Troubleshooting; Contacting Us - Focusrite Platinum Penta Preset Stereo Compressor Manuel D'utilisation

A side-chain insert allows much greater creative flexibility than if the audio signal alone
is controlling the action. The most common way to use a side-chain is to EQ the part
of the audio signal that is sent to the side-chain. Frequencies are either cut in order to
stop the compressor reacting to particular frequencies, or boosted in order to make the
compressor react more to particular frequencies. This is known as 'frequency-conscious
compression'.
6. Q. How might I use the compressor side-chain?
A. The main use of a side-chain insert is to use EQ to make the compressor react
differently. For example, if you were putting drums through your Penta
might find that the kick drum is causing the compressor to react the most, causing
audible 'pumping' of the drums as the compression level rises after each kick drum and
then is 'squashed' again. If this is undesirable, you could use the side-chain EQ to filter
off some of the lower frequencies, reducing this effect. (Sometimes this effect is
desirable, so you may wish to boost the low frequencies in order to emphasise this
effect!)
Note: The side-chain insert on the Penta
that splits in two at one end. At the single end should be a stereo jack and at the other
end there should be two mono 'send' and 'return' jacks. Connections are shown below:
Insert Y Cable
Tip
Ring
Sleeve
7. Q. Should I use balanced connectors with my Penta
A. The Penta may be run balanced or unbalanced, although it is best to use balanced
™
connectors where possible. If you want to connect your Penta
connectors, construct or purchase a cable that is wired as follows:
then you
™
requires the use of a 'Y' cable. This is a cable
™
Tip
Sleeve
Ring
Tip (Send)
Sleeve
Tip (Return)
Sleeve
?
™
to a device with XLR
™

TROUBLESHOOTING

1. No output when using the Line Input.
•
Is the POWER switched on?
•
Is the MIC/INST switch on the front panel switched out?
•
Is the GAIN set correctly (see Facilities and Controls section for details).
2. No output when using the Mic input
•
Is the POWER switched on?
•
Is the MIC/INST switch on the front panel switched in?
•
Is the GAIN set correctly (see facilities and controls section for details).
•
Is there a jack inserted in the INSTRUMENT IP? If so, remove it.
•
For microphones that require phantom power, is the +48V switch switched in? (if you
are unsure whether your microphone requires phantom power, check with the manual
for your microphone).
3. No output when using the Instrument Input
•
Is the POWER switched on?
•
Is the mic/inst switch on the front panel switched in?
•
Is the gain set correctly? (see Facilities and Controls section on page 7 for details).
4. The compressor is not working
•
Is the COMPRESSOR IN switch pressed?
•
Is the input GAIN set correctly? If not set high enough, the signal level may not be high
enough to activate the compressor.
•
Is the COMPRESSION control set correctly? (If set too low, the input level may not
reach the threshold at which compression starts.)
5. The IMAGE WIDTH control is not working
•
Is the IN switch pressed?
•
Are both line inputs carrying an identical signal? (The IMAGE WIDTH control needs
differences between the left and right channel in order to function properly.)
Note: This function should only be used when two signals from a stereo source are
applied to the Penta via the left and right Line Inputs on the rear panel.
™

CONTACTING US

If have any questions about your Penta ™ , or are continuing to have difficulty, mail us for help
,
at tech@focusrite.com phone +44 (0)1494 462246
distributor (see listing at the back of this manual)
T r o u b l e s h o o t i n g
E
N
G
L
I
S
H
,
or contact your local
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