Crane-song STC-8 User Manual download pdf (Page 6)

PAGE 4

CONTROL DESCRIPTION

THRESHOLD

The threshold control governs the amount of gain reduction. The compressor initially has a “soft-

knee” compression curve but is increased by the shape control.

PK THRESHOLD

The peak threshold control sets the level at which the peak limiting takes place. The slope is

greater than 10:1 and is fast enough to prevent overload of a transmitter or digital recorder.

When a signal’s peak is greater than the average gain reduction, the peak circuit will take control

until the peak has passed, and then smoothly transfer regulation back to the compressor. The

green pk LED will light when the peak circuit is active.

When the Pk Threshold Control is set to +20 dBm, the limiter will prevent any increase in output

level above that setting. The output will remain constant even if the gain of the STC-8 is in-

creased. The limiter circuit is post gain control. The dial callibration relates to the maximum

output level.

GAIN CONTROL

The gain control will adjust the compressor gain from 0 to 14 dB of gain. When in stereo link

mode the gain controls operate independently to allow balancing of the stereo program source.

SIDE CHAIN

The side chain consists of two control circuits, one for peak control and one for compression

control. The side chain insert only affects the average or compressor circuits. Due to the design

of the stereo link, separate equalizers (with identical settings) must be used for both channels to

achieve channel matched operation. This scheme allows reliable signal averaging regardless of

the phase relationship between the audio channels. In a conventional stereo link circuit (one EQ

for both channels) out of phase material is ignored by the compressor. This is also beneficial for

stereo FM broadcast where phase relationships can affect the stereo generator.

PRESET SWITCH

The preset rotary switch allows fast and predictable set-up of the STC-8. At first glance this knob

may look a bit forbidding, but in operation, this switch is the key to the flexibility and foolproof

operation of the compressor-limiter.

The STC-8 features two advanced functions: 1)Program Dependent Release (PDR) and 2) Dy-

namic Attack Modification (A-MOD). The four groups of presets simply give every combination of

these settings. Further, each group has three presets with predetermined, optimized attack,

release and shape settings and one variable setting (which activates the front panel controls).

In the left half of the settings the Program Dependent Release is enabled. This function is espe-

cially well suited for leveling the volume of the audio without bringing up background noise. It is

especially helpful controlling voice over, lead vocal and any other complex program material

where short release times tend to bring out room noise and headphone leakage. The right half of

the switch has constant release times, useful for enhancing the sustain of guitars or room ambi-

ance on percussion.

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Crane-song STC-8 User Manual Page 6