User Manual

19
Frontliner
ON
The On button activates the compressor/limiter module. Set the VU/GR switch to GR (=gain
reduction) to see the processing intensity (for further information read ”MAKE UP” on page
20).
Usually the signal ow follows the design of the Frontliner, so the input signal normally comes
from the de-esser. However, with the EQ PRE COMP. switch the compressor/limiter module can
be switched behind the equalizer. This allows the compressor to be used as a nal compressor
or limiter after the equalizer (see „EQ PRE COMP” on page 15).
THRESHOLD
The THRESHOLD control determines the compressor threshold value, thus from which level
the compressor starts working. The value scale for the THRESHOLD control indicates the level
in dBu and ranges from 21 dB (fully left) to -58 dB (fully right). Turning the control to the right
intensies processing: fully left provides no compression, and fully right provides compres-
sion starting at a level of approximately -58 dBu.
RATIO
The RATIO control is used to set the ratio between the original signal and the compressed
signal. A ratio of 1:5 (RATIO control set to 5.0) means that a level increase of 5 dB on the input
results in an output level change of 1 dB. The more the control is turned right, the more ‘dense’
the sound becomes. The compressor works as a limiter when RATIO is turned fully right to
innity.
ATTACK
The ATTACK control determines how fast the compressor reacts. When turned fully left this
time is 0.1 milliseconds, and turned fully right the time is approximately 1000 milliseconds
(one second). Sudden, fast and impulsive attacks are called transients, they are produced for
example by hitting a drum. We identify natural sounds by transients, so they are enormously
important for sound impressions.
With very short ATTACK times the compressor reacts to every level jump and all transients are
processed. With slower settings, transients become more and more audible – a drum kit for
example can achieve more presence in a mix and sound faster with such settings. The best
ATTACK settings are not always easy to nd, since you usually need to nd a compromise.
Very fast settings run the risk of producing audible distortions – especially in the case of low
frequencies, since the compressor now tries to catch each waveform rise. The corresponding
control signal assumes a “saw-tooth” form which distorts the audio signal. To suppress this
effect, you would have to again increase the attack time until distortion no longer occurs – but
without missing the aim of processing.
The Frontliner offers a switchable automation feature for the ATTACK and RELEASE param-
eters to achieve perfect results when you are not satised with x settings (see next page).
Compressor/Limiter
Control Elements
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EXTERNAL INPUTS
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Model 2800
GRVU VU PPM 0 dB -10 dB
T
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Frontliner
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dB 1:x dB dB
dB dBHz
Hz %
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dB dB
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