KV2 Audio COMPEX User manual

User Guide
COMPEX
The Future of Sound.
Made Perfectly Clear.
At KV2 Audio our vision is to constantly develop technologies
that eliminate distortion and loss of information providing
a true dynamic representation of the source.
Our aim is to create audio products that absorb you,
place you within the performance and deliver a listening
experience beyond expectations.

COMPEX · Important safety instructions
COMPEX · Important safety instructions
Important safety instructions
Before using your COMPEX, be sure to carefully read the applicable items of these operating instructions and the
safety suggestions.
1. Read all product instructions.
2. Keep printed instructions, do not throw away.
3. Respect and rewiew all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this unit near water, in unprotected out door areas or in rain or wet conditions.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings.
8. Install in accordance with KV2 Audio's recommended installation instructions.
9. Do not install near any heat sources such as heat radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus that produce heat.
10. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding type plug. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third
grounding connector. The third connector is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not t into your
outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
11. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles and the point
where they exit from the COMPEX. The AC mains plug or appliance coupler shall remain readily accessible for operation.
12. Only use accessories specied by KV2 Audio.
13. The unit is intended for use in a 19" rack. Follow the mounting instructions.
14. Unplug COMPEX during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
15. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is required when the COMPEX has been damaged in any way,
such as when the power-supply cord or plug has been damaged; liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the
COMPEX; rain or moisture has entered the, COMPEX; the COMPEX has been dropped; or when for undetermined reasons
the COMPEX does not operate normally.
16. Do not remove top or bottom covers. Removal of the cover will expose hazardous voltages. There are no user
serviceable parts inside and removable may void the warranty.
17. An experienced user shall always supervise this professional audio equipment.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
WARNING: To prevent re or electric shock, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture.

COMPEX · Contents
COMPEX · Contents
Introduction 3
Introduction 3
Dimensions 3
Getting Started 4
Unpacking 4
Rack mounting 4
AC Power requirements 4
Voltage requirements 4
Connector wiring 4
Remote bypass control wiring 4
Features 5
Front Panel 5
Rear Panel 6
Using the System 7
Specications 8
Warranty · Service 9
Notes 10 - 12
Contents

3
COMPEX · Introduction
COMPEX · Introduction
Introduction
The COMPEX is a stereo (2 input x 2 output) Analog Dynamic Harmonics Control unit. COMPEX is a pure analog signal
processor which provides adjustment of the audio signal from low quality signal sources.
Audio recordings are often purposely mixed to play on low quality audio devices with small speakers or headphones that
have a reduced frequency range.These recordings are predetermined for playing at low acoustic levels, therefore they have
very limited dymanic range. Secondly the use of low sampling rates in respect to MP3 and other digital audio formats causes
considerable losses of harmonic content and delivers degraded reproduction.
When using these types of recordings as a signal source for speakers with large output power, high dynamic range and an
expectation to propogate sound over long and wide distances, the poor tonal quality, high distortion and limited dynamic
range is highlighted by making the listening experience very unpleasant.
The COMPEX features an optical audio compressor, with level dependent lters for reduction of unpleasant high frequency
distorted signals from bad signal sources and recordings (compressed audio, Mp3, bad CD, laptops etc.). The COMPEX also
features a very high quality harmonics expander, which adds harmonic content to the depleted high freqencies on these
recordings. The amount of harmonics added or changed is set by an individual potentiometer.
COMPEX also features a remote controlled bypass feature, useful for easy switching between high quality signal live audio
(bypassed) and audio signal from recordings.
It is important to understand that when using the COMPEX the results achieved are of personal choice and there are no
presets as each recording will vary. When operating, the user should aim to improve the audio content subtly by removing
distortion and adding harmonic content.
COMPEX - part number KVV 987 289 (230V)
KVV 987 288 (115V)
Front Panel:
Rear Panel:
Side Panel:
482.6 mm
44 mm
434 mm
198 mm
Dimensions
Application
Designed as a tool to optimise recordings for playback
at high volume levels
• FixedInstallations•PortablePA
• Speaker protection and level control
• Use with any KV2 Audio system

4
COMPEX · Getting Started
COMPEX · Getting Started
Unpacking
Unpack the COMPEX and check to see if there is any damage to it. If you nd any damage notify your supplier immediately.
Only the consignee may institute a claim with the carrier for any damage incurred during shipping. Be sure to save the carton
and all packaging materials for the carrier's inspection.
Should you ever need to ship the unit, only use the original factory packaging. If the shipping carton is unavailable, contact
your supplier to obtain a replacement.
The COMPEX carton should contain:
• COMPEXSuperAnalogueunit
• User'sGuide
• IECPowerCable
Rack mounting
The COMPEX will mount in a standard 19" rack system. Use four screws and washers to mount the COMPEX to the rack rails.
We recommend using a shock-mounted rack for touring use to prolong the life of your COMPEX.
To prevent accidental adjustment of settings, or unwanted tampering in a xed installation, KV2 Audio provide an additional
security panel.
AC Power requirements
The COMPEX uses a standard IEC 3-pole AC connector. The device must be connected to a mains socket outlet with
protective earthing connection. The COMPEX operates in either 115V or 230V mode. This setup is precongured at the
factory. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable.
Voltage requirements
The COMPEX operates safely and without audio discontinuity if the AC voltage stays within the operating window of
90V-130V in 115V mode or 180V-260V when working in 230V mode at 50 or 60Hz.
Connector wiring
XLR Balanced Input and Output connectors
CAUTION: IF IT IS NECESSARY TO CONVERT BALANCED OUTPUT TO UNBALANCED, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SHORT HOT 2
OR COLD 3 PINS WITH GROUND 1. IN THIS EVENT THE LINE DRIVERS WILL CAUSE PERMANENT DISCONNECTION.
2 1
3
21
3
CAUTION: IF THE GREEN OR RED BYPASS  ON LED DOES NOT ILLUMINATE OR THE SYSTEM DOES NOT RESPOND TO
AUDIO INPUT REMOVE AC POWER IMMEDIATELY. VERIFY THAT THE VOLTAGE IS WITHIN THE PROPER RANGE. IF THE
PROBLEM PERSISTS, PLEASE CONTACT KV2 AUDIO OR AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER.
Remote bypass control wiring switch
Jack 1/4" mono
1 = Ground
2 = Hot (+)
3 = Cold (-)

5
COMPEX · Features · Front panel
COMPEX · Features · Front panel
Front Panel
Threshold
Adjusts the COMPEX's input levels to engage the compressor at a certain
threshold from 0dB to -20dB. When this threshold is exceeded, the compressor
reduces the signal. Signal reduction is indicated on the REDUCTION dB meter.
During the time the compressor reduces the level, the level dependent lter
is applied.
When the compressor is activated in conjunction with the dymanic lter,
it reduces the unpleasant high frequency distortion which becomes more
prominent with increasing level. This creates a bigger, not louder sound that is
signicantly less harsh and unplesant when the system is driven at high levels.
Drive
Adjusts COMPEX's expander drive level. This controls the mount
of harmonics created from input signal and is indicated on the
HARMONICS % level meters. Usually only a few percent of drive is
required to enhance the high frequency range.
Output
Adjusts the OUTPUT levels from -10dB to +10dB. The output level
is indicated on the LEVEL dB meter. This helps compensate for any
loss of gain in the compression process.
Bypass
True bypass, bypasses all COMPEX features. Direct input signal is tranferred on the COMPEX
outputs. Bypass activation is indicated by the RED LED light above the bypass switch. Bypass
can be activated remotely by using the REMOTE BYPASS Jack 1/4" input on the rear panel.
Harmonics mix
The harmonic content created by the DRIVE control are mixed with original or compressed signal using the HARMONICS MIX
knob. This ‘lights up‘ the sound giving an impression of space and improved intellagability. Again, use this control subtly to
achieve the desired result.

6
COMPEX · Features · Rear panel
COMPEX · Features · Rear panel
Rear Panel
Input
Balanced Female XLR connectors for connecting Left and Right audio signal.
Output
Balanced Male XLR connectors for sending Left and Right audio signal.
Plug power connector
For connection to a standard IEC 3-pole AC connector.
Before connecting make sure that the mains voltage corresponds
to the COMPEX's voltage requirements as stated on the unit.
Remote bypass control
The COMPEX's bypass can be activated or deactivated by the external switch
connected by a standard Jack 1/4". To switch the bypass short the tip and sleeve
of the jack.

7
COMPEX · Using the System
COMPEX · Using the System
Using the System
Connect the COMPEX between signal source directly after your mixing console and amplier or active speaker system.
The COMPEX uses balanced XLR connectors with standard signal level 0dBu. Outputs of the COMPEX features line drivers
to maintain audio signal integrity over long cable lengths. Run the audio system at the desired level and set the compressor
threshold level to reduce harshness for comfortable listening.
Set the drive to create desired level of harmonics and mix with the original signal. The right mix of harmonics will make the
sound more open and clear. To compare the sound with the original source or to deactivate the unit you can use the bypass
switch. The unit is bypassed, when switched o.
COMPEX wiring example

COMPEX · Specications
System Acoustic Perfomance
-3dB Response 20Hz to 100kHz
Dynamic Range >130dB
Channel Crosstalk 90dB
Signal to Noise Ratio 110dB
Total Harmonic Distortion 0,001%
Signal Input
Input Channels 2
Input Impedance 20kΩ (balanced)
Line input XLR
Signal Output
Output Channels 2
Output Impedance 50Ω
Line Output XLR
Features
Level Control -10 / +10dB
System setup Bypass (remote controlled)
Harmonics Drive, 0 to 10
Equalization Level dependent
Indicators 2x 2 Level LED bar graphs
Compressor
Threshold ∞ to -20dB
Ratio 1:3
Indicactors 1x LED bar graphs
Harmonics
Range 0 to 10
Power
Power Connector IEC 320
Operating Voltage 115V / 230V
Operating Voltage Range 90 to 130V@60Hz | 180 to 260V@50Hz
Physical Dimensions
Height 44 mm (1.73")
Width 482.6 mm (19.0")
Depth 198 mm (7.8")
Weight 2.7 kg (5.96lbs)
Specications
8
COMPEX · Specication

COMPEX · Warranty · Service
Warranty
Your COMPEX is covered against defects in material and workmanship.
Refer to your supplier for more details.
Service
In the unlikely event that your COMPEX develops a problem, it must be returned to an authorized distributor, service centre
or shipped directly to our factory. Because of the complexity of the design and the risk of electrical shock, all repairs must be
attempted only by qualied technical personnel.
If the unit needs to be shipped back to the factory, it must be sent in its original carton. If improperly packed, the unit may be
damaged.
To obtain service, contact your nearest KV2 Audio Service Centre, Distributor or Dealer.
9
COMPEX · Warranty · Service