Owner`s manual
7
However, using a compressor in a way that produces the best results can be complicated, and the
more you know, the better it will work. If you are unsure about how a compressor works, we highly
recommend some reading:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_range_compression
It will pay greatly to understand the mechanism of dynamic range compression BEFORE you begin to
record keeper tracks with the compressor on.
SETTING THE THRESHOLD
The threshold is the level at which the compressor begins to attenuate the incoming signal.
This control can also be loosely thought of as compression amount, as a high threshold setting
(counterclockwise) will result in only the dynamically highest passages of signal to be attenuated,
while everything below that threshold is unaected by the circuit. Conversely, a lower threshold
means more of the signal at the input of the circuit will be attenuated resulting in more compression.
Begin with the knob fully counterclockwise and the compressor switched ON, then slowly begin
turning clockwise until you begin to compress the signal. You will hear the signal compress, and you
will begin to see the GR meter light up. The lower the threshold setting , the more the incoming signal
will be attenuated and the more lights will light up on the GR meter.
SETTING THE ATTACK RATE
The rate at which you want the compressor to start the attenuation of the signal (attack phase)
depends on the character, or envelope, of the signal entering the compressor. If the signal has sharp or
fast attack (percussive sounds, snare drum) that you wish to attenuate, select a fast attack rate to sense
the initial impulse of the signal and attenuate it in time. If you want the compressor to react slower and
not attenuate the initial impulse of the signal, select a longer attack time. Using a slower attack time
may be more appropriate with signals with a slower, more gradual envelope (strings, woodwinds).
SETTING THE RELEASE RATE
The rate at which you want the circuit to release its attenuation of the signal (release phase) is set
with the release control. This is the functional opposite of the attack control. If the signal has a shorter
decay, it may be best to set a shorter release time. A helpful approach to setting the attack and release
time may be to consider the basic pulse of the signal you’re compressing. To avoid the typical artifact
known as ‘pumping’, where you can clearly hear the compressor working, it is important to set the
attack and release times to match the signal to where they are moving naturally with the dynamic
uctuations of the signal.
SETTING THE RATIO
The compressor’s ratio control is used to set input/output ratio of signals above the threshold. For
instance, a setting of 3:1 means that if the incoming signal is 3dB over the threshold level, that signal
will leave the compressor around 1dB over the threshold level. The highest setting of this control is
12:1, meaning that signals far over the threshold setting are reduced by a much higher ratio – more
compression. So lower ratio settings mean lighter compression amounts. We recommend starting
with lower ratios and working upward as necessary.