CLX-52

Compressor/Limiter

Operating Manual

Ashly Audio Inc.

847 Holt Road, Webster, NY 14580-9103
Toll Free (800) 828-6308, Telephone (585) 872-0010, FAX (585) 872-0739
www.ashly.com

All Trademarks referred to herein, are the property of their respective owners. R-1012

All Rights Reserved

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Operator Manual – CLX-52 Compressor/Limiter Page 3

Important Safety Instructions

Consignes de sécurité à lire attentivement

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is Le symbole de la flèche dans un triangle équilateral symbolisant la foudre est
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" prévu pour sensibiliser l’utilisateur à la présence de tension de voltage non
within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute isolée à l’intérieur de l’appareil. Elle pourrait constituer un danger de risque
a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral de décharge électrique pour les utilisateurs. Le point d’exclamation dans le
triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and triangle équilatérale alerte l’utilisateur de la présence de consignes qu’il doit
maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying the device d’abord consulter avant d’utiliser l’appareil.

1. Read these instructions. 1. Lisez ces instructions.

2. Keep these instructions. 2. Conservez ces instructions.
3. Heed all warnings. 3. Observez les avertissements.
4. Follow all instructions. 4. Suivez ces instructions.
5. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose 5. Pour réduire le risque de feu ou la décharge électrique,
this apparatus to rain or moisture. ne pas exposer cet appareil pour pleuvoir ou l'humidité.
6. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6. Ne pas utiliser l’appareil près de l’eau.
7. Clean only with dry cloth. 7. Le nettoyer à l’aide d’un tissus sec.
8. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in 8. Ne pas bloquer les ouvertures de ventilation, installer
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. selon les consignes du fabricant.
9. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat 9. Eloigner des sources de chaleur tel: radiateurs,
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) fourneaux ou autres appareils qui produisent de la
that produce heat. chaleur.
10. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or 10. Ne pas modifier ou amputer le système de la mise à
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades terre. Une prise avec mise à terre comprend deux lames
with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has dont une plus large ainsi qu’une mise à terre: ne pas la
two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade couper ou la modifier. Si la prise murale n’accepte pas
or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the la fiche, consulter un électricien pour qu’il remplace la
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an prise désuète.
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. 11. Protéger le cordon de secteur contre tous bris ou
11. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched pincement qui pourraient l’endommager, soit à la fiche
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the murale ou à l’appareil.
point where they exit from the apparatus. 12. N’employer que les accessoires recommandés par le
12. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the fabricant.
manufacturer. 13. N’utiliser qu’avec les systèmes de fixation,chariots,
13. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table trépied ou autres, approuvés par le fabricant ou vendus
specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the avec l’appareil.
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when 14. Débrancher l’appareil lors des orages électriques ou si
moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury inutilisé pendant une longue période de temps.
from tip-over. 15. Un entretient effectué par un centre de service accrédité
14. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when est exigé si l’appareil a été endommagé de quelque
unused for long periods of time. façon: si il a été exposé à la pluie,, l’humidité ou s’il ne
15. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. fonctionne pas normalement ou qu’il a été échappé.
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.

FCC Compliance
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in both a commercial and 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 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.

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Introduction - 4
About Ashly Introduction
Safety
CLX-52 – 5
Congratulations on your purchase of an Ashly CLX-52 Peak Compressor/Limiter. The
CLX-52 was designed to meet the need for universal peak-sensitive automatic gain control
Connectors & Cables – 5
(AGC) devices with exceptional audio performance and rugged durability. The CLX-52 has
Physical Description - 6 the following key features:

Installation – 7 Threshold Control

Typical Applications - 8 Input/output meter with select switch
Balanced XLR connectors
Troubleshooting - 9 ¼” Phone jack connectors
Dimensions - 9 Euroblock connectors
Specifications - 10 A single TRS patch point detector loop
Premium components throughout
Warranty - 11 Worldwide Power Supply

We are confident that you will be pleased with the high performance, superb sound quality,
and reliability that Ashly is known for.
About Ashly
Ashly Audio was founded in 1974 by a group of recording engineers, sound professionals,
and electronics designers. The first products were custom consoles for friends and
associates, but business quickly grew. The philosophy established from the very beginning
This manual uses a holds true today: to offer only the highest quality audio tools at an affordable cost to the
Perpetual Table Of professional user – ensuring reliability and long life. More than thirty-five years later,
Contents. Each page
has a copy of the Ashly remains committed to these principles.
manual’s contents in a
gray box just like this
one. The section you are What Compressors and Limiters Do
in will always be bold
with the other sections Limiting – All musical programs have constant changes in loudness. It is the job of a
“grayed out.” The feature limiter to detect when the volume has exceeded a predetermined maximum safe level, and
allows you to jump to then turn down the volume. When the incoming signal returns to its original level, the
directly to another
section without having to
limiter should respond by restoring the gain to normal. Thus, when the level is within a
return to a Table Of specified “safe” range, the limiter has no effect. When an occasional peak occurs, the
Contents page. limiter responds.

Compression - A significant difference in dynamic range is achieved simply by changing

the relationship between nominal signal level and threshold, as a result of either increasing
the GAIN and/or decreasing the THRESHOLD control. The most interesting effect to be
noted, however, is seen by comparing the original input signal with the output signal. The
quietest portions of the original signal will be effectively increased in volume while the
loudest portions of the original signal will be decreased. In effect, both ends of the
dynamic spectrum will be pushed toward the “middle”. More than anything else, it is this
double-ended effect, which distinguishes compression from limiting.

Copyright© 2012 – Ashly Audio Inc.

Operator Manual – CLX-52 Compressor/Limiter Page - 5

CLX-52 Compressor/Limiter Introduction – 4

CLX-52 – 5
A great deal of time was spent developing a wide-bandwidth, ultra-low-distortion, low noise
VCA (voltage controlled amplifier). The result is the CLX-52, a versatile and highly Connectors & Cables – 5
listenable compressor/limiter suitable for use in professional sound reinforcement, recording Grounding
and broadcasting. Physical Description - 6
Installation – 7
The CLX-52 has three different connector types: Typical Applications - 8
1/4” inch stereo TRS jacks
Troubleshooting - 9
Three pin XLR type connectors
Euroblocks Dimensions - 9
These three connectors facilitate interfacing to most professional audio products. Both Specifications - 10
inputs and outputs can be used balanced or unbalanced. Warranty - 11

Connectors & Cables

Your CLX-52 Compressor/Limiter is provided with three different connector types:
1. 1/4 inch stereo phone jacks (TRS)
2. Three pin XLR type connectors
3. Euroblock screw terminal connectors
When possible, balanced connections are recommend between all components in your
system, as this eliminates ground-loop induced hum and noise.

Unbalanced Connections and Grounding

If you must use unbalanced connectors, the negative lead of the connector should be tied to
the ground lead. Using unbalanced connections could result in chassis ground-loop noise.
Altering the signal/chassis ground relationship in equipment connected to your GQX unit
may eliminate the noise.

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 Page - 6 Operator Manual – CLX-52 Compressor/Limiter

Introduction - 4
CLX-52 – 5 Physical Description
Connectors & Cables – 5 The CLX-52 is 1RU, and weighs eight pounds.
Physical Description - 6
Front Panel
CLX-52 Front Panel
Rear Panel
Installation – 7
Typical Applications - 8
Troubleshooting - 9 1. Gain – The Gain control adjusts incoming 7. In/Out Switch - This switch enables you to
Dimensions - 9 signal level to the VCA circuit. It is always quickly hear the CLX compressor/limiter in or
active, so switching out the limiter function has out of the audio chain. When the switch is in
Specifications - 10 no effect on this control. This control should the OUT position, all limiting and compression
Warranty - 11 normally be left at "0" to achieve accurate controls and functions are bypassed, with the
Threshold calibration. exception of the Gain and Output controls,
2. Threshold - The Threshold control has a range which continue to function.
of -40 to +22 dB, allowing applications from low 8. Stereo Tie Switch - This switch allows for Gain
level compression to high level limiting. The Reduction on a stereo signal with no
Threshold control determines the audio level degradation of the stereo image. When pressed
above which Gain Reduction occurs. When the in, the Stereo Tie Switch combines each
signal peaks exceed the selected threshold, the channel's internal detector outputs so that the
LED comes on and gain reduction is occurring. channel with the loudest signal will determine
3. Ratio- This control determines the ratio of the action applied to both channels. Leave this
change in output level to changes in input level switch out for normal operation.
for signals above threshold. The numbers 9. Threshold/Gain Reduction Display - As soon
printed around the Ratio control are calibrated as the threshold level is reached, the yellow
in db and indicate the increase in input (above LED illuminates. Depending on how far the
threshold) required to produce a 1db increase input level rises above threshold, successive
in output. This can be expressed conveniently red LED’s will illuminate, indicating gain
as a ratio. If the output remains constant no reduction. Gain Reduction can best be
matter how high the input level, we have an described as the difference between input level
infinite (∞) input/output ratio. It should be and the resulting change to output level. For
remembered that the Ratio control has no signals above threshold, output level will
effect on signals which are below threshold. increase only to the extent that the ratio control
4. Attack Time - The response of the allows.
compressor/limiter to signal levels above 10. Input/Output Meter Select - The While the
threshold is further defined by the Attack Time Gain Reduction display accurately represents
control. Attack time is the amount of time that the action of the limiter, comparing input to
the unit takes to attenuate the output level after output levels in real time is somewhat more
threshold has been reached. This unit provides intuitive, and is made simple using the Input/
continuously variable attack times from 200 Output Meter Select switch. The Input meter
microseconds to 20 milliseconds. takes its signal just after the Gain control, and
5. Release Times - Release time, is the time will indicate input signal level regardless of CLX
required to restore system gain to normal after output levels or limiter settings. The output
the input signal has fallen below threshold meter display takes its signal from the actual
level. Proper release time will depend on the output of the unit, so every control that affects
type of program material being processed and the output will also have an effect on output
the way in which the limiter is being used. meters. Used in conjunction with the gain
6. Output Level - Output Level control is provided reduction meters, Input/Output meters prove to
to fully cut or restore up to 18 dB of system be an extremely useful diagnostic tool when
gain. For unity gain, set the control to 0 working with system dynamics and level
control.

A unique feature of Ashly Compressor/ Limiters is the incorporation of a double release-time constant. When a
conventional compressor/limiter is adjusted for slow release times, transients such as mic “pops” may cause a severe
reduction in gain followed by a slow fadeup, making the action of the limiter very obvious. With the double time constant,
release from gain reduction after a brief transient is always fast, with a slower release after a sustained overdrive.

Copyright© 2012 – Ashly Audio Inc.

Operator Manual – CLX-52 Compressor/Limiter Page - 7

CLX-52 Rear Panel Introduction - 4

CLX-52 – 5
Connectors & Cables – 5
Physical Description - 6
Installation – 7
1. Inputs and Outputs - Your CLX-52 DETECTOR PATCH point which can be used General Requirements
Compressor/Limiter is provided with three as a "ducking" input, or in conjunction with an AC Power
different connector types. 1/4" TRS (tip-ring- equalizer to produce frequency-sensitive
sleeve) jacks, XLR connectors and Euroblocks. limiting. Various uses of the detector patch are Typical Applications - 8
Inputs are 20KΩ active balanced using 1% discussed under Typical Applications. Troubleshooting - 9
metal film resistors, outputs are 132Ω servo- 3. Power – Switches the unit power on or off
balanced. Dimensions - 9
2. Detector Loop - Ducking - The CLX-52 Specifications - 10
Compressor/Limiter has a TRS Insert
Warranty - 10

Installation
Use four screws and paint-piercing washers when rack mounting the CLX-52. For mobile
use, the unit should be further secured as appropriate.
General Requirements
The CLX-52 has specific physical, electrical and signal requirements for proper operation.
These requirements will vary depending on your specific application, setup, and the
settings on the unit. When setting up and testing your system, please take special care to
double check all connections and settings. Please refer to the specifications section of this
manual for specific input, output and other figures.
AC Power
Your CLX-52 should be connected to a standard 3-wire grounded electrical outlet
supplying 100-240 Volts, 50-60 Hz. To reduce the risk of ground loop hum, connect all
audio equipment to the same electrical power source. Do not remove the AC plug ground
pin, as a potential shock hazard could result.

This unit will perform normally within the AC voltage range specified above. Voltages
less than this, as found in “brown-out” conditions, may reduce performance. No user
serviceable parts are inside the chassis. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Overall power consumption is less than 30 watts.

NOTE: The power switch does NOT isolate the appliance from mains. Make sure the mains
power socket or an alternative disconnect device is near by and easily accessible. When the
product is connected to mains, the line-filter and the input of the fuse are energized.

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 Page - 8 Operator Manual – CLX-52 Compressor/Limiter

Introduction - 4 Typical Applications

GQX Equalizers – 5
The applications of the Ashly CLX-52 can be divided into two basic categories, limiting
Connectors & Cables – 5 and compressing. When used as a protective device, it is functioning as a Limiter. It may
Physical Description - 6 also be used to reduce the dynamic range of a signal, creating a fuller sounding signal
Installation – 7 without increasing the loudness peaks, in which case it is functioning as a compressor.
Typical Applications - 8
Protective Device The CLX-52 As A Protective Device
Recording
De-Essing The CLX-52 provides fast and accurate gain control for the prevention of sound system
Instrument Texture overload due to unexpected transients. Sustained distortion caused by amplifiers running
De-Essing out of power or occasional, one-shot high level overload (a microphone falling onto a
hardwood floor) can damage speakers and other system components. The CLX-52 can be
Troubleshooting - 9
installed in several locations in a sound system to achieve specific goals:
Dimensions - 9
Specifications - 10 CLX-52 Signal Path Location Effect
Warranty - 11 After the mixer and before the Compression and Limiting acts on the entire signal, preventing crossover and amplifier
Crossover and amplifier(s) overload and maximizing the dynamic performance of both.
After and active crossover and Compression and Limiting acts on each segment of the signal (to which a CLX-52
before the amplifier(s) channel is connected) coming from the crossover, allowing for different settings in each
crossover output.
After a parametric EQ and This setup is typically used to control feedback. By using the parametric EQ as a multi-
before the amplifier(s) point notch filter on the feedback frequencies and the CLX-52 to limit those
frequencies, an accurate and automatic feedback control can be imposed on a system.

Recording
The CLX-52 limiter can be used to prevent input overload (clipping/distortion) in a live
recording environment. To prevent distortion while preserving dynamic range, set the
CLX-52 as follows: Gain = 0, Threshold = 2-3 dB below recorder input max, Ratio = 10,
Attack = 2 mS, Release = .2 Sec, Output = 0. Every situation is different, so
experimentation before final recording is always a good idea.
De-Essing
A special type of saturation problem often encountered in recording is the sibilant (Ssss)
sound of the human voice. The solution is frequency-dependent limiting, which is easily
accomplished with the CLX-52. By inserting an equalizer into the Detector Patch point
and boosting the equalizer at high frequencies in the vicinity of the sibilant, the limiter’s
detector circuit becomes more sensitive to this particular range of frequencies, and so will
limit the bothersome sibilants more than other frequencies.
Altering Instrument Texture
Compression can be used to help bring out a lead vocal or instrumental solo in a cluttered
mix. The compressor is also a great corrective tool when working with singers whose own
dynamic control is less than perfect. Experimentation is highly recommended.
Voice-Over Compression (Ducking)
The CLX-52 can be used to reduce music to a background level when an announcer is
speaking. The detector is connected to respond only to an announcer’s voice.
Stereo Operation
On the CLX-52, pressing the Stereo Tie switch combines the detector outputs so that the
loudest channel controls the limiter action of the other channel. This allows true stereo
imaging to be preserved regardless of which channel is in gain reduction.

Copyright© 2012 – Ashly Audio Inc.

Operator Manual – CLX-52 Compressor/Limiter Page - 9

Troubleshooting Introduction - 4

Situation Action GQX Equalizers – 5

No Audio Output Check AC power - is the power LED on? Connectors & Cables – 5
Check in/out connections - are they reversed?
Physical Description - 6
Are you sure you have an input signal?
Controls Have No Effect Is the Limiter In/Out switch In? Perhaps the Ratio control is set too low to produce an audible Installation – 7
effect or the input level is below threshold. Is the Threshold LED lighting up? If not, lower the
Typical Applications - 8
threshold setting or increase the gain. Do not expect to hear any effect when the input level
is below threshold, since the unit is simply a linear amplifier at those levels. Troubleshooting - 9
When Using Heavy Quiet program material is effectively made louder while loud peaks are made quieter. When Dimensions - 9
Compression, the program source is thus raised in volume, its noise floor is also raised in volume by a
Background Noise is proportionate amount. This is not a defect in the Compressor/Limiter, but an unavoidable Specifications - 10
Noticeable During Quiet side effect of the gain altering process. If the noise becomes a problem, the solutions are to Warranty - 11
Sections Of The Program either decrease noise at the program source, or use less compression.
Excessive Hum or Noise Hum is often caused by a “ground loop” between components. Try using the suggested
balanced input and output hookups if the other pieces of equipment used in conjunction with
the CLX unit have balanced inputs and outputs. Noise can also be caused by insufficient
drive levels. Make sure you are sending a nominal 0 dBV line level signal to the unit.

Note: Unshielded cables, improperly wired connections, and cable with broken strands
(shorts, etc.) are the most common problems. Use good quality cable with connectors
soldered firmly on the correct pin. When in doubt, get in touch with your Ashly dealer.

Dimensions
Inches (mm)

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Introduction - 4 Specifications
GQX Equalizers – 5 CLX-52
Specification
Connectors & Cables – 5 Gain ±15dB

Physical Description - 6 Ratio 2.1 to ∞

Attack Time 200µS to 20mS
Installation – 7 100mS to 3 Sec
Release Time
Typical Applications - 8 Output -∞ to +18dB
Troubleshooting - 9 Maximum Input Level +23dBu
Maximum Output Level +23dBu
Dimensions - 9
Input Impedance 20KΩ Balanced
Specifications - 10 Output Impedance 132Ω Servo-Balanced
Warranty - 11 Frequency Response 20Hz – 20KHz ±0.2dB
<.01% THD, 0dBu, 1KHz
Distortion <0.15% THD, +15dBu, 20Hz – 20KHz
Output Hum & Noise -96dBu
Power Requirements 100-240 Volts AC, 50-60Hz, 30 watts
Shipping Weight 8 lbs (3.63kg)
19”L x 1.72”H x 8”D
Dimensions (483mm x 43.7mm x 203mm)

Note: 0dBu = 0.775 Vrms

Copyright© 2012 – Ashly Audio Inc.

Operator Manual – CLX-52 Compressor/Limiter Page - 11

LIMITED WARRANTY (USA ONLY)

(Other countries please contact your respective distributor or dealer.)

For units purchased in the USA, warranty service for this unit shall be provided by ASHLY
AUDIO, INC. in accordance with the following warranty statement.

ASHLY AUDIO, INC. warrants to the owner of this product that it will be free from defects in
workmanship and materials for a period of FIVE years from the original-date-of-purchase.
ASHLY AUDIO INC. will without charge, repair or replace at its discretion, any defective
product or component parts upon prepaid delivery of the product to the ASHLY AUDIO, INC.
factory service department, accompanied with a proof of original-date-of-purchase in the form
of a valid sales receipt. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights, which vary from state to state.

EXCLUSIONS: This warranty does not apply in the event of misuse, neglect, or as a result of
unauthorized alterations or repairs made to the product. This warranty is void if the serial
number is altered, defaced, or removed. ASHLY AUDIO, INC. reserves the right to make
changes in design, or make additions to, or improvements upon, this product without any
obligation to install the same on products previously manufactured.

Any implied warranties, which may arise under the operation of state law, shall be effective
only for FIVE years from the original-date-of-purchase of the product. ASHLY AUDIO, INC.
shall be obligated to only correct defects in the product itself. ASHLY AUDIO, INC. is not liable
for any damage or injury, which may result from, or be incidental to, or a consequence of, such
defects. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the
exclusion, or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or
exclusions may not apply to you.

OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE:

For warranty service in the United States, please follow this procedure:

1) Return the product to ASHLY AUDIO, INC. freight prepaid, with a written statement
describing the defect and application that the product is used in. ASHLY AUDIO, INC. will
examine the product and perform any necessary service, including replacement of defective
parts, at no further cost to you.

2) Ship your product to:

ASHLY AUDIO, INC.

Attention: Service Department

847 Holt Road

Webster, NY 14580-9103

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Copyright© 2012 – Ashly Audio Inc.