The MX30 Pro Gated/Comp/Limiter is a low-cost professional quality dynamics processor. Drawing on our many years experience in professional audio we have developed a series of lower-cost Drawmer dynamic signal processors, the MX Pro range. Aimed at the musician, project studio and live performer, who is determined not to compromise on quality, but have to work to a tighter budget.

By using circuit elements drawn from existing top-of-the-line Drawmer products and by simplifying the control systems where possible, the MX Pro range is no less sophisticated than our other units, despite the price tag. As a result the inexperienced user gains the benefits of Drawmer quality and performance, combined with lower cost and simplicity of operation.

Used to remove unwanted noise below a pre-set level, each channel consists of a variable Threshold Gate incorporating Drawmer's ‘Programme Adaptive' circuitry. Although quick and simple to operate, the gate's auto-circuitry continually optimises such parameters as Attack, Hold, Ratio and Release, completely eliminating ‘chatter' when the signal is fluctuating on or around Threshold. Two LEDs show when the signal is ‘above' or ‘below' Threshold and a push-button switch allows additional control of Release time. Switching is provided for 'Fast' or 'Slow' release characteristics. The 'Fast' mode can be used for instruments with rapid decay times or for additional tightening of the gating effect. The 'Slow' mode is more suitable for vocals and instruments with longer decay times or can be used to smooth over rough fade outs. A single LED indicates gating action.

Soft Knee "Auto Compressor"

The gate is followed by a variable Threshold, variable Ratio, soft knee compressor with fully automatic Attack and Release. Large transients are controlled instantly whilst small signal variations are treated gently, retaining as much ‘life' as possible and without generating unpredictable side effects. the MX30 Pro handles all compression levels with ease and displays the amount of compression on a high-resolution Gain Reduction bargraph meter.

Output

The Gain control is used to compensate for the amount of compression and brings the signal to the required output level as displayed by the output bargraph meter. A variable Threshold ‘zero overshoot' limiter, essential for avoiding distortion when mastering to digital or speaker protection in a ‘live' situation, adds the final polish to the signal by keeping control over signal peaks. The Limit threshold provides an absolute maximum peak level which no signal can pass. Fast transients are clipped instantly whilst more sustained peaks are dealt with by applying Gain Reduction, indicated by a single LED.