M406 — Compressor - Limiter
| Type | module |
| Category | DYNAMICS |
| Try it | simulator & front panel · download package (zip) |
| Earliest dated evidence | 1968|1 — title-block date |
| Evidence | "DATE Oct - 68" in PUBLIC/Manuals + tech DOCUMENTS/Modules/M406 - Compressor de-esser - SCHEMATICS and BOARD LAYOUT/406-09-002.jpg |
| Confidence | high |
| All years found | 1968|1, 1969|2, 1970|3, 1972|5 |
| Variants | M406A, M406B, M406C, M406M |
| Folder | DOCUMENTS/Internal and Eng Notes and drawings/WBS - Rodger Beck - A Unique Compressor Limiter |
| Folder | DOCUMENTS/RECENT SCANS/WBSps.ca 20210321 - scans |
| Folder | Modules/DYNAMICS/M406 |
Connections and circuit (ideal SPICE model)
Drawn live from its RTO-144 connections: run the generator, turn the gain, watch the VU. Open the netlist to see how the model is built.
Pinout & connections
Each contact as its own documents name it: 11 named (11 high confidence). An empty slot is a contact no page names. Hover a contact for its source; the table under the drawing lists them. A 22-pin connector, named in 1972 - M406 - B 406-04-010 - M406B(C) COMPRESSOR - MODULE LAYOUT.jpg, p. 1.
pinout (SVG) · connections (SVG) · pins (JSON)
Pin evidence — 11 contacts
| Pin | Signal | Kind | Confidence | Read from | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | COMPRESSOR IN | audio in | high | rto-144 | M406.rto144.json, p. 1 |
| 2 | COMPRESSOR IN | audio in | high | rto-144 | M406.rto144.json, p. 1 |
| 13 | COMPRESSOR OUT | audio out | high | rto-144 | M406.rto144.json, p. 1 |
| 14 | COMPRESSOR OUT | audio out | high | rto-144 | M406.rto144.json, p. 1 |
| 15 | METER OUT | audio out | high | rto-144 | M406.rto144.json, p. 1 |
| 16 | METER OUT | audio out | high | rto-144 | M406.rto144.json, p. 1 |
| 17 | SIDE CHAIN | control / tally | high | rto-144 | M406.rto144.json, p. 1 |
| 18 | COMMON | ground / common | high | rto-144 | M406.rto144.json, p. 1 |
| 19 | COMMON | ground / common | high | rto-144 | M406.rto144.json, p. 1 |
| 20 | +24 V | power rail | high | rto-144 | M406.rto144.json, p. 1 |
| 22 | +48 V | power rail | high | rto-144 | M406.rto144.json, p. 1 |
Pictures
1972 - M406 - B 406-04-010 - M406B(C) COMPRESSOR - MODULE LAYOUT.jpg
1968 - M406 - B 147-06-001 - COMPRESSOR BOARD M147 COMPONENT LAYOUT.jpg
1968 - M406 - B 406-09-002 - M406 - SYSTEM WIRING.jpg
1968 - M406 - C 406-09-001 - COMPRESSOR - PACKAGE OUTLINE.jpg
1969 - M406 - B 147-06-010 - M406B COMRESSOR - M147 COMPONENT LAYOUT.jpg
1969 - M406 - SEL RECOVERY METER CAL.jpg
1970 - M406 - B 406-02-011 - M406B COMPRESSOR - PLUG CONNECTIONS.jpg
1970 - M406 - B 406-02-012 - M406B COMPRESSOR - SYSTEM WIRING.jpg
19xx - 406-02-001 - COMPRESSOR SCHEMATIC - ISS 2.jpg
1968 - 406-09-001 - COMPRESSOR PACKAGE OUTLINE - DRN C.S. O'CONNELL.jpg
1968 - 406-09-002 - SYSTEM WIRING - DRN C.S. O'CONNELL - ISS 1.jpg
1968 - M406 - 406 compressors.jpg
1968 - M406 - 406-02-010 - STEREO RICO.jpg
1968 - M406 - 406-02-011.jpg
1968 - M406 - 406-02-012 - MIN BEND RAD UNLESS SPECIFIED.jpg
1968 - M406 - 406-04-010 - PLACES GIVEN ANGLES.jpg
1968 - M406 - 406-09-002 - MIN BEND RAD UNLESS SPECIFIED.jpg
1968 - M406 - B 146-06-001 - COMPRESSOR BOARD M146 COMPONENT LAYOUT.jpg
1968 - M406 - B 146-06-010 - M406 B COMPRESSOR - M146 LAYOUT.jpg
1968 - M406 - B 406-02-001 - M406 COMPRESSOR - SCHEMATIC.jpg
1968 - M406 - B 406-02-014 - M406C COMPRESSOR - SCHEMATIC.jpg
1968 - M406 - P1.jpg
1968 - M406 - P2.jpg
1968 - M406 - P3.jpg
1968 - M406 - P4.jpg
1968 - M406 - P5.jpg
1968 - M406 - P6.jpg
1968 - M406 - P7.jpg
1968 - M406 - W-B406-a.jpg
1968 - M406 - W-B406-b.jpg
1968 - M406 - compressor schematic - Full - -joined.jpg
1969 - 406-02-010 - M406B COMPRESSOR SCHEMATIC - DRN DJG - ISS 5.jpg
1969 - 406-02-013 - M406B COMPRESSOR SCHEMATIC CEILING CONTROL MODIFIED - DRN DJG - ISS 2.jpg
1970 - 406-02-011 - M406B COMPRESSOR PLUG CONNECTIONS - DRN DJG - ISS 2 (2).jpg
1970 - 406-02-011 - M406B COMPRESSOR PLUG CONNECTIONS - DRN DJG - ISS 2.jpg
1970 - 406-02-012 - M406B COMPRESSOR SYSTEM WIRING - DRN DJG - ISS 2.jpg
1970 - 406-02-012 - M406B COMPRESSOR SYSTEM WIRING - DRN DJG - ISS 3.jpg
1971 - B 406-02--5 - COMPRESSOR SCHEMATIC MODIFIED - DRN GP - ISS 1.jpg
1972 - 406-04-010 - M406B(C) COMPRESSOR MODULE LAYOUT - DRN MRW - ISS 2.jpg
19xx - DOC - WBS - Rodger Beck - A Unique Compressor Limiter 05.jpeg
19xx - DOC - WBS - Rodger Beck - A Unique Compressor Limiter 06.jpeg
19xx - DOC - 2021-3-21-17-22-29.jpg
19xx - 406-02-010 - M406B COMPRESSOR SCHEMATIC - ISS 6.jpg
WBS M406b Schematic and layout.jpg
19xx - 405-02-001.jpg
1968 - B 406-02--13 - COMPRESSOR SCHEMATIC CEILING CONTROL MODIFIED - ISS 2.png
1968 - M406C - P1.jpg
1969 - M406B - IGRO RECX SYSIES LTU MTE DEC.png
1969 - M406B - P11.jpg
1969 - M406B - P12.jpg
1969 - M406B - P13.jpg
1969 - M406B - P14.jpg
1969 - M406B - P15.jpg
1969 - M406B - P17.jpg
1969 - M406B - P5.jpg
1969 - M406B - SCHEMATIC CEILING CONTROL MODIFIED.png
1969 - M406B - Schematic and layout.jpg
1969 - M406B - WBSps.ca - M406B compressor.jpg
1976 - M466 - Compressors.jpg
1968 - 406-02-001 - COMPRESSOR SCHEMATIC - DRN C.S. O'CONNELL - ISS 3.jpg
1969 - 406-02-014 - M406C COMPRESSOR SCHEMATIC - DRN DJG - ISS 1.jpg
M406 compressor schematic - Full - -joined.jpg
1968 - M406C - 406-02-011.jpg
1968 - M406C - 406-02-012 - MINBEND RAD UNLESS SPECIFIED.jpgDates found in the documents
| Year | Kind | Text | File |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968|1 | title-block date | DATE july 68 |
1968 - M406 - B 147-06-001 - COMPRESSOR BOARD M147 COMPONENT LAYOUT.jpg |
| 1968|1 | title-block date | DATE Oct - 68 |
1968 - M406 - B 406-09-002 - M406 - SYSTEM WIRING.jpg |
| 1968|1 | month & year | JUlY-68 |
1968 - M406 - C 406-09-001 - COMPRESSOR - PACKAGE OUTLINE.jpg |
| 1969|2 | title-block date | DATE DEC 69 |
1969 - M406 - B 147-06-010 - M406B COMRESSOR - M147 COMPONENT LAYOUT.jpg |
| 1969|2 | title-block date | DATE MAR 69 |
1969 - M406 - SEL RECOVERY METER CAL.jpg |
| 1970|3 | title-block date | DATE FEB 70 |
1970 - M406 - B 406-02-011 - M406B COMPRESSOR - PLUG CONNECTIONS.jpg |
| 1970|3 | title-block date | DATE JAN 70 |
1970 - M406 - B 406-02-012 - M406B COMPRESSOR - SYSTEM WIRING.jpg |
| 1972|5 | title-block date | DATE MARCH 72 |
1972 - M406 - B 406-04-010 - M406B(C) COMPRESSOR - MODULE LAYOUT.jpg |
| 1969|2 | title-block date | daTE MAR 69 |
19xx - 406-02-001 - COMPRESSOR SCHEMATIC - ISS 2.jpg |
Physical manual inventory
| Item | Location | Status | Scanned |
|---|---|---|---|
| M406 Compressor - Limiter | DUPLICATE | PDF - Already scanned | |
| M406 | Recently scanned and stiched by WB | ||
| M406 Compressor | Kylie did - SCANNED BUT NEEDS STICHING | ||
| M406 Compressor | Recently scanned and stiched by WB |
Documents (2)
| Year | File | |
|---|---|---|
| 1968|1 | 1968 - M406 - Compressor - Limiter (2).pdf | note |
| 1968|1 | 1968 - M406 - Compressor - Limiter.pdf | note |
Photos & scans (46)
Named in other drawings & documents (20)
From the manuals
Each manual split into its sections. Text that is the same in many Ward-Beck manuals (warranty, address, standard notes) is kept once on the Boilerplate page and linked.
Installation (1)
Installation — 132 words · 1968 - M406 - P6.jpg, page 1
The M406 is designed to mount directly on console control panel and in line with a straight line mixing attenuator A cutout 6L_ X .S6W inches and two 4_ 40 tapped holes will be required (see dimensional outline drawing) The M406 escutcheon will overlap the cutout and holes Connections are made to the 14 pin female mating connector in accordance with drawing 406-09-001 and the following table: Function: Termination Input 150 ohms Strap A to D and C to F , connect to A and C Input 600 ohms Strap D to F connect to A and C Output 600 ohms P and R Common negative 48 volts B+ GND (chassis) Meter 6 and M POWER REQUIREMENTS: The M4O6 requires 48 volts dc regulated 1OOmA from an M648 , M548 or equivalent
- source: 1968 - M406 - P6.jpg, p. 1
Operation (2)
Operation — 334 words · 1968 - M406 - P2.jpg, page 1
PRELIMINARY_ CONTRQLS Threshold: Sets the level at which the M4O6B will begin to compress (-l2dBm to +8dBm) Note: Due to the difference between transient program material and sine- wave test signal compression is set to begin at level 4dB higher with sinewave test signal as indicated on the threshold control. Compression: Determines the slope or ratio of output level change for given input level change .
The slopes indicated are 2/1, 3/1 , 5/1. 10/1 and limit in the limit position, the slope is greater than 20/1, that is, 20dB increase on the input will permit only ldB increase at the output) VU / GR: This is small concentric knob atop the compre- ssion control_ This selects an external VU meter to indicate the output level of the compressor In the VU" position, it is calibrated to read "0" when the output level is OdBm .
In the GR position (gain reduction) the meter will read when compression begins the meter will deflect downward giving an indication in dB of the amount of compression or gain reduction being applied to the incoming signal. Recovery: Determines the rate at which the compressor recovers from its compressed condition, The control is labelled 1, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 positions corresponding to 44 , 12 , 1, 3 & 5 seconds .
De-ess-: This is the small concentric knob atop the recovery control. The control is labelled 0 2 4 ,, 6 , 8 , which indicates in dB the amount of additional high frequency compression provided when the compression switch is set to the 2/1 slope. Note: The purpose of this is to help reduce sibalance sounds from persons voice and should be used only on the 2/1 compression slope with short recovery time position 1 or 2 ) Insert Pushbutton: Activates the compressor circuitry in the M4O6B The light next to the pushbutton will indicate this condition.
Note: The amplifier section of the compressor is not bypassed by operation of the insert pushbutton
- source: 1968 - M406 - P2.jpg, p. 1
Controls — 297 words · 1968 - M406 - P3.jpg, page 1
The M406 has three groups of concentric controls to be used throughout the operation of the unit. These transient-free controls may be pre-set or adjusted during the operation of the unit. Upper Concentric_ groyp: Inner (small) knob: THRESHOLD This iS an input gain control designed to adjust the input level to the compressor and control amplifier . Since the compressor circuit always commences to compress at a specified level and introduces fixed degree of compression (depending on the slope 2/1, 3/1 , etc.), an input control must be provided to accommodate the variations of signal amplitude at the input _ The Threshold control provides this adjustment.
Note; If the Threshold control is reduced to zero (cCw) there will be no Signal output from the M406. Outer (large) knob: OUTPUT . This iS an output gain control designed to adjust the output level of the compressed program material to the required level of the system The Output control operates independently and does not affect the setting of the input control_ Note: If the Output control is reduced to zero (CCW) there will be no Signal output from the M406_ Centre Concentric group: Inner (small) knob: GR & VU SELECTOR This selector switch connects the external VU meter to the compressor electronics In the VU position the meter is connected to the amplifier output terminals to provide a VU indication of the outgoing compressed program material _ In the GR position the meter is transferred to the control amplifier to indicate the amount of gain reduction in db.
A subsidiary gain reduction scale is provided on the meter scale. Outer (large) knob: COMPRESSION _ The five position Compression selector determines the ratio of compression for the control amplifier. The options are 2/1 3/1 5/1 _ 10/1 and L (limit)
- source: 1968 - M406 - P3.jpg, p. 1
Drawings (23)
Each scan with its trace laid over it: the slider runs from the scan to the vector drawing. Click one to see it large and save it as SVG, DXF, KiCad, PDF or PowerPoint.
1968 - M406 - B 406-02-001 - M406 COMPRESSOR - SCHEMATICviewer
Stereo Ricoviewer
1968 - M406 - 406-02-011viewer
1968 - M406C - 406-02-011viewer
Min Bend Rad Unless Specifiedviewer
Minbend Rad Unless Specifiedviewer
1968 - M406 - B 406-02-014 - M406C COMPRESSOR - SCHEMATICviewer
M406 COMPRESSOR / SCHEMATICviewer
M406B COMPRESSOR / SCHEMATICviewer
M406B COMPRESSOR / SCHEMATIC / CEILING CONTROL MODIFIEDviewer
M406C COMPRESSOR / SCHEMATICviewer
1970 - M406 - B 406-02-011 - M406B COMPRESSOR - PLUG CONNECTIONSviewer
1970 - M406 - B 406-02-012 - M406B COMPRESSOR - SYSTEM WIRINGviewer
M406B COMPRESSOR / PLUG CONNECTIONSviewer
M406B COMPRESSOR / PLUG CONNECTIONSviewer
M406B COMPRESSOR / SYSTEM WIRINGviewer
M406B COMPRESSOR / SYSTEM WIRINGviewer
M406 COMPRESSOR / SCHEMATICviewer
M406B COMPRESSOR / SCHEMATICviewer
1968 - M406 - B 146-06-001 - COMPRESSOR BOARD M146 COMPONENT LAYOUTviewer
1968 - M406 - B 146-06-010 - M406 B COMPRESSOR - M146 LAYOUTviewer
1968 - M406 - B 147-06-001 - COMPRESSOR BOARD M147 COMPONENT LAYOUTviewer
1969 - M406 - B 147-06-010 - M406B COMRESSOR - M147 COMPONENT LAYOUTviewer
Places Given Anglesviewer
1972 - M406 - B 406-04-010 - M406B(C) COMPRESSOR - MODULE LAYOUTviewer
M406B(C) COMPRESSOR / MODULE LAYOUTviewer
1968 - M406 - C 406-09-001 - COMPRESSOR - PACKAGE OUTLINEviewer
Min Bend Rad Unless Specifiedviewer
1968 - M406 - B 406-09-002 - M406 - SYSTEM WIRINGviewer
M406 / SYSTEM WIRINGviewer
COMPRESSOR / PACKAGE OUTLINEviewer
Sel Recovery Meter Calviewer
M406 COMPRESSOR / SCHEMATIC / MODIFIEDviewer
M406 compressor schematic - Full - -joinedviewer
Read from the drawing title blocks.
| Drawing | Title | Date | Drawn by | Checked by | Iss. | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B 406-02-001 | M406 COMPRESSOR / SCHEMATIC | 1968|1 | RB (Rodger Beck) | 3 | file | |
| B 406-09-002 | M406 / SYSTEM WIRING | 1968|1 | 1 | file | ||
| C 406-09-001 | COMPRESSOR / PACKAGE OUTLINE | 1968|1 | file | |||
| — | Sel Recovery Meter Cal | 1969|2 | file | |||
| B 406-02-010 | M406B COMPRESSOR / SCHEMATIC | 1969|2 | DJG | 5 | file | |
| B 406-02-013 | M406B COMPRESSOR / SCHEMATIC / CEILING CONTROL MODIFIED | 1969|2 | DJG | 2 | file | |
| B 406-02-014 | M406C COMPRESSOR / SCHEMATIC | 1969|2 | DJG | 1 | file | |
| B 406-02-011 | M406B COMPRESSOR / PLUG CONNECTIONS | 1970|3 | DJG | 2 | file | |
| B 406-02-011 | M406B COMPRESSOR / PLUG CONNECTIONS | 1970|3 | DJG | 2 | file | |
| B 406-02-012 | M406B COMPRESSOR / SYSTEM WIRING | 1970|3 | DJG | 2 | file | |
| B 406-02-012 | M406B COMPRESSOR / SYSTEM WIRING | 1970|3 | DJG | 3 | file | |
| B 406-02-?5 | M406 COMPRESSOR / SCHEMATIC / MODIFIED | 1971|4 | GP | 1 | file | |
| 406-04-010 | Places Given Angles | 1972|5 | 2 | file | ||
| B 406-04-010 | M406B(C) COMPRESSOR / MODULE LAYOUT | 1972|5 | MRW | RAX | 2 | file |
| — | file | |||||
| 406-02-010 | Stereo Rico | DJG | file | |||
| 406-02-011 | file | |||||
| 406-02-011 | file | |||||
| 406-02-012 | Min Bend Rad Unless Specified | file | ||||
| 406-02-012 | Minbend Rad Unless Specified | file | ||||
| 406-09-002 | Min Bend Rad Unless Specified | file | ||||
| B 406-02-001 | M406 COMPRESSOR / SCHEMATIC | 2 | file | |||
| B 406-02-010 | M406B COMPRESSOR / SCHEMATIC | 6 | file |