparaciones
inadecuados
por
parte
de
talleres
no
autorizados.
La
prestaci6n
de
la
garantia
estd
su
jeta
a
la
presentacién
de
la
factura
de
compra.
dbx
no
asume
ningdn
gasto
de
transporte
o
correo
incurrido
por
el
envio
del
aparato
defectuoso
para
la
reparaci6n
bajo
garantia;
el
tiesgo
del
envio
ha
de
ser
asumido
por
el
cliente.
La
garantia
se
concede
tinica
y
exclusivamente
al
comprador
original.

CAUTION
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC
RISK
OF
ELECTRIC
SHOCK
ELECTRIQUE
DO
NOT
OPEN
NE
PAS
OUVRIR
DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
CAUTION:
To
REDUCE
THE
RISK
OF
ELECTRICAL
SHOCK,
DO
NOT
REMOVE
COVER
(OR
BACK).
NO
USER
SERVICEABLE
PARTS
INSIDE.
REFER
SERVICING
TO
QUALIFIED
SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
WARNING:
TO
REDUCE
THE
RISK
OF
FIRE
OR
ELECTRICAL
SHOCK,
DO
NOT
EXPOSE
THIS
APPLIANCE
TO
RAIN
OR MOISTURE.
This
symbol,
wherever
it
appears,
This
symbol,
wherever
it
appears,
alerts
you
to
the
presence
of
uninsulated
alerts
you
to
important
operating
dangerous
voltage
inside
the
enclosure
—
voltage
and
maintenance
instructions
in
that
may
be
sufficient
to
constitute
a
risk
of
shock.
the
accompanying
literature.
Read
the
manual.
Manufactured
under
one
or
more
of
the
following
U.S.
patents:
3,377,792;
3,681,618;
3,714,462;
3,789,143;
4,097,767;
4,329,598;
4,403,199;
4,409,500;
4,425,551; 4,473,795,
5,050,217.
Other
patents
pending.
This
dbx-branded
product
has
been
manufactured
in
the
United
States
of
America.
dbx
is
a
registered
trademark
of
Carillon
Electronics
Corporation.
This
manual
is
part
number
96048-000-03C
©
Copyright
1993
by
dbx
Professional
Products
|
2
0UCUt~“:Cs~CS*™YS
| il dbx Professional Products
+t,
San
Lear
17
*
\4ASTT
USA
stew SIVA UL
GgpDx
Telephone
(1)
510/351-3500
Fax:
(1)
510/351-1001
Hi A Harman international Company

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.
Retain Instructions: The safety and operation instructions should be retained for future reference.
Heed Warnings: All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
Follow Instructions: All operation and user instructions should be followed.
Water and Moisture: The appliance should not be used near water (e.g., near a bathtub, washbow/, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet
basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.).
Ventilation: The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the
appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; or, placed in a built-in
installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
Heat: The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
Power Sources: The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as
martad
an
the
annlianca
Grounding or Polarization: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
Power-Cord 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.
Cleaning: The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
Non-use Periods: The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
Object and Liquid Entry: Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure ‘hrough
openings.
Damage Requiring Service: The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or
The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or
The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
Servicing: 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.
The Appliance should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.
Safety Instructions (European)
Notice For U.K. Customers If Your Unit ls Equipped With A Power Cord.
WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.
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 correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your
plug, proceed 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.
The power cord is terminated in a CEE7/7 plug (Continental Europe). The green/yellow wire is connected directly to the unit's chassis. If
you need to change the plug and if you are qualified to do so, refer to the table below.
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 chassis and earth ground are touched simultaneously.
CONDUCTOR WIRE COLOR
Normal Alt
Le LIVE BROWN BLACK
N | NEUTRAL BLUE WHITE
E | EARTH GND |GREEN-YELLOW GREEN
AC Power Cord Color Coding

Safety Instructions (German)
Gert nur an der am Leistungsschild vermerkten Spannung und Stromart betreiben.
Sicherungen nur durch solche, gleicher Stromstarke und gleichen Abschaltverhaltens ersetzen. Sicherungen nie Uberbriicken.
Jedwede Beschadigung des Netzkabels vermeiden. Netzkabel nicht knicken oder quetschen. Beim Abziehen des Netzkabels den
Stecker und nicht das Kabel enfassen. Beschadigte Netzkabel sofort auswechseln.
Gerat und Netzkabel keinen Ubertriebenen mechanischen Beaspruchungen aussetzen.
Um Berihrung gefahrlicher elektrischer Spannungen zu vermeiden, darf das Gerat nicht gedffnet werden. Im Fall von Betriebsstérun-
gen dart das Gerat nur Von befugten Servicestellen instandgesetzt werden. Im Gerat befinden sich keine, durch den Benutzer
reparierbare Teile.
Zur Vermeidung von elektrischen Schlagen und Feuer ist das Gerat vor Nasse zu schiitzen. Eindringen von Feuchtigkeit und
Flissigkeiten in das Gerat vermeiden.
Bei Betriebsst6rungen bzw. nach Eindringen von Flissigkeiten oder anderen Gegenstanden, das Gerat sofort vom Netz trennen und
eine qualifizierte Servicestelle kontaktieren.
Safety Instructions (French)
On s’assurera toujours que la tension et la nature du courant utilisé correspondent bien a ceux indiqués sur la plaque de l'appareil.
N'utiliser que des fusibles de méme intensité et du méme principe de mise hors circuit que les fusibles d'origine. Ne jamais shunter les
fusibles.
Eviter tout ce qui risque d'endommager !e cable seceur. On ne devra nile plier, ni l'aplatir. Lorsqu'on débranche I'appareil, tirer la fiche
et non le cable. Si un cable est endommagé, le remplacer immédiatement.
Pour éviter tout contact averc une tension électrique dangereuse, on n’oouvrira jamais l'appareil. En cas de dysfonctionnement,
l'appareil ne peut étre réparé que dans un atelier autorisé. Aucun élément de cet appareil ne peut étre réparé par l'utilisateur.
Pour éviter les risques de décharge électrique et d'incendie, protéger l'appareil de I'humidité. Eviter toute pénétration d'humidité ou fr
liquide dans l'appareil.
En cas de dysfonctionnement ou si un liquide ou tout autre objet a pénétré dans l'appareil couper aussitét l'appareil de son alimentation
et s'adresser a un point de service aprésvente autorisé.
Safety Instructions (Spanish)
Hacer funcionar el aparato solo con la tension y clase de corriente sefaladas en la placa indicadora de caracteristicas.
Reemplazar los fusibles solo por otros de la misma intensidad de corriente y sistema de desconexidn. No poner nunca los fusibles en
puente.
Proteger el cable de alimentacion contra toda clase de danos. No doblar o apretar el cable. Al desenchufar, asir el enchufe y no el
cable. Sustituir inmediatamente cables dafados.
No sometar el aparato y el cable de alimentacioén a esfuerzo mecanico excesivo.
Para evitar el contacto con tensiones eléctricas peligrosas, el aparato no debe abrirse. En caso de producirse fallos de funcionamiento,
debe ser reparado solo por talleres de servicio autorizados. En el aparato no se encuentra ninguna pieza que pudiera ser reparada
por el usuario.
Para evitar descargas eléctricas e incendios, el aparato debe protégerse contra la humedad, impidiendo que penetren ésta 0 liquidos
en el mismo.
En caso de producirse fallos de funcionamiento como consecuencia de la penetracion de liquidos u otros objetos en el aparato, hay
que desconectarlo inmediatamente de la red y ponerse en contacto con un taller de servicio autorizado.
Safety Instructions (Italian)
Far funzionare l'apparecchio solo con la tensione e il tipo di corrente indicati sulla targa riportante i dati sulle prestazioni.
Sostituire i dispositivi di protezione (valvole, fusibili ecc.) solo con dispositivi aventi lo stesso amperaggio e lo stesso comportamento
di interruzione. Non cavallottare mai i dispositivi di protezione.
Evitare = danno al cavo di collegamento alla rete. Non piegare o schiacciare il cavo. Per staccare il cavo, tirare la presa e mai
il cavo. Sostituire subito i cavi danneggiati.
Non esporre l'apparecchio e il cavo ad esagerate sollecitazioni meccaniche.
Per evitare il contatto con le tensioni elettriche pericolose, l'apparecchio non deve venir aperto. In caso di anomalie di funzionamento
l'apparecchio deve venir riparato solo da centri di servizio autorizzati. Nell'apparecchio non si trovano parti che possano essere riparate
dall'utente.
Per evitare scosse elettriche o incendi, l'apparecchio va protetto dall'umidita. Evitare che umidita 0 liquidi entrino nell'apparecchio.
In caso di anomalie di funzionamento rispettivamente dopo la penetrazione di liquidi o oggetti nell'apparecchio, staccare immedi-
atamente l'apparecchio dalla rete e contattare un centro di servizio qualificato.

Model
296
ee
eed
INSPECTION
ene
eo
1.
Verify
that
the
296
package
contains
the
following:
[
296
Unit
and
External
Power
Supply
[)
Operation
Manual
(including
Registration
Card)
INTRODUCTION
Scat
tet
ttre
a
Congratulations
on
choosing
the
dbx
296
dual-channel
Speciral
Enhance’.
We
recunnciu
wat
you
(Ginc
&,
iawnieon
and
read
through
the
manual
as
it
provides
information
that
will
assist
you
in
using
your
unit
to
its
fullest
potential.
The
296
takes
a
new
and
innovative
approach
to
restoring
detail
to
instruments,
vocals
and
mixed
program
material
on
stage
or
in
the
studio.
Unlike
exciters
and
static
HF
boosters,
which
add
distortion
artifacts
and
hiss
to
the
proc-
essed
signal,
the
296's
“intelligent”
circuitry
acts
dynamically
and
interactively
to
reduce
hiss
while
dramatically
im-
proving
detail
and
clarity.
Its
dynamic
shelving
filter
provides
up
to
9.5dB
of
hiss
reduction
while
leaving
legitimate
high
frequency
program
content
untouched.
The
HF
Detail
circuitry
in
the
296
uses
a
dynamic
shelving
equalizer
to
provide
results
superior
to
even
complex
equalization.
In
many
situations,
the
amount
of
high
frequency
content
in
the
material
you
are
working
with
will
vary.
Typical
equalization
schemes
will
produce
results
which
are
right
some
of
the
time,
and
completely
wrong
at
other
times.
But
not
with
the
296.
The
equalizer’s
dynamic
operation
and
sliding
corner
frequency
insure
that
high
fre-
quency
enhancement
is
applied
only
when
needed
and
in
the
specific
frequency
range
necessary
to
maintain
proper
spectral
balance
moment
to
moment.
=
The
LF
Detail
section
in
each
channel
of
the
296
adds
punch
and
definition
at
the
lower
end
of
the
spectrum.
As
you
increase
the
amount
of
LF
Detail,
this
newly-developed
dbx
circuit
boosts
lower
bass
frequencies
while
simultane-
ously
cutting
problem
frequencies
in
the
upper
bass/low
midrange
region
which
often
muddy
up
program
material.
The
296
adds
power
and
fullness
to
kick
drums,
electric
synths
and
basses
without
ever
getting
boomy,
flabby
or
muddy.
Use
the
296
to
resurrect
older
digital
synths,
add
life
to
dull
vocals
and
clarify
cloudy
guitar
tracks
without
adding
noise
or
harshness.
Its
HF
Detail
is
also
perfect
for
adding
a
nice,
crispy
edge
to
acoustic
or
electronic
snare
drums.
Note
that
the
296
is
a
through
device
and
best
results
are
obtained
when
it
is
used
as
a
throughput
device
or
with
an
insert.
The
296
is
not
meant
to
be
used
in
an
effects
loop.
The
296’s
control
settings
will
determine
the
“mix.”