User manual

12
About Compression
Model 2500
Compression control
The dynamic range of a sound is the difference between its loudest and soft-
est points. For example, as you play your bass, you’ll probably find that some
notes (for example, notes played on the upper frets of the lowest string) are
considerably louder than others. The function of the Compression circuitry
in the Model 2500 Bass Amplifier is to reduce overall dynamic range by auto
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matically reducing the level of the loudest sounds you play so that they are
closer in level to softer ones—the end result is that the sound “evens out” and
all notes played have pretty much the same level.
The front-panel Compression control determines the amount of compression
(peak signal reduction) by simultaneously adjusting both threshold and com
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pression ratio (which ranges from 2:1 to infinity [limiting]). At the fully coun
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terclockwise “Off” position, the circuitry is bypassed and no compression is
applied (the knob clicks when set to the “Off” position). As the knob is raised
clockwise (at settings from “1” to “∞”) increasing amounts of compression is
applied. At the highest settings, loud sounds will not just be compressed, but
limited, where the output remains virtually constant regardless of input.
Compression has three main uses. First, as just described, it “evens” out the
notes played by your bass so that they all appear at virtually equal level.
Second, it adds “punch” to a sound; since all levels are nearly the same, you
can play with greater force without worrying about the loudest notes distort
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ing. Finally, it serves to protect your loudspeakers from damage as a result of
brief (transient) high output levels, as might be caused by finger-popping or
other performance techniques.
Whether or not you need to use compression with your Model 2500 will be a
matter of personal taste and playing style—experiment and see if you like the
effect. If you usually play at low volume levels, you’ll find that, even with the
Compression knob turned up, the compression circuitry may have no audible
effect, so it might as well be off. In general, if you don’t need compression,
leave it off.