CX335 Compressor-Limiter

GAIN REDUCTION OUTPUT DISPLAY ENVELOPE KNEE THRESHOLD RATIO PEAK GAIN BYPASS
CX 335 0
-10 2
3
5
6
10
15 4
- 0 +
4
Split Band Compressor-Limiter L
10
3
-15 1.5
NORMAL SOFT 20 0 20 NORMAL
5 8 8
30 20 15 10 6 4 2 1 0dB -20 -16 -12 -8 -4 0dB +4 +8 +12 -2
-4
+10 -20 1.2 -6 26 12 12
Power R
SLOW HARD dBu :1 dBu LIMIT dB BYPASS

Installation Guide

CX335 User Manual v1.0 1

 Important Safety Instructions
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
CAUTION:
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified may result in hazardous radiation
exposure.

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD - DO NOT OPEN

AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR

The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert you to the presence
of uninsulated dangerous voltages within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Clean only with dry cloth.
6. Do not use this apparatus near water.
7. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
8. 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.
9. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
10. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
11. Use only with the 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.
12. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
13. 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.
14. No naked flames, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.

WARNING: Excessive sound pressure levels from earphones and headphones can cause hearing loss.

2 CX335 User Manual v1.0

 Contents
Important Safety Instructions...................... 2
Safety Information......................................... 4
Safety notes regarding installation....................... 4
Conformities............................................................. 4
Power supply............................................................ 4
CAUTION – Servicing........................................... 4
General Description....................................... 5
CX335 main features.............................................. 5
What’s in the Box.................................................... 5
Block Diagram.......................................................... 6
Front panel descriptions........................................ 6
Rear panel descriptions.......................................... 7
Installation...................................................... 8
Mechanical................................................................. 8
Connections and adjustments.............................. 8
Chassis Ground Terminal.....................................10
Fitting the tamper-proof cover...........................10
Operating principles.................................... 10
Compression..........................................................10
Hard/Soft Knee......................................................11
Normal/Slow Envelope.........................................11
Peak limiter.............................................................11
Adjustments................................................. 12
Operating modes...................................................12
Appendix....................................................... 14
Changing the AC Voltage setting.........................14
EMC considerations..............................................14
Earthing....................................................................14
Technical Specifications........................................15

CX335 User Manual v1.0 3

 Safety Information Power supply
The CX335 has an internal PSU (Power Supply Unit) and is
mains-powered via a standard 3-pin IEC receptacle located
Safety notes regarding installation on the rear panel.
• Do not expose this unit to water or moisture
The internal mains transformer has a primary winding
• Do not expose the unit to naked flames.
with both 230 V and 115 V tappings, enabling the unit to be
• Do not block or restrict any air vent
operated from mains voltages in the ranges 220 V to 240 V,
• Do not operate the unit in ambient temperatures above
or 110 V to 120 V.
45°C
• The unit has no internal user adjustable parts. Do not
remove any panel. The voltage range to which the transformer tapping
• Refer any servicing to qualified service personnel. has been set in the factory – either ‘230 V’ or ‘115 V’
• Do not replace the power transformer with any other - will be clearly marked on the rear panel,
type immediately below the IEC receptacle. Check that this figure
matches the voltage of the AC mains supply in your region. If
Conformities it does not, the transformer tappings will need to be altered;
The Cloud CX335 conforms to the following European in this case, please carry out the adjustments detailed on
EMC Standards: page 14 BEFORE connecting the CX335 to the mains
supply for the first time.
BS EN 55103-1:2009
BS EN 55103-2:2009
The unit must be earthed. Ensure that the mains
These products have been tested for normal use in
power supply provides an effective earth connection
the commercial and light industrial environment. If the
using a three-wire termination.
equipment is used in controlled EMC environments, the
urban outdoors, heavy industrial environments or close
to railways, transmitters, overhead power lines etc., the When the mains push-button switch is in the ‘out’
performance of the units may be degraded. position, the live and neutral conductors of the
The Cloud CX335 conforms to the following European mains transformer are disconnected.
electrical safety standard:
BS EN 60065:2002
CAUTION – Servicing
Do not touch any part or terminal carrying the
hazardous live symbol ( ) while power is supplied
to the unit.
The unit contains no user serviceable parts. Refer servicing
to qualified service personnel. Do not perform servicing
unless you are qualified to do so. Disconnect the power
cable from the unit before removing the top or bottom
panel. Only reassemble the unit using bolts/screws identical
to the original parts.

4 CX335 User Manual v1.0

 General Description CX335 main features
• Stereo compressor-limiter for dynamic range control
and amplifier/speaker protection in fixed audio
The Cloud CX335 is a two-channel compressor-limiter
installations
designed for permanent installation as part of the sound
system in a pub, club, bar or similar premises where
• Fully analogue design
automatic, fool-proof control of the maximum sound level is
• Electronically balanced inputs and outputs on rear panel
XLRs
required. The automatic nature of its operation permits the
number of controls to be reduced, making setting up on-site
• +26 dBu maximum input and output levels
a simple procedure.
• Automatic operation with minimal controls – very
simple to set up
When inserted in the analogue signal chain immediately • Transparent in operation
before the system power amplifiers (but see “Signal path • Separate peak limiter section with LED indication
considerations” on page 8) the CX335 will limit the • Bargraph meters for output level and gain reduction
dynamic range of the signal fed to the amplifiers, providing • Bypass switch
both control of the overall sound level and protection • Anti-tamper security cover with single-use seals
against amplifier and loudspeaker overload. • VCA control port for Music Muting or remote level
control
A single set of controls affects both channels simultaneously.
The controls are hidden behind a tamper-proof security
• 1U 19” rackmounting unit
cover once the unit is installed, to prevent unauthorised
• Five year warranty
alteration.
What’s in the Box
The inputs and outputs are electronically balanced on rear
Please check the shipping carton for damage before opening.
panel XLR connectors. The unit can accept signal levels
If there is damage, please contact your Cloud agent and the
of up to +26 dBu. The CX335 is extremely transparent
shippers.
in operation and when set correctly, imposes minimum
colouration on the audio programme. The packing carton should contain the following items:
• CX335 compressor-limiter
• Security kit, consisting of:
-- Front panel security cover
-- 2 x fixing brackets
-- 2qty M3 x 15 hex pillars
-- 2qty M3 x 6 hex-head screws
-- 2 mm AF hex key
-- 2 x “single-use” security tags
• IEC mains lead with mains plug appropriate to your
region
• This manual

CX335 User Manual v1.0 5

Block Diagram

Example System Signal Path (see “Signal path considerations” on page 8)

Loudspeaker Systems
Audio Sources

Multi-Channel
Mixer or Zoner CX335
Amplifier.

Front panel descriptions

GAIN REDUCTION OUTPUT DISPLAY ENVELOPE KNEE THRESHOLD RATIO PEAK GAIN BYPASS
C X 335 0
-10 2
3
5
6
10
15 4
- 0 +
4
Split Band Compressor-Limiter L
10
3
-15 1.5
NORMAL SOFT 20 0 20 NORMAL
5 8 8
30 20 15 10 6 4 2 1 0dB -20 -16 -12 -8 -4 0dB +4 +8 +12 -2
-4
+10 -20 1.2 -6 26 12 12
Power R
SLOW HARD dBu :1 dBu LIMIT dB BYPASS

12 1 11 10 7 8 2 3 4 5 6 5 12

1. Power switch with integral LED

2. THRESHOLD – rotary control setting the signal level above which the compressor-limiter applies gain reduction.
3. RATIO – rotary control setting the degree of compression applied to signals above the threshold.
4. PEAK – rotary control setting the signal level at which the (independent) peak limiter operates.
5. LIMIT – red LED, illuminates when the peak limiter is active.
6. GAIN – adjust to match the output level to the input level on normal programme material when the CX335 is active.
7. ENVELOPE – push-button switch: Out = ‘Normal’; In = “Slow”. Select to obtain the best audible results for the type of
programme material in use.
8. KNEE – push-button switch: Out = “Hard”; In = “Soft”. Select to obtain the best audible results for the type of programme
material in use.
9. BYPASS – push-button switch; press to bypass all internal dynamics processing.
10. OUTPUT DISPLAY – two 9-segment LED bargraph meters showing the level of the L and R outputs in 4 dB steps from
-20 dB to +12 dB. The 0 dB LED is yellow, with higher and lower levels being indicated by red and green LEDs respectively.
0 dB is equivalent to an output level of 0 dBu (0.775 Vrms).
11. GAIN REDUCTION – 9-segment LED bargraph meter indicating the degree of gain reduction being applied. The ‘0 dB’
LED is coloured green, and will remain illuminated even when there is no signal (thereby indicating that no gain reduction
is being applied).
12. 2 x M3 fixing holes for security cover

6 CX335 User Manual v1.0

Rear panel descriptions

13 14 13 14 15 18 17 16

13. INPUTS – 2 x XLR3F connectors: electronically-balanced inputs left and right channels.
14. OUTPUTS – 2 x XLR3M connectors: electronically-balanced outputs for left and right channels.
15. EXTERNAL VCA INTERFACE – 9-pin female Dsub connector for external DC control of VCA; this connector may be
used for remote muting or remote volume control purposes.
16. IEC power connector
17. AC mains fuse
18. Chassis ground terminal

CX335 User Manual v1.0 7

 Installation
Ideally, the CX335 should be connected immediately before
Mechanical the power amplifier(s). Ensure that the outputs do feed all
the amplifiers in use. If the system uses active loudspeakers,
The CX335 is suitable for mounting in a standard 19”
the CX335’s outputs should become the main signal
equipment rack. It occupies one unit of rack space (1U). The
feed to the loudspeakers. Again, ensure that the CX335’s
unit is 155 mm deep, but the rack should have at least
outputs do feed all the loudspeakers in the system. If the
225 mm of depth available to permit clearance of the rear
installation includes an electronic crossover or loudspeaker
panel connectors. Wherever possible, avoid positioning
management system, the CX335 should feed its inputs.
the units in close proximity to strong magnetic fields or
However, any graphic equaliser or similar item should
equipment which may operate at a high temperature (e.g.,
precede the CX335 in the signal chain.
high power amplifiers).
The inputs of the CX335 should be fed from the system’s
The CX335 is convection-cooled and generates no
“source selection” component – which is likely to be a
significant heat. Apart from observing the guideline above (re
mixer, a zoner or a preamplifier of some type in most
hot-running equipment), no special provision for ventilation
situations. Note, however, the comment regarding external
need be made. However, note that it is good practice not
equalisers above.
to enclose any rack containing electronic equipment in a
completely sealed space, such as a cupboard. The guiding rule is that the audio signal should always go via
the CX335 under all possible operational configurations.
For examples of possible system interconnections see
Connections and adjustments “Example System Signal Path” on page 6.
Power supply
The CX335 should be connected to AC mains power with Inputs
the IEC cable supplied. The IEC receptacle is located on
the rear panel. The unit is suitable for operation with mains Each of the CX335’s two channels has an electronically-
voltages in the ranges 220 to 240 V, or 110 to 120 V (see balanced input on a standard XLR3F connector. Twin-core
section on “230/115 V voltage selection” below). screened cable should be used when driving the inputs from
a device with a balanced output. Single-core screened cable
CAUTION - Mains Fuses can be used when connecting to an unbalanced source. Wire
The CX335 is fitted with a replaceable mains fuse. This is the inputs to the source devices using the convention shown
located on the rear panel adjacent to the AC mains input below:
connector. Only replace the fuse with one of an identical
type and rating.

AC FUSE 
FUSE TYPE   
VOLTAGE RATING
 

230 V 20 mm x 5 mm, T100mA 100 mA  


  

115 V 20 mm x 5 mm, T200mA 200 mA 




Note that the failure of the mains fuse may indicate an 
internal fault. If a replacement fuse fails immediately the 

power is restored, no further attempt should be made to  

use the CX335, and it should be returned to your Cloud   

service centre or other qualified person for repair. 



 
230/115 V voltage selection
The mains transformer in the CX335 is factory-set for
operation from either 230 V or 115 V AC mains. The factory
setting is printed on the rear panel below the IEC connector.  
If it is necessary to change the mains voltage setting, please 

refer to the Appendix of this User Guide – Changing the AC 

Voltage setting, on page 14

Signal path considerations Outputs
It is very difficult to give specific instructions regarding the Each of the CX335’s two channels has an electronically-
CX335’s location in the audio signal path, as this will depend balanced output on a standard XLR3M connector. Twin-core
entirely on the other components of the installed audio screened cable should be used when driving amplifiers (or
system. other equipment) with balanced inputs. Single-core screened

8 CX335 User Manual v1.0

cable can be used when connecting to an unbalanced emergency situation; in this case, the relay would probably
destination. Wire the inputs to the source devices using the be part of the building’s fire alarm system.
convention shown below:
Use two-core screened cable to connect to the remote
relay as shown:
Balanced amplifier input
pin 1: ground
CX335 output pin 2: hot
pin 1: ground pin 3: cold 2 1
pin 2: hot
pin 3: cold 3 N/O RELAY
CONTACTS
-
1 3 2
+
BALANCED CONNECTION
5 4 3 2 1
9 8 7 6

Note that to achieve maximum attenuation, the relay

CX335 output
contacts should be wired directly to pins 3 and 5 of the
Unbalanced amplifier input
pin 1: ground (e.g., phonos) Dsub connecter. In this case, the music level will be reduced
pin 2: hot
pin 3: cold
screen: ground
pin: hot
by approx. 60 dB when the external relay closes. Inserting a
resistor in series with pin 5 will reduce the amount by which
1 3 2
the music level drops on relay closure; it may be useful to
“dim” the music level in this way if the audio system includes
UNBALANCED CONNECTION a paging facility where the paging signal is routed to the
amplifiers directly (i.e., does not route via the CX335).

External VCA Interface RESISTOR VALUE LEVEL CHANGE

The External VCA Interface is a 9-pin female Dsub 0 ohms (i.e., no resistor) -60 dB
connector. The pinout is as follows: 470 kohms -20 dB

1 Mohm -12 dB

PIN FUNCTION

1 -15 V DC Connection for remote volume control

2 0V
Another application for the External VCA interface is to
connect it to a rotary control (a variable resistor) to allow
3 VCA CONTROL IN the overall audio volume to be adjusted remotely. To achieve
4 0V this, wire the connector, using two-core screened cable, as
shown below:
5 +15 V DC

7
0V
8 

9 

    
   


CX335 REMOTE LEVEL PINOUT 
VCA IN

+15 5 4 3 2 1 -15

9 8 7 6

Chassis Ground Terminal

0V
The rear panel of the CX335 is fitted with an Earthing
Connection for remote muting (Grounding) Terminal [18]. This is provided for protection
purposes; grounding the CX335 is a safety measure to
The External VCA Interface may be wired to external N/O protect the users of the system. The terminal should be
(normally-open) relay contacts to mute the programme connected to a convenient earth point in the rack’s mains
audio in both channels when the contacts close. This is a distribution system.
useful feature where it is necessary to mute music in an

CX335 User Manual v1.0 9

 dB. This is because the 15 dB of dynamic range above the
Operating principles threshold is halved, by virtue of the 2:1 compression ratio.
(If the compression ratio is 3:1, then the output level will
Compression be only 15/3 dB = 5 dB above the threshold, -25 dB). The
Compression is an audio process that progressively reduces audible result is that the louder passages in the programme
the dynamic range of programme material once the signal material are less loud and the overall output level is lower.
level has risen above a pre-set threshold. No treatment is
If the compression ratio is increased further – to 20:1, say,
applied to signals below the threshold; the output of the
the transfer characteristic above the threshold becomes
compressor will be the same as the input, and any change in
virtually parallel to the x-axis. This means that no matter
signal level will be reflected accurately at the output. If the
how high the input signal becomes, the output level never
signal level exceeds the threshold, compression is applied;
rises above the pre-set threshold. This principle can clearly
the result of this is that changes in the input signal level are
be used to provide excellent protection for the amplifiers
reduced by an amount called the “compression ratio”, and
further along the signal chain, but the downside is that the
the overall output signal does not reach the same level it
audible effect of extreme limiting can be rather tiring.
would have done without compression.
The examples given above all ignore the issue of gain
Limiting is “extreme” compression; here, once the threshold
make-up. As the ultimate effect of compression will be to
is exceeded, the output level will not rise any further.
reduce the volume of the sound that comes out of the
Effectively, any compressor with its ‘ratio’ set higher than 20
loudspeakers, most compressors include a gain control stage
to 1 can be considered to be a limiter.
after the compressor itself to compensate for any alteration
These points are best illustrated graphically; the curve below in overall level which is the consequence of compression. On
shows the “transfer characteristic” of a basic compressor/ the CX335, this is the front panel GAIN control, which has a
limiter. (The numbers are artificial and have been chosen range of ±12 dB.
simply to demonstrate the principle.)


Hard/Soft Knee

The transfer characteristic shown in the example above uses
 a “hard knee”; the knee is the point in the characteristic

at the threshold itself. With a “soft knee” compressor,



 the compression ratio is increased gradually from slightly
 

 

 below the threshold to slightly above it, until the set ratio is

 achieved. This is illustrated in the diagram below:



 


     

 



The graph shows the action of a compressor with the 

threshold set to -30 dB and the ratio set to 2:1. The
horizontal (x-) axis represents input signal level and the
vertical (y-) axis corresponding output signal levels. By
tracing vertically from any point on the x-axis to the transfer

characteristic, and then horizontally to the y-axis, we can see   

what the output signal level will be for any input signal level. 

Consider a quiet part of the programme material input signal

which only peaks at -35 dB (Input Level A); this is below the The use of a soft knee generally makes the audible effect of
threshold. All signals below the threshold are unaffected by compression on music somewhat less “aggressive”.
the compressor’s action, and this is indicated by the transfer
characteristic being 45° to both axes. Thus the output signal
level will be exactly the same as the input signal level: -35 dB. Normal/Slow Envelope
Now consider a louder passage; one that peaks at -10 dB The rate at which a compressor takes effect once the
(Input level B). This is 15 dB above the threshold, and so threshold is exceeded is called the attack time; similarly the
compression is applied. However above the threshold the rate at which the compressor action ceases after the input
transfer characteristic is closer to the horizontal, so the signal falls below the threshold is called the release time.
corresponding output signal level in this case is only -22.5 A compressor with the wrong attack time will sound bad,

10 CX335 User Manual v1.0

and will generally sound bad in different ways at different
frequencies. For instance, too fast an attack time at low Adjustments
frequencies will cause distortion as the gain reduction may Finding the optimum settings for the front panel controls is
change during one cycle. On the other hand, too slow an relatively straightforward. However, the audible effect of each
attack time at high frequencies will not process the signal control differs slightly depending on the unit’s Operating
peaks quick enough, resulting in the possibility of system Mode. Each Mode is described below, together with guidance
clipping and lack of speaker protection. of how to set the controls for the best compromise
The conclusion is that for most music programme material, between transparency and protection.
a fixed attack time is virtually useless. Similarly, a release
control that doesn’t track the input programme envelope
will result in audible ‘pumping’ or breathing as the gain Operating Mode
reduction changes.
The CX335’s four Operating Modes are set by the four
The CX335 gets over this problem by constantly adjusting possible combinations of the ENVELOPE and KNEE buttons.
these two crucial ‘parameters’ internally depending on the The four Modes are summarised in the table below:
level and frequency of the incoming signal. For this reason,
the usual rotary Attack and Release controls found on SOFT KNEE HARD KNEE
most compressors are replaced by a simple two-position
Mode 1: ultra-
ENVELOPE switch. Mode 3: precise control
NORMAL transparent control
of signal level and speaker
For most applications, satisfactory operation will be obtained ENVELOPE of SPL and speaker
protection.
protection.
with ENVELOPE set to “Normal”. In the “Slow” setting,
the programme-dependent circuitry is modified to allow
Mode 2: very Mode 4: the least
fast dynamic peaks through unprocessed; however signals transparent control transparent mode of
exceeding the threshold for longer than approximately SLOW
of SPL, but some operation to reduce high
ENVELOPE
one second are still processed. This setting may help to peaks allowed through level signals, but with more
restore the “punch” of particularly percussive music, but we unprocessed. peaks passed unprocessed.
recommend the peak limiter is used to provide additional
protection for the amplifiers and loudspeakers.
Mode 1 – Soft Knee/Normal Envelope:
This is the recommended mode for the majority of
Peak limiter situations, yielding the most musical results with the least
perceptible effects on the programme.
Although the compressor may be set to a high compression
ratio to act as a limiter, this may not always be a desirable For compression only, set THRESHOLD to between 10
solution. The CX335’s separate peak limiter section is and 15 dB below the average input signal level and RATIO
designed to set an absolute maximum level that the output to between 5:1 and 10:1. For compression and limiting, set
signal will not exceed a pre-determined level under any RATIO to 20:1 or higher. With programme at the normal
circumstances. The control can set the peak limiter threshold level, adjust GAIN while pressing BYPASS several times, until
from +26 dBu (where the limiter has no effect) down to the output meters indicate roughly the same level when the
‑6 dBu. The peak limiter is very fast, enabling it to limit any compressor is bypassed as when it is in circuit.
peaks without audible distortion. If the output signal is so ENVELOPE KNEE THRESHOLD RATIO PEAK GAIN BYPASS
high as to cause the limiter to operate for more than 20 ms, 0
-10 2
3
5
10
6
10
15 4
- 0 +
4

the overall system gain is automatically reduced to bring the

3
-15 1.5
NORMAL SOFT 20 0 20 NORMAL
5 8 8
-2

signal back within range. The gain is then returned to normal +10 -20 1.2
-4
-6 26 12 12

over a period of approximately one second. The PEAK SLOW HARD dBu :1 dBu LIMIT dB BYPASS

control and GAIN controls should be used in conjunction to

ensure that the peak limiter operates only rarely (if at all), if
it is to be used purely for peak protection. In this Mode, the higher the input signal, the more
compression will take place. A perceptible increase in
average overall volume should be noted, although the peak
output level should be slightly lower.
The PEAK control adjusts the threshold of the separate
Peak Limiter, and operates independently of the CX335’s
other controls. It lets the user set an absolute limit on the
maximum output level; however, it has the disadvantage
of sounding slightly less transparent than the compressor.
The compressor should be set to provide most of the gain
reduction, while the peak limiter should be thought of as
a ‘safety net’, to protect the system when it is subject to
abuse. The PEAK control should be adjusted by considering
the highest anticipated input level and observing the ‘clip’ (or

CX335 User Manual v1.0 11

‘peak’) indicators on the system’s power amplifiers. PEAK noticeable until very high input levels are used; under these
should be set so that the amplifiers do not clip at even the conditions the CX335 will take control to preserve system
highest signal levels. The idea is that the CX335’s peak limiter integrity.
should be active, not the clip protection in the amplifier. The
NOTE: See also “Intelligent Limiting” below
red LIMIT LED adjacent to the PEAK control shows when
the peak limiter is applying limiting. However, if it illuminates
more than occasionally, the CX335 is not adjusted for Mode 4 – Hard Knee/Slow Envelope:
optimum performance and the compressor controls should
This mode is likely to be the most noticeable (especially with
be readjusted to give more gain reduction.
high settings of RATIO and/or fast dance tracks).
For compression only, set THRESHOLD to between 0 and
Mode 2 – Soft Knee/Slow Envelope: 8 dB below the maximum input signal level and RATIO
to about 5:1 or slightly higher. (Note that the higher the
This compressor mode will still yield musical results, but will
ratio, the more audible the effects of compression.) For
tend to allow very fast transients through the compressor
compression and limiting, set RATIO to 20:1 or higher. A
section. Therefore, for continued amplifier and loudspeaker
high ratio setting will allow the THRESHOLD setting to
protection, more peak limiting will be required, and you
accurately establish the maximum output level. As the ratio
should be sure that there is sufficient overhead in terms of
is decreased, the threshold setting should also be reduced
speaker power handling.
to compensate. With programme at the normal level,
ENVELOPE KNEE THRESHOLD RATIO PEAK GAIN BYPASS adjust GAIN while pressing BYPASS several times, until the
- +
output meters indicate roughly the same level when the
-10 3 10 0
2 5
0 6 15 4 4
10
3
NORMAL SOFT
5
-15 1.5
20 0
-2
20
8 8
NORMAL compressor is bypassed as when it is in circuit. Adjust the
+10 -20 1.2
-4
-6 26 12 12 PEAK control as described for Mode 1 (above).
SLOW HARD dBu :1 dBu LIMIT dB BYPASS

ENVELOPE KNEE THRESHOLD RATIO PEAK GAIN BYPASS

-10 2
3
5
10 - 0 +
0 6 15 4 4
10
3
-15 1.5

Setting up the CX335 in Mode 2 is exactly the same NORMAL SOFT 20 0 20 NORMAL
5 8 8
-2
-4

procedure as for Mode 1 (above). The main difference in +10

dBu
-20 1.2

:1
-6

dBu
26

LIMIT
12

dB
12

BYPASS
SLOW HARD
operation is that some signal peaks may have the potential
for causing problems further along the signal chain; note
the remark above regarding the necessity for ample system
In this mode, quieter signals pass through the compressor
headroom.
unprocessed, but louder input signals (i.e., those above the
threshold) will be compressed. However, note that the initial
Mode 3 – Hard Knee/Normal Envelope: peaks of transient signals are likely to be passed through the
compressor unprocessed.
Hard knee operation, though more “precise”, is generally
slightly more noticeable in terms of audible artefacts
(especially at high settings of RATIO).
Intelligent Limiting
For compression only, set THRESHOLD to between 0 and
8 dB below the maximum input signal level and RATIO As the compressor section of the CX335 has a maximum
to about 5:1 or slightly higher. (Note that the higher the ratio setting of ∞ to 1, it may be used to provide limiting
ratio, the more audible the effects of compression.) For rather just compression. Because the compressor makes
compression and limiting, set RATIO to 20:1 or higher. With programme-dependant adjustments to the attack and release
programme at the normal level, adjust GAIN while pressing times, and the split-frequency side chain detects signal levels
BYPASS several times, until the output meters indicate in both channels, the limiting action produced is largely
roughly the same level when the compressor is bypassed as automatic.
when it is in circuit. Set the CX335 to Mode 3 (Hard Knee/Normal Envelope), as
described above. Set the THRESHOLD control to the level
ENVELOPE KNEE THRESHOLD RATIO PEAK GAIN BYPASS

0
-10 2
3
5
6
10
15 4
- 0 +
4
at which limiting is to be applied. Set the RATIO control to
NORMAL SOFT
-15 1.5
10

20
3
0 20 NORMAL
maximum (infinity). Set the GAIN control as for the other
5 8 8

+10 -20 1.2

-2
-4
-6 26 12 12
Modes: with programme at the normal level, adjust GAIN
SLOW HARD dBu :1 dBu LIMIT dB BYPASS while pressing BYPASS several times, until the output meters
indicate roughly the same level when the compressor is
bypassed as when it is in circuit.
In this mode, quieter signals pass through the compressor
ENVELOPE KNEE THRESHOLD RATIO PEAK GAIN BYPASS
unprocessed, but louder signals (i.e., those above the 0
-10 2
3
5
6
10
15 4
- 0 +
4

threshold) will be compressed (activity of the gain reduction

10
3
-15 1.5
NORMAL SOFT 20 0 20 NORMAL
5 8 8

meter will confirm this). Adjust the PEAK control as +10 -20 1.2
-2
-4
-6 26 12 12

described for Mode 1 (above). The LIMIT LED is likely to SLOW HARD dBu :1 dBu LIMIT dB BYPASS

flicker more often than in Mode 1, especially with very

percussive tracks at high level. No artefacts should be

12 CX335 User Manual v1.0

With this setting, lower level signals will pass through the Preventing rear access
compressor unprocessed, but any signal exceeding the There is little point fixing the security cover as described
threshold will produce a definite maximum output level that above if the rear panel of the unit is readily accessible, as
will never be exceeded (the gain reduction meter will confirm this allows the possibility of the unit being bypassed by
compressor action). The LIMIT LED should never illuminate unauthorised persons, by simply removing the rear XLR
if PEAK is set correctly (turn it up if the LED does illuminate). connectors and plugging them together.
We recommend therefore, that the CX335 is always fitted
into a 19” equipment rack which has a lockable rear door,
Fitting the tamper-proof cover and side panels which are either also lockable, or non-
The CX335 is supplied with a front panel security cover removable.
kit which, when fitted, prevents unauthorised tampering of
the controls. After the CX335 has been installed, connected
and satisfactorily adjusted, we recommend that the security
cover is fitted.
To fit the cover, proceed as follows:

1. Remove the two M4 hex-head screws at the left-hand

end of the front panel using a 2.5 mm AF hex key (not
supplied).
2. Fit one of the brackets to the front panel (note the
small rectangular cutout faces the centre of the unit),
using the two screws just removed.
3. Repeat Steps 1 & 2 at the right-hand end of the front
panel.
4. Insert the two M3 hex pillars through the brackets’
centre holes into the tapped holes in the front panel
and tighten with a nut driver.
5. Fit the security cover over the brackets, and secure it
in place with the two M3 x 6 hex-head screws supplied.
The four small holes in the upper and lower flanges of
the cover should align with the holes in the upper and
lower flanges of the brackets.
6. Insert the pointed ends of the “Plaseal” security tags
through the holes in the upper cover flange, threading
them through the holes in the lower flange as well.
7. The security tags work in the same manner as ordinary
cable ties. Providing you are absolutely confident with
the CX335’s adjustments (!), push the ends firmly into
the mating locks until you feel two consecutive clicks.
The security cover cannot now be removed without the
tags being cut first. [Hint for installers - do not leave any
spare tags on-site].

CX335 User Manual v1.0 13

 EMC considerations
Appendix
The CX335 Compressor-Limiter fully conforms to the
Changing the AC Voltage setting relevant electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards
IMPORTANT: and is technically well behaved.You should experience no
problems interfacing it to other items of equipment and
This procedure should be not be attempted by under normal circumstances, no special precautions need
anyone who is not competent to solder/desolder to be taken. If the CX335 is to be used in close proximity
small components from printed circuit boards. If you are not to potential sources of HF disturbance such as high power
suitably experienced, please refer this procedure to qualified communication transmitters, radar stations and the like, it is
service personnel. recommended that balanced input and output connections
are employed (with balancing transformers if the outputs/
inputs of the other equipment are unbalanced), and that
1. Unplug all rear panel connectors (including AC mains) all signal leads are kept as short as possible. If the CX335
2. Remove the six pozidrive screws securing the top panel, is mounted in a 19” rack, do not locate the unit in close
and remove the panel. proximity to a powerful amplifier of any kind, which may
3. Identify and remove four M3 screws on the PCB. With radiate a strong magnetic field from the power transformer.
the front panel nearest you, these are located as follows:
i. Just behind the THRESHOLD control
ii. Just behind the GAIN REDUCTION meter Earthing
iii. Immediately in front of the mains transformer When several mains powered units are connected together
iv. Immediately behind the mains transformer via their signal cables, there is a risk of one or more earth
4. Turn the unit over. Remove the seven pozidrive screws loops, which may cause an audible hum on the system
securing the bottom panel, and remove the panel. even with gain set to minimum. The 0 V rail of the CX335
Remove the white insulating card from the PCB in the is coupled to the chassis ground by a parallel resistor/
region of the mains switch and transformer (this is held capacitor network and no interconnection problems should
in place with a double-sided adhesive pad). be encountered, but if there is any hum or other extraneous
noise when source equipment is connected, the situation can
5. Turn the unit the right way up again. Note the shorting generally be remedied by observing the following guidelines:
link(s) immediately adjacent to the mains transformer.
If the unit is set for 230 V operation, one link will be • Always connect to sources and destinations using
present; if it is set for 115 V operation, two links will be balanced connections wherever possible. Note that, for
present. EMC reasons, cable screens should be connected at both


ends.


 
• Use audio isolating transformers (readily available from




 
trade suppliers) at the inputs if necessary. These will







 
ensure that the amplifier is electrically isolated from the


source equipment.


 




The signal source units should be located as close as possible

to the amplifiers and the metal housing of the various units
should not be electrically connected together through the
equipment rack. If this is a problem, rack isolating kits are
  available from specialist hardware suppliers. If the problem
 
persists, try to connect all interconnected units, including
6. To convert the CX335 from 230 V to 115 V operation, power amplifiers to a common power source to ensure a
 
or vice-versa, desolder the existing link(s)
 and replace it/
 common ground is provided.
them in the alternative positions. A desoldering tool, a
small soldering iron and a pair of snipe-nosed pliers is
required for this operation.
7. Turn the unit over again, and replace the insulating
card on the underside of the PCB. Ensure that the two
circular holes are aligned with the holes in the PCB.
Replace the bottom panel and secure with the screws
removed in Step 4.
8. Turn the unit the right way up, and replace the four M3
screws removed in Step 3.
9. Replace the top panel and secure with the screws
removed in Step 2.
Refer to the fuse data on page 8. Change the mains fuse
to one of the correct rating for the new voltage setting.

14 CX335 User Manual v1.0

Technical Specifications
Performance Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.5 dB

Distortion @1 kHz <0.02%, (0 dBu, unity gain); <0.1% (+10 dBu input, 10 dB gain reduction)

Distortion @10 kHz & 100 Hz <0.03%, (0 dBu, unity gain); <0.1% (+10 dBu input, 10 dB gain reduction)

Noise <-90 dB, unity gain, unweighted, 22 Hz – 22 kHz

Inputs Type & connectors Electronically balanced, XLR3F

Input Impedance 10 kohms

Max. Input Level +26 dBu

Outputs Type & connectors Electronically balanced, XLR3M

Output Impedance 80 ohms

Max. Output Level +26 dBu

Minimum Output Load 600 ohms

Compressor Threshold range -20 to +10 dBu

Ratio Adjustable: unity (no compression) to ∞ (brick-wall limiting)

Knee Front panel hard/soft switch

Attack & release times Automatic; front panel normal/slow switch

Peak limiter threshold Set independently; -6 to +26 dBu

Gain make-up ±12 dB

Metering 9-segment LED bargraphs for output level and gain reduction

General Power input 220-240 V (internally selectable to 100-120 V)

Power consumption 15 W

Mains protection Replaceable fuse, T100mA (230 V) or T200mA (115 V)

Dimensions (W x H x D) 482 x 44 (1U) x 155 mm

Weight 1.95 kg net

CX335 User Manual v1.0 15

Cloud Electronics Limited
140 Staniforth Road
Sheffield S9 3HF
England
Tel: +44 (0)114 244 7051
Fax: +44 (0)114 242 5462
email: [email protected]
web: www.cloud.co.uk