Rocktron DVC Dynamic Volume Controller​ Controllers User manual

DVC
Dynamic
Volume
Controller
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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INTRODUCTION
The Rocktron DVC is a single rack space professional dynamic volume controller, incorporating
Rocktron's latest VCA technology in auser-friendly format. Featuring two channels of Ducking capability
and/or manual signal level control via remote foot pedal, the DVC was designed with the professional
musician in mind.
The process of Ducking enables the user to suppress the volume of a given signal or effect
dynamically, dependant upon the presence of another signal desired to be prominent in the mix. A
common example of this is when a D.J. or an announcer speaks over a music track, the volume of the
music is lowered untilthe speech is stopped. Once the speaking has ended, the level of the music track
will automatically rise to its original level. This can also be a very desirable feature to musicians, such as
guitarists or keyboardists. The DVC allows you, forexample, to lowerthe level of yourecho ordelay while
playing a phrase, so the phrase being played sounds less cluttered and more intelligible. Then the DVC
lets the effect ring out at full volume when you stop playing.
The DVC may be utilized live, in the recording studio, for radio or TV broadcasts or virtually
anywhere a volume pedal or dynamic muting is useful.
POWER REQUIREMENTS
The DVC accepts power from the SVAC/1500mA adaptor supplied with the unit. This Sv RMS
AC voltage is internally processed by a voltage doubler, thus generating a bi-polar +15V to maintain the
headroom and sound quality of that of a professional, studio quality product. Using an external power
source such as this minimizes excessive noise and hum problems often associated with internal
transformers, giving the user optimal performance.
PRECAUTIONS
NOTE: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ THIS SECTION TO PROVIDE YEARS OF
TROUBLE FREE USE. THIS UNIT REQUIRES CAREFUL HANDLING.
All warnings on this equipment and in the operating instructions should be adhered to and all
operating instructions should be followed.
Do not use this equipment nearwater. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids
are not spilled into the unit through any openings.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SERVICE THIS EQUIPMENT. THIS EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE SERVICEDBY
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL ONLY. DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER FROM THIS EQUIP-
MENT AT ANY TIME. DO NOT MAKE ANY INTERNAL ADJUSTMENTS OR ADDITIONS TO THIS
EQUIPMENT AT ANY TIME. DO NOT TAMPER WITH INTERNAL ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AT
ANY TIME. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY VOID THE WARRANTY OF THIS
EQUIPMENT AS WELL AS CAUSING SHOCK HAZARD.
OPERATING TEMPERATURE
Do not expose this unit to excessive heat. This unitis designedto operate between 32F and 104F
(0 C and 40 C). This unit may not function properly under extreme temperatures.
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
Do not use cleaners such as Benzine to clean the exterior. Use a soft dry cloth to remove dust,
dirt or fingermarks. Internal cleaning should only be performed by authorized technicians.
FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION
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(1)... POWER LED:
When lit, indicates unit is on and ready for operation.
(2)... SENSITIVITY CONTROL:
With this control the user selects the threshold point, above which the DVC will begin muting
the signal. Until the input signal reaches this point, the signal to be muted will remain unaffected. It is
adjustable from -50dB to +20dB.
(3)... MUTE LEVEL CONTROL:
The amountthat the signalis attenuated depends upon what point the mute [evel controlis set.
Adjustable from 0dB to -65dB, it can be set anywhere between a very slight level change and total
attenuation.
(4). . . RELEASE NTROL:
Adjustable from .1 second to 1 full second, the release control adjusts the amount of time it
takes forthe muted signalto rise backtoits original level afterthe input signal (or “prominent signal”) drops
below its set threshold point.
(5)... MUTE LED:
When lit, indicates that the input signal is above threshold level and attenuation of the signal
to be muted is taking place. When not lit, the signal to be muted is not affected.
(6)... DUCKER IN/OUT SWITCH:
Switches Ducker section of DVC in or out of the circuit path. It should be noted that to avoid
any unnecessary noise, the Duckerin/out switches should beinthe “out” position whenthe Ducker section
of the unit is not in use.
(7). ..DIRECT IN/OUT SWITCH:
Switches direct (orinput) signalin or out ofthe circuit path. This feature is especially beneficial
in mixing situations when only the effect itself is desired to be returned to the mixer.
(8).. INPUT SELECT SWITCH:
Selects for either stereo or mono applications. When only one input is used, but needed to
drive both channels’ VCA's, switching into mono mode will tie both inputs of the DVC together, providing
the same input forbothchannels. Agood example ofthis type of situation would be when running amono
guitar signal into the input of the unit, then running the “send” jack to an external effects device - such as
delay or echo - that has two outputs coming back to both of the “VCA infreturn” jacks of the DVC. When
IN “mono” mode, the DVG will have effect on both output signals of the external effect. When switched
in stereo mode, a signal in the “input” jack of channel 1 will not affect channel 2, as they become totally
independant in this mode.
(9)...VCA PEDAL INPUTS:
Two standard 1/4" RTS jacks are provided for the addition of one or two volume pedals to
controlthe overalllevel ofthe signalcomingintothe “VCA in/return™jack. This feature is favorable forthose
musicians whose volume pedalís) may be placed far from theirrack (25 or 50 feet) during apertormance.
Withoutthe DYC, the actualaudio signalitself would have to runthe entire distance to the pedal and back,
picking up unwanted noise and interference along the way. By using the DVC, the audio staysin the rack
and only a control voltage is sent to the foot pedal, leaving the audio unaffected. Ring = output of pedal,
Tip = input to pedal and Sleeve = ground.
(10). ..PEDAL TRACKING IN/OUT SWITCH:
When switched in, pedal tracking allows pedal one to equally control both channels’ VCA's.
When switched out, each VCA can be controlled individually using separate pedals for each channel.
(11). ..PEDAL TRACKING LED:
When lit. indicates pedal tracking1is switchedin and pedal oneis controlling both VCA's. Pedal
two becomes inoperable in this condition.
REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION
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(1)... POWER JACK:
The DVC accepts power fromthe 9VAC/1500mA adaptor supplied withthe unit. This9v RMS
AC voltage is internally processed by a voltage doubler, thus generating a bi-polar +15V to maintain the
headroom and sound quality of that of a professional, studio quality product. Using an external power
source such as this minimizes excessive noise and hum problems often associated with internal
transformers, giving the user optimal performance.
(2).. INPUT JACK:
This standard unbalanced 1/4" mono jack provides input for the unit. The signal entering the
unit atthis jack will not be attenuated, but instead will be the signal whose presence wilt cause attenuation
of another. The inputis highimpedance. Read the Specification section of this manual to determine the
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maximum input level. Failure to do so may overdrive the unit, possibly damaging internai circuitry.
(3).. SEND JACK:
This 1/4" mono jack provides a send to the input of an effect, Stereo, or other sound source
whose volume level will be controlled dynamically or by a remote VCA foot pedal.
(4)... VCA IN/RETURN JACK:
This 1/4" mono jack provides a return from the output of an effect orother sound source whose
volume level is to be controlled by the Ducker. This may also be considered a direct input to the VCA for
access use with a volume pedal when the Ducker section is not needed.
(5)... OUTPUT JACK:
This 1/4" mono jack provides mono output for the unit.
APPLICATIONS AND CONNECTIONS
There are a number of different applications for the DVC, here are a few examples and their
connections:
1. MONQ INPUT DUCKING EFFECT WITH LEFT AND
RIGHT OUTPUTS:
—4 FROM EFFECT RIGHT OUTPUT
| —« FROM EFFECT LEFT OUTPUT
| _ TO EFFECT INPUT
| $ —« FROM GUITAR
=" 55066866 BET
T OL > TO LEFT POWER AMP INPUT
> TO RIGHT POWER AMP INPUT
*x INPUT SELECT” SWITCH MUST BE IN MONO, AS ONLY ONE INPUT IS USED.
2. MONO INPUT DUCKING EFFECT WITH MONO OUTPUT:
| 4 FROM EFFECT OUTPUT
| » TO EFFECT INPUT
wr
4 FROM GUITAR
| № TO AMPLIFIER INPUT
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5. EXAMPLE DUCKER APPLICATION FOR DISC JOCKEY.
— FROM RIGHT TURNTABLE/
TAPEDECK OUTPUT
—«d FROM LEFT TURNTABLE/
TAPEDECK OUTPUT
|
—« FROM MICROPHONE
= 50060686868
see =
AT
q L
> TO LEFT POWER AMP INPUT
> TO RIGHT POWER AMP INPUT
» "INPUT SELECT" SWITCH MUST BE IN "MONO".
4. EXAMPLE VCA APPLICATION FOR MONO VOLUME
PEDAL.
> TO AMPLIFIER INPUT
| $ « FROM GUITAR /KEYBOARD
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+ CONNECT МСА PEDAL TO "PEDAL 17 JACK ON DVC FRONT PANEL,
USING A 1/4" RTS CORD.
5. EXAMPLE APPLICATION FOR SINGLE VCA PEDAL
CONTROLLING STEREO SIGNAL.
«4 FROM RIGHT EFFECT OUTPUT
| $ «4 FROM LEFT EFFECT OUTPUT
any fm re
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] I > TO LEFT AMPLIFIER INPUT
» TO RIGHT AMPLIFIER INPUT
* USING A 1/4” RTS CORD, CONNECT VCA PEDAL TO "PEDAL 17 JACK ON THE
FRONT PANEL OF THE UNIT. ALSO, PEDAL TRACKING SWITCH MUST BE "IN".
6. EXAMPLE DUCKING APPLICATION FOR MONO
INPUT /EFFECT WITH STEREO QUTPUT, WITH
CONTROL OF OVERALL VOLUME OF EFFECT
SIGNAL VIA VOLUME PEDAL.
—« FROM EFFECT LEFT QUTPUT
— TO EFFECT INPUT
| т —« FROM GUITAR
= 58606860 BE à
| —« FROM EFFECT RIGHT QUTPUT
| 1 — TO LEFT AMPLIFIER INPUT
— TO RIGHT AMPLIFIER INPUT
* INPUT SELECT SWITCH MUST BE IN "MONO".
USING A 1/4” RTS CORD, CONNECT VCA PEDAL TO "PEDAL 1” JACK ON
THE FRONT PANEL OF THE UNIT. "PEDAL TRACKING” SWITCH MUST BE "IN".
SPECIFICATIONS
INPUT
Input Impedance
Max. Input Level
input Jack
OUTPUT
Impedance
Max. Output Signal
Output Jack
RELEASE TIME
For 20dB
MAXIMUM ATTENUATION
SENSITIVITY
DYNAMIC RANGE
THD
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
RESIDUAL NOISE
POWER REQUIREMENTS
DIMENSIONS
470K
+20dBu
1/4" Mono unbalanced
<100 Ohms
+20dBu
1/4" Mono unbalanced
.110 1 sec adjustable
65dB
-50 to 20dBu adjustable
110dBu
‚032% (direct “in™) @ 1KHz
.064% (direct “out”) @ 1KHz
+ 1/4, OdBu 20Hz -20KHz
90dBu (A weighted)
9VAC 1500MA
18" x 6" x 1 3/4"
10
MAINTENANCE
This unit is designed to provide years of trouble-free service but requires careful handling. To
maintain this unitin properworking condition read the Safety Instructions. If any problemis encountered
do not return the unit to your Dealer. Rocktron will accept full responsibility for all warranty repairs.
WARRANTY
All parts and workmanship ofthis Rocktron product are fully guaranteed to be free of defects under
normal use and service for a period of THREE years from date of purchase.
The warranty will remain in effect untilthe original expiration date, regardless of whetheror notthe
product is re-sold in the interim.
Itis not required that you fill out à form for warranty registration. We would, however, recommend
that the dated proof of purchase be retained throughout the warranty period.
Any damage resulting from mis-use or failure to follow instructions and precautions as stated inthe
product manual will void this warranty.
Should this Rocktron product require repair, Rocktron willassume responsibility for repair service.
Do notreturn the product tothe dealer. Simply repack the unit, sending along a description ofthe problem
to: Rocktron Corporation, 2870 Technology Drive, Rochester Hills, Ml 48309. All shipping charges must
be fully prepaid.
This warranty is void if the original Serial Number has been altered or removed, or if this unit has
been altered in any way.
Rocktron Corporation reserves the right to make changes in design and/or improvements upon
theirproducts without any obligation to include those changes in any products previously manufactured.
There is no other express warranty on goods covered by this agreement.
PART 1098-0075
Í
FORM 4158-2/90 !