SPL De-Esser 500 Series User manual

Manual
DeS
Dual Band De-Esser 500 Series Module

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Content
Content 2
Version 1.0 – 02/2016 3
Scope of Delivery 4
Measurement & Weight 4
Introduction 5
Welcome 5
Specifications 6
General 6
Input 6
Output 6
Installation 7
Installation into a 500 series rack 7
Control Elements 8
On/Bypass 9
Hi-S 10
Lo-S 11
High Band/Low Band De-Essing On/Off 12
Voice Male/Female 13
Signal-LED 14
Symbols 15
Security Advices 16
Declaration of CE Conformity 21
Notes on Environmental Protection 22
Contact 23
Note:
Click on a section or page number to immediately jump to that location.

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Version 1.0 – 02/2016
Developer: Wolfgang Neumann
This manual contains a description of the product SPL Dual Band De-Esser DeS. In no
way it represents a guarantee of particular characteristics or results of use.
The information in this document has been carefully compiled and verified and, unless
otherwise stated or agreed upon, correctly describes the product. Sound Performance
Lab (SPL) continuously strives to improve its products and reserves the right to modify
the product described in this manual at any time without prior notice.
This document is the property of SPL and may not be copied or reproduced in any man-
ner, in part or fully, without prior authorization by SPL.
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Scope of Delivery
DeS – 500 Series Rack Module
Quickstart/Product Overview
Measurement & Weight
Singe Slot 500 Series Rack Module
Weight: 1.53 lbs (0.65 kg)
Please keep the original packaging. In case of a service procedure the original packaging ensures a
safe transport. It also serves as a safe packaging for your own transports if you do not use special
transportation cases.
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Introduction
Welcome
and thank you for purchasing the Dual Band De-Esser DeS. Back in the 1990’s, we
developed an alternative way to process signals based on phase cancellation in order
to reduce sibilance.
Unlike traditional compression methods, this procedure is much more unobtrusive and
simplifies control to one single parameter. SPL’s De-Esser quickly became a standard
reference among recording studios, broadcast stations and live sound engineers.
The Dual Band De-Esser DeS expands on this concept by making use of two frequency
bands that can be used independently or jointly. Two de-esser stages increase processing
effectiveness without introducing audible artifacts. Focused processing with high and low
bands makes it possible to process sibilant sounds with great precision. Furthermore,
input signals are automatically adjusted so the processing is uniform, regardless of the
distance between source and microphone. The Male/Female modes adapt processing
in the lower band to male or female voices.
Now, the Dual Band De-Esser DeS is also available in 500 series format.
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Specifications
General
Frequency Response: 10 Hz - ›100 kHz
Noise: -93dBu (A-weighted)
Dynamic Range: 116 dB
Common Mode Rejection Ratio: > 80 dB (at 1 kHz)
Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise (THD+N): 0.03% (0 dBu input level/unity gain)
Current consumption: 30mA at +/- 16 Volt DC
Input
Electronically balanced
Impedance: approx. 20 kohms
Max. Input Level: +22dBu
Output
Electronically balanced
Impedance: approx. 150ohms
Max. Output Level: +22 dBu Content

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Installation
Installation into a 500 series rack
• Please read the manual that comes with the 500 series rack. You should gain all
information necessary for the installation process.
• Your 500 series rack should be switched off and the power cable should not be
connected.
• Insert the DeS module into a free slot of your rack. Make shure the connector of the
DeS is precisely aligned with the rack connector.
• Press the DeS module carefully into the rack connector and tighten the screws.
• Connect the DeS module with your audio environment using the connections from
your 500 series rack.
• Insert the power cable to the 500 series rack and switch it on.
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Control Elements
On/Bypass Signal LED
Hi-S LED
Lo-S LED
High Band De-Essing
Low Band De-Essing
Hi-S
Lo-S
Voice Male/Female
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Control Elements
On/Bypass
With the ON/Bypass button you can switch the DeS into the signal path. If the button
is in position “On”, the DeS is active. If the button is in position “Bypass”, the audio
signal passes through unprocessed.
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Hi-S
Use the Hi-S control to adjust the intensity of the sibilance reduction in the upper fre-
quency range. The center frequency for sibilance recognition is set at 11.2 kHz with a
3 kHz bandwidth.
Scale values for the filter are displayed in dB. The actual reduction values, i.e. after
phase cancellation, might be less.
Please note that the Voice Male/Female button has no effect on the high band de-esser.
In practice, for most applications, the best results are usually achieved when Hi-S setting
is set between 3 and 7.
Control Elements
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Lo-S
Use the Lo-S control to adjust the intensity of the sibilance reduction in the lower fre-
quency range. The center frequency for sibilance recognition is set at 7.6 kHz in Voice
Female mode and 6.4kHz in Voice Male mode. For more information, please refer to
section “Voice Male/Female” on page 13. The bandwidth of the low band de-esser
is 1.44 kHz.
Scale values for the filter are displayed in dB. The actual reduction values, i.e. after
phase cancellation, might be less.
In practice, for most applications, the best results are usually achieved when Lo-S set-
ting is set between 3 and 7.
Control Elements
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High Band/Low Band De-Essing On/Off
Use the High Band De-Essing On/Off button to turn the Hi-S reduction on or off. Use the
Low Band De-Essing On/Off button to turn the Lo-S reduction on or off.
You can use the two processing stages separately or jointly. They are connected in series
as independent de-esser modules. The low band de-esser is set first in the chain.
If both de-essers are engaged, there is interaction between them: a signal already pro-
cessed with the low band de-esser is different from the raw material that the high band
de-esser would otherwise process.
Control Elements
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Voice Male/Female
The Voice Male/Female switch allows you to adjust the Low Band De-Esser to the type
of voice being processed. These values have been determined by practical experience,
so that the processor adapts better to gender. Nevertheless, you cannot take for granted
that these settings will suit every single male and female voice.
Consider the Male/Female function as an additional tool to help you set the Low Band
De-Esser more precisely according to your needs. Always trust your ears to find the best
settings.
Control Elements
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Signal-LED
The signal LED (Sig) indicates that an audio signal reaches the input with a level above
-20dB. This LED helps the operator especially in complex setups to determine immedi-
ately whether the Dual Band De-Esser DeS actually receives a signal.
Control Elements
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Symbols
Exclamation mark within a triangle
An exclamation mark within a triangle is intended to make you aware of important oper-
ational advice and/or warnings that must be followed.
Be especially attentive to these and always follow the advice they give.
Lightning symbol within a triangle
In this Manual a lightning symbol within a triangle warns you about the potential for
dangerous electrical shocks – wich can also occur even after the device has been dis-
connected from a power source.
Symbol of a lamp
The symbol of a lamp directs your attention to explanations of important functions or
applications.
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Security Advices
Connections
Only use the connections as described.
Other connections can lead to health risks and damage the equipment.
Water and humidity
Do not use this device anywhere near water (for example in a bathroom, a damp cellar,
near swimming pools, or similar environments). Otherwise your are dealing with an
extremely high risk of fatal electrical shocks!
Insertion of objects or uids
Be careful to not insert any object into any of the chassis openings. You can otherwise
easily come into contact with dangerous voltage or cause a damaging short circuit.
Never allow any fluids to be spilled or sprayed on the device. Such actions can lead to
dangerous electrical shocks or fire!
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Security Advices
Air ventilation
Chassis openings offer ventilation and serve to protect the device from overheating.
Never cover or otherwise close off these openings. Never place the device on a soft
surface (carpet, sofa, etc.).
Electrical power
Operate the device only from power sources that can provide proper power. When in
doubt about a source, contact your dealer or a professional electrician. To be certain
you have isolated the device, disconnect all power and signal connections. Make sure
that the power supply plug is always accessible. When not using the device for a longer
period, make sure to unplug it from your wall power socket.
Opening the unit
Simply put: DON’T, if you are not a certified SPL technician or engineer. Really: Do not
open the device housing, as there is great risk you will damage the device, or – even
after being disconnected – you may receive a dangerous electrical shock.
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Power connection overloads
Avoid any kind of overload in connections to wall sockets, extension or splitter power
cords, or signal inputs. Always keep manufacturer warnings and instructions in mind.
Overloads create fire hazards and risk of dangerous shocks.
Lightning
Before thunderstorms or other severe weather, disconnect the device from wall power;
do not do this during a storm in order to avoid life threatening lightning strikes.
Similarly, before any severe weather, disconnect all the power connections of other
devices and antenna and phone/network cables which may be interconnected so that
no lightning damage or overload results from such secondary connections.
Security Advices
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Controls and switches
Operate the controls and switches only as described in the manual. Incorrect adjustments
outside safe parameters can lead to damage and unnecessary repair costs. Never use
the switches or level controls to effect excessive or extreme changes.
Repairs
Unplug the unit from all power and signal connections and immediately contact a quali-
fied technician when you think repairs are needed – or when moisture or foreign objects
may accidentally have reached inside the housing, or in cases when the device may have
fallen and shows any sign of having been damaged. This also applies to any situation in
which the unit has not been subjected to any of these unusual circumstances but still
is not functioning normally or its performance is substantially altered.
In cases of damage to the power supply and cord, first consider turning off the main
circuit breaker before unplugging the power cord.
Security Advices
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Replacement/substitute parts
Be sure that any service technician uses original replacement parts or those with iden-
tical specifications as the originals.
Incorrectly substituted parts can lead to fire, electrical shock or other dangers, including
further equipment damage.
Safety inspection
Be sure always to ask a service technician to conduct a thorough safety check and ensure
that the state of the repaired device is in all respects up to factory standards.
Cleaning
Do not use any solvents, as these can damage the chassis finish.
Use a clean, dry cloth (if necessary, with an acid-free cleaning oil).
Disconnect the device from your power source before cleaning.
Security Advices
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