xpressor 500 manual v1.
Welcome to compressor wonderland! First of all, we would like to thank you for picking the xpressor 500 as your new dynamics tool - a very good choice indeed. We believe this module is the most versatile stereo compressor available in API’s 500 series format. With its many unique features taken from our flagship products, you not only get great compression, but an amount of control on processing which has yet to be experienced elsewhere.
Compatibility The xpressor 500 is a module to be installed into an API 500 series compatible rack frame. It needs the power supply and the audio connectors provided by this frame and does not function stand alone. The current consumption is 125 milliamperes at +/- 16 volts DC. This is actually more than many other 500 series modules consume as a result of the discrete class-A design of the xpressor 500’s audio path.
Controls Threshold (Thresh): The operating point of the compressor. If the input level exceeds the value set with this controller, the compression process will start. Attack: The transient response of the compressor. It determines the time the xpressor 500 needs to reach 10 dB of gain reduction. Release: The return phase of the compressor. It controls the period of time between the input signal falling below the threshold and the xpressor 500’s return to unity gain.
Sidechain Filter (SCF): A tunable low cut filter in the sidechain of the xpressor 500 avoids overcompression and pumping when there is a lot of low end energy in the mix. Gain Reduction Limiter (GRL): Restricts the control voltage. This innovative limiter is not placed in the audio path as usual, but in the control circuit of the compressor. (p. 11) Gain: The make-up gain of the xpressor 500. This controller compensates for the loss in gain caused by the compression process.
Connectors Please note that in stereo operation both channels are always processed by one single control voltage generated from a mix of both signals. This means you should only compress adequate stereo material like sum signals in this mode - dissimilar signals like a bass drum in one channel and a synth pad in the other will not give you the intended ‘dual mono’ results.
Auto Fast The attack parameter is a crucial factor for the operation of a compressor. Choosing the right time settings is very important, but depending on the dynamic progress of the source material this is a difficult task – no matter if single tracks or complete mixes are processed. If a very short attack time is chosen, the compressor is able to catch the short peaks, but on the other hand the sustaining signal will also be processed, which might result in audible distortion.
Log Release It is the time constants and especially the release parameter that decide if the processing of a compressor is obvious or unobtrusive to the ear. As it is difficult to achieve perfect results for all kinds of different material with only one type of release curve, the xpressor 500 offers two different options to chose from: logarithmic and linear. It is characteristic of a logarithmic release that the time constant shortens when the amount of gain reduction increases.
Warm Mode This function is basically a slew rate limiter that reduces the speed of the output amplifier stages. This affects the frequency spectrum, the harmonics and the transient response at the same time. Fast transients are slowed down a bit and the overall sound appears more round and merged. As this function influences the behavior of the output stages, the effect it creates has an impact on the complete processing results of the compressor.
Negative Ratios Negative ratios – what exactly does this mean? To get a better understanding of this function, it makes sense to realize what the ratio control of a ‘normal’ compressor does: • 1:1 The signal remains linear, there is no compression process going on. • 1:2 After crossing the threshold, an increase of 2 dB at the input will be compressed to an increase of 1 dB at the output.
Gain Reduction Limiter A specialty of the xpressor 500 is the Gain Reduction Limiter for the control voltage. This limiter is not placed in the audio path where you would usually find it, but in the control path of the compressor instead. When activated, it limits the control voltage according to the setting of the GR Limit controller. This means: No matter how high the input level might become – the amount of gain reduction will never exceed the value you have set.
Technical Details Frequency response: <10 Hz - 400 kHz (-3.0 dB) THD+N @ 0 dBu, 20 Hz - 22 kHz, Mix 0 %: THD+N @ 0 dBu, 20 Hz - 22 kHz, Mix 100 %: THD+N @ +10 dBu, 20 Hz - 22 kHz, Mix 0 %: THD+N @ +10 dBu, 20 Hz - 22 kHz, Mix 100 %: Noise floor, 20 Hz - 20 kHz: 0.002 % 0.006 % 0.003 % 0.056 % -94.
Precautions CAUTION: Electricity • Make sure to operate your API 500 series compatible rack at the specific mains voltage of your country. • Replace rack frame fuse with the same type and value only. • Your rack frame must be connected to ground. • Do not use a damaged power cord. • Never place containers with liquid on the rack. • Do not expose this device to rain or moisture. • Do not use this device near water. • Refer service to qualified service staff only.
Warranty Info The xpressor 500 is covered by a limited warranty for a period of 2 years against defects in parts and labor from the date of purchase. Natural wear is not covered by this warranty. Repairs or replacements will not extend the warranty period. The warranty is given to the original purchaser only and is not transferable. elysia will only give warranty on products purchased through authorized elysia dealers.
Legal Info The information in this document is subject to change without further notice and shall not be deemed as an obligation or warranty of any kind by the manufacturer. No warranties, express or implied, are made with regard to the quality, suitability or accuracy of this document. The manufacturer reserves the right to change the contents of this document and/or the associated products at any time without the provision of prior notice.
elysia GmbH Ringstraße 82 41334 Nettetal Germany +49 2157 126040 info@elysia.
