Klark Teknik DN500 Plus - Dual Compressor/Limiter Expander

The DN500 Plus from Klark Teknik is a dual channel compressor/limiter/expander that integrates all of three processes into a single space rack-mount chassis. The unit provides complete dynamic control over gain while also adding control over problems due to noise in the signal chain and the distortion that may be caused by excessive peak levels.

As a compressor, the DN500 can achieve almost undetectable dynamic range reduction by the use of sophisticated automatic attack and release circuitry. Or compression can be used as an effect with full manual control over threshold, ratio, attack and release. There is also a fully adjustable "knee" control which provides an infinite range of compression styles.

As an expander, the unit offers variable ratio expansion which can be used to increase subtly the dynamic range of a signal, or to act as a conventional noise gate, or offer any degree of expansion in between. Separate side chain inputs are provided for the compressor and expander sections.

To control signal peaks, a limiter is provided on each channel totally independent of the compressor, and with a fully adjustable threshold control. For situations where absolute control over peaks is necessary, a peak clipper can be switched in, the threshold of which tracks the limiter.

The DN500 has light indicators for every switched audio function and separate gain reduction light bar graph meters for compression and expansion on each channel. There are also peak limiting light indicators and output level light bar graph meters for each channel. A stereo link function is available for operation of the compression and expansion functions of both channels.