User`s manual

1. INTRODUCTION

Feature List:

The AUTO Function

Smart Ratio Control expander (SRC)

Smart Gain Control peak limiter (SGC)

Attack and Release Controls:

2.1 Some technical stuff

2. THE CONCEPT BEHIND

2.1.1 It is not just Music

2.1.2 Introducing Audio Dynamics

You are now the owner of an LTO ACL2 Compressor/Limiter/Gate. The ACL2 is a very powerful dynamic processor.

We have included in it several innovative circuit designs that make the ACL2 a very versatile processor: smart and fast

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

Your ACL2 includes AUTO function switch on the front panel. Thanks to the AUTO function attack and release

time of the program materials is 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.

OK, OK, you do not want to get advantage of our AUTO function.We have provided your ACL2 with user adjustable

attack and release time for the best total manual control.

During music 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 expansion 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.

It 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 loud-

speaker protection and to reduce undesired peaks in digital situations.

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

to 125dB. 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.

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!

The human ear can detect the noise generated 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 of 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