SPL DynaMaxx - 2-Channel Compressor, Limiter, Noise Gate

Part of the SPL Analog-Blue series, the DynaMaxx is a new type of dynamics processor that has both corrective and creative applications in those areas normally addressed by conventional compressors. In keeping with the SPL design philosophy, it incorporates many new features not found on standard compressors, and a slightly unconventional approach to the control system makes it surprisingly easy to use.

DynaMaxx also premiers a new facility, the De-Compressor, which may be used to counter the effects of overcompression in previously processed source material. DynaMaxx can be used to provide unobtrusive compression and limiting at the premastering stage, or to produce creative compression effects.

Dynamic Intelligence

Though auto attack and release functions are nothing new, in the DynaMaxx design, the time constants are automated in a very musical way. DynaMaxx adaptively optimizes all time constants in real time during processing so that the compression characteristics are continually matched to the source material.

New THAT 2181 VCAs

The DynaMaxx is also the first compressor to make use of the new THAT 2181 VCAs, and the circuit actually uses two of these excellent VCAs in a Differential Drive-mode configuration, which increases transparency and dynamics while reducing distortion.

A benefit of the DynaMaxx circuit is that high compression ratios do not affect high frequency details. High amplitude, low-end bass can be controlled without introducing pumping or other negative side effects. Similarly, complex stereo sources can be processed easily and very musically. DynaMaxx has numerous applications in recording and mixing, as well as for cost-effective stereo mastering, and because of the level of intelligent processing within the unit, there are only two controls to adjust per channel, making operation very intuitive.

CONTROLS & FEATURES

Compression

Sets the amount of compression, where the degree of gain reduction is continually monitored via the LED meters.

Gain

This is similar to the "make-up" gain control used on conventional compressors and is provided to restore signal levels that have been reduced by the compressor action. This control also compensates for any gain increase in De-Compression mode. The control has a range of 20dB.

Soft Limit

Switches between Compression mode and a Soft Limit mode that features a very gentle soft-knee-characteristic to minimize audible side effects.

Effect Compression
In this mode, the Release time is set to a fixed 60ms to produce a 'vintage compression' effect that works well on solo instruments and occasionally voices.

De-Compression

Converts the compressor to an upward expander that allows to de-compress highly compressed audio signals, such as samples, keyboards sounds or previously recorded tracks that have been overcompressed. For example, the sounds used in most drum machines are highly compressed, but processing them in De-Compression mode restores their dynamics and vitality.

Stereo Couple

When processing stereo material, the Stereo Couple function should be switched on so that both channels produce the same degree of gain change. This is necessary to maintain a coherent and stable stereo image. The front panel controls, including the Active switch of channel 1, function as master controls in Stereo Couple mode.

Noise Gate

Each channel incorporates a Noise Gate with ARC (Auto-Release-Circuitry), and this too is highly automated. In a mastering situation, it may be used to provide click-free gating at the beginning and the end of a song. The Close-LED indicates when the Noise Gate shuts.

Metering

Both channels of the DynaMaxx are equipped with a 20-digit LED ladder meter displaying gain changes to a resolution of 1dB. The displayed values range from -10dB to +9dB. Each channel also has an additional Signal LED which illuminates when the input signal is hotter than -40dB.

Side Chain

If it is required to patch in external processing, both left and right channels have Side Chain inputs. If an acceptable sidechain signal is being received, a LED on the front illuminates.

SPECIFICATIONS

Inputs & Outputs

• Instrumentation amplifier, electronically balanced (differential), transformerless
• Nominal input level +6dB
• Input impedance =22kOhm
• Output impedance < 600Ohm
• Max. input level +24dBu
• Max. output level +22,4dBu
• Minimum load 600Ohm
• Relay Hard-Bypass/Power Fail Safety

• Frequency response 20Hz - 100kHz (100kHz = -3dB)
• CCMR - 80dBu @ 1kHz
• THD&N 0,002% @ 1kHz
• S/N CCIR 468-3 -89dBu
• S/N A-weighted -105dBu

• Torroidal transformer 15 VA
• Fuse 315mA
• Ground-Lift switch
• Voltage selector

• Housing Standard EIA 19"/1U, 482 x 44 x 237mm
• Weight 3,4 kg

Note: 0dBu = 0.775V