ART DR-X Digital Reverb Processor - User Manual

Installation

The DR-X can be integrated into various audio setups, including mixing consoles, amplifier effects loops, or directly in the signal chain. It is housed in a 19-inch rack-mount case. Audio connections are made via professional 1/4" phone jacks, and MIDI connections use a 5-pin DIN jack.

Inputs: The LEFT and RIGHT inputs are single-ended (unbalanced) with a 1M ohm impedance. True stereo processing is achieved by using both inputs. If only one input is used, the signal is automatically routed to both channels.

Outputs: The LEFT and RIGHT outputs are single-ended (unbalanced) with a 1.0K ohm source impedance, providing stereo or mono output. Using one output with a mono or stereo source combines the reverberant information from both outputs.

Controls and Operation

The front panel features several controls and indicators:

• Input Level Indicators: Four LEDs (-40dB, -12dB, -6dB, 0dB) display the signal level after passing through the dynamic section, indicating optimal input levels for dynamic range.
• Input Level Control: A slider that adjusts the input signal level to accommodate various sources, from musical instruments to line-level devices.
• Mix Control: Varies the amount of processed (wet) signal mixed with the original (dry) signal.
• Output Level Control: Adjusts the final output level of the DR-X.
• Displays: The Even Segment Display (numeric) shows operation mode, preset number, or memory location. The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) provides more detailed information, including preset titles and effect descriptions.
• Control Buttons: Buttons are categorized by color: purple for Preset Select (Keypad Mode) and grey for Edit Mode functions (Recall/Enter, Add Effect, Delete Effect, MIDI/Mix Title, Bypass, Store, Select, Value Up/Down).

Modes: The DR-X operates in Keypad Mode (for preset recall) and Edit Mode (for parameter adjustment and preset editing). MIDI/Utility functions are accessed via the MIDI/Mix Title button.

Preset Management: Presets can be scanned, recalled by number, copied, or stored. Factory presets can be unlocked for editing.

Effects Algorithms

The DR-X features a wide array of digital and dynamic effects, categorized for signal chain placement (PRE/POST) and parameter control.

Dynamic Effects:

• Harmonic Exciter (HAR-EXCITER): Enhances harmonic content for brighter, more articulate sound.
• Equalizer (EQUALIZER): Provides three-band EQ (100Hz, 1KHz, 10KHz) for tone shaping.
• Compressor/Limiter (CMPSR-LMTR): Controls dynamics, adds sustain, and prevents clipping.
• Expander/Gate (EXPANOR-GAT): Offers noise reduction and dynamic envelope filtering.

Digital Effects:

• Low Pass Filter (LPF): Rolls off high frequencies.
• Flanger (FLANGER): Creates sweeping, jet-like, or metallic sounds.
• Chorus (CHORUS): Thickens or sweetens sound with modulated delay.
• Pitch Transposer (PITCH-TRANS): Shifts pitch to create harmonies or other effects.
• Panner (PANNER): Creates stereo panning effects.
• Mono/Stereo Delays (DDL): Various delay types (short, long, tapped, regenerated) for echo and spatial effects.
• Reverbs (REVERB-1, REVERB-2, REVERB-3): Simulates acoustic spaces with parameters like Decay, Diffusion, and Position.
• Gated Reverbs (GATE-VERB): Reverb with an abrupt cutoff.
• Sampler: Allows recording and playback of audio snippets.

Each effect has adjustable parameters such as Type, Position, Range, Width, Speed, Decay, Level, etc., allowing for extensive sound shaping.

MIDI and System Functions

The DR-X supports MIDI for program changes, system exclusive messages, and control of various parameters. Features include:

• MIDI Program Table (MPT): Maps MIDI program change numbers to specific presets.
• Performance MIDI (PM): Allows up to eight parameters per preset to be controlled simultaneously via MIDI controllers.
• MIDI Data Monitor (DM): Helps in setting up MIDI control by displaying MIDI data.
• MIDI Event Monitor (MEM): Displays MIDI events in an 'English-ed' format.
• Remote Jack: Can be programmed for Bypass, Sample/Trigger, or Program Increment functions via a footswitch.
• Factory Reset: Reinitializes the unit to its original factory settings.

Specifications

Key specifications include:

• Presets: 90 user-programmable presets.
• Memory Locations: 90.
• Bandwidth: 35Hz to 20KHz.
• Dynamic Range: 90dB.
• Equivalent Input Noise: -107dBv.
• Operating Level: +16dBV max.
• Mechanical: 1.75"H x 19"W x 10"D all-steel case.
• Power Requirements: 105-125 VAC, 60Hz.
• MIDI Implementation: Supports Program Change, System Exclusive, Channel Mode messages, Note On/Off, Pitch Bender, and various controllers.

Appendices

The manual includes several appendices:

• Appendix A: Applications - Provides examples of using effects like the Pitch Transposer and Sampler.
• Appendix B: Examples - Demonstrates creating, copying, unlocking, and editing presets, including MIDI programming.
• Appendix C: DR-X MIDI Messages - Details the MIDI messages the DR-X responds to.
• Appendix D: MIDI Implementation Chart - A table summarizing MIDI functionality.
• Appendix E: Tables and Charts - Includes harmony tables and scaling value suggestions.
• Appendix F: Glossary of Terms - Defines technical terms used in the manual.
• Appendix G: Illustrations - Brief descriptions of figures and diagrams within the manual.