XTA C2 Operator's Manual

XTA C2 Operator's Manual Manual pdf 15 page image

C2 Operators Manual Page 15Gain Control Section:This element is simple in its operation – the signal to be controlledpasses straight through, and the signal fed in from the side can ‘turndown’ the main signal, but is never heard itself. To hear this controlsignal, it is necessary to monitor the sidechain path.The sidechain LISTEN signal may be monitored at the output, using the LISTENkey on the front panel. If the signal has been heavily compressed, chances are theoverall level will have dropped considerably. At this point it might be necessary tointroduce some additional gain to compensate for this loss.Make-up Gain Section:The introduction of extra (static) gain is best applied by ear, but the use ofthe metering will aid the process. The intention is to make the input andoutput levels of the unit match. Frequent comparisons using the ‘ACTIVE’key to bypass the unit, and watching the gain reduction meter, which will show theinstantaneous amount of compression being applied, are the keys to matching thelevels.Limiter Module:Separate to the compressor is a fully independent limiter module. Thisfollows the compressor and is post-make-up gain at all times. Itdetermines the absolute maximum output level from the unit, set with thethreshold control. However, the LISTEN signal does not get routed through thelimiter, so be careful when engaging the sidechain monitoring.Output Section:As mentioned in the limiter section, the LISTEN keyis located just before the output stage, and routes theoutput of the sidechain (equalised or not) to the mainoutput, so that it can be accurately tailored to achievethe desired response. The output is then convertedback to analogue or transmitted as a digital signal to anindependent output. Note that the digital output is a factory fitted option – pleasesee Appendix 1 for further information about this.Now that the main building blocks have been explained, their interactivity andconnections can be outlined with reference to the two modes of operation.