Spectra V610 User manual

1"
Model V610
Operation Manual
Contact Information:
860 West Riverdale Road
Suite D6
Riverdale, UT 84405
801-605-8849
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST
WWW.SPECTRA1964.COM

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UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
Before accepting the Model V610 “COMPLIMITER” from the shipper, inspect the shipping carton for external
damage. Any sign of external damage must be noted by both customer and shipper, and should be called to the
attention of the insurance investigator. After the equipment is unpacked, inspect the unit for any damage in
shipping. Check for scratches or dents, damaged knobs, or connectors. If damage is noted, do not use the unit
unless instructed by the insuring agency.
NOTICE
The Spectra Sonics Model V610 contains no user serviceable parts. Removal of top or bottom cover
plates shall void product warranty. See warranty section for additional warranty information, page 20.
INTRODUCTION
The Model V610 “COMPLIMITER” is a compressor/limiter system with performance both measurably and
audibly discernable as “beyond the state of the art”. Because of extremely low noise characteristics of the
design, the system has a very low input level threshold of -40 dBu, thus providing the greatest input sensitivity
and compatibility with the widest range of system levels available on the professional audio market. Depending
on the program content, the Model V610 “COMPLIMITER” will accept an input signal from -50 dBu to
-40 dBu just prior to beginning compression, as well as standard line level input signal.
Control functions are provided on the front panel for input level threshold, continuously variable compression
slope (ratio), release time, power, and output level. Visual LED indicators for peak limiting and system
overload are provided, in addition to Vu and LED gain reduction meter monitoring. This manual, as well as the
quick start guide is provided to aid the operator in obtaining maximum performance from the Model V610
“COMPLIMITER”. READ THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL, especially the QUICK START GUIDE, before
using the unit.

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SPECIFICATIONS
Input Impedance……………………..………………………………………………….600 ohms
Output Impedance………………………..……….......Approximately 120 ohms (1kHz), floating
Output Loading………………………..…………...600 ohms to Infinity, balanced or unbalanced
Maximum Gain……………………………………………..………………………………..65 dB
Input Level………………………………..…………………………Typically -50 dBu to +10 dBu
Threshold Attack Level………………………………………..…………………………-40 dBu
Output Level………………………..…………………………………Typically +21 dBu
Signal-to-Noise Ratio……………………...…..Not less that 80 dB below +4 dBu output with -40
dBu input (threshold), 20 Hz to 20 kHz, unweighted.
Frequency Response……………………..…. ± .1 dB, 20 Hz to 40 kHz, at +18 dBu (High Z load)
± .5 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, at + 18 dBu (600 ohm load)
Harmonic Distortion………………….…..…….Less than 1/10th of 1%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, at +18 dBu
dBu, up to 30 dB compression, with release time such that attack
and release does not occur on successive peaks of the lowest
frequency utilized. (Typically less than 5/100ths of 1%)
Compression/Limiting Ratio......................Continuously variable from approx. 1.1:1 to 100:1
Attack Time………………………………………………………………..Automatically Variable
Limiter……………………………………………….100 nanoseconds to 2.0 microseconds
Compressor…………………………………………...100 nanoseconds to 1.2 milliseconds
Release Time……………………………………………………………………For 90% Recovery
Limiter…………………………………………………………..Less than 90 nanoseconds
Compressor…………Continuously variable from 50 milliseconds to more than 10 seconds
Maximum Temperature…………………………………………………..140 degrees Fahrenheit
Power Requirement………………………………………………….105-120 VAC, 60 Hz, 6 watts
Physical Dimensions…………….5 1/4” high x 19”wide x8 1/2” deep for standard rack mounting
Weight………………………………………………………Net, 9 1/2 pounds, Shipping, 14 pounds
Stereophonic Interconnection……………………TRS or mono 1/4" type

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The V610 Quick Start Guide
Input Level Control (Threshold)
PROPER SETUP OF THIS CONTROL WILL ALLOW FOR CONSISTENT AND REPEATABLE PERFORMANCE
The V610 compressor circuit is designed to operate levels of -40dBu or greater. The input level control allows for 2dB, incremented
adjustment to attain -40dBu level. As gain is increased beyond the -40dBu input level, resulting compression follows incrementally.
The amount of input level compression may be readily viewed on the V610. A separate LED gain reduction meter simultaneously
shows gain reduction. In gain reduction mode, the meter will deflect top to bottom, thus indicating the amount of gain reduction, in
dBu. Adjusting the input level will give a visual demonstration as to the relation of input gain versus gain reduction.
Note: Three, 10dB pad ranges allows for up to 30dB input pad. The line input has an additional 20dB of input pad.
The V610 is capable of signal levels 30dBu above the -40dBu input reference level, (-10dBu). Levels beyond this reference standard
may be easily attenuated with the input level control.
Independent Peak Limiting/Compression
A unique and important design feature of the V610 is to eliminate the "peak" transient information independent of the compression
function. Audio program peaks, as defined by Spectra Sonics over four decades ago, operate at frequencies well beyond 20 kilohertz
and contain no music program material. Conversely, conventional analog peak limiter circuits that operate in the 20-kilohertz range
will affect program material content in terms of frequency response, distortion and headroom.
In addition, the compression function on conventional analog compressors will be determined by peak content. The greater the
peak/average ratio, the greater the compression and loss of dynamic range and increase in system noise.
The V610 eliminates the peaks and allows for improved dynamic range and system noise by increased compressor gain.
Peak Limiting Only
For maximum dynamic range, and no compression, this configuration is required:
-Set the input level whereby the "threshold" LED occasionally flashes. The "threshold" LED should not be illuminated on a constant
basis. This setting indicates at peaks only. The "threshold" circuit is like no other in the industry and operates an extremely high
frequency similar to an oscilloscope.

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Compression and Limiting Simultaneously
Both compression and limiting of audio program material whereby dynamic range can be maximized as well as elimination of audio
program peaks.
-The gain reduction, LED meter Vu meter indicates gain reduction. At this input level, the “threshold” LED will be illuminated
intermittently and not occasionally flicker.
-The amount of compression will be determined by the input level control setting. A visual representation, using the Gain reduction
LED meter indication should be readily apparent.
-This mode is used whenever a small to intermediate amount of compression is desired.
Compression Only
When the average level of the input signal to the V610 is continually above the full illumination "threshold" level, then compression
only occurs.
- Under this mode only “GR”, gain reduction occurs, (under this condition, longer release times are recommended.)
Output Level Control
The V610 utilizes two independent modules/circuits for audio signal compression and gain.
The compressor limiter function is controlled by the Model 601 Complimiter module.
The output control is a stepped, 24 position detent switch that is calibrated for log operation starting at 2db increments. It is important
that the user understands the relationship between input level, (gain), and output level, (make up gain).
Improper level adjustment can result in loss of dynamic range and possibly increased system distortion.
The V610 Complimiter has a gain of 65dB. Of the total, approximately 40dB of gain is provided by the second, 110A amplifier
module.
The sole purpose of the 110A module is to make-up gain for the unit. The output knob of the 610 controls the 110A module gain. If
the input gain is set at -40dBu as described earlier, then the amount of undistorted gain available is 65dB with 1.1-1 compression. This
is referenced at+24dBu maximum output, and indicated via the red overload indicator on the M610. Decreases in gain will result as
compression is increased.
Threshold
A flashing LED indicates transients, (peaks), at -40dBu and below. A constant LED indicates -40dBu and above for program material.
The threshold circuit operates at high frequencies well beyond conventional peak indicators. As a result, the V610 will indicate peak
amplitude material without the use of a specialized measurement device.
Overload Input
Complimiter Circuit Input overload
Overload Output
The red overload indicator LED will illuminate whenever excessive input or output signal level overload, (+22 dBu), occurs. In some
applications it is particularly desirable to utilize the overload indicator LED as a guide to obtaining additional limiting with the output
of the Model V610 Complimiter

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Release Control
The release control knob affects the signal release time after initial signal compression.
Maximum release time, marked "100" on the front panel, will slowly restore gain to the original level. Long release times are often
used for multiple source program material, main program channel material, mastering, or very slow source material from a single
source.
Slope Control
The slope control provides the widest range of compression/limiting ratios available, from 1.1:1 to 100:1. When the slope control is
set for minimum compression, the knob is set at "10", thus providing peak limiting and linear amplification of 20dBu. When the slope
is set for maximum compression, the knob is set at "0", for a flat slope of up to 100:1, or 20dB of compression.
Phantom Power
48 volt switchable terminated to the microphone input only.
Phase
180 degrees, switchable.
Gain Reduction Meter (LED)
LED type, calibrated 20 dBu segment type design. Shows gain reduction/compression real time.
Vu Meter
0vu = +12 dBu, output level monitor type meter.
Mic / Line Input
Switches between microphone and line input. Line Input has 20 db pad. Line Input will accept balanced or unbalanced source.

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MODES OF OPERATION
Principal of Operation
The Model V610 “COMPLIMITER” is the first compressor/limiter that allows for the professional the widest
range of separate and distinct mode of operation. The attainment of this flexibility is based upon being able to
easily and precisely set the input and output level controls. This is a result of interaction among the following
principals of operation:
1. Accurate monitoring of peak vs. average input signal levels using visual “threshold” LED indication and
Vu meter, respectively.
2. Constant threshold attack level for any compression slope setting.
The following modes of operation result from interaction of the above principles and are recommended for
actual use to demonstrate the simplicity of obtaining both maximum performance and maximum versatility with
the Model V610.
1. Normal linear amplification.
2. Peak limiting only (maximum level below fixed amplitude without affecting dynamic range).
3. Compression and limiting simultaneously.
4. Compression only.
5. Limiting and compression with additional fixed amplitude protection, (maximum percent modulation).
Through variations of these separate and distinct modes of operation, innumerable audio signal combinations
are obtainable. For each mode of operation there follows an explanation of the interaction of the principals of
operation, control settings and typical applications.
Normal Linear Application
This mode of operation always occurs when both the average and peak level of the signal waveform are below
the threshold attack level of -40 dBu. Since neither the compression nor limiting functions of the Model V610
will be activated, the slope control and release time settings will have no effect on the output, and 20 dB of
normal linear amplification will be provided. In addition, whenever the slope control is set to the minimum
compression/limiting ratio of 1.1 to 1 (“100” slope control setting = fully clockwise), normal linear
amplification occurs for all input signal levels above the -40 dBu threshold attack level. This latter condition of
operation above the threshold attack level provides the maximum signal-to-noise ratio for the device.
!
Microphone!and!Line!Level!Settings!

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Control!settings:"For"low"signal"levels"(e.g."Microphone,"etc.),"no"attenuation"of"the"input"signal"is"
required"and"the"threshold"attack"LED"will"occasionally"flash"whenever"input"levels"are"above"threshold."
For"higher"signal"levels"(e.g."Line,"etc.),"it"is"preferable"to"operate"above"the"point"of"threshold"and"thus"
maximize"the"signal-to-noise"ratio"of"the"system."The"slope"control"is"set"to"approximately"normal"linear"
amplification"(“100”"slope"control"setting"="fully"clockwise),"the"release"control"setting"is"not"critical"and"
may"be"set"at"maximum"time."The"input"level"control"is"adjusted"so"the"threshold"attack"LED"is"
continually"illuminated."For"either"of"these"two"conditions,"adjust"the"output"level"control"to"obtain"the"
level"required."
Typical!Application:"This"mode"provides"amplification"for"input"signal"levels"below"the"-40"dBu"
threshold"attack"level,"such"as"when"normal"microphone"output"levels,"(-50dBu),"are"terminated"directly"
to"the"Model"V610."For"higher"level"input"signals,"setting"the"slope"control"to"approximately"normal"linear"
amplification"has"the"practical"equivalent"of"switching"the"Model"V610"out"of"the"circuit."
Peak!Limiting!Only!
For!all!levels!of!the!input!signal!waveform!where!peak!signals!are!above!threshold,!and!average!
level!is!below!threshold,!peak!limiting!occurs.!
Peak"waveforms"or"transients,"by"definition,"are"high"amplitude,"short"time-base,"and"are"beyond"the"
audible"range,"(20"kHz)."Thus,"the"independent"limiting"function"will"attack,"instantaneously,"to"provide"
complete"peak"overload"protection."The"limiting"curve"approximately"follows"the"compression"curve"and,"
a"continuously"variable"limiting"curve"is"obtainable."For"positive"amplitude"protection,"a"flat"compression"
slope"provides"a"flat"limiting"protection"line."
Control!Settings:"Increase"the"input"level"control"until"the"threshold"attack"LED"occasionally"begins"to"
flash,"indicating"peaks"are"beginning"to"cross"threshold."The"control"setting"will"approximately"represent"
the"maximum"amplitude"of"the"peak"material"for"this"audio"program"selection."The"maximum"amount"of"
peak"limiting"will"occur"just"prior"to"the"point"where"the"VU"meter"begins"to"indicate"gain"reduction."The"
slope"control"is"set"for"minimum,"(flat),"slope"of"the"limiting,"(and"compression),"curve"(fully"clockwise)."
Since"compression"is"not"being"activated,"the"release"control"setting"is"not"critical"and"would"be"set"for"
maximum"release"time,"(fully"clockwise)."Adjust"the"output"level"control"to"obtain"the"level"required."
Typical!Application:"Maximum"Vu"output"without"affecting"dynamic"range"is"obtained"with"maximum"
peak"limiting."With"no"compression"of"audio"program"source"material,"no"peak"program"material"will"be"
transferred"through"the"Model"V610,"thus"allowing"improved"audio"level."As"a"result,"increased"
headroom"will"be"realized"without"associated"“peak"overload”,"(typically"10dB)."In"addition,"an"
improvement"in"signal"to"noise"ratio"will"be"achieved"in"proportion"to"the"increase"in"signal"level."
Compression!and!Limiting!Simultaneously!
This"mode"of"operation"occurs"when"the"average"level"continually"alternates"above"and"below"the"
constant"threshold"attack"level."
When"the"audio"program"waveform"initially"crosses"threshold,"the"limiter"will"attack"and"hold"until"the"
compression"function"takes"over."The"cycle"will"repeat"each"time"the"average"level"crosses"the"threshold."

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The"compression"slope"does"not"change"the"threshold"attack"level"or"the"threshold"indication."The"release"
time"will"determine"how"long"the"function"will"hold."
Control!Settings:"Increase"the"input"level"control"until"the"Vu"meter"begins"to"indicate"compression."The"
threshold"attack"LED"indicator"will"be"illuminated"continuously"since"the"average"signal"level"will"now"be"
above"threshold."The"amount"of"additional"compression"is"dependent"upon"the"input"level"control"setting."
When"the"release"control"is"set"for"the"shortest"release"time,"maximum"average"level"will"be"obtained"
with"an"increase"in"audio"level"and"distortion."Longer"release"time"will"provide"the"smoothest"action"with"
minimum"audio"level"changes,"minimum"distortion"and"average"level"slightly"lower"than"the"maximum."
Adjust"the"output"level"control"to"obtain"the"level"required."
Typical!Application:"This"mode"is"used"whenever"a"small"or"intermediate"amount"of"compression"is"
desired.""
Compression!Only!
When"the"average"level"of"the"input"signal"to"the"compressor/limiter"is"continually"above"the"threshold"
attack"level,"this"mode"occurs."
Control!Settings:"Increase"input"level"until"the"LED"gain"reduction"meter"indicates"compression."
Generally,"longer"release"times"should"be"used."
Typical!Application:"Wherever"a"large"amount"of"compression"is"required,"operate"in"this"mode."
Limiting!and!Compression!with!Additional!Output!Limiting/Broadcast!Application!!
This"mode"is"the"same"as"the"previous"“Compression"and"Limiting"Simultaneously”"mode,"except"that"
additional"amplitude"protection"at"a"fixed"level"is"provided"by"driving"the"output"amplifier"to"maximum"
output,"(peak"clipping)."
The"system"provides"“limiting-on-limiting,”"which"assures"maximum"power"output"or"maximum"percent"
modulation."When"utilized"in"this"manner,"an"external"pad"after"the"Model"V"610"is"needed"to"reduce"the"
higher"output"level"to"line"level."
The"red"overload"lamp"indicator"is"set"to"illuminate"for"output"amplifier"signals"of"approximately"+22"
dBu,"well"in"advance"of"the"actual"output"amplifier"limiting"of"+18"dBu"or"greater."Under"normal"
circumstances,"this"is"the"preferred"operation."However,"additional"precise"laboratory"lamp"indication"at"
the"point"of"output"amplifier"limiting"may"be"preferred."Calibration"of"the"overload"light"for"this"function"
is"available"at"a"nominal"charge"from"the"factory."
Control!Settings:"Set"the"controls"in"the"same"manner"as"described"in"the"previous"“Compression"and"
Limiting"Simultaneously”"mode"except"that"the"output"level"control"should"be"set"so"the"red"overload"
lamp"begins"to"flash."Thus,"a"final"fixed"amplitude"protection"line"is"provided"to"prevent"subsequent"
overload"distortion,"over-modulation,"etc."
Typical!Applications:"This"mode"is"particularly"applicable"to"broadcast"applications"where"a"maximum"
percentage"of"modulation"is"required."A"resistance"in"series,"(e.g."600"ohms,"1000"ohms"potentiometer,"
etc.)"where"signal"output"is"sufficient"to"pad"the"signal"positive"down"to"standard"+8"dBm"broadcast"line"

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(e.g."600"telephone"lines"etc.)"level."This"mode"may"be"used"for"any"application"where"maximum"level"is"
to"be"obtained"without"crossing"above"a"maximum"amplitude"protection"line."
CONTROL!AND!MONITOR!FUNCTIONS!
Constant!Threshold!Operating!Advantages!
The"constant"threshold"attack"level"provides"a"significant"operating"advantage"by"eliminating"the"need"to"
continually"reset"the"input"level"for"each"new"variation"of"compression"ratio."Thus,"comparison"analysis"
on"simplified"“A-B”"basis"is"possible"and"the"selection"of"the"desired"slope"of"the"compression"curve"is"
easier,"more"accurately"determined,"and"requires"less"time."
No!“De-Ess”!Roll-Off!
The"need"for"“de-ess”"or"“de-emphasis”"has"been"eliminated"through"the"advanced"design"dual"function,"
independent"compression"and"limiting"of"the"Model"V610."Conventional"single"function"analog"
compressor/limiters"are"not"capable"of"reacting"in"time"to"protect"against"higher"frequency"sibilant"
sounds"without"markedly"sacrificing"the"performance"of"audio"program"material."Considerable"
engineering"design"effort"was"required"to"develop"a"sophisticated"dual"function"system."“De-ess”"or"“de-
emphasis”"controls"frequencies"irrespective"of"whether"or"not"transients"or"sibilant"peaks"are"present."
The"professional"audio"engineer"is"no"longer"in"control"of"the"final"program"output"from"such"competitive"
conventional"units"due"to"either"“roll-off”"of"all"high"frequencies"to"avoid"sibilant"distortion"from"only"a"
few"high"frequencies,"or"tolerate"sibilant"distortion"from"high"frequency"peak"overload."
THE!FREQUENCY!RESPONSE!OF!THE!MODEL!V610!DOES!NOT!CHANGE!UNDER!
NORMAL!LINEAR!AMPLIFICATION,!LIMITING!AND/OR!COMPRESSION.!
Input!and!Output!Level!Controls!
THE"INPUT"CONTROL"REGULATES"THE"AMOUNT"OF"COMPRESSION/LIMITING"DESIRED."The"system"is"
capable"of"receiving"input"signals"30"dB"above"the"constant"threshold"attack"level"without"degradation"in"
performance."The"output"control"regulates"the"system"output"level"and"is"located"after"the"
compression/limiting"plug-in"module"and"before"the"final"amplifier"plug-in"module."Continuously"
variable"control"of"the"input"and"output"signal"levels"is"provided"to"allow"any"value"of"attenuation."The"Vu"
meter"may"be"used"to"monitor"accurately"this"attenuation."
Slope!(Compression/Limiting!Ratio)!Control!
The!Model!V610!provides!both:!
1. The"widest"range"of"compression/limiting"ratios"–"from"approximately"1.1:1"(approaching"linear
amplification)"to"100:1"(flat"slope).

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2. Continuously"variable"selection"of"compression"ratios"–"which"may"be"changed"during"use"to"
obtain"any"desired"slope"of"the"compression"curve"without"producing"transients,"pops,"clicks,"etc.,"
or"changing"the"threshold"attack"level."
For"inputs"up"to"the"point"of"threshold"(-40"dBu),"the"compressor/limiter"provides"20"dB"of"gain."
Thereafter,"the"output"is"dependent"upon"the"compression/limiting"ratio"selected."The"unit"
restricts/limits"any"program"material"from"exceeding,"in"amplitude,"the"selected"compression/limiting"
ratio"curve."Distortion"and"gain"decreases"as"the"compression/limiting"ratio"is"reduced"from"the"extreme"
flat"setting."
When"the"slope"control"is"set"to"the"maximum"compression/limiting"ratio"of"approximately"100"to"1"(“0”"
slope"control"setting"="fully"counterclockwise),"the"compression/limiting"curve"is"flat."Hence,"the"
maximum"amplitude"output"is"held"to"a"constant"-20"dBu"for"any"input"level"up"to"30"dB"above"threshold."
This"extremely"flat"slope"is"very"useful"whenever"a"positive"protection"line"limit"is"required."
Conversely,"when"the"slope"control"is"set"to"the"minimum"compression/limiting"ratio"of"approximately"
1.1:1"(“100”"slope"control"setting"="fully"clockwise),"the"slope"of"the"compression"curve"approaches"the"
linear"amplification"curve."The"Model"V610"approximates"the"operation"of"a"normal"linear"amplifier,"and"
provides"approximately"20"dB"of"gain"for"input"above"threshold."
For"typical"intermediate"slope"control"settings,"refer"to"Figure"1,"Compression"Curve"Slope"vs."Slope"
Control"Settings."For"slope"control"settings"of"approximately"“50”"(50%"open),"a"signal"input"increase"of"
15"dB"above"threshold,"will"increase"the"output"approximately"7.5"dB,"which"is"a"2:1"
compression/limiting"ratio."

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Release!Control!
The!continuously!variable!release!time!control!regulates!only!the!compressor!release!function.!
Distortion!is!a!function!of!release!time!and!the!amount!of!compression/limiting.!
Maximum"release"time"(“100”"on"the"panel,"fully"clockwise)"will"slowly"restore"gain"back"to"its"original"
level."For"lowest"distortion"and"smoothest"response,"the"release"time"should"be"at"least"an"order"of"
magnitude"greater"than"the"time"of"one"cycle"of"the"lowest"frequency"to"be"processed."Longer"release"
time"settings"are"often"used"for"multiple"source"program"material,"main"program"channel"material,"
mastering,"or"very"slow"music"from"a"single"source.""
Minimum"settings"of"release"time,"(“0”"on"the"panel,"fully"counterclockwise),"will"quickly"restore"gain"
back"to"its"original"level."For"maximum"average"level"below"a"fixed"amplitude"output,"the"release"control"
should"be"set"at"the"shortest"time;"however,"distortion"and"level"change"variations"will"be"greater."
Minimum"release"times"are"often"used"for"single"source,"vocal"or"solo"source"material"with"low"
background"noise"and/or"low"background"program"material."As"the"background"level"increases,"the"quick"
release"to"normal"level,"(short"release"time),"will"be"audibly"detectible"as"a"rapid"change"in"background"
program"level."

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Figure"2,"Actual"Release"Time,"(90%"signal"recovery)"vs."Release"Control"Settings,"illustrates"the"wide"
degree"of"continuous"release"time"variation"available."In"addition,"all"the"release"times"may"be"reduced"if"
required."Please"consult"the"factory"for"adjustment"procedures."
FIGURE!2!
ACTUAL!RELEASE!TIME!VS.!RELEASE!CONTROL!SETTINGS!
!
Release"Control"Settings"(Panel"Markings)"
"
"
"
Actual"
Release"
Time"
(Seconds)"
!
0"
20"
40"
60"
80"
100"
5"dB"
Comp."
0.05"
0.4"
0.7"
1.2"
3.5"
5.5"
10"dB"
Comp."
0.08"
0.6"
1.0"
3.0"
5.7"
8.5"
15"dB"
Comp."
0.14"
0.7"
1.4"
3.5"
6.2"
9.2"
20"dB"
Comp."
0.16"
0.9"
1.8"
4.5"
10"
10"
25"dB"
Comp."
0.18"
1.5"
2.8"
6.0"
10"
10"
NOTE:"LISTED"DATA"MAY"VERY"SLIGHTLY"DUE"TO"
COMPONENT"TOLERANCE"VARIATION"WITHIN"THE"MODEL"610"
!
In!summary,!the!optimum!release!control!setting!for!maximum!level!below!fixed!amplitude!will!
be!the!shortest!possible!release!time!commensurate!with!the!minimal!amount!of!distortion!
and/or!level!changes.!Judicious!listening!and!selection!of!release!times!for!various!program!
selections!is!recommended,!using!this!information!as!a!guide.!
Threshold!Attack!Indicator!LED!
The"Vu"meter"needle"mechanism"cannot"respond"to"instantaneous"peak"limiting"of"the"Model"M610"
system"on"high"amplitude,"short"time"base"transients."A"Vu"meter"is"capable"of"indicating"longer"time"
base"signal."When"illuminated,"the"clear"threshold"attack"LED"indicates"that"audio"signal"(e.g."transients,"
peak"program"material,"etc.)"have"crossed"the"constant"-40"dBu"threshold"attack"level"of"the"Model"M610."
The"frequency"of"the"illumination,"(e.g."flash,"flashing,"steady,"etc.)"from"the"LED"indicator"gives"the"user"
an"approximate"representation"of"the"peak"limiting"taking"place,"without"the"task"of"monitoring"with"an"
auxiliary"oscilloscope."
If"the"input"signal"remains"above"threshold"for"a"longer"time,"the"threshold"attack"indicator"LED"will"
remain"illuminated"and"the"Vu"meter,"(meter"switch"set"to"“GR”),"will"indicate"the"amount"of"GAIN"
REDUCTION,"(compression),"that"will"automatically"occur."
Overload!Indicator!LED!

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The"red"overload"indicator"input"LED"will"illuminate"whenever"excessive"input"or"output"signal"level"
overload,"(+22"dBu),"occurs."
In"some"applications"it"is"particularly"desirable"to"utilize"the"output"overload"indicator"LED"as"a"guide"to"
obtaining"additional"limiting"with"the"output"of"the"Model"V610."
Dimensions!and!Mounting"
The"Model"V610"is"designed"to"fit"a"standard"19"inch"electronics"equipment"rack,"cabinet"or"console,"and"
requires"5"¼”"inches"of"vertical"rack"space."The"unit"may"be"mounted"in"any"position."The"4"oval"cutouts"
on"the"ends"of"the"front"panel"are"provided"for"mounting."The"front"panel"is"1/8”"x"3"1/2”"x"19”."Behind"
the"front"panel,"the"unit"is"5"¼”"high,"17”"wide"and"8"1/2”"deep."The"net"weight"is"10"pounds."The"unit"is"
completely"self"contained"and"does"not"require"forced"air"cooling.""
Design!Schematics!and"Physical!Layout!
The!Model!V610!Block!Schematic!Design!is!shown!in!Figure!5.!
The!Model!101!Audio!Amplifier,!Model!601!Compressor/Limiter!and!Model!603A!Gain!Reduction!
Meter!Amplifier!modules!must!be!repaired!only!by!the!factory!due!to!the!precise!and!critical!
parameter!requirements!of!the!components!utilized.!Arbitrary!insertion!of!standard!components!
cause!catastrophic!failure!of!the!plug-in!modules!and!should!not!be!attempted.!It!is!for!this!reason!
that!the!plug-in!module!schematics!are!not!provided.!
Please"contact"the"factory"for"additional"service"information"and"schematics"on"non"critical"components."
EQUIPMENT!WARRANTY!
The"following"warranty"is"effective"for"all"Spectra"Sonics,"LLC"(Manufacturer)"products."Spectra"Sonics"warrants"that"this"
product"is"free"of"defects"in"both"materials"and"workmanship."Should"any"part"of"this"product"be"defective,"the"Manufacturer"
agrees"at"its"option,"to:"
A. Repair"or"replace"with"a"like"new"replacement"any"defective"part"free"of"charge"(except"transportation"charges)"for"a"period
of"one"year"for"all"products."This"warranty"period"begins"on"the"date"the"end"user"is"invoiced"for"the"product,"provided"the"end
user"provides"proof"of"purchase"that"demonstrates"that"the"product"is"still"within"the"warranty"period"and"returns"the"product
within"the"warranty"period"to"Spectra"Sonics,"LLC,"according"to"the"Product"Return"and"Repair"Policy"set"forth"below."All
inbound"shipping"costs"are"the"responsibility"of"the"end"user;"Spectra"Sonics,"LLC"will"cover"all"outbound"shipping"costs.
Product!Return!and!Repair!Policy!
Return!to!Manufacturer!
1. An"RMA"(return"merchandise"authorization)"number"must"be"obtained"by"the"end"user"from"Spectra"Sonics,"LLC.
2. The"user"must"return"the"product"to"Spectra"Sonics,"LLC"with"proof"of"purchase"(showing"purchase"date)"for"a
warranty"claim,"and"display"the"RMA"number"on"the"outside"of"the"shipping"package.
THIS!WARRANTY!IS!VOID!IF:!
•The"product"has"been"damaged"by"negligence,"accident,"act"of"God,"or"mishandling,"or"has"not"been"operated"in
accordance"with"the"procedures"described"in"the"operating"and"technical"instructions,"or
•The"product"has"been"altered"or"repaired"by"other"than"the"Manufacturer"or"an"authorized"service"representative"of
the"Manufacturer;"or

15"
•Adaptations"or"accessories"other"than"those"manufactured"or"provided"by"the"Manufacturer"have"been"made"attached
to"the"product"which,"in"the"determination"of"the"Manufacturer,"shall"have"affected"the"performance,"safety"or
reliability"of"the"product;"or
•The"product’s"original"serial"number"has"been"modified"or"removed.
NO"OTHER"WARRANTY,"EXPRESSED"OR"IMPLIED,"INCLUDING"WARRANTIES"OF"MERCHANTABILITY"OR"FITNESS"FOR"ANY"
PARTICULAR"USE,"APPLIES"TO"THE"PRODUCT."MANUFACTURER’S"MAXIMUM"LIABILITY"HEREUNDER"SHALL"BE"THE"
AMOUNT"PAID"BY"THE"END"USER"FOR"THE"PRODUCT."
No"person"or"entity"authorized"to"assume"any"obligation"or"other"liability"in"connection"with"the"products."No"action,"
regardless"of"form,"arising"out"of"or"relating"to"the"product"or"this"warranty,"may"be"brought"by"end"user"more"than"one"(1)"
year"after"the"cause"of"action"has"accrued."
Manufacturer"shall"not"be"liable"for"punitive,"consequential,"or"incidental"damages,"expenses,"or"loss"of"revenue"or"property,"
inconvenience,"or"interruption"in"operation"experienced"by"the"end"user"due"to"a"malfunction"in"the"purchased"product."No"
warranty"service"performed"on"any"product"shall"extend"the"applicable"warranty"period."
In"case"of"unsatisfactory"operation,"the"end"user"shall"promptly"notify"the"Manufacturer"at"the"address"set"forth"below"in"
writing"or"call"(801)"593-9813"giving"full"particulars"as"to"the"defects"or"unsatisfactory"operation."Upon"receipt"of"such"notice,"
the"Manufacturer"will"give"instructions"respecting"the"shipment"of"product,"or"such"other"matters"as"it"elects"to"honor"this"
warranty"as"above"provided."This"warranty"does"not"cover"damage"to"the"product"during"shipping"and"the"Manufacturer"
assumes"no"responsibility"for"such"damage."All"shipping"costs"shall"be"paid"by"the"customer."
This"warranty"extends"only"to"the"original"end"user"and"in"not"assignable"or"transferable."This"warranty"is"governed"by"the"
laws"of"the"State"of"Utah,"without"regard"to"the"conflicts"of"interest’s"provisions"thereof."
STEREO INTERCONNECTION OF THE C610, V610, AND THE 611
Located at the rear of the 600 series Complimiter unit, is a connector, (labeled “link”), used for two channel, “stereophonic”
interconnection of two units. Since only the tip portion of a ¼” connector is used, both mono and TRS connector type cables
will work. Vintage 610 models require a Model 610SI interconnect cable. Please contact the factory to purchase the cable.
The link interconnection couples the attack and release action of the limiting and compression functions of two units. The
input (compression/limiting) and slope controls on either unit may be independently set for the desired mode of operation.
However, when the attack action of either unit is activated, the other will follow so as to maintain the stereophonic
perspective. The release action will follow the fastest setting on either unit. Prior to differing applications, the accessory may
be switched in or out of the circuit as desired.
Spectra!Sonics,!LLC!
860 West Riverdale Road
Suite D6
Riverdale, UT 84405
801-605-8849
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST