Technical information

APPENDIX 12
The SST76 Solid State Compressor o ers aggressive compression based on a
classic UK design with a McDSP-designed key circuit.
The FRG444 features an even more aggressive compressor design that lets you
highly compress lead vocals, drums, or guitars.
The most aggressive module in the set is the D 357. This has threshold, attack, and
release controls – and a crush control that lets you really compress audio hard.
Applications
Vocals
The 6030 Ultimate Compressor modules best suited for vocal and dialog
applications include the U670, Moo Tube, and iComp modules. For more
articulated performances where signi cant amounts of sibilance are present
in the performance, the Over EZ and British-C modules also work well.
Drums
The SST’76, FRG444, and D357 modules are great for dealing with drum tracks.
Although these modules can be used to really compress the incoming audio,
they have enough control  exibility to allow well-balanced dynamic range
control.
Bass
The Opto-C, Moo Tube, and iComp modules are great for low-frequency
instruments such as bass guitar or bass synthesizers.
Instruments
For instruments such as piano, keyboards, or guitar, choose the 6030 Ultimate
Compressor modules that have more control. For example, the FRG444 and
the British-C can deliver gentle, moderate, or aggressive sounds.
DE555 De-esser
A de-esser is a specialized type of compressor that only compresses audio
within the frequency ranges that contain the so-called ‘sibilant’ frequencies
(i.e. those containing the ‘esses’ and ‘e s’) during sibilant events (i.e. when the
‘esses’ and ‘e s’ rise above a particular threshold level).
Putting this another way: A de-esser reduces the level of those frequencies
containing the ‘esses’ and ‘e s’ if the levels of these become too great. So this
involves some decision-making as to what levels are to be regarded as too
great. Conventionally, this is done by manually setting a threshold level above
which the compressor action will be triggered.