Thank you for purchasing the DRAGON dynamics processor.
The DRAGON is the result of two years of extensive research in analog processing. Its circuit was designed so that it could represent the ultimate achievement in versatility, sound, and ease of use. At the heart of the DRAGON is an extremely hi-fi transformer balanced CLASS A signal path with FET based dynamic reduction. In order to make the DRAGON a true chameleon in analog hardware, numerous features were added to customize the DRAGON’s sound to any source.
HI-PASS FILTER The Hi-Pass Filter removes low end frequencies from FET detection so that the compressor does not react to low end energy. It is selectable in 5 different frequencies. Use this setting when you want the low end of your source to be unaffected by the compression. For instance, by engaging the hi-pass filter at its 200Hz setting using two stereo linked DRAGONS on a drum sub mix (commonly called a drum buss), the low frequencies of the kick drum will not be compressed.
preserved even when adding drastic amounts of compression. It is extremely smooth and airy, and sounds good on vocals, acoustics, drums, cymbals, full mixes, and more. 2. Bite - This setting adds a ‘forward’ character to the DRAGON, making the source sound more immediate and in some cases, aggressive. It is great on guitars, vocals, kick, snare, drum buss, bass guitar, and full mixes. 3. Boom – Emulates a classic sub harmonic synthesizer, adding a subtle chest thumping sonic texture to the sub bass.
guitars, and vocals. Setting 3 is well mated with the “MIX wet/dry” controls, described in the next section. *NOTE: The level of saturation in all settings is affected by the “output level” knob. You can customize the amount of saturation at each setting by adjusting the output level. DRAGON MIX CONTROL One of the most unique features of the DRAGON is its ability to mix the wet compressed signal with the unaffected dry signal using the “MIX wet/dry” knob.
PRESETS The following presets will help you get to know the DRAGON’s sound on numerous mono and stereo sources. Adjust the “INPUT” of the DRAGON so it produces the gain reduction indicated in the preset description, and compensate for the gain reduction via the “OUTPUT” control. For “ATTACK” and “RELEASE”, the presets are listed in clock form and in the terms fastest and slowest. EXAMPLE: Release: Fastest means the release is fully counter clockwise at its fastest setting.
Sizzly Tape Drums: Ratio: 20:1 Attack: Slowest Release: 12 o’clock Character: Sheen Saturation: 2 Gain Reduction: 6-10db Note: For this preset, keep the input low and the output high Vintage Smacky Drums: Ratio: 8:1 Attack: Slowest Saturation: 1 Gain Reduction: 5-10db Modern Smack Drums: Ratio: 8:1 Attack: Slowest Saturation: 1 Gain Reduction: 5-10db Release: 1 o’clock Vintage: ON Release: 1 o’clock Vintage: OFF Super Smash Drums: Ratio: 12:1 Attack: Fastest Release: Fastest Squash: ON Character: Sheen
Rich Tape Vox: Ratio: 4:1 Attack: Slowest Bite Saturation: 2 Gain Reduction: 10-20db Release: Fastest Character: Sheen, Dance Club Smashed Vox: Ratio: 4:1 Attack: Fastest Release: Fastest Vintage: ON Character: Sheen, Bite, Boom Saturation: 3 Gain Reduction: 512db Note: This is a great distorted vocal setting for pop and dance music Slate’s Lead Vox: Ratio: 20:1 Attack: Slowest Release: Fastest Character: Sheen, Bite Gain Reduction: 12-20db MIX Knob: 12 o’clock Note: Turn the Input all the way up for thi
Guitars: Huge Electric Guitars: Ratio: 2:1 Attack: Slowest 5db Release: Fastest Gain Reduction: 3- Warm and Crisp Electric Guitars: Ratio: 4:1 Attack: Slowest Release: Fastest Bite Gain Reduction: 2-3db Smooth Acoustic: Ratio: 2:1 Attack: 3 o’clock 5db Bright Acoustic: Ratio: 2:1 Attack: Slowest Sheen Gain Reduction: 3-5db Bass: Rock Bass: Ratio: 4:1 Attack: 3 o’clock Gain Reduction: 5-8db Full Bass: Ratio: 8:1 Attack: 3 o’clock Gain Reduction: 5-7db Big Bass: Ratio: 20:1 Attack: 3 o’clock Gain Reduction
Tapey Snare: Ratio: 4:1 Attack: Slowest Release: Fastest Bite Saturation: 1 Gain Reduction: 5db Character: Sheen, Parallel Smash Snare: Ratio: 8:1 Attack: 12 o’clock Release: 12 o’clock Gain Reduction: 20db MIX knob: 3 o’clock Super Rock Snare: Ratio: 8:1 Attack: Slowest Gain Reduction: 3db Character: Bite Release: Fastest Character: Bite Aggro Snare: Ratio: 4:1 Attack: Slowest Release: Fastest Vintage: ON Gain Reduction: 4db Character: Bite Kick: Fat Kick: Ratio: 2:1 Attack: Slowest Gain Reduction:
Dragon Specifications Input Impedance 15K Bridged T-control (floating) Output Load Impedance 15K Transformer balanced (floating) Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz ± 1 dB Gain 45 dB, ± 1 dB Distortion > 0.5% T.H.D. from 50 Hz – 15 kHz with limiting, at 1.1 seconds release setting Signal-to-Noise Ratio Output of +22 dBm with no greater than 0.5% T.H.D.
Important Safety Information Thank you for purchasing the SLATE PRO AUDIO DRAGON dynamic audio processor. How to take care of your DRAGON: Water: Do not use the unit near any source of water or in excessively moist environments. Ventilation: Dragons like to keep it cool. When installing the unit in a rack or any other location, the Dragon should be located so that its position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. It is normal for this unit to generate a degree of heat.
codes and ordinances. Do not modify the plug provided with the unit – if it will not fit the outlet; have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician. DANGER – Improper connection of the equipment grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the unit is properly grounded. Other Precautions: Protect your Dragon from strong jolts and vibration.
Warranty / Legal Warranty: If your Dragon requires professional help please contact support@stevenslate.com. The warranty for the Dragon is one year from date of purchase, parts and labor. You are responsible for shipping the unit to us and we will handle shipping back to you. If you cause damage to your Dragon, that damage is not covered by the warranty, but we'll still try to fix your Dragon for $75/hour plus parts, in which case you are responsible for shipping costs to us and back to you.
