The DAS C350 was developed as a result of client demand for the hi-end sound of the NUENDO SSL Channel Strip.  To this end the clients were happy that the result had been achieved.  This quality was achieved due to the proprietary DAS filtering algorithms also used in the DAS LEGEND EQ and DAS MASTERIT EQ processors.
 

But the EQ's were not the first thing I tried on loading DAS C350 for the first time.  I needed a gate for restoration work, to reduce the reverb trails from old 1990's vocal recordings.  Other gates that I had tried required a lot of adjustment to achieve maximum reverb removed balanced against loss of attack on subsequent syllables.  However, I was able to achieve this result with a lot less adjustment and more accuracy using the C350 gate.
 
 

 
     
 

 
FILTER SECTION The filter section (top left corner) consists of two filters, a Low Pass Filter from 20 to 350hz and a High Pass Filter from 3Khz to 20Khz.
   
EQUALIZER SECTION The LMF (Low Medium Frequency) and HMF (High Mid Frequency) bands are fully parametric, providing adjustable frequency, bandwidth (Q) and gain.

The LF (Low Frequency) and HF (High Frequency) are parametric as well providing adjustable frequency and gain.  Push Bell to switch to wide 'Q' factor.
   
COMPRESSOR The Compressor modifies the dynamics of a sound.  The level of louder passages is decreased.  This means that the overall output level can be set higher, with the net result that the level of softer sections is increased. 
  • THRESHOLD determines the volume level at which compression begins.
  • RATIO determines the intensity of the compression.
  • ATTACK determines how quickly the compressor responds when the threshold is exceeded.
  • RELEASE determines how quickly the compressor deactivates when the signal drops below the threshold.

The vertical blue Reduction VU Meter (to the right of the Compressor section) shows the degree of reduction or attenuation of the signal.
   
NOISE GATE A noise gate is just what it's name implies.  When it is open, signals can pass through freely.  When closed, the signal is completely blocked.  A gate can serve several purposes, such as muting the signal to avoid background noise (microphone bleed) or to clean up the trailing out of a reverb or instrument sound.
  • THRESHOLD the gate will close the signal if the signal level drops below the threshold.
  • RATIO In other gates this would be a HOLD control.  It controls how far the gate will close when the level drops below the threshold.  Turn the RATIO up full to have the gate close completely.  In some cases this can give more immediate control over gating than the Attack/Release controls.
  • ATTACK determines how quickly the gate closes when the level drops below the threshold.
  • RELEASE determines how quickly the gate opens when the signal goes above the threshold.

The vertical blue Reduction VU Meter (to the right of the Gate section) shows the opening and closing of the gate.
   
   

 
1. DYN + EQ (Dynamics + EQ)

Use the DYN + EQ algorithm to ensure that the dynamics section is triggered and based on your input source material, with EQ and Filtering applied after.

  
     
2. CH OUT (Channel Out)

Similar to SPLIT + CH OUT but with EQ applied first.

 

  
     
3. SPLIT (Split)

Use the 'Split' algorithm to filter the input before triggering the dynamics section.  EQ is applied after Dynamics have been applied.  The filter is used first in the chain to 'split' out any unwanted frequencies from the upper and/or lower bands.

  
     
4. SPLIT + CH OUT (Split + Channel Out)

Possibly the simplest of the 6 algorithms as it follows the left-right top-bottom orientation of the effects on the GUI.

 
     
5. DYN SC (Dynamics Sidechain)

Use this algorithm to obtain that classic Phil Collins gated snare sound. This is called 'frequency conscious' gating, allowing control over the frequency of the sidechain used to trigger the gate.  Therefore the engineer will be able to 'hone in' on the attack on the target sound (e.g. Snare) and filter out unwanted frequencies that may inadvertently trigger the gate (e.g. Hi-Hats).

  
     
6. SPLIT + SC (Split + Sidechain)

Similar to DYN SC except that the Filtered signal is passed through the Dynamics section and on to output (rather than just used for the Side Chain).

  
 

Alternatives include the Scope 5.0 bundled SL9000 channel strip and the new improved DAS SL9000, provided free for previous purchasers and offering GUI and sound improvements over the Scope 5.0 bundled version.  See screenshot here.
 
 
 
Dante December 2010