Aphex Systems 9301A

Aphex Systems 9301A

The 9301A is an Compellor Compressor / Leveler / Limiter module which installs in one space of the Aphex Model 9000 rack or compatible dbx 900 series rack.

The Aphex Compellor® is recognized as one of the more vital tools of the professional audio engineer. As with all Aphex Compellor® products, the 9301delivers intelligent compressor action, leveling, and peak limiting simultaneously. Patented control circuits include analog computers that continuously analyze the input signal and vary the control characteristics. This provides for virtually undetectable operation, regardless of the dynamics of the program.

Extremely easy to use, you only need to set the drive level to generate the desired amount of processing, set the Process Balance control between leveling and compression and adjust the Output level for unity gain. The Model 9301A is then ready to provide complete dynamic control - smooth, inaudible compression, increased system gain, desired program density and the freedom from constant "gain riding" - fully automatically! Its unique circuit design actually enhances transient qualities, thus making even heavy processing undetectable.

This intelligent, versatile, and highly affordable processor can be used to solve numerous problems and improve audio signals in a wide range of applications.

A significant improvement in the Model 9301A over its predecessor (Model 9301) is the addition of a newly developed (patent pending) Frequency Discriminate Leveler (FDL) circuit. FDL eliminates this problem of "bass pullback" by allowing low frequency transients to trigger a slower attack time on the initial transient. High frequency leveling is still controlled within the attack time determined by the onboard computer.

Features

• For Aphex Modular System Model 9000 Series Rack or compatible dbx 900 Series rack

• Intelligent Automatic Gain control (AGC) for consistent program levels

• "Invisible" compression characteristics assure tighter dynamics and virtually transparent performance

• Instantaneous Peak Limiting for effective system protection (user defeatable)

• Adaptive control circuits make for fast, simple set-up and no readjustment for varying program dynamics

• "Straight Wire" sound quality - Employs the proven Aphex VCA 1001 for absolute audiophile quality sonic performance

• Logical Metering System - One button allows you to choose between Input, Output, or Gain reduction levels; bi-color LEDs

• Transformerless Servo Balanced I/O circuitry permits compatible interface with other balanced or single-ended components with no comprimise in performance or quality

• Slow/Fast Leveling Speed - front panel selectable

• Relay Bypass

• Selectable nominal operating levels: -10dBV, +4dBu, and +8dBu

Applications

• Paging and Public Address (P.A.) systems

• Churches

• Cable TV systems

• Stage Monitor Mixes

• Sound Reinforcement

• Broadcast Phone Line and Satellite Driver

• Tape Duplication

• Background and Foreground Music Systems

• Meeting and Conference rooms

• Recording, Film & Video Post Production

SYSTEM FUNCTIONS

THRESHOLD (O VU with DRIVE fully clockwise)

• Compressor 30 dB below nominal level

• Leveler 30 dB below nominal level

• Limiter 12 dB below nominal level

RATIO  

• Compressor 1.1:1 to 3:1 program dependent

• Leveler 20:1

• Limiter >30:1

ATTACK TIMES (for 20dB gain reduction)

• Compressor 5 to 50 msec program dependent

• Leveler - Fast 20 Hz = 3 sec >1 kHz = 1.5 sec Frequency Dependent Leveler (FDL)

• Leveler - Slow 20 Hz = 10 sec >1 kHz = 5 sec Frequency Dependent Leveler (FDL)

• Limiter 1 usec

RELEASE TIMES (for recovery from 20dB gain reduction)

• Compressor 200 msec to 1 sec program dependent

• Leveler - Fast 3 sec

• Leveler - Slow 10 sec

• Limiter 200 msec

CONTROLS

• Drive (Min-Max), Process Balance (Level - Comp), Output (-10dB to +10dB) Silence Gate (-40dB to 0dB) 

FUNCTION SWITCHES (with LED indicators)

• Process IN, Meter Select (Input, Output, Gain Reduction), Leveling Speed, Limiter On / Off

METERING

• Meter Type 10 LED dual color display (green & red)

• Input or Output Mode Simultaneous indication of average (VU) and peak level (-15dB to 12dB)

• Gain Reduction Mode Simultaneous indication of compression & leveling (2dB to 20dB of Gain Reduction

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS

• Audio, Control, Power Terminations PCB edge connectors with 15 gold contacts (mates w/female connector in the 9000R)

• Power Requirements ±15VDC at 300ma (maximum)

• Dimensions:      Front Panel: 5.25" H x 1.5" W

• Circuit Board:    4.5" H x 9.5" D (10.65" D including front panel & knobs)

• Net Weight <1 lb

• Shipping Weight 2 lbs

REQUIRED HARDWARE (purchased separately)

• Module Frame 9000R Modular System required per 11 modules (3RU)

        9000PS for module combinations not to exceed 3 amps load

• Power Supply 9001PS same as 9000PS with dbx 900 Series module capability

        9005PS for module combinations not to exceed 5 amps load (3RU)