Inter-m CN-9102 User manual

CN-9102
Dual-Channel Compressor/Limiter with Gate
Copyright 2004 Inter-M Corporation

CN-9102 Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter with Gate
Contents
Welcome 3
Unpacking ............................................................................................................................... 3
Warnings .................................................................................................................................. 3
Operation................................................................................................................................. 5
Features 6
Front Panel Controls 7
Rear Panel Controls 10
Applications 11
Applications 12
Specifications 13
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CN-9102 Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter with Gate
Welcome
A personal welcome to you from the management and employees of Inter-M
All of us here at Inter-M are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality products
and the best value.
We sincerely trust this product will provide you with years of satisfactory service, but if
anything is not to your complete satisfaction, we will endeavor to make things right.
Welcome to Inter-M, and thank you for becoming a part of our worldwide extended
family!
Unpacking
Although your CN-9102 is neither complicated nor difficult to operate, we recommend
you take a few minutes to read this brief manual and familiarize yourself with the
important information regarding product features, setup and operation.
As with most electronic devices, we strongly recommend you retain the original
packaging. In the unlikely event the product must be returned for servicing, the original
packaging (or reasonable equivalent) is required.
Warnings
Environment
Never place this product in an environment that could alter its performance or reduce its
service life. Such environments are usually characterized by high levels of heat, dust,
moisture, or vibration.
Safety
1. Read these instructions carefully.
2. Follow all instructions.
3. Keep all warnings.
4. Do not operate this apparatus near water.
5. Clean only with a damp cloth.
6. Do not block any of the ventilation openings.
7. Install only in accordance with the instructions in this manual.
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CN-9102 Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter with Gate
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
devices (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding type plug. A polarized
plug has two blades, with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for
your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where it is attached to the apparatus.
11. Use only the attachments/accessories specified.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid overturning.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of
time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or
has been dropped.
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CN-9102 Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter with Gate
Operation
Make certain that speakers and input sources are properly connected before switching
on.
Keep volume levels turned down before switching on.
NOTE: The system’s operation is delayed by approximately three seconds after pressing
the power switch. This is due to the built-in protection circuitry, designed to protect
speakers and other system components.
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CN-9102 Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter with Gate
CN-9102
Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter with Gate
Features
High-Quality, versatile, easy-to-use dual channel compression unit
Consistently great sounding performance for studio recording, live sound or broadcast
use.
Offers Ratio, Attack and Release Controls to fully customize performance for your
individualized needs.
Choose Hard Compression or Soft Knee dynamics.
Two fully independent channels for use as two separate units, or linked for stereo
operation.
Fully independent noise gates with threshold and rate controls.
Precision metering, side chain for ducking or keying of events.
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CN-9102 Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter with Gate
Front Panel Controls
1. Power Switch
This switch is used to turn the unit on and off. When the unit is on, the integrated
Power Indicator LED is lit.
2. Limiter (Threshold) Controls
This knob provides continuous control of the Threshold level of the integrated
compression circuitry, over a range of –40dB to +20dB.
Soft knee compression is applied to signals which exceed the threshold setting by
up to 10dB.
Hard knee compression is applied to signals which exceed the threshold setting
by more than 10dB.
3. Ratio Control
This knob provides continuous control of the degree of compression applied once
the threshold level has been exceeded, over a range of 1:1 to :1. A ratio of 1:1
corresponds to zero compression. A ratio of 10:1 indicates that once the input
signal has exceeded the threshold level, an additional 10dB of input level will
result in 1dB of output level. See Fig. 1 below.
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CN-9102 Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter with Gate
Figure 1 – Compression Ratio
4. Attack Control
This knob is used to control the amount of time before the compression circuitry
takes effect after the threshold has been exceeded, adjustable from 0.1
milliseconds to 200 milliseconds.
5. Release Control
This knob is used to control the amount of time before the gain returns to normal
after the input signal drops below the threshold level, adjustable from 50
milliseconds to 3 seconds.
6. Output Control
This knob is used to control the level of the output signal, increasing the signal by
a maximum of 20dB. This can be helpful in compensating for loss of level caused
by the compression/limiting process.
7. Soft/Hard Knee Selector
This switch selects between “hard knee” and “soft knee” compression processes.
HARD KNEE compression: when the input signal rises above the designated
threshold set by the Threshold Control (2), the signal is immediately compressed at
the full ratio selected by the Ratio Control (3).
SOFT KNEE compression: when the input signal begins to rise above the
designated threshold set by the Threshold Control (2), compression will start at a
lower ratio than selected by the Ratio Control (3), reaching the full ratio only at
higher input levels.
Figure 2 – Soft Knee and Hard Knee Compression
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CN-9102 Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter with Gate
8. Bypass Switch
This switch bypasses the compression circuitry completely. It is useful for
comparing the compressed signal with the original signal.
9. In/Out Switch
This switch selects the source displayed on the Input/Output meters (10),
determining whether the meters are monitoring the (uncompressed) input level or
the (compressed) output level.
10. Input/Output Level Meter
This 12-segment LED meter monitors the level of the (uncompressed) input signal
or the (compressed) output signal, as selected by the In/Out Switch (9). In the IN
position the input signal is monitored. In the OUT position the output signal is
monitored. The meter is referenced to an operating level of either –10dB or +4dB,
as selected by the rear-panel operating level switch.
11. Gain Reduction Meter
This 12-segment LED meter monitors the level of the actual gain reduction,
displayed in a range of –1dB to –30dB.
12. Threshold/Gate Control
This knob controls the input signal level at which the noise gate will be opened
when in gating mode, or closed when in ducking mode, over a range of to --
10dB. When using the CN-9102 for normal noise removal applications, it is
recommended that this control be set to the lowest setting possible to avoid loss
of desired signal.
13. Rate/Gate Control
This knob controls the rate at which the gate closes once the input signal has
fallen below the threshold level, variable from 20 milliseconds to 2 seconds.
14. Stereo Link Switch
This switch links the two channels of the CN-9102 together to function in stereo
mode. When the stereo link is active, both channels are operated by the controls
of Channel A. Both channels are still monitored to determine when the signal
exceeds the threshold level.
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CN-9102 Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter with Gate
Rear Panel Controls
1. AC Power Input
Connect a standard three-pin AC cable to this connector.
2. Audio Input
These are balanced audio inputs on three-pin XLR connectors. Pin 3 is low, pin 2 is
high, and pin 1 is ground.
3. Audio Output
These are balanced audio outputs on three-pin XLR connectors. Pin 3 is low, pin 2
is high, and pin 1 is ground.
4. Side Chain
These are unbalanced inputs on 1/4" phone jacks, provided for the input of an
external side-chain or key-in signal used to trigger the compression/limiting
function.
5. Operating Level Selector
This switch determines the operating level of the CN-9102. You can choose the
professional studio level of +4dB or the consumer level of –10dB. The front-panel
Input/Output level meter changes to reflect the setting selected by this switch.
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CN-9102 Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter with Gate
Applications
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CN-9102 Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter with Gate
Applications
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CN-9102 Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter with Gate
Specifications
Audio Input
Type Electronic balanced input
Impedance 47kΩ
Nominal Operating Level +4dBv/-10dBu, switchable
Maximum Input Level +20dBu balanced/unbalanced @+4dBv
Side Chain
Type UnbalancedTip=return,Ring=send
Impedance >22kΩ, <150Ω
Maximum Input/Output Level +20dBu
Audio Output
Type Electronic balanced output
Impedance <75kΩ, balanced/unbalanced
Maximum Input Level +21dBm
THD < 0.1%
Noise & Hum @ Unity Gain > -94dBu
Crosstalk >-85dBu
Frequency Response 5Hz – 50kHz
Gate Section
Threshold Variable (-60dB to –10dB)
Rate Variable(20msecto2sec)
Compressor Section
Type Hard and soft knee, switchable
Threshold Variable (-40dB to +20dB)
Ratio Variable(1:1to
:1)
Attack Variable (0.1msec to 200msec)
Release Variable (50msec to 3sec)
Output Variable (-20dB to +20dB)
Indicators
12-LED Gain Reduction Meter -30-25-20/-15/-12/-9/-6/-5/-4/-3/-2/-1
12-LED Input/Output Level Meter -30/-25/-20/-15/-10/-6/-4/-2/0/+2/+4/+6
Fuse 160mA (120VAC), 80mA (220VAC)
GENERAL
Power Source 100 –240VAC, 50/60Hz
Power Consumption 19W
Weight 3.5Kg(7.7lbs)
Dimensions 482(W) x 44(H) x 280(D) mm
19(W) x 1.75(H) x 11(D) in.
Specifications and design subject to change without notice for improvements.
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CN-9102 Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter with Gate
Inter-M, Ltd. (Korea) began operations in 1983.
Since then, Inter-M has grown to become one of the largest manufacturers
of professional audio and commercial sound electronics equipment in the world.
Inter-M has gained worldwide recognition for its own branded products,
as well as private label manufacturing of electronics sold under other names (OEM).
The company is no longer just a Korean company, but rather a global company
that is truly international in scope, with factories and offices in Korea and China,
and sales and marketing operations located in Japan, Europe, and the U.S.A.
With more than 850 employees around the globe, Inter-M is well-poised for further growth and
expansion.
INTER-M AMERICAS, INC.
1 EAST BEACON LIGHT LANE, CHESTER, PA, USA 19013-4409
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
Home Page:http://www.inter-m.net, E-mail: [email protected]
INTER-M Corporation
SEOUL OFFICE: 653-5 BANGHAK-DONG, DOBONG-KU, SEOUL, KOREA
TEL: [phone]~8, FAX: [phone]
Home Page:http://www.inter-m.com, E-mail: [email protected]
0704CN9102 PRINTED IN KOREA
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