ALESIS NanoCompressor Reference Manual
Introduction INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the Alesis NanoCompressor Dynamics Processor. To take full advantage of the NanoCompressor’s functions, and to enjoy long and troublefree use, please read this user’s manual carefully. How To Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions of the NanoCompressor.
Your First Session with the NanoCompressor CONTENTS Your First Session with the NanoCompressor .........................7 Unpacking and Inspection ....................................................................................................... 7 Basic Connections ...................................................................................................................... 7 Setting Levels ........................................................................................................
Contents Refer All Servicing To Alesis ..................................................................................... 28 Obtaining Repair Service ........................................................................................... 28 Customers in the USA and Canada ........................................................... 28 Customers outside the USA and Canada.................................................. 28 Specifications ...............................................................
Your First Session with the NanoCompressor CHAPTER 1 YOUR FIRST SESSION WITH THE NANOCOMPRESSOR Unpacking and Inspection Your NanoCompressor was packed carefully at the factory, and 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 NanoCompressor for servicing.
Your First Session with the NanoCompressor • • Stereo. Connect two 1/4" phone cords to the [LEFT] & [RIGHT] INPUTS of the NanoCompressor from a stereo source, and two 1/4" phone cords from the [LEFT] & [RIGHT] OUTPUTS of the NanoCompressor to a stereo amplification system or two mixer inputs. Insert. This is the most common application for a compressor. Acquire an Insert cable, which has a balanced 1/4” plug on one end of the cable and two mono 1/4” plugs on the other.
Your First Session with the NanoCompressor What’s on the Front Panel? The NanoCompressor’s front panel contains the following: ① Power LED. The Power LED is illuminated whenever the NanoCompressor's power adapter is plugged in. ➁ Threshold. The Threshold control sets the level above which signals will be compressed or limited. The range is from -40dB to +8dB, with -10dBu (or 0 VU) marked with an arrow ( ) near the knob. ➂ Ratio.
Your First Session with the NanoCompressor Auditioning the Compressor If you’re using a compressor for the first time, this section will explain how to get your NanoCompressor up and running. First, get a signal into the NanoCompressor using one of the methods listed in “Basic Connections”, above.
Connections CHAPTER 2 CONNECTIONS AC Power Hookup The NanoCompressor comes with a power adapter suitable for the voltage of the country it is shipped to (either 110 or 220V, 50 or 60 Hz). To turn on the NanoCompressor, plug the small end of the power adapter cord into the NanoCompressor’s [POWER] socket and the male (plug) end into a source of AC power. It’s good practice to not plug in the NanoCompressor until all other cables are hooked up.
Connections • Do not place cables where they can be stepped on. Stepping on a cable may not cause immediate damage, but it can compress the insulation between the center conductor and shield (degrading performance), or reduce the cable’s reliability. • Avoid twisting the cable or having it make sharp, right angle turns.
Connections • Stereo. Connect two 1/4" phone cords to the [LEFT] and [RIGHT] INPUTS of the NanoCompressor from a stereo source , and two other 1/4" phone cords from the [LEFT] and [RIGHT] OUTPUTS of the NanoCompressor to a stereo amplification system or two mixer inputs. Note: This hookup will work only for a stereo source, and should not be used on two independent mono sources.
Connections Using the NanoCompressor with a Powered Mixer You can dramatically improve the sound quality of a powered mixer by connecting the NanoCompressor to it in the same way you would connect it to a regular mixer, with one important note: ✪ Never connect an output intended for a loudspeaker (the power amplifier output) to the input of the NanoCompressor. This will cause damage that will not be covered by the warranty. Consult the manual of your mixer for more information.
Connections Avoiding Ground Loops In today’s studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has complex routing and computer logic, there are many opportunities for ground loop problems to occur. These show up as hums, buzzes or sometimes radio reception and can occur if a piece of equipment “sees” two or more different paths to ground.
Description of Controls CHAPTER 3 DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS Front Panel Threshold The [THRESHOLD] knob sets the level where compression will begin. As long as the input signal level is below the Threshold level, the NanoCompressor will do nothing to the signal. Once the input signal crosses the Threshold, the NanoCompressor will begin compressing at a ratio set by the [RATIO] control. In the diagram above, Figure (a.) shows the input signal to the NanoCompressor.
Description of Controls Ratio The [RATIO] knob controls the amount of compression which will happen once the input signal crosses the [THRESHOLD] level, described above. Ratio controls how much the input signal will be reduced as a ratio of the input signal level. For example, if the compression ratio is set for 6:1, the input signal will have to cross the threshold by 6 dB for the output level to increase by 1dB. The tick marks around the Ratio control show several ratio settings for reference.
Description of Controls Output The [OUTPUT] knob controls the level of the NanoCompressor’s output. The Output control is useful for making up gain which was reduced by the compression circuit or matching the input level of a mixer or recorder. If the REDUCTION meter shows that the input signal is being attenuated by -6dB, then the Output control generally should be set around +6dB. The [OUTPUT] knob is labeled with tick marks every 6 dB (±6, 12, 18, 24dB).
Description of Controls Input/Output The Input/Output switch determines whether the [SIGNAL] meter is displaying the input or the output signal level. With an optimal signal to noise ratio, both meters should show about the same level. Bypass/Comp This switch allows you to turn the compression off, in order to compare the compressed signal to the original. Rear Panel Power This is a plug for connecting the Alesis Model P3 9VAC power supply (supplied).
Description of Controls Input (Left/Mono & Right) These are 1/4" unbalanced phone jacks which connect to sources such as mixing console insert sends and line-level instruments. For mono applications, use the [LEFT] input. The nominal level is -10dBV (.316 volts). Output (Left & Right) These are 1/4" unbalanced phone jacks which connect to inputs such as mixer insert returns or power amplifier inputs. For mono applications, use the [LEFT] output. The nominal level is -10dBV (.
Applications CHAPTER 4 APPLICATIONS Instrument Settings This section is designed to get you started with the NanoCompressor by giving some sample settings. These are merely suggested settings, experiment and find your own once you begin to hear what the NanoCompressor does to your sound. Vocal Limiting Vocalists tend to be one of the most dynamic recording challenges in any studio or stage.
Applications Drums Engineers often compress drum tracks just to get a nice punchy sound in the mix. The settings below sound good on a rock snare drum: • Threshold set so that all drum hits are compressed (around -3dB) • Ratio set for 4:1 • Knee set for Soft • Peak/RMS set for Peak • Attack set around 8 o’clock • Release set around 9 o’clock By turning the Threshold down even more, you can “squash” the snare drum as much as you want.
Applications Sidechain Applications The NanoCompressor’s sidechain jack allows you to perform two very useful functions: de-essing and ducking. 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 tape recorders or other components to distort, even though the level may not seem very loud.
Applications 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 ducking every time the kick drum hits. To make the NanoCompressor into a ducker, plug the source into the inputs and plug the trigger into the sidechain.
Troubleshooting Chapter 5 TROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating the NanoCompressor, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support for assistance.
Troubleshooting Maintenance/Service Cleaning Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean the NanoCompressor’s metal and plastic surfaces. For heavy dirt, use a non-abrasive household cleaner such as Formula 409 or Fantastik. DO NOT SPRAY THE CLEANER DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRONT OF THE UNIT AS IT MAY DESTROY THE LUBRICANTS USED IN THE SWITCHES AND CONTROLS! Spray onto a cloth, then use cloth to clean the unit.
Troubleshooting NanoCompressor Manual 27
Specifications SPECIFICATIONS Electrical Frequency Response: Dynamic Range: Distortion: Crosstalk: ±1dB from 20Hz to 20 kHz >109dB, "A" weighting. <0.08% @ 1kHz better than 70dB below full scale Input Number of Channels: Format: Nominal Level: Maximum Level: Impedance: 2 1/4" unbalanced -10 dBV (.
