Alto BK 2.0 Bedienungsanleitung

BK 2.0

User's Manual

LTO

www.altoproaudio.com

Version 2.0 Dec. 2002

EnglishEnglish

COMPRESSOR /LIMITER /GATE

SAFETY RELATED SYMBOLS

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

Protective Grounding

Make sure to connect the protective grounding to prevent any

electric shock before turning ON the apparatus.

Never cut off the internal or external protective grounding wire

or disconnect the wiring of protective grounding terminal.

The symbol is used to indicate that some hazard-

ous live terminals are involved within this apparatus,

even under the normal operating conditions.

The symbol is used in the service documentation

to indicate that a specific component shall be only

replaced by the component specified in that docu-

mentation for safety reasons.

Protective grounding terminal.

Alternating current /voltage.

Hazardous live terminal.

ON: Denotes the apparatus is turned on.

OFF: Denotes the apparatus is turned off, because it uses

the single pole switch, be sure to unplug the AC power to

prevent any electric shock before you proceed with your

service.

WARNING: Describes precautions that should be

observed to prevent the danger of injury or death to

the user.

CAUTION: Describes precautions that should be

observed to prevent danger of the apparatus.

WARNING

Power Supply

Ensures the source voltage matches the voltage of the

power supply before turning ON the apparatus.

Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when

unused for long periods of time.

External Connection

The external wiring connected to the output hazardous live

terminals requires installation by an instructed person, or the

use of ready-made leads or cords.

Do not Remove any Cover

There are maybe some areas with high voltages inside,

to reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove any

cover if the power supply is connected.

The cover should be removed by qualified personnel

only.

No user serviceable parts inside.

Fuse

To prevent a fire, make sure to use fuses with specified stan-

dard (current, voltage, type). Do not use a different fuse or

short circuit the fuse holder.

Before replacing the fuse, turn OFF the apparatus and dis-

connect the power source.

Operating Conditions

This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or spl-

ashing and that no objects filled with liquids, such as

vases, shall be placed on this apparatus.

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose

this apparatus to rain or moisture.

Do not use this apparatus near water.

Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,

heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amp-

lifiers) that produce heat.

Do not block any ventilation openings.

No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should

be placed on the apparatus.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read these instructions.

Heed all warnings.

Follow all instructions.

Keep these instructions.

Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manu-

facturer.

Power Cord and Plug

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or

grounding type plug. A polarized plug has two blades

with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug

has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide

blade or the third prong are provided for your safety.

If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult

an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched

particularly at the plug, convenience receptacles, and

the point where they exit from the apparatus.

Cleaning

When the apparatus needs a cleaning, you can blow off

dust from the apparatus with a blower or clean with a rag

etc. Don't use solvents such as benzol, alcohol, or other

fluids with very strong volatility and flammability for cleaning

the apparatus body.

Clean only with a dry cloth.

Servicing

Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. To reduce the

risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other

than that contained in the operating instructions unless

you are qualified to do so.

Servicing is required when the apparatus has been dam-

aged in any way, such as the power supply cord or plug

is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen

into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to

rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been

dropped.

PREFACE

Dear Customer:

For our LTO AUDIO TEAM, music and sound are more then a job...are first of all passion and let us say...our obsession!

We have been designing professional audio products for a long time in cooperation with some of the major brands in

the world in the audio field.

The LTO line presents unparalleled analogue and digital products made by Musicians for Musicians in our R&D Centers

in Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom and Taiwan. The core of our digital audio products is a sophisticated DSP (Digital

Sound Processor) and a large range of state of the art algorithms which have been developed by our Software Team

for the last 7 years.

Because we are convinced you are the most important member of LTO AUDIO TEAM and the one confirming the quality

of our job, we like to share with you our work and our dreams, paying attention to your suggestions and your comments.

Following this idea we create our products and we will create the new ones! From our side, we guarantee you and we will

guarantee you also in future the best quality, the best fruits of our continuous researches and the best prices.

Thank you very much.

LTO AUDIO TEAM

Thanks for choosing LTO BK 2.0 Compressor/Limter/Gate and thanks for choosing one of the results of LTOAUDIO

TEAM job and researches.

Our LTO BK 2.0 is the result of many hours of listening and tests involving common people, area experts, musicians

and technicians.

The results of this effort is that you can acquired an extremely efficient and universal dynamics processor. It Contains

several new circuit design which make the unit an ultimate dyna mic processor: intelligent program recognition, interactive

Expander/Gate and a new Dynamic Enhancer.

Nothing else to add, but that we would like to thank all the people that made the LTO BK 2.0 a reality available to our

customers, and thank our designers and all the LTO staff, people who make possible the realization of products containing

our idea of music and sound and are ready to support you, our customers, in the best way, conscious that you are our best

richness.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................4

2.1 Some technical stuff

2. THE CONCEPT BEHIND..........................................................................................................................4

2.2 Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA)

2.3 Inputs

3. CONTROLS................................................................................................................................................6

3.1 Expander/Gate Section

3.2 Compressor Section

3.3 Dynamic Enhancer Section

3.4 The Rear Panel

4. READY TO ROLL?....................................................................................................................................9

4.1 Expander/Gate Section

4.2 Compressor Section

4.3 Limiter Section

6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................................13

7. BLOCK DIAGRAM......................................................................................................................................................14

5. INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION.....................................................................................................11

5.1 Mains Connection

5.2 Audio Connection

5.3 Rack Mounting

8. WARRANTY ...............................................................................................................................................................15

1. INTRODUCTION

You are now the owner of an LTO BK 2.0 Compressor/Limiter/Gate. The BK 2.0 is a very powerful dynamic processor. We

have included in it several innovative circuit designs that make the BK 2.0 a very versatile processor: smart and fast recognition

of the program, adjustable Expander/Gate and very low distortion Voltage Control Amplifier (VCA).

Feature List:

Smart Knee Control Compressor (SKC)

Soft knee or hard knee? This is the question! SKC combines both: In the "soft knee" mode you control the program

material so that the compression will be the most musical and inaudible. ON the other end, the hard knee function is

used for better precision, limiting signal peaks with precision and will allow you to add creativity to the dynamic processing.

This function also allows you to protect other equipment in the signal loop against distortion.

The AUTO Function

Your BK 2.0 includes and AUTO function switch on the front panel. Thanks to the AUTO function attack and release times of

the program materials are automatically analysed. Then the dynamic range of the program is heavily compressed in a very

musical way so that there will not be any audible breathing or pumping effect.

Smart Ratio Control expander (SRC)

Durinmusic pauses or when a quiet session occurs, the noise floor maybe highly amplified and this effect

may be exaggerated because of inappropriate use of the compression ratio. The SRC control will adjust the

expansion depending on the input signal so that those signals, which are slightly above the noise floor level,

will get the major benefits.

Smart Gate Control peak limiter (SGC)

This function includes two important functions: Clipper and program limiter. The peak limiter will be activated

above a certain threshold that is adjusted by the User and will radically restrict signal peaks. But what about if

the threshold of the Limiter is surpassed only for a few milliseconds? SGC will turn on automatically and reduce

the output signal so that you will not hear any distortion. Smart, isn't it? The SGC proves to be very efficient in

loudspeaker protection and to reduce undesired peaks in digital situations.

Ok,Ok, you do not want to get advantage of our AUTO function and be the Master of your own mix.

We have provided your BK2.0 with User Adjustable attack and release time for the best total manual control.

Attack and Release Controls:

2.1 Some technical stuff

Good old analog technology: It will allow us to manufacture audio equipment with a very high dynamic range: up

to 125 dB. But the dynamic range of digital equipment is more or less 25 dB less. A further reduction in dynamic

range occurs with the use of tape recorders and/or vinyl records.

2. THE CONCEPT BEHIND

2.1.1 It is not just Music

Yes, a piece of electronic will produce some noise. When the current flows through a conductor this will generate

a certain movement of the electrons and therefore: noise. And throughout the whole spectrum of audio. Imagine

what happens when this inherent noise will be amplified. Yes, today one can use "low-noise" components but still

such components will present a certain level of residual noise.

For example with tape recorders it will not be possible to get an S/N (signal to noise) ratio better than 70dB.

This level would not be accepted today by the increased sensitivity of the Listeners. It is possible to improve the

performance of a tape recorder: Absolutely no!

2.1.2 Introducing Audio Dynamics

The human ear can detect the noise generating by falling leaves as well as the roar generated by the taking off space

shuttle. Unfortunately no analog, nor digital device can reproduce such wide spectrum. Please look at Chart. 1 and you

will see the difference if dynamic capacity of various devices when compare to the human ear. More problems occur

when handling high level signals and low level signals. When you reach the high level limit you may incur in distortion

because of the dynamic range of the instrument therefore a certain "reserve" must be maintained to avoid distortion.

This reserve is known as "headroom" and it is usually set at 10-20 dB. Would not be easier just to reduce the operating

level? Yes it would but you would put low level music signals at the same level of the basic noise floor so the overall

quality of the signal would be highly deteriorated. Please look at Chart. 2 and note the Usable dynamic range (including

headroom) versus high level distortion generated by peaks, and Noise floor level.

Chart.1: The dynamic range capabilities of various devices

Chart.2: The interactive relationship between the operating level and the headroom

So the operating level must be as high as possible but not high enough to generate distortion.

Thriky uh?

There is a very easy way to obtain this. With the volume knob in hand you increase the volume during

low passages and decrease the volume during loud passages. Unfortunately even the Great Houdini

would not be fast enough to monitor carefully the speed of the musical signal and it would be impossible

to detect signal peaks and consequently levelling them out. Manual control is therefore out of question.

The answer is AGC (automatic gain control); a device that will monitor the signal in real time and that

will adjust the gain for the best S/N ratio without producing distortion. So, the name of this device is

"Compressor/limiter".

Try to measure the dynamic range of musical instruments. You will find out that your ear will handle such

range. Your audio equipment will not and distortion and overloading will be generated.

To avoid these, compressor/Limiters will be used. Both Compressors and Limiters more or less do the same

job but Limiters brutally limit the audio signal above a set threshold, while Compressors handle signal in a

much more civilised way and over a wide range of levels. If an audio signal exceed the threshold set by the

User the limiter will kill any audio signal above that threshold. Period! Also Compressors perform their function

when the audio signal exceed a certain threshold but the signal is not killed brutally. The audio signal will be

reduced in gain in proportion with the amount above the set threshold.

2.1.3 More technical stuff about Compressor/Limiters

Clipping Signal heavily distrortedClipping Signal heavily distrorted

Low level signal drowned out by noiseLow level signal drowned out by noise

Clipping Aera

Noise Aera

2.1.4 More about noise: Expanders and Noise-Gates

A lot of instruments such as microphones, amplifiers, guitar pickups, etc generate some noise, either at low frequ-

encies (hum) or at high frequencies (hiss) Such noise will inevitably interfere with the quality of your audio signal.

Now, if you scream into a microphone you will not hear the noise generated by such microphone because such

noise will be "masked" by the higher level of the signal, your voice in this case.

But if you sing into your microphone more gently in a soft passage, the level of the signal generated by your voice

will get much closer to the floor noise level and such floor noise will become disturbing. In order to kill this problem

Expanders and noise-gates are used. An expander is the opposite of a compressor: attenuating the signal when the

amplitude drops they can limit the floor noise.

Now, we do not need dramatic expansion of a signal across the range, This would generate a resulting dynamic

range of over 150dB. For this reason the amplitude control will be applied only to those audio signals which are

below a set threshold. Those audio signals above the set threshold will not be affected. Noise-gate can be regarded

as a simple Expander. But the Expander will attenuate the audio signal continuously below the set threshold while

the noise-gate will simply dramatically cut-off the audio signal completely.

2.2 Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA)

The VCA is the soul of the BK 2.0 and it is one of the best components available today in his category thanks to its excellent

performances in terms of distortion, linearity, noise and temperature stability.

2.3 Inputs

2.3.1 Take it easy: Balanced Inputs

To make your life easy and clean we have provided BK 2.0 with electronically balanced inputs. Even if you

operate at high signal levels, hum and noise will be reduce automatically. There is also a servo-function that will

automatically adjust the internal level when unbalanced connectors are detected. The correction if of 6dB and

it will avoid differences in level in between input and output signal.

3. CONTROLS

Pic.1: Front panel layout of the BK 2.0

EXP / GATE COMPRESSOR / LIMITER ENHANCER

THRESHOLD THRESHOLD RATIO ATTACK AUTO RELEASE OUTPUT IN/OUT PROCESS

dBu dBu n:1 ms dB EFFECTIN

OFF +10

-70 0

-50 -15

-30

-40 +20

-30 +10

-20 0

-10

1LIM

1.5 8

2.5

0.1 200

1150

10 100

50m 4

0.1 2

0.3 1

0.5

OFF 6

2 4

-20 +20

-14 +14

-6 +6

EXP / GATE

THRESHOLD

dBu

OFF +10

-70 0

-50 -15

-30

OFF

POWER

CH1

CH2

AUTO CH1 IN AUTO CH2 IN

30 20 15 10 6 4 2 1

GAIN REDUCTION (dB)

LTO

COMPRESSOR

/LIMITER/GATE

BK2.0

COMPRESSOR / LIMITER ENHANCER

THRESHOLD RATIO ATTACK AUTO RELEASE OUTPUT IN/OUT PROCESS

dBu n:1 ms dB EFFECTIN

-40 +20

+10

-20 0

-10

1LIM

1.5 8

2.5

0.1 200

1150

10 100

50m 4

0.1 2

0.3 1

0.5

OFF 6

2 4

-20 +20

-14 +14

-6 +6

The BK 2.0 presents with right and left channels. Each channel is equipped with the same control elements: 2 push-button

switches, 7 rotary controls and 11 LED's.

3.1 Expander/Gate Section

Pic.2: Controls of Expander/Gate section

EXP / GATE

THRESHOLD

dBu

OFF +10

-70 0

-50 -15

-30

1.Threshold Control

This control adjust the threshold level for the Expander / Gate Section in the range of Off to +10dBu. Signals

below this level cause attenuation.

2.Close LED

This LED illuminates when expansion occurs.

456 8 7 9 3

Pic.3: Controls of the Compressor/Limiter section

COMPRESSOR / LIMITER

THRESHOLD RATIO ATTACK AUTO RELEASE OUTPUT IN/OUT

dBu n:1 ms dB EFFECT

-40 +20

+10

-20 0

-10

1LIM

1.5 8

2.5

0.1 200

1150

10 100

50m 4

0.1 2

0.3 1

0.5

-20 +20

-14 +14

-6 +6

ENHANCER

PROCESS

OFF 6

2 4

30 20 15 10 6 421

CH1

CH2

AUTO CH1 IN AUTO CH2 IN

GAIN REDUCTION (dB)

sec

3.2 Compressor Section

Engage this switch to activate the corresponding channel. It can be used to make an A/B comparison in be-

tween processed and unprocessed signal.

3. EFFECT Switch

4. THRESHOLD Control

This control adjusts the threshold level for the Compressor section in the range of -40dBu to +20dBu. The SKC

(Smart Knee Control) is applied to the audio signal, which is a maximum of 10dB above the set threshold.

Above such level (10dB) a hard knee compression will be applied.

5. Ratio Control

The ratio between the input and output level of audio signals exceeding the set threshold level is determined by this

control. This control is manually adjustable from 1:1 to LIM:1.

6.Attack Control

This control determines how fast the compressor is to respond to audio signals that will exceed the set threshold. It can be

manually adjusted from 0.1 to 200 milliseconds.

7. Release Control

This control determines how fast is the compressor to return to unity gain when the audio signal falls below the set

threshold level. It can be manually adjusted from 0.05 to 4 seconds.

8. Auto Switch

Who needs Attack and release control? Activate this switch and these controls will be deactivated. Attack and release

controls will be automatically set by the unit depending on the program material.

9.Output Gain Control

Through this control you can vary the output signal by a maximum of 20 dB. In this way you can recover a level

that had been lost because of the compression process.

10. Gain Reduction Meter

It indicated the gain reduction. The range displayed is 1 to 30 dB.

3.3 Dynamic Enhancer Section

Pic.4: Controls of the Dynamic Enhancer section

ENHANCER

PROCESS

OFF 6

2 4

11. PROCESS control

This control renews any high frequencies lost through the compression process for natural sounding dynamics control, which

can be varied from off to 6. Please note that the enhancer control is only used when compression is taking place.

3.4 The Back Panel

Pic.5: The Back Panel Layout Of The BK 2.0

15 14 16

OUTPUT INPUT

TIP = INPUT

RING = OUTPUT

SLEEVE=GROUND

OUTPUT INPUT

TIP = INPUT

RING = OUTPUT

SLEEVE=GROUND

CHANNEL 1 SIDECHAIN

CHANNEL 2 SIDECHAIN

AC INPUT

95-120V/ 210-240V6 0-50Hz

Rated Power Consumption 8W

FUSE:

210-240V: T100mAL 250VAC

95-120V: 200mA 250VAC

REPLACE FUSE WITH

CORRECT TYPE ONLY

SERIAL

MODEL

The fuse-holder above the AC connector on the rear of the chassis has 3 triangular markers(please refer to the above

pictures), with two of these triangles opposing each other, your unit is set to the operating voltage printed next to these

markers.

To change, pull fuse-holder out and rotate 180 , then push in again.

THIS IS SET FOR

110V AC TO 120V

AC OPERATION

THIS IS SET FOR

220V AC TO 240V

AC OPERATION

12. Fuse holder / Voltage Selector

This is a dual voltage unit. Before you attempt to connect and operate the unit, please make sure that your local

voltage matches the voltage on the fuse-holder cover.

Caution: The fuse protecting the AC supplies circuits of this unit. The fuse can only be changed by a qualified

technician, in the event of a fault or changing the supply voltage. If the fuse continues to blow after replacing,

discontinue use of this unit before repaired.

220-240V

110-120V

220-240V

13. AC Inlet

This connector is meant for the connection of the supplied main cord. Do not insert power cable into unit until voltage

has been correctly set. Do not plug power cable into AC power until voltage has been correctly set.

These connectors are used to input the signal source. You can input the signal via the balanced 1/4" TRS phone jack

or XLR connector.

14. Audio In

15. Audio Out

These connectors are used to output the signal. You can output the signal via the balanced 1/4" TRS phone jack or

XLR connector.

16. Sidechain Insert

The connector can be regarded as insert point, which allows the unit to be controlled externally, of course the con-

nector must be stereo (Ring output/Tip input). You can also use the connector as a control input (mono connector).

4. READY TO ROLL?

4.1 Expander/Gate Section

Chart.3: Function of an expander

As we told you previously in this Manual the downward expander will reduce automatically the level of the audio signal when

such signal is below a set threshold. So the expander is the opposite of the compressor/limiter. We also explained to you how

the ratio curve of the expander is flat while a noise gate it is more brutal processor: It simply cut-off the entire signal below a

certain set threshold. The BK 2.0 is equipped with a new kind of expander, the SRC (Smart Ratio Control). The ratio of the

SRC is automatically adjusted according to the audio signal level. In fact, conventional expanders could easily cut part of the

musical program with unacceptable result:The gain changes become audible.

We have equipped the SRC with a non-linear ratio curve, which is soft and adjustable by the User. Thanks to the SRC low

passages close to noise floor level will be processed with a minute ratio of expansion while for signals of reduced level a higher

ratio will be used with resultant greater attenuation.

Chart.4: SRC Curve characteristics of the Adaptive Expander

4.1.1 Threshold Adjustment

The threshold control covers a very wide range and it is efficient with any working level. Turn the threshold control

fully counterclockwise and the Expander/Gate section will be completely off.

4.2 Compressor Section

4.2.1 Another Threshold Control?

The compressor threshold control sets the point where the input level starts to be reduced. Let's say the level is

+12dBu and the threshold control is set at +2dBu: In this case up to 10 dB can be compressed. If the input level

is the same and the control is set at 10dBu the maximum compression will be 22 dB, The operating range of the

threshold control is -40 to +20dBu. Turn the threshold control fully clockwise and you will get a threshold level of

+20dBu.

You must remember that the degree and the type of compression not only depend by the threshold control but

also by other controls such as Ratio, Attack and Release.

SRC CURVE

Andere Handbücher für BK 2.0

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