Phonic PCL 3200 User manual

PCL 3200
SIGNAL PROCESSOR
English
PCL 3200

1. Read these instructions before operating this
apparatus.
2. Keep these instructions for future reference.
3. Heed all warnings to ensure safe operation.
4. Follow all instructions provided in this document.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water or in locations
where condensation may occur.
6. Clean only with dry cloth. Do not use aerosol or liquid
cleaners. Unplug this apparatus before cleaning.
7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install
in accordance with the manufacturer
’ s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (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 plug, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-
over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lighting
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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated
“ dangerous voltage ” within the
product
’ s enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is in-
tended to alert the user to the presence of important operat-
ing and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do
not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance
of procedures other than those specified may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases,
shall be placed on the apparatus. The MAINS plug is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall
remain readily operable.
Warning: the user shall not place this apparatus in the confined area during the operation so that the mains switch
can be easily accessible.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SIGNAL PROCESSOR
FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION....................................................................................................4
GATE AREA...................................................................................................................................5
MASTER AREA............................................................................................................................
REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION .....................................................................................................6
CONNECTION DIAGRAM DISCUSSIONS...................................................................................7
SPECIFICATIONS ..........................................................................................................................9
SYSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAM........................................................................................................ .8
5
PCL 3200
Phonic reserves the right to improve or alter any information supplied within this document without prior notice.
V1.1 11/24. 2005

4PCL 3200
COMPRESSOR/LIMITER AREA
Compressors and limiters are signal proces-
sors that reduce the dynamic range of the
signal. It prevents signals from exceeding a
given threshold level.
(1) THRESBOLD (-40 dB to +20 dB)
This control sets the level of compression to
input signal and thus prevents distortion and
gives good protection to your amplifier and
speakers. Rotating clockwise raises the
threshold, thus squeezing signals at a higher
level and reducing the amount of compression
or limiting; and vice versa.
(2) RATIO (1:1 to infinity:1)
The ratio of the change in output level (in dB)
to the change in input level is known as the
compression ratio.
When this rotary VR is set at 1:1, there is no
signal compression. When it is set at 2:1, any
input signal over the threshold setting is com-
pressed to half. When it is set at :1, any
signal over the threshold setting will be com-
pressed completely. FIGURE A explains the
FRONT-PANEL DESCRIPTION- (CHANNEL A and CHANNEL B are identical.)
comparison of compressed signals respond-
ing to various VR settings.
(3) ATTACK (0.1ms to 200ms)
This control works only when PEAK/RMS( #9)
is set at PEAK mode. It sets the compression
attack time interval between input peak signal
and threshold setting.
(4) RELEASE (0.05sec to 3sec)
Contrary to the ATTACK control, this control
decides the de-compress interval for a com-
pressed signal to return to its original value.
The PEAK RMS control (#9) must be in PEAK
mode. This is helpful to compensate for poor
mic or vocal technique.
FIGURE B explans how the ATTACK/RE-
LEASE works.
Different time settings will create different
effects.
(5) OUTPUT (-20 to +20 dB)
This control adjusts the output level. For
example, if you try to make a CD duplication
from a cassette, it is necessary for you to ac-
commodate the cassette's limited dynamic
range.
8
14
1 3 4 2 5 6 7 8 910 11
13 812 15
16
( 5 dB Compression )
Threshold
1:1
2:1
6:1
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
Attack Release
(Threshold)
Compression
INPUT
FIGURE A.
FIGURE B.
(Ratio)
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
v
t
10 dB
6 dB
2 dB

GATE AREA
A noise gate is a signal processor that turns off or
significantly attentuates the audio signal passing
through it when the signal level falls below a user
adjustable threshold.
(6) THRESHOLD (no gating to -10 dB)
When it is pushed off, all signals are allowed. Turn-
ing it clockwise, only signal over the threshold is
allowed to limit the noise signal level. How to set a
proper gate level for most applications? Turn off the
GATE Threshold, turn on all instruments hooked to
this unit but no input is allowed. Increase the
Threshold, the red GATE LED (#15) comes on. This
is helpful in removing hiss from tape, guitar amps
etc.
(7) RATE (0.02sec to 2sec)
This control sets the interval of the gate time and
thus creates a soft cut to noise. FIGURE C explains
the signal cut responding to different RATE settings.
Different settings create different signal cut effects.
(8) (a) FILTER ON/OFF SWITCH ,
(b) FILTER SETTING (35 Hz-4K Hz)
When FILTER ON/OFF switch(#8A) is pushed down
( at ON position), the FILTER SETTING CONTROL
(#8B) allows passes of some signal depending its
setting position. For example, if the FILTER ON/
OFF switch is at "ON" position, and the filter setting
control positions at 35Hz, it allows signal between
30 Hz to 40 Hz to pass thru.
MASTER AREA
(9) PEAK-RMS
In peak mode, the ATTACK/RELEASE controls in
COMPRESSOR/LIMITER area decides the com-
pression start and release interval. In RMS mode,
it is pre-factory set.
(10) HARD KNEE-SOFT KNEE
In conjunction with ATTACK/RELEASE time
control, the HARD KNEE creates a harsh com-
pressed signal, while the SOFT KNEE creates a
smooth compressed signal. FIGURE D thereun-
der illustrates signals created by HARD KNEE
and SOFT KNEE and the influences of ATTACK
and RELEASE time setting to the signal curve.
(11) STEREO LINK-DUAL LINK
At STEREO LINK, CHA controls both channels.
At DUAL MONO LINK, CHA & CHB works
independently.
(12) BYPASS-COMP
At BYPASS mode, the input signal sends out di-
rectly and is unaffected by the controls' settings.
Input signal is equal to the output signal. At
COMP mode, all input signals are affected by
this machine's factory presetting.
This gives an easy and quick comparison be-
tween unprocessed and processed signals.
(13) IN/OUT LED DISPLAY (-25 to +4 dB) AND
CONTROL SWITCH
When the in/out switch is at "IN" position, the
LED DISPLAY indicates the INPUT level. When
the switch is in "OUT" position, it indicates the
OUTPUT level.
(14) GAIN REDUCTION (-30 to -1 dB)
It indicates the compressed dB quantity.
(15) GATE LED
This LED lights up when NOISE GATE is on pro-
cessing and thus no signal comes in ; the LED
turns off when there is signal passing through.
(16) POWER ON/OFF SWITCH
Two guesses. Push down to turn on the power.
PCL 3200 5
output level
output level
COMPRESSOR/LIMITER
Gate
Attack
V
t
Release
Rate
+ 10 dB
+ 5 dB
- 10 dB
- 15 dB
- 25 dB
- 30 dB
- 45 dB
OFF
FIGURE D.
FIGURE C.
Input level
Input level
Hard Knee
Soft Knee

6PCL 3200
REAR-PANEL DESCRIPTION-
(17) IN/OUT LEVEL (+4dB, -10dB)
It adjusts the signal level of the preamplifier to match
with our PCL3200. The switch shifting changes the
way the input/output meter references signals.
(18) DC JACK (POWER AC1OV)
This unit needs an AC 10V/600mA power supplied
by Phonic. Use of any other AC adaptor voids the
warranty.
(19) INPUT JACK
This is the input connector to take signals from any
low or line level signals such as mixing console,
tape recorder, or synthesizer and other unbalanced
signal sources etc. to be limited, compressed or
gated.
(20) OUTPUT
This provides processed output.
(21) SIDE CHAIN
This is a special connector and allows you to con-
trol this PCL3200 by other devices. For example,
by using a send/return cable (SEE FIGURE E) you
can send the signal out to another device such as
an EQ to re-produce the signal and then return it
back for better sound quality.
Boost the high frequency frequency , the vocal sibi-
lance is removed by differential compression. If low
frequency EQ cut is used, the compressor allows
drum sounds to get through more or less unaltered,
yet may clamp down on a relatively less powerful
high synthesizer note.
PCL3200 REAR PANEL
17
20
2119
18
Ring
Stereo Insert
(to PCL 3200 sidechain)
Tip
Sleeve
Mono send
to EQ (ring)
Mono return
from EQ (tip)

7
PCL 3200
CONNECTION DIAGRAM DISCUSSIONS
The Connection Diagrams (SEE FIGURE F/G)
intended as examples of some of the many ways
your PCL3200 can be connected.
This applies to lower the level of background
music in the presence of narration or to lower
the level of a rhythm guitar while a vocalist is
singing.
(a) Connect the Mike to the INPUT JSVK for
vocalist.
(b) The background music (from either a CD,
synthesizer, turntable or cassette) is connected
to CHB'S INPUT jack.
(c) A Mixing console is connected to the OUT-
PUT jack. Adjusting the THRESHOLD,
RATIO, ATTACK, and RELEASE controls af-
fects signal processing.
(2) DE-ESSING
LANCE"
(a) Insert an EQ to the side chain jack by a
SEND/RETURN cable.
(b) Connect a Microphone to the input
connector.
(c) Connect a Mixing console or a tape re-
corder to the OUTPUT connector.
Adjusting the THRESHOLD,RATIO, ATTACK,
and RELEASE controls now affects signal
processing.
CONNECTION DIAGRAM
DE-ESSING
KEYING
MICROPHONE
MICROPHONE
MICROPHONE
PRE AMPLIFIER
PRE AMPLIFIER
PRE AMPLIFIER
PRE AMPLIFIER
CD
TAPE RECORDER
SYNTHESIZER
EQ
EQ

8 PCL 3200
PCL 3200 BLOCK DIAGRAM

SPECIFICATIONS
NOTE : 0 dB = 0.775VRMS
+4 dB = 1.23VRMS
-10 dB = 0.316VRMS
9
PCL 3200

Phonic America Corporation
6103 Johns Road, #7
Tampa, FL 33634
[phone]
[email protected]
http://www.phonic.com
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WARRANTY INFORMATION
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may be extended, depending on your region. Phonic Corporation warrants this product for a
minimum of one year from the original date of purchase against defects in material and workman-
ship under use as instructed by the user’s manual. Phonic, at its option, shall repair or replace the
defective unit covered by this warranty. Please retain the dated sales receipt as evidence of the
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