Manual

12
One way to alleviate the compression transition effect is to smooth it out using the soft ratio
function:
The above graph shows the action of the SOFT ratio control set to 5dB applied to the
previous settings. Starting the compression earlier, and increasing the compression ratio up to
the max level point, smoothes out the transition point at the onset of compression.
The main advantage of this method (often referred to as ‘over easy’) is that faster time
constants can be used before the compression artefacts become too obtrusive. This means that
the programme can be made to sound louder and more present without increasing peak levels,
despite the fact that more of it is being compressed. Also, the use of faster time constants
further reduces peak overshoot, so there is less need to employ limiting in the signal chain.
It should be noted that with the Oxford plug-in, the application of the soft function will
always result in the same maximum output level. This means that you can apply the soft ratio
function at will, with only a minimal need to adjust the threshold and ratio controls.