elysia karacter 500 User manual

karacter 500

2
And now for something completely dierent
The karacter 500 is a box full of vibrant colors. It covers a
complete spectrum including mastering-grade saturation,
tube-inspired distortion and glorious destruction. Gone are
the days when only racks full of outboard gear could achieve
these elusive and highly desirable styles of tonal coloration...
This all-in-one solution oers two separate channels which
can be set up for dual mono, linked stereo or linked and un-
linked M/S operation. Integrated mix stages for parallel signal
processing and the unique Color Control add to its remarkable
exibility.
The entire unit is designed with discrete class-A topology,
so even the most lo- sounds will benet from the karacter’s
high-end touch. Enhance your tracks or decimate everything –
it’s a matter of karacter.
Enjoy countless hours of fun with this marvelous machine!
Compatibility ..............................................3
Installation ................................................3
Controls ...................................................4
Connectors ................................................6
Mastering-Grade Saturation ................................7
Tube-Inspired Distortion ...................................8
Glorious Destruction .......................................9
Mid/Side Processing ..................................... 10
M/S Mode ............................................... 11
Appendix................................................ 12
Deutsches Handbuch . . . 16 Manuel Français ... 30

3
Compatibility
The karacter 500 module requires installation into an API 500
series compatible rack frame (not included). It needs the pow-
er supply and the audio connectors provided by this frame,
and cannot be used for its intended purpose by itself.
The current consumption is 210 milliamperes (105 mA per
slot) at +/- 16 volts DC. This is actually more than some other
500 series modules consume as a result of the discrete class-A
design of the karacter 500’s audio path.
Most API 500 compatible racks meet this requirement with-
out problems, but there might be a limit on how many units
can be installed in a single rack. In case of doubt, please check
with the manufacturer of your specic rack.
Installation
Just follow these easy steps to install the karacter 500 module:
1. Switch your API 500 series compatible rack o and discon-
nect the power cable from mains.
2. Insert the module into two free slots of your rack. Make sure
both PCB connectors match with the rack connectors.
3. Gently push the module in place – do not use any excessive
force!
4. Tighten the front panel with four screws provided by your
rack manufacturer.
5. Connect your XLR audio cables (see page 6 for more info)
and power up your rack.
That should do it. Have lots of fun with your karacter 500!

4
Controls
Drive
Determines the overall intensity of saturation/distortion/de-
struction. Clockwise means more.
Color
Changes the harmonics-frequency relation. Middle is at; turn
left for more dub and right for more shred.
Gain
Sets the amount of output gain. This controller can both cut
(turn left) and boost (turn right) the level. Middle is at.

5
Mix
Blends the direct and the processed signal in any desired rela-
tion. Left = 100% dry, right = 100% wet.
M/S Mode
Switches from Stereo to M/S processing. The left controllers
and bottom switches control the Mid, the right controllers and
top switches process the Side.
Turbo Boost
Provides an additional kick for truly wild distortion (only avail-
able in FET Shred mode).
FET Shred
Switches from mastering-grade saturation (LED o) to tube-
inspired distortion (LED on).
Left/Right On
Activates a channel or switches to hardwire bypass.
Stereo Link
Links both channels for processing stereo sources (left con-
trollers and bottom switches become the master for both
channels). Linking the channels also works in M/S mode. It
might seem a little odd, as the behavior seems to be exactly
the same as in linked stereo mode. It can still have its benets,
though, as the inevitable divergences between left and right
channel which are caused by natural component tolerances
will be reduced in this mode, because here the side informa-
tion of both channels is processed in a single audio path.

6
Connectors
Audio outputs (+4 dBu)
Pin assignment balanced: 1ground 2hot (+) 3ground
Pin assignment unbalanced: 1ground 2hot (+) 3idle
Audio inputs (+4 dBu)
Pin assignment balanced: 1ground 2hot (+) 3cold (-)
Pin assignment unbalanced: 1ground 2hot (+) 3ground
Mono operation: Connect either one or both of the input and
output pairs 1and 2for single or dual mono channel use.
Stereo operation: Connect both inputs and outputs 1and 2–
the choice which channel is left and which is right is up to you.

h1 2 3 4 5 6 7 89 ...
Harmonics Waveform
7
Mastering-Grade Saturation
In this mode, the karacter 500 generates gentle Total
Harmonic Distortion (THD) with a soft characteristic
curve, resulting in symmetrical clipping. Your sound
gets fatter but stays intact – the perfect color for busses, stems
and complete mixes.
Stereo Link Dual Mono

h1 2 3 4 5 6 7 89 ...
Harmonics Waveform
8
Tube-Inspired Distortion
In FET Shred mode, the behavior of the karacter 500
changes drastically. The sound instantly reminds of
tube ampliers, with a wide range of asymmetrical
distortion. It’s a good idea to make extensive use of the Color
controller – there are so many nuances to discover...
Stereo Link Dual Mono

h1 2 3 4 5 6 7 89 ...
Harmonics Waveform
9
Glorious Destruction
Now, this is pushing the envelope. The Turbo Boost
option is only available in FET Shred mode and works
best at high Drive levels. It shifts the operating point
of the distortion circuit and generates even more asymmetri-
cal wave forms. Hit your samples hard!
Stereo Link Dual Mono

10
Mid/Side Processing
M/S technology is commonly known as a variant of
stereo miking.This technique uses a microphone with
cardioid pattern for the middle signal (M) and another
one with bi-directional pattern with an oset of 90° for the
side signal (S). The main advantage of this technology is its
mono compatibility. FM radio stations use M/S technology for
transmitting stereo signals exactly for this reason.
To create M/S signals, the left and right channel of the stereo
sum are added to generate the mid (M), whereas the side (S) is
created by subtracting the right from the left channel:
M = L+R S = L-R
To decode an M/S signal back into stereo again, M is added to
S for the left channel and S is subtracted from M for the right
channel:
L = M+S R = M-S
The integration of an M/S encoder and decoder into an audio
processor generates new potentials that classic stereo devices
can hardly oer. One of the main advantages is the possibil-
ity to process the middle and side signals separately. This way
you can make the center sound more solid without corrupting
the original stereo spectrum, for example.
Of course it is also possible to enhance the presence of the
side signals in an already nished mix. The stereo width can
be inuenced fast and eectively, too, and it is also possible to
process specic parts of a mix that could not be selected in a
stereo mix as precisely as it is possible in M/S mode.

11
M/S Mode
The most interesting option here is the unlinked M/S
mode, as it gives you the possibility to process the
mid and the side signals completely independent
from each other (remember left becomes mid channel and
right becomes side channel).
You can apply a high amount of saturation to the mid and
leave the sides completely untouched, or the other way
round, or anything in between... Dierent settings of the gain
controllers can be used to create subtle or signicant changes
within the stereo spectrum.
The Left On button always switches both channels in M/S mode.
Linked M/S Unliked M/S

12
Technical Details
Frequency response:
• 100 % Dry <10 Hz - 400 kHz (-3 dB)
• 100 % Wet <10 Hz - 27 kHz (-3 dB)
THD+N (100 % Dry):
• @ 0 dBu 0.013 %
• @ +10 dBu 0.024 %
THD+N (100 % Wet in Saturation Mode):
• @ 0 dBu Min Drive 0.47 %
• @ 0 dBu Max Drive 35.1 %
Noise oor 20 Hz - 20 kHz (A-weighted):
• 100% Dry -91 dBu
• 100% Wet (depending on Drive and Gain) -81 to -91 dBu
Dynamic range 20 Hz - 22 kHz: 112 dB
Maximum input level: +21 dBu
Maximum output level: +21 dBu
Input impedance: 10 kOhm
Output impedance: 68 Ohm
CE Conformity
The conformity of this device to the EU directives is
conrmed by the CE mark on the device.
This declaration becomes invalid by any unapproved modi-
cation of the device.
Nettetal, 01.11.2015 - Ruben Tilgner

13
Precautions
CAUTION: Electricity
• Make sure to operate your API 500 series compatible rack at
the specic mains voltage of your country.
• Replace rack frame fuse with the same type and value only.
• Your rack frame must be connected to ground.
• Do not use a damaged power cord.
• Never place containers with liquid on the rack.
• Do not expose this device to rain or moisture.
• Do not use this device near water.
• Refer service to qualied service sta only.
CAUTION: Temperature
• Surfaces of the device may become hot during operation.
• Do not install this device near any heat source such as radia-
tors, stoves or other heat sources.
CAUTION: Connecting & Mounting
• Never connect to the output of a power amplier.
• Do not apply extensive force when installing this device.
• Use the device according to this manual only.
CAUTION: Humidity
• If this device is moved from a cold place to a warm room,
condensation can occur inside the device. To avoid damag-
ing the unit please allow it to reach room temperature be-
fore switching it on.

14
Warranty Info
The karacter 500 is covered by a limited warranty for a period
of 2 years against defects in parts and labor from the date of
purchase. Natural wear is not covered by this warranty. Re-
pairs or replacements will not extend the warranty period.
The warranty is given to the original purchaser only and is not
transferable. elysia will only give warranty on products pur-
chased through authorized elysia dealers. The warranty will
only be valid in the country of the original purchase unless
otherwise pre-authorized by elysia.
All warranties become void when the product has been dam-
aged by misuse, accident, neglect, modication, tampering or
unauthorized alteration by anyone other than elysia autho-
rized service personnel.
The warrantor assumes no liability for property damage or any
other incidental or consequential damage whatsoever which
may result from failure of this product. Any and all warrantees
of merchantability and tness implied by law are limited to
the duration of the expressed warranty.
elysia will not pay for express or overnight freight service or
pay for shipments to locations outside Germany. All damages
caused by transport are not covered by this warranty.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights and you may also
have other rights which vary from state to state. Some of the
above limitations may not apply to you.

15
Legal Info
The information in this document is subject to change with-
out further notice and shall not be deemed as an obligation
or warranty of any kind by the manufacturer. No warranties,
express or implied, are made with regard to the quality, suit-
ability or accuracy of this document.
The manufacturer reserves the right to change the contents
of this document and/or the associated products at any time
without the provision of prior notice. The manufacturer shall
not be held liable for damages of any kind arising from the
use, or the inability to use this product or its documentation.
The information in this document is subject to copyright. All
rights, technical changes and errata are reserved. No part of
this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or
for any purpose without the explicitly written permission of
the copyright holders.
elysia and karacter are registered trademarks of elysia GmbH.
Other product and brand names contained in this document
are used for identication purposes only. All registered trade-
marks, product designations or brand names used in this doc-
ument are the property of their respective owners.
The product has been manufactured in com-
pliance with the RoHS directive. The purpose
of this directive of the European Union is
the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electronic
equipment in order to protect health and nature. Dispose
separately!
Version 1.1 © 2019 elysia GmbH

16
Und nun zu etwas völlig anderem
Der karacter 500 ist ein Meister der Klangfärbung. Er beherrscht
das komplette Spektrum von feiner Sättigung im Mastering
über wahrhaft musikalische Verzerrung bis zur hohen Kunst
der Zerstörung. Vorbei sind die Tage, an denen man rackweise
esoterisches Equipment benötigte, um über eine derart große
Auswahl begehrter Klangfarben verfügen zu können...
Diese Komplettlösung bietet zwei separate Kanäle, die sowohl
Dual Mono und Stereo als auch in gelinktem und ungelinktem
M/S betrieben werden können. Integrierte Mixstufen für paral-
lele Signalverarbeitung und der einzigartige Color-Filter erwei-
tern die Flexibilität ins Grenzenlose.
Sämtliche Schaltungen sind diskret in Class-A aufgebaut,
sodass selbst die krassesten LoFi-Sounds von der HighEnd-
Massage des karacter protieren. Klänge auf höchstem Niveau
veredeln oder ordentlich durch den Wolf drehen – alles eine
Frage des karacters.
Kompatibilität ........................................... 17
Installation .............................................. 17
Bedienelemente ......................................... 18
Anschlüsse .............................................. 20
Mastering-Grade Saturation .............................. 21
Tube-Inspired Distortion ................................. 22
Glorious Destruction ..................................... 23
Mitte/Seite-Bearbeitung ................................. 24
M/S-Modus .............................................. 25
Anhang.................................................. 26
English Manual . . . 2 Manuel Français... 30

17
Kompatibilität
Das karacter 500 Modul ist zur Installation in ein API 500 Series
kompatibles Rack (nicht im Lieferumfang enthalten) vorgese-
hen. Es ist auf dessen Netzteil und Audioanschlüsse angewie-
sen und funktioniert nicht‚stand alone‘.
Der Strombedarf beträgt 210 Milliampere (105 mA pro Slot)
bei +/- 16 Volt DC. Begründet durch das diskrete Class-A De-
sign des Audiopfads liegt dieser Wert höher als bei einigen an-
deren 500er-Modulen.
Die meisten API 500 kompatiblen Racks verkraften diese An-
forderung problemlos, allerdings lässt sich unter Umständen
nur eine begrenzte Anzahl an karacter 500 Modulen installie-
ren (im Zweifel bitte den Hersteller des Racks konsultieren).
Installation
Die Installation des Moduls verläuft denkbar einfach:
1. Schalte dein API 500 Series kompatibles Rack aus und ent-
ferne das Netzkabel.
2. Stecke das Modul in zwei freie Slots und richte die Kontakte
der Platinen genau auf die Steckleisten im Rack aus.
3. Drücke das Modul nun vorsichtig in die Steckleisten – dabei
bitte keine Gewalt anwenden!
4. Befestige die Frontplatte mit vier Schrauben aus dem Rack-
zubehör.
5. Verbinde die XLR-Audiokabel (mehr dazu auf Seite 20) und
schließe das Rack wieder an das Stromnetz an.
Und das war es auch schon. Wir wünschen viel Spaß mit dei-
nem karacter 500!

18
Bedienelemente
Drive
Bestimmt die Intensität der Sättigung/Verzerrung/Zerstö-
rung, welche im Uhrzeigersinn zunimmt.
Color
Verändert das Frequenzverhältnis bei der Erzeugung von Har-
monischen. Die Mitte ist neutral, links mehr Dub und rechts
mehr Shred.
Gain
Stellt den Ausgangspegel ein. Dieser Regler kann sowohl ab-
senken (links) als auch anheben (rechts). Die Mitte bleibt un-
verändert.

19
Mix
Mischt das direkte mit dem bearbeiteten Signal im gewünsch-
ten Verhältnis. Links = 100% Dry, rechts = 100% Wet.
M/S Mode
Schaltet von Stereo in die M/S-Bearbeitung. Die linken Potis
und unteren Knöpfe regeln die Mitte, die rechten Regler und
oberen Schalter kontrollieren die Seiten.
Turbo Boost
Versetzt der Verzerrung einen zusätzlichen Tritt (nur im FET
Shred-Modus verfügbar). Vorsicht, keilt aus.
FET Shred
Schaltet aus dem Sättigungsmodus (LED aus) in den Verzer-
rungsmodus um (LED an).
Left/Right On
Aktiviert einen Kanal oder schaltet einen Hardwire Bypass.
Stereo Link
Verbindet beide Kanäle zur Bearbeitung von Stereosignalen
(die linken Regler und unteren Knöpfe werden dabei zum
Master). Der Link funktioniert auch im M/S-Modus. Das mag
zunächst etwas merkwürdig erscheinen, weil sich das Ergeb-
nis scheinbar nicht vom gelinkten Stereo-Modus unterschei-
det. Der Vorteil ist von eher technischer Natur, weil nun die
durch natürliche Bauteil-Toleranzen verursachten Abweichun-
gen zwischen linkem und rechtem Kanal nicht mehr ins Ge-
wicht fallen, da die Seiteninformation beider Kanäle hier über
einen einzigen Audiopfad transportiert wird.

20
Anschlüsse
Audio-Ausgänge (+4 dBu)
Pinbelegung symmetrisch: 1Masse 2heiß (+) 3Masse
Pinbelegung unsymmetrisch: 1Masse 2heiß (+) 3frei
Audio-Eingänge (+4 dBu)
Pinbelegung symmetrisch: 1Masse 2heiß (+) 3kalt (-)
Pinbelegung unsymmetrisch: 1Masse 2heiß (+) 3Masse
Mono-Betrieb: Verwende jeweils einen oder beide Ein- und
Ausgänge (1und 2) für Single- oder Dual-Mono-Betrieb.
Stereo-Betrieb:Verwende beide Ein- und Ausgänge (1und 2) –
linken und rechten Kanal kannst du dabei selber festlegen.