Alto ALTOGATE [5/15] Feature list

1. INTRODUCTION

Feature List:

2.1 Some Technical Stuff

2. THE CONCEPT BEHIND

The EXPANDER/GATE Section

You can select freely the EXPANDER/GATE mode in your unit. The two modes can reduce or cut-off the level

of audio signal below a certain set threshold to avoid unexpected noise.

Side-chain Filter

The adjustable parametric side-chain filter allows the user to select and eliminate certain frequencies that may

result in unwanted triggering of the gate and expander.

2.1.1 It is not just Music

You are now the owner of an LTO GATE. Your LTO GATE is based on many years of experience and is designed

to eliminate noise in systems, hiss and hum in amplifiers, surrounding noise and so on. For more information, please

read this manual carefully.

Good old analog technology: It will allow us to manufacture audio equipment with a very high dynamic range: up

to 125 dB. But the dynamic range of digital equipment is more or less 25 dB less. A further reduction in dynamic

range occurs with the use of tape recorders and/or vinyl records.

Yes, a piece of electronic will produce some noise. When the current flows through a conductor this will

generate a certain movement of the electrons and therefore: noise. And throughout the whole spectrum of

audio. Imagine what happens when this inherent noise will be amplified. Yes, today one can use "low-noise"

components but still such components will present a certain level of residual noise.

For example with tape recorders it will not be possible to get an S/N (signal to noise) ratio better than 70dB.

This level would not be accepted today by the increased sensitivity of the Listeners. It is possible to improve

the performance of a tape recorder: Absolutely no!

2.1.2 Introducing Audio Dynamics

The human ear can detect the noise generating by falling leaves as well as the roar generated by the taking

off space shuttle. Unfortunately no analog, nor digital device can reproduce such wide spectrum. Please look

at Chart. 1 and you will see the difference if dynamic capacity of various devices when compare to the human

ear. More problems occur when handling high level signals and low level signals. When you reach the high

level limit you may incur in distortion because of the dynamic range of the instrument therefore a certain

"reserve" must be maintained to avoid distortion.

Mountable in one standard 19" rack unit

Illuminated power switch

Manually adjustable HOLD and RELEASE time

Indicating gain attenuation with 8-segment LED

Range control for gate mode while ratio for expander mode

Balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS connectors for inputs and outputs

Super quality parts and rigid configuration for long life and full credibility

This reserve is known as "headroom" and it is usually set at 10 20 dB. Would not be easier just to reduce

the operating level? Yes, it would. But you would put low level music signals at the same level of the basic

noise floor so the overall quality of the signal would be highly deteriorated. Please look at Chart. 2 and note

the Usable dynamic range (including headroom) versus high level distortion generated by peaks, and Noise

floor level.