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11.
RATIO. This control indicates the amount the output will change in relation to
changes in the input level. The overall dynamic range of the program signal is
reduced or “squeezed”. (In theory, a ratio setting of 2 means that a 2dB input
level change above threshold will produce a 1dB output level change).
A ratio setting of 1.5 or 2 is gentle or moderate compression, very useful when
mixing or mastering. At a setting of 4, compression becomes a bit more audible,
which is normal and useful for vocal recordings and general purpose medium
compression tasks. A setting of 8 would be considered heavy compression, for
example live drums, loud guitars, controlling background vocals, etc.
At setting 20, you are using extreme compression. At this setting the output level
will essentially remain constant despite increases of input level above threshold.
Ultimately, your best choices of various settings will come from using your
ears…..they will tell you more than the meter.
12.
T1 / T2 switch. Select one of two input transformers. T1 is a medium impedance
Jensen transformer. Select it for clean, uncolored, accurate, flat response; perfect
for mixing, mastering and pristine tracking. T2 is a lower impedance Sowter
transformer; select it when thicker musical harmonics and richer tone are desired
for tracking or mixing. When using a pair of Liminator compressors linked for
stereo operation, both channels should be set to same input transformer.
13.
MODE. Select Comp (compress) for normal unit operation, or Bypass (true relay
bypass) for comparison between selected compression settings and the
unprocessed signal.
Link setting can be selected when 2 or more Liminator units are used together
for stereo or multi-channel recording, mixing or mastering. The gain reduction
control voltages are thus mixed, which stabilizes the sound-stage image and
prevents drift between channels.
For stereo or multi-channel operation, connect a ¼” Link cable or Y-cables
between units (see page 3). Each channel’s controls will remain individually
operational for compression settings, and are usually set identically.
14.
Unbalanced operation. The Airfield Audio Liminator works fine in unbalanced
audio systems. Typically, input and output XLR cables (with pin 1 and 3 joined
together) wired to ¼” or RCA connectors will do the job. For proper operation of
THRESHOLD control, ensure that the output of your source device delivers a
good hot +4dB (0 VU) signal level.