GAIN RYDER 3 by VALVOTRONICS

A 2 channel compressor/limiter with 18dB of gain per channel provided by a single

triode-configured EF86 tube, transformer coupled input/output, with no
semiconductor components in the audio path. Use of semiconductors in the side
chain(detector) circuitry allows the cost of the unit to remain reasonable, and
also allows some useful control parameters not available on "vintage" units. A 6201
tube(per channel) is also used in a zero gain configuration to drive the output
transformer.

A unique light display in the VU meters allows visible reassurance of compressor

activity while in "VU" mode. A "Gain Reduction" switch changes the meters to
indicate gain change via negative deflection from "0". Also, different colored
lights indicate which input is feeding that channel's detector circuitry.

Specifications:

Throughput: +22dBv
Frequency Response: flat from 10Hz to 10kHz +1dB at 20kHz -3db at 26kHz (minimum)
Distortion: 0.1% at zero VU(1kHz/unity), 100Hz - 20kHz, less than 0.13% 20Hz -
25kHz, less than 0.2%.
(this percentage is primarily 2nd order distortion, i.e., 1st octave)
(test instrument : HP 334a)
Noise: better than -93dbm at unity gain,-96dbm typical (Sound Tech 1510A)
Input impedance: 600 ohms(transformer balanced)
Output impedance: 600 ohms(transformer balanced)
External input: unbalanced, +4dBv
Mains power: 117VAC/1amp gma fuse. Can be configured for 230VAC service.
Warranty: 1 year parts and workmanship, excepting user damage or misuse. RMA and
dated proof of purchase required.
Controls:

Gain (Make-up): 18 dB of total gain through unit. Compression/limiting takes place

before gain make-up, much like "leveling amplifiers". Unity with no compression is
at about 10 o'clock.

Ratio: amount of "kick-over", or "slope" of gain change unit. From 2 / 1 to 20 / 1,

depending on "Response", and if full gain reduction is reached via maximum
threshold. In extreme "Ratio" settings, negative gain can be gotten, and is usable
for drums and percussion, for that "vacuum-suck" sound.

Response: Average detector to peak detector, with associated attack and release
times changing from slow to fast. Depth of gain reduction increases somewhat in
"Peak" setting.(see "Slower" below)

Threshold: detector sees more level as the knob is increased, i.e., compression is
initiated sooner as the knob is turned clockwise.

Peak Stop: acts as a overload light when knob is fully clockwise, lighting the
light, and activating the peak stop circuit. Rotating the knob clockwise hard
limits the signal at a progressively lower dB level. This circuit reads the output,
post gain make-up, and is independent of the compressor/limiter circuit. Only very
fast transients will escape. maximum clockwise on the knob keeps the (average)
output below +3VU.

Detector: 3-way switch selects which input feeds that channel's detector circuit.
The other controls on a slave channel's compressor must be set similarly, though,
for proper channel matching. External in allows de-essing or ducking.
Slower: switch up to generally slow the compressor circuit for "very slow-average"
(poky) response.(long release times)