Quick Start Guide

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• Adjusting the RELEASE control — If you want less compressor action overall,
use a slower RELEASE by turning it CW. If you want more coloration, use a faster
RELEASE by turning it CCW.
• Using the LOG REL control — Engage this function (LOG REL light is illumi-
nated) when you want more “pop” to a transient source (like a snare drum). Dis-
engage this function (LOG REL light is extinguished) when you need more peak
control.
• Adjusting Output GAIN — This is primarily used to make up the signal level loss
that occurs as a result of compression. In general, adjust the GAIN to “make up”
the average GR loss. Alternatively, you can use this control to merely help match
signal levels between the RNLA and downstream devices.
There is an interdependence between all of these controls. These guidelines are given as broad-brush
advice to aid your understanding and eventual creativity with the RNLA.
Learning More
When it comes to compression, there’s no substitute for experience! Some helpful hints for learning more:
1) Practice — Playback a loop of an instrument you’re interested in compressing
and spend time adjusting the RNLA’s controls until you attain some sounds that
you find interesting or useful. Make notes of settings and how control changes
affect the sound.
2) Read — Spend time reading about the general mechanisms involved in compres-
sion. Test your analytical understanding with step (1). Make sure that you’re able
verify your predicted results.
3) Talk — Observe and discuss compression and its applications with industry pro-
fessionals. These folks are more likely to have exercised the other suggestions in
this list for longer periods of time and higher frequency. Imagine if you could
dedicate 8 hours a day for the next 4 weeks straight playing with compressors
versus just doing it on weekends.
4) Be Tenacious — Don’t get discouraged if you’re not making as much progress as
you might like! Dynamic processing is, arguably, one of the more difficult-to-mas-
ter studio skills. Although it has taken many of us years to learn, the tools are
more plentiful and more consistent than ever before. This should help you learn
faster than previous generations.