RUPERT NEVE 5254 Dual Diode Bridge Compressor User Manual
- June 7, 2024
- RUPERT NEVE
Table of Contents
- 5254
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5254
Dual Diode Bridge Compressor
Operations Manual
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.
9. 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.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly
at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as 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.
15. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no
object filled with liquids, such as vases or beer glasses, shall be placed on
the apparatus.
16. Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result
in a risk of fire or electric shock.
17. This apparatus has been designed with Class-I construction and must
be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection
(the third grounding prong).
18. This apparatus has been equipped with a rocker-style AC mains power
switch. This switch is located on the rear panel and should remain readily
accessible to the user.
19. The MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect
device, so the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
20. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits fora Class B digital device,pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by
Rupert Neve Designs LLC, could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment under FCC rules.
21. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is
applicable) limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out
in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
22. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing
loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing
loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently
intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the permissible noise level
exposures shown in the following chart. According to OSHA, any exposure in
excess of these permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. To
ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels,
it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing
high sound pressure levels use hearing protectors while the equipment is in
operation. Ear plugs or protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be
worn when operating the equipment in order to prevent permanent hearing loss
if exposure is in excess of the limits set forth here:
Duration, per day in hours | Sound Level dBA, Slow Response | Typical Example |
---|---|---|
8 | 90 | Duo in small club |
6 | 92 | |
4 | 95 | Subway Train |
3 | 97 | |
2 | 100 | Typical music via head phones |
1.5 | 102 | |
1 | 105 | Siren at 10 m distance |
0.5 | 110 | |
0.25 or less | 115 | Loudest parts at a rock concert |
WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
Rupert Neve Designs 5254: Dual Diode Bridge Compressor
Thank you for purchasing the Rupert Neve Designs 5254 Dual Diode Bridge Compressor. We hope you enjoy using this product as much as we have enjoyed designing and building it. The 5254 features custom Rupert Neve Designs transformer-coupled inputs and outputs, Class-A analog signal paths, and full- wave rectification in the compressor side chain.
5254 Block Diagram
5254 Front Panel
HPF
31-detent potentiometer that adjusts the side-chain high pass filter range
from 20 Hz to 250 Hz
RATIO
6-position rotary switch that adjusts the compressor ratio from 1.5:1 to 8:1
TIMING
6-position rotary switch that adjusts the compressor attack and release times
VU METER
Illuminated VU meter displays compressor output level or gain reduction
COMP IN
Illuminated push-button switch that engages both channels of the compressor
LINK
Push-button switch that engages compressor stereo link mode
S/C INSERT
Push-button switch that engages the S/C INSERT SEND and RETURN jacks on the
rear panel for external side-chain processing
FAST
Illuminated push-button switch that modifies the compressor time constants by
70% of their original values
S/C HPF
Illuminated push-button switch that engages the compressor side-chain high
pass filter
GAIN
31-detent potentiometer that adjusts compressor make-up gain from -6 to +20 dB
PEAK
Peak LED warns when signal levels are peaking 3dB below clip point
VU SELECT
Push-button switch that toggles between metering the compressor output level
(OUT) and gain reduction (IN)
THRESHOLD
31-detent potentiometer that adjusts the compressor threshold from +20dBu to
-25dBu
BLEND %
31-detent potentiometer that controls the wet/dry mix of the compressed signal
(wet) to the input signal (dry)
*Fully CW is compressed signal only
5254 Rear Panel
POWER
AC Power inlet with power switch
100-240 VAC
50/60 Hz
LINE OUTPUT
Custom Rupert Neve Designs transformer-coupled line output
S/C INSERT SEND
Compressor side-chain insert SEND jack for connecting to the input of an
external processor (ex: EQ)
LINE INPUT
Custom Rupert Neve Designs transformer-coupled line input
S/C INSERT RETURN
Compressor side-chain insert RETURN jack for connecting the output of an
external processor (ex: EQ)
GND LIFT
Ground lift switch that lifts XLR LINE OUT Pin 1 from chassis ground
5254 Front-Panel Features
Threshold
The THRESHOLD control is a 31-detent potentiometer that allows the user to
adjust the point at which compression occurs, between -25dBu and +20dBu.
Turning this control counter-clockwise will increase the amount of
compression; turning it clockwise will decrease the amount of compression. If
the input signal is lower than the set threshold, no compression will occur.
Ratio
The RATIO control is a 6-position rotary switch that allows the user to set
the slope of the compressor curve, ranging from 1.5:1 through 8:1. This ratio
range allows the user to dial in a wide range of compression characteristics
for their specific application.
Timing
The TIMING control is a 6-position rotary switch that allows the user to
manipulate the attack and release times of the compressor simultaneously. Each
TIMING setting has a different attack and release time range associated. Due
to the nature of this topology, these time constants will adapt based on
several factors: compression ratio, threshold, and source material. This
allows the diode bridge compressor to remain flexible within a wide range of
source material. We encourage the user to experiment with different
combinations of RATIO, TIMING, and THRESHOLD settings to achieve the desired
result.
Gain
The GAIN control is a 31-detent potentiometer that allows the user to add
make-up gain to compressed signal in order to match the compressed signal
level with the input signal level. It is much easier to evaluate the effect of
compression when these levels are matched for proper A-B comparison.
Blend
The BLEND control is a 31-detent potentiometer that allows the user to adjust
the ratio of the compressed (wet) signal with the uncompressed (dry) signal to
achieve parallel compression. Turning the BLEND control fully counter-
clockwise shifts the mix toward the fully dry, uncompressed signal. Turning
the BLEND control fully clockwise shifts the mix toward the fully wet,
compressed signal.
Fast
The FAST illuminated push-button switch modifies the attack and release times
available on the TIMING control by 70% of their original values, effectively
doubling the range of TIMING settings made available to the user.
Link
The LINK switch engages stereo link mode. In stereo link mode, the compressor
channel that is actively compressing the input signal the most will control
the other channel in order to maintain a properly balanced stereo image.
Comp In
This illuminated push-button engages both channels of the compressor. This
enables the user to AB the compressed and uncompressed signal while dialing in
the proper compression characteristic for the given source material.
S/C HPF
The side-chain high-pass filter employs a 12dB/octave Sallen-Key filter that
allows the user to control the amount of low frequency energy that hits the
compressor side-chain. The 31-detent HPF potentiometer is continuously
variable from 20Hz to 250Hz. The side-chain HPF is engaged when the S/C HPF
push-button switch is set to the IN position.
5254 Front-Panel Features
S/C Insert
This push-button switch enables the S/C INSERT SEND and RETURN jacks on the
rear-panel of the compressor. This allows the user to patch in additional
external processing gear into the compressor side-chain (such as an external
EQ). The side-chain insert level is -3dB referenced to the input level.
VU Select
These push-button switches toggle the VU meter displays between compressor
output level and compressor gain reduction. VU Reference Standard: 0VU = +4dBu
Peak LED
The Peak LED will illuminate RED in order to warn the user that the output
stage signal level is peaking 3dB below clip point.
VU Meter Endstop Adjust
Important: The recessed black adjusters below the VU meters come factory
trimmed and should not need further adjustment. These adjusters allow for VU
meter needle bottom endstop calibration (one tick mark below -20 VU).
5254 Rear-Panel Features
Power
IEC standard 3-pin grounded AC power inlet with power switch. 100-240VAC
50/60Hz input range with a maximum power consumption of 45W.
Line Input
Neutrik XLR combo jack line input utilizing custom Rupert Neve Designs
transformer-coupled, balanced inputs. Maximum input signal level is +26.7 dBu
at 1kHz.
Line Output
Neutrik XLR jack line output utilizing custom Rupert Neve Designs transformer-
coupled, balanced outputs. Maximum output signal level is +26.7 dBu at 1kHz.
S/C Insert Send and Return
Neutrik TRS jacks utilized for compressor side-chain insert. These jacks are
enabled by pressing the S/C INSERT push-button switches located on the front
panel. A 1/4? TS cable should be used to make patches to and from external
processing gear. The side-chain SEND jack should be connected to the INPUT of
the external processor (EQ). The side-chain RETURN jack should be connected to
the OUTPUT of the external processor.
S/C HPF
The side-chain high-pass filter employs a 12dB/octave Sallen-Key high pass
filter that allows the user to control the amount of low frequency energy that
hits the compressor side-chain. The 31-detent HPF potentiometer is
continuously variable from 20Hz to 250Hz. The side-chain HPF is engaged when
the S/C HPF push-button switch is set to the IN position.
Ground Lift
The ground lift switch can be used to interrupt a ground loop if encountered
in the studio environment. In the LIFT position, Pin 1 of the XLR line outputs
are disconnected from chassis ground.
5254 Specifications
XLR Line Input to XLR Line Output (Compressor Bypassed) Z SOURCE= 40 Ω
Balanced
Input Impedance
10 kΩ
Output Impedance
40Ω
Maximum Input Level (+4dBu Selected)
+26.7 dBu typical
Maximum Output Level
+26.7 dBu typical
Noise (22 Hz – 22 kHz BW)
-104 dBu typical
Frequency Response (10 Hz to 120 kHz)
+/- 0.25 dB typical
THD+N @1 kHz @ Maximum Level (22 Hz – 22 kHz BW) 0.0008% typical
Compressor Noise Specifications
Z SOURCE= 40 Ω Balanced
Noise @ 0dB Make-Up Gain (22 Hz – 22 kHz BW) -84.5 dBu
typical
Noise @ +20dB Make-Up Gain (22 Hz – 22 kHz BW) -64.5 dBu
typical
Compressor Timing Specifications
Note: TIMING measurements represent the full range achievable between 1.5:1 and 8:1 ratio and FAST mode
FAST Attack 250µS – 2 mS // Release
100mS – 200mS typical
MF (MEDIUM FAST) Attack 1mS – 5mS // Release 100mS – 200mS
typical
MED (MEDIUM) Attack 3mS – 18mS // Release 350mS – 700mS
typical
MS (MEDIUM SLOW) Attack 5mS – 40mS // Release 600mS – 1S typical
SLOW Attack 10mS – 80 mS // Release
800mS – 1.5S typical
AUTO Attack 5mS – 40mS // Release T1
400-900mS, T2 1-2S typical
Product Dimensions (W x D x H) 19” (48.3 cm) x 8.25” (20.9 cm) x 1.65” (4.2 cm)
Shipping Dimensions (L x W x H) 24” (61 cm) x 13” (33 cm) x 4” (10.2 cm)
Shipping Weight 10 lbs. (4.5 kg)
PRODUCT WARRANTY
Rupert Neve Designs warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three (3) years from date of purchase, and agrees to remedy any defect identified within such three year period by, at our option, repairing or replacing the product.
LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
This warranty, and any other express or implied warranty, does not apply to any product which has been improperly installed, subjected to usage for which the product was not designed, misused or abused, damaged during shipping, damaged by any dry cell battery, or which has been altered or modified in any way. This warranty is extended to the original end user purchaser only. A purchase receipt or other satisfactory proof of date of original purchase is required before any warranty service will be performed. THIS EXPRESS, LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE EXTEND ALLOWED UNDER APPLICABLE STATE LAW. IN NO EVENT SHALL RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so this exclusion may not apply to you.
WARRANTY SERVICE
If you suspect a defect in this product, please call us at 512-847-3013 or contact our support staff (service@rupertneve.com) for troubleshooting. If it is determined that the device is malfunctioning, we will issue a Return Material Authorization and provide instructions for shipping the device to our service department.
Rupert Neve Designs
PO Box 1969
Wimberley TX 78676
www.rupertneve.com
tel: +1 512-847-3013
fax: +1 512-847-8869
775-00040 Rev B
References
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