Specifications
Chapter 18: Smack! 105
Smack! Attack Control
In Norm and Warm modes, Attack controls the
rate at which gain is reduced after the input sig-
nal crosses the threshold.
Set this control to 0 for the fastest attack time,
or to 10 for the slowest attack time. Depending
on the program material and the parameters
used, this represents an approximate range of
100 s to 80 milliseconds.
Smack! Ratio Control
In the Norm and Warm modes, Ratio controls
the compression ratio, or the amount of com-
pression applied as the input signal exceeds the
threshold. For example, a 2:1 compression ratio
means that a 2 dB increase of level above the
threshold produces a 1 dB increase in output.
As you increase the Ratio control, Smack! goes
from applying “soft-knee” compression to
“hard-knee” compression, as follows:
• With soft-knee compression, gentle compres-
sion begins and increases gradually as the in-
put signal approaches the threshold. This
creates smoother compression.
• In hard-knee compression, compression be-
gins when the input signal exceeds the thresh-
old. This can sound abrupt, and is ideal for
limiting or de-essing.
Smack! compression ratios range from subtle
compression to hard limiting. At ratios of 10:1
and higher, Smack! functions as a limiter. Se-
lecting the Smack! setting lowers the threshold
slightly and applies hard limiting, which keeps
the output level constant regardless of the input
level. (This setting can also be used for extreme
compression effects.)
Smack! Release Control
In Norm and Warm modes, Release controls the
length of time it takes for the compressor to be
fully deactivated after the input signal drops be-
low the threshold level. If the release time is too
short, distortion can occur on low-frequency
signals.
This control is greyed out in Opto mode.
Attack
This control is greyed out in Opto mode.
Smack! has no control to directly adjust the
threshold level (the level that an input sig-
nal must exceed to trigger compression).
The amount of compression will vary with
the input signal, which is adjustable by the
Input control.
Ratio
This control is greyed out in Opto mode.