User manual ALESIS NANOCOMPRESSOR

[. . . ] ALESIS NanoCompressor Reference Manual Introduction INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the Alesis NanoCompressor Dynamics Processor. To take full advantage of the NanoCompressor's functions, and to enjoy long and troublefree use, please read this user's manual carefully. How To Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions of the NanoCompressor. Though we recommend you take time to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about compressor/limiters should use the table of contents to look up specific functions. This chapter is a basic introduction for connecting and operating the NanoCompressor. [. . . ] The tip of the stereo plug typically carries the send or output of the insert jack, while the ring carries back the return. (You should check your mixer's referance manual to see if it follows this polarity. ) The sleeve represents a common ground for both signals. This involves connecting a 1/4" TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) Y-cable to the Insert jack of a single channel on a mixing console. The other end of the cable (which splits into two, 1/4" mono connectors) are connected to the [LEFT] input and [LEFT] output, respectively. If you do not hear any audio after making these connections, swap the input and output cables at the NanoCompressor, as these may be wired backwards. Once the proper connection has been made, you must set the output level so that you aren't clipping the mixer input. As a general rule, if the [REDUCTION] meter is showing an average -6 dB of gain reduction, the [OUTPUT] knob should be set for +6dB (one tick above the 0 marker). NanoCompressor Manual 11 Connections Using the NanoCompressor with a Powered Mixer You can dramatically improve the sound quality of a powered mixer by connecting the NanoCompressor to it in the same way you would connect it to a regular mixer, with one important note: 7 Never connect an output intended for a loudspeaker (the power amplifier output) to the input of the NanoCompressor. Generally, the best way is to connect the "Master Insert" jack of the mixer to the NanoCompressor following the procedure on page 13. If the system is not stereo, you may connect only the [LEFT] side of the NanoCompressor to the mixer's Master Insert. You can also connect the NanoCompressor (or multiple NanoCompressors) to the individual channel insert(s). Note: Be careful not to use too much compression when mixing live sound, the speakers may feed back with too much gain reduction on the PA. Mixer Main Outputs Some mixers, such as live PA boards and small home studio mixers, may not have inserts on the channels or even the main out. In this case, you can still use the NanoCompressor to control peaks by putting the NanoCompressor between the Main Output of your mixer and the Input of your power amp or tape recorder. Note: During studio mixdown, if the output of the mixer is feeding a compressor before the mixdown tape deck and the song fades out, the sound of the mix will probably change as it fades. This is why it's better to use the Main Inserts if they are supplied on your mixer, since these are typically pre-fader. See your mixer's reference manual for more information. 12 NanoCompressor Manual Connections Avoiding Ground Loops In today's studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has complex routing and computer logic, there are many opportunities for ground loop problems to occur. These show up as hums, buzzes or sometimes radio reception and can occur if a piece of equipment "sees" two or more different paths to ground. While there are methods to virtually eliminate ground loops and stray radio frequency interference, most of the professional methods are expensive and involve installing a separate power source just for the sound system. Here are some easy helpful hints that a professional studio installer might use to keep those stray hums and buzzes to a minimum. KEEP ALL ELECTRONICS OF THE SOUND SYSTEM ON THE SAME AC ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT. Most stray hums and buzzes happen as a result of different parts of the sound system being plugged into outlets of different AC circuits. If any noise generating devices such as air conditioners, refrigerators, neon lights, etc. , are already plugged into one of these circuits, you then have a perfect condition for stray buzzes. Since most electronic devices of a sound system don't require a lot of current (except for power amplifiers), it's usually safe to run a multi-outlet box or two from a SINGLE wall outlet and plug in all of the components of your system there. KEEP AUDIO WIRING AS FAR AWAY FROM AC WIRING AS POSSIBLE. Many hums come from audio cabling being too near AC wiring or the power transformers used by equipment requiring an external supply. If a hum occurs, try moving the audio wiring around to see if the hum ceases or diminishes. [. . . ] In the example below, the sound of a radio announcer's voice will automatically turn the music down when he speaks and it will slowly fade back in after he stops: Set the NanoCompressor controls like this: · Threshold set for +3dB (around 3 o'clock) · Ratio set for 6:1 · Knee set for Soft · Peak/RMS set for Peak · Attack set around 9 o'clock · Release set around 2 o'clock Plug the announcer's mic into the mixer, and feed that mic to the NanoCompressor's Sidechain in. When the announcer speaks, the music will duck down (turn the ratio up to duck it even lower). When he finishes speaking, the music will fade back up at a rate set by the Release knob. 24 NanoCompressor Manual Troubleshooting Chapter 5 TROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating the NanoCompressor, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support for assistance. Symptom The Power LED does not light when the unit is powered on Sound is distorted, Red "Input" LED is lit Sound is distorted, Red "Output" LED is lit Sound is distorted, neither the Red "Input" nor the Red "Output" LEDs are lit Sound is excessively noisy, Green "Input" LED barely lit No audio is heard Cause No power Input level is too high Output level is too high Too much compression Input level is too low Output level is too low Solution Check that the power cable is plugged in properly Turn down the level going to the input Turn down the Output level control Turn the Ratio down or the Threshold up Turn up the level going to the input Turn the Output control to the right Unplug the Sidechain cable Hum or noise from output Feedback in PA system when compression stops Unit does not respond to front panel controls Sidechain jack is connected with nothing on the other side Ground loop, unshielded Try plugging the unit into cables another power jack or using different audio cables Excessive compression at Raise threshold and lower low thresholds output level System level is too close Lower input level or to threshold point output, adjust threshold to compensate Unit is Bypassed Make sure the Bypass/Comp switch is out Unknown electrical Power down and power up conflict, vampires, or again static electricity NanoCompressor Manual 25 Troubleshooting Maintenance/Service Cleaning Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean the NanoCompressor's metal and plastic surfaces. For heavy dirt, use a non-abrasive household cleaner such as Formula 409 or Fantastik. [. . . ]