BSS Audio Exhibits New Opal Series of Processors

July 11, 1997 -- BSS Audio has brought its style of high-performance audio signal processing to a larger market with the launch of the new OPAL Series. The new range, which is competitively priced, has a striking visual appeal, yet offers uncompromised audio quality and functionality. BSS expects the Opal Series to be well received by more market sectors than the company traditionally addresses, such as project studios, performing musicians and a wider cross section of sound reinforcement companies.

The first two products in this new series are Dynamics Processors: the DPR-422 Dual Compressor/De-Esser and the DPR-522 Dual Noise Gate, both essential items in any processing rack, whether in the studio, on the road, or in fixed installations. Both products feature electronically balanced inputs and outputs, and comprehensive signal metering for rapid system monitoring. Unusually, the side chain inserts are also balanced and on separate connectors. To facilitate matching both professional and semi-professional equipment, inputs and outputs on the DPR-422 can be switched to operate at +4 dBu or -10 dBV nominal levels.

The DPR-422 Dual Compressor/De-Esser is unique in its inclusion of comprehensive de-essing capabilities within the same unit as a classic compressor design. The compressor section uses a double-side chain architecture with only a subtractor and gain control in the main signal path, while the sophisticated control circuitry (including a VCA) lies parallel to the main signal path. Broadband or advanced frequency selective compression is produced by subtraction from the main signal. This not only ensures a cleaner, purer signal, but forms the basis of entirely new possibilities in signal processing.

The BSS De-Esser design is recognised worldwide as a highly-desirable item in the engineers toolkit, and provides two main de-essing options to suit different program material and means of reproduction. Broadband de-essing adds to normal compressor functionality with the ability to compress the whole signal when high frequency components exceed the preset de-ess threshold level. For greater precision in demanding applications, it can be set by the main compressor controls. The De-Ess HF mode uses all the compressor control circuitry to create a dedicated, frequency-selective de-esser channel compressing high frequency signals while leaving low frequency content unmodified.

The DPR-522 Dual gate offers very sophisticated control over the critical key side chain, yet is easy to set up due to a parametric key filter with adjustable frequency and width. Other functions help the engineer configure the gates quickly and precisely, such as the CHECK key which manually opens the gate for line checks or testing the key envelope; and KEY LISTEN, which allows the response of the filter chain to be monitored. The intuitive side-chain metering developed for the classic BSS DPR-502/504 dual and quad gates has been enhanced with the addition of the OPEN/SHUT LED's which mimic the envelope time constants of the gate.

With these unique features, the OPAL Series finds itself at home in the studio or on the stage, in the processing rack, the effects rack, or wherever dynamic control is needed.

BSS Audio, Harman Pro North America
1449 Donelson Pike
Nashville, TN 37217
Tel: 615/399-2199
Fax: 615/367-9046
www.bssaudio.co.uk/bss/