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Table of contents for the manual
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CLX-440 Reference Manual 1 Compressor / Limiter / Expander Reference Manual 2001[...]
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CLX-440 Manual 2 CLX-440 Reference Manual[...]
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CLX-440 Manual CLX-440 Reference Manual 3 Contents Contents ........................................................................................................................ 3 Welcome! ..................................................................................................... 6 How to Use This Manual ...............................[...]
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CLX-440 Manual 4 CLX-440 Reference Manual Limiting ..................................................................................................... 32 Limiter Threshold ......................................................................... 32 Stereo Detection ..................................................................................[...]
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CLX-440 Manual CLX-440 Reference Manual 5 Audio Input ................................................................................. 57 Sidechain/ Key Inputs ............................................................... 57 Direct Output............................................................................... 57 Audio Output .............[...]
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CLX-440 Manual 6 CLX-440 Reference Manual Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis CLX-440™ a part of your studio. Since 1984, we've been designing and building creative tools for the audio community. We believe in our products, because we've heard the results that creative people like you have achieved with them. One of Alesis' go[...]
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CLX-440 Manual CLX-440 Reference Manual 7 How to Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications for the CLX-440. While it's a good idea to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about studio equipment should use the table of contents to[...]
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CLX-440 Manual 8 CLX-440 Reference Manual Important Safety Instructions Safety symbols used in this product: This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit. This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks.[...]
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CLX-440 Manual CLX-440 Reference Manual 9 into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. 1 0 . Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 1 1 . Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufact[...]
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CLX-440 Manual 10 CLX-440 Reference Manual Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) Symboles utilisés dans ce produit Ce symbole alèrte l’utilisateur qu’il existe des instructions de fonctionnement et de maintenance dans la documentation jointe avec ce produit. Ce symbole avertit l’utilisateur de la présence d’une tension non isol[...]
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CLX-440 Manual CLX-440 Reference Manual 11 1 0. Evitez de marcher sur le cordon secteur ou de le pincer, en particulier au niveau de la prise, et aux endroits où il sor de l’appareil. 11. N’utilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le constructeur. 12 . N’utilisez qu’avec un stand, ou table conçus pour l’utilisation d’audio profess[...]
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CLX-440 Manual 12 CLX-440 Reference Manual 6. Verwenden Sie zur Reinigung nur ein weiches Tuch. Verwenden Sie keine flüssigen Reinigungsmittel . Dies kann gefährliche Folgen haben. 7. Halten Sie sich beim Aufbau des Gerätes an die Angaben des Herstellers. 8 . Stellen Sie das Gerät nich in der Nähe von Heizkörpern, Heizungsklappen oder anderen[...]
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CLX-440 Manual CLX-440 Reference Manual 13 CE Declaration of Conformity See the Internet site: www.alesis.com[...]
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CLX-440 Manual 14 CLX-440 Reference Manual Instructions to the User (FCC Notice) This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment [...]
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Chapter 1 CLX-440 Reference Manual 15 Quick Start Guide If you can't wait to get started: The Alesis CLX-440™ is a unique product, but its basic hookup and operation is similar to other compressors in most respects. If you're experienced with signal processors, this chapter is a "shorthand" guide for those who want to start us[...]
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quick start guide • chapter 1 16 CLX-440 Reference Manual Step 2: Try some compression Play some signal into the unit While learning the unit, you should play a CD or a multitrack source into the compressor. Choose a song or part that doesn’t change much, so that you can take your time experimenting with the different features. 1. Turn the CHAN[...]
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chapter 1 • quick start guide CLX-440 Reference Manual 17 Step 3: Try some gating Find a "peaky" signal For this exercise, you’ll need some signal that has a lot of peaks. For example, a full mix with a drum part, a jangly guitar part, or a conga with room reverb on it. This will show you how to set the controls so that only the peaks[...]
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quick start guide • chapter 1 18 CLX-440 Reference Manual Front Panel Diagram 1 Sec 1 Sec 1 Sec 1 Sec -50dBFS -50dBFS Rear Panel Diagram[...]
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Chapter 2 CLX-440 Reference Manual 19 Connections Unpacking and Inspection Your CLX-440 was packed carefully at the factory. The shipping carton was designed to protect the unit during shipping. Please retain this container in the highly unlikely event that you need to return the CLX-440 for servicing. The shipping carton should contain the followi[...]
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connections • chapter 2 20 CLX-440 Reference Manual Power Make sure you read the initial Important Safety Instructions chapter at the front of this manual. AC Power Hookup Plug the female end of the power cord into the CLX-440’s POWER INPUT socket and the male (plug) end into a good quality, noise- free AC power source of the proper rating. Tip[...]
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chapter 2 • connections CLX-440 Reference Manual 21 Do not operate any electrical equipment with ungrounded outlets. Plugging the CLX-440 into an ungrounded outlet, or "lifting" the unit off ground with a three-to-two wire adapter, can create a hazardous condition. Alesis cannot be responsible for problems caused by using the CLX-440 or[...]
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connections • chapter 2 22 CLX-440 Reference Manual Connecting inputs and outputs ✪ When connecting audio cables and/or turning power on and off, make sure that all devices in your system are turned off and the volume controls are turned down. Connecting to the Channel Inserts of a mixing console: Unbalanced I/O Most recording consoles have a j[...]
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chapter 2 • connections CLX-440 Reference Manual 23 This example shows you how to connect the CLX-440 to one mono source. You can use this method to connect two mono or stereo sources to the CLX-440. You would need up to four insert cables to make these connections. Balanced I/O Some recording consoles have balanced sends and returns for each cha[...]
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connections • chapter 2 24 CLX-440 Reference Manual the compressor to the inputs of your mixdown recorder, monitor system, etc. However, if you connect the CLX-440 this way and use the mixer’s master fader to fade out and the end of a song, the sound will change as you fade out and less compression occurs. In this case, either fade the song pos[...]
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chapter 2 • connections CLX-440 Reference Manual 25 Don't use line transformers: Many XLR-to-1/4" adapters sold at electronics stores are NOT adapters, but transformers (and very low quality transformers at that). Don't use these on the output of the CLX-440 — they're unnecessary and generally sound awful because they don&ap[...]
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connections • chapter 2 26 CLX-440 Reference Manual And most importantly, keep connectors clean. Every few months, unplug them and wipe off oxidation with a clean cloth soaked in alcohol or contact cleaner. Insert the plugs in the jacks a few times, to clean the internal jack contacts. Although Alesis does not endorse any specific product, chemic[...]
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Chapter 3 CLX-440 Reference Manual 27 Basics of Compression This section will explain how compression works, and explain the functions of the CLX-440’s controls. What is compression? A compressor essentially turns down the volume of any audio which is louder that a set level. This level is called the compressor threshold level. If the input signa[...]
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basics of compression • chapter 3 28 CLX-440 Reference Manual Description of Controls There are six knobs on the top row of each channel of the CLX- 440, labeled COMPRESSOR. Their function is as follows: Threshold The THRESHOLD knob sets the level where compression will begin. As long as the input signal level is below the Threshold level, the CL[...]
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chapter 3 • basics of compression CLX-440 Reference Manual 29 -10dB and the Ratio is set for 4:1. When the third peak of the input signal crosses the Threshold, the CLX-440 starts to reduce the signal level, as shown in the figure (b). Figure (c) shows the output signal level, with the original signal shown with a dotted line. Ratio The RATIO kno[...]
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basics of compression • chapter 3 30 CLX-440 Reference Manual recorder overloads every time the kick drum hits, you can use Peak limiting to keep the kick from peaking above the rest of the music. When set to RMS compression, the CLX-440 works by detecting a signal’s average level, much like our ears adjust to loud or soft sounds. In RMS mode, [...]
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chapter 3 • basics of compression CLX-440 Reference Manual 31 Compression Artifiacts When you apply a lot of gain reduction (6dB or more), you may hear some problems on the output. Here are a few common side effects to applying a lot of compression and some ways to avoid them. Pumping and Breathing When a compressor is making large changes to the[...]
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basics of compression • chapter 3 32 CLX-440 Reference Manual Limiting Limiting is compression with a very high Ratio setting (10:1 or more). It is typically used for stopping peaks in the signal from distorting the rest of the chain without affecting the dynamic range of the signal. When you are using the CLX-440 as a limiter, the threshold shou[...]
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chapter 3 • basics of compression CLX-440 Reference Manual 33 Stereo Detection The CLX-440 takes the greater of both left and right sides of each channel before they are detected for compression or expansion. The reason for this is so the two sides of a stereo signal are not gain reduced differently. For example, if a guitar was panned to the rig[...]
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basics of compression • chapter 3 34 CLX-440 Reference Manual Sidechain There are a pair of balanced jacks on the rear panel which can alter the way the compressor functions, Direct Out and Sidechain. The DIRECT OUT jack sums the signal from the input and sends it out without compression. Using this jack by itself does not affect the rest of the [...]
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Chapter 4 CLX-440 Reference Manual 35 Basics of Expansion This section explains the expansion features of the CLX-440. What is expansion? An expander reduces gain the opposite way a compressor does. When the input signal level is below the threshold level, that audio will be attenuated according to the ratio setting. If the expansion ratio is 4:1, [...]
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basics of expansion • chapter 4 36 CLX-440 Reference Manual Description of Controls There are six knobs on the bottom row of each channel of the CLX-440, labeled EXPANDER . Their function is as follows: Threshold The THRESHOLD knob sets the level where expansion will begin. As long as the input signal level is above the Threshold level, the CLX-4[...]
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chapter 4 • basics of expansion CLX-440 Reference Manual 37 Knee The KNEE knob is used to vary between Hard and Soft knee expansion styles. When the CLX-440 is set for Hard knee, the expansion ratio applies only to signals below the threshold level. If the CLX-440 is set for Soft knee, the expansion ratio gradually increases from 1:1 to the curre[...]
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basics of expansion • chapter 4 38 CLX-440 Reference Manual Release The RELEASE knob controls the amount of time the expander takes to begin expanding after the signal crosses under the threshold. The range of this control is 1 ms to 2 seconds. By using the HOLD and RELEASE knobs together, you can tailor the decay of percussive sounds. Use a long[...]
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chapter 4 • basics of expansion CLX-440 Reference Manual 39 Keyed Expansion The expander section has a function called KEY which is similar in operation to the compressor’s sidechain. The key input plugs directly into the detection circuit and breaks the flow of the input to the detector when the KEY button is pressed. This allows the input sig[...]
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basics of expansion • chapter 4 40 CLX-440 Reference Manual[...]
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Chapter 5 CLX-440 Reference Manual 41 Applications This section is designed to get you started with the CLX-440 by giving some sample settings. These are merely suggested settings, experiment and find your own once you begin to hear what the CLX-440 does to your sound. Compressor Applications Vocal Limiting Vocalists tend to be one of the most dyna[...]
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applications • chapter 5 42 CLX-440 Reference Manual Vocal Compression In other cases, you may want to compress the entire dynamic range of a vocal . This is typical of pop vocals and voiceovers for radio commercials. Whenever there is signal, there is some compression taking place; just barely on the soft passages, and up to 12 dB of reduction d[...]
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chapter 5 • applications CLX-440 Reference Manual 43 get more stick out of the snare drum, and turn it down for a synth pop slap. Bass Since bass guitar forms the foundation of most Rock and Jazz music, it’s important that the level of the Bass doesn’t jump around in the mix. Also, adding compression to bass tracks (or almost anything else) c[...]
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applications • chapter 5 44 CLX-440 Reference Manual Compressor Applications using the Sidechain De-essing Occasionally when recording vocals, the letter "s" seems to jump out louder than the rest of the part. This is because sibilant letters, especially the letter s, have more high frequency energy than other letters. This can cause ta[...]
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chapter 5 • applications CLX-440 Reference Manual 45 Ducking Ducking is often used when doing voiceovers. It allows background music to automatically be turned down whenever a external source, such as an announcer’s voice, begins to speak. You can also use ducking to have one instrument push the other out of the way, such as the bass guitar duc[...]
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applications • chapter 5 46 CLX-440 Reference Manual Expander Applications Gating a Noisy Guitar Amp When a rock guitar amp is set loud enough to sound good it usually creates quite a bit of hiss. These settings will mute the guitar when it isn’t playing. • Ratio set to Gate • Attack set to minimum (.02ms) • Hold set to minimum (0ms) • [...]
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chapter 5 • applications CLX-440 Reference Manual 47 Expander Applications using the Key Gated Reverb A popular effect for drums is to use distant room mics or a digital reverb set to a long decay, then gate them so that the reverb suddenly cuts off. To do this we will use the snare drum as a key to open the reverb gate. 1. Plug the output of the[...]
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applications • chapter 5 48 CLX-440 Reference Manual Key Filtering for a Tom Mic gate It is often useful to filter the input before it is detected. It keeps other sounds from crossing the threshold and opening the gate. For this example, we will gate a floor tom mic. When the floor tom channel is constantly open, we hear too much of the rest of t[...]
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chapter 5 • applications CLX-440 Reference Manual 49 Staccato Gating a Synth Pad An interesting effect using the KEY input is to key a sustained sound from another, completely unrelated sound. This works well when the signal being keyed is a legato part that doesn’t change much and the key input signal is a percussive sound. This example will c[...]
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applications • chapter 5 50 CLX-440 Reference Manual[...]
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Chapter 6 CLX-440 Reference Manual 51 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating your CLX-440, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support for assistance. Symptom Cause Solution No audio from outputs No input audio Test with a known good input.[...]
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troubleshooting • chapter 6 52 CLX-440 Reference Manual Bad cables Replace the cable with a new, high- quality cable. Problem with the source Try bypassing the CLX-440 by connecting the input cables to the output cables and see if the problem remains. AC hum Ground loop Use only balanced connections in the studio Place all equipment in the studio[...]
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chapter 6 • troubleshooting CLX-440 Reference Manual 53 KEEP AUDIO WIRING AS FAR AWAY FROM AC WIRING AS POSSIBLE. Many hums come from audio cabling being too near AC wiring. If a hum occurs, try moving the audio wiring around to see if the hum ceases or diminishes. If it’s not possible to separate the audio and AC wiring in some instances, [...]
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troubleshooting • chapter 6 54 CLX-440 Reference Manual acting somewhat like fuses in that they need to be replaced if they’ve been hit by an extremely strong spike. • Line filters. These generally combine spike/surge protection with filters that remove some line noise (dimmer hash, transients from other appliances, etc.). A good example is t[...]
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chapter 6 • troubleshooting CLX-440 Reference Manual 55 Obtaining Repair Service Before contacting Alesis, check over all your connections, and make sure you’ve read the manual. Customers in the USA and Canada: If the problem persists, contact Alesis and request the Product Support department. Make sure you have the unit’s serial number with [...]
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troubleshooting • chapter 6 56 CLX-440 Reference Manual Customers outside the USA and Canada: Contact your local Alesis distributor for any warranty assistance. The Alesis Limited Warranty applies only to products sold to users in the USA and Canada. Customers outside of the USA and Canada are not covered by this Limited Warranty and may or may n[...]
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chapter 6 • troubleshooting CLX-440 Reference Manual 57 Specifications Subject to change without notice Audio Input Input Connectors: 4 Balanced 1/4" TRS jacks Nominal Input Level: Adjustable from ≤ -10dBV to ≥ +4dBu = -15dBFS Maximum Input Level: +20dBu (7.78 Vrms) Input impedance: 10 kOhm Sidechain/ Key Inputs Input Connectors: 4 Balan[...]
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troubleshooting • chapter 6 58 CLX-440 Reference Manual THD+N: <0.003%, Analog In to Analog Out Frequency Response: 22-22 kHz ±0.50 dB, Analog In to Analog Out Power consumption: 7 Watts Max (90-230 VAC / 50-60 Hz) Mechanical Size: 3.5" H x 19.0" W x 6" D (89mm H x 483mm W x 152mm D) Rack spaces: 2 Spaces Weight: 5 lbs (2.27 kg[...]
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CLX-440 Reference Manual 59 Alesis Limited Warranty ALESIS STUDIO ELECTRONICS ("ALESIS") warrants this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year for parts and for a period of one (1) year for labor from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty is enforceable only by the original reta[...]
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troubleshooting • chapter 6 60 CLX-440 Reference Manual IN NO EVENT WILL ALESIS BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT OR OTHER DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, DAMAGE BASED ON INCONVENIENCE OR ON LOSS OF USE OF THE PRODUCT, AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMI[...]