Summit Audio.. Makers of fine pro audio gear

Key Features:

Continuously variable attack and release times
Adjustable threshold
Variable slope (ratio)
Output gain control
Soft-knee transition characteristic
Stereo link switch
Dual true VU meters
Side chain insert
Bypass switch
3 year warranty
Hand crafted in the USA
Retail Price: $3,590

Rich, complex, studio sound. Robust, road worthy, tour-tested strength. The Summit Audio DCL-200 dual channel compressor/limiter personifies that grab-your-attention sound that only the very, very best quality tube compressor can give you. Based on a hybrid design, the DCL-200 combines the most desirable sonic characteristics of vacuum tubes with the airy top-end of solid state devices. DCL-200 circuitry incorporates selected 12AX7A vacuum tubes with high reliability custom-made 990 op-amps in a transformerless signal path, giving you an incredibly clean, precise sound, with the overtones and warmth of tube technology.

A mainstay of both the live sound and studio environments, the DCL-200 has helped shape the sound of countless concerts and albums with its crisp yet smooth high frequency response and the sweet low-mid and low tones you get from vacuum tubes. The DCL-200 is an extremely versatile and musical sounding compressor, a go-to piece for tracking, mixing, and mastering. The compression curve and soft knee lets the DCL-200 enhance your audio in a way that is far from sterile without ever sounding muddy or pinched.

DCL-200 Basic Operating Instructions

Tracking, live sound, mixing:
For tracking, plug the output of the microphone preamp into the input of the DCL-200 or use the insert jack on the preamp. For more of the DCL-200 sound, turn down the output on the preamp and use more of the make-up gain on the DCL-200. When mixing with the DCL-200 in the studio or for live sound, insert the DCL-200 on the main inserts or after the master output, or use on the inserts on individual channels for compressing single instruments.

Compressing a stereo mix:
Plug the DCL-200 into the main inserts of your mixing console or from the master outputs. Set the DCL-200 into Link mode to run in stereo. The AC Threshold, Slope, Attack, and Release controls on channel one (the top channel) will operate both channels. The bypass switches, meter switches, and the gain controls will need to be set for each side.

De-essing or other frequency-dependent compressing:
Plug a TRS insert cable into the side chain jack on the back of the DCL-200. Plug the send (tip) of the insert cable to the input of an EQ, and the return (ring) of the cable to the EQ output. Boost the frequencies on the EQ that you want to compress (de-ess).

Ducking:
Send the output of the "lead" program material into the side chain input after inserting the DCL-200 on the "background" program material.

Example: Send a secondary output of a vocal mic into the side chain, with the DCL-200 inserted on the over-all music track. As the singer uses the vocal mic, the music will decrease in amplitude. This is perfect for broadcast use when the DJ needs to speak over music, or a lead guitar plays a solo over the rhythm track in mixing.

Q: Where can I get light bulbs for my DCL-200?

A: Contact us! We'll get you what you need.

Q: How do I align my meters?

A: In level mode, you'll need to contact us for the alignment procedure. In GR mode, take off the top of the unit and warm up completely. BE VERY CAREFUL AND TOUCH NOTHING ON THE INSIDE OF THE UNIT; POTENTIALLY LETHAL VOLTAGES INSIDE. EVEN WITHOUT POWER CONNECTED CAPACITORS WILL STORE A CHARGE THAT CAN SHOCK AND POTENTIALLY KILL. If you are unfamiliar with doing this, please have a qualified service technician do this for you. Set the meter select switch to GR (gain reduction). With a small, flathead screwdriver, adjust R9 on the top circuit board, this is the trim pot on the far right of the board when looking at the front. Turn R9 until the left meter is at 0 in GR mode. Then adjust R9 on the lower board to adjust the right meter. It is helpful to switch back and forth from Level to GR to make sure the meter sits in the proper position.

Q: When should I change my vacuum tubes?

A: We have seen 10,000 hours and more out of our vacuum tubes without signal degradation. We accomplish this by regulating the heater voltage to the tubes, greatly increasing their life, something of a rarity if this industry. So, time is not as much of an issue as is sound. If you hear a ringing sound in your audio or when you rap your knuckles on the front, the tube is going microphonic. If you hear an increase in the noise floor, the tube may need to be replaced. Contact us if you need new tubes, we can help.

Q. Can I use my DCL-200 in another country with a different voltage?

A. Please search in the FAQ section for information about changing the voltage on your unit.