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Compressor
The compressor function combines the so-called "Hard Knee" and "Soft Knee" con-
cepts:
The "Hard Knee" concept is suitable for creative and efficient dynamic manipulation
and reliable and exact limitation of signal levels. This limitation of signal levels is
required to protect downstream audio appliances from distortions and damage cau-
sed by these distortions, whereas the "Soft Knee" concept allows for inaudible and
musical manipulation of the dynamic range.
Therefore, combining both concepts makes it possible to manipulate signals both
inaudibly and musically, but at the same time creatively and effectively.
Automatic processor
Apart from manual adjustability the compressor provides an AUTO function for auto-
matic control of ATTACK and RELEASE times depending on the audio signal, thus
preventing adjusting errors with all their undesired side-effects.
Expander/gate
One main problem in using compressors is that the background noise of audio sig-
nals in low-volume sections and pauses is extremely amplified. This is prevented by
the interactive expander/gate section of the compressor through automatic control
depending on the audio signal. In this way, a noncritical setting of the expander is
achieved which does not generate undesired side-effects even for low-volume sig-
nals.
Enhancer
A further negative effect when using compressors is a subdued and low-treble
sound. This is caused by the compressor reducing the overall level for loud bass sig-
nals. If there is, however, a simultaneous treble signal with a considerably lower
level, this signal will become very faint or even inaudible due to the level reduction of
the compressor.
The solution for this problem is the integrated dynamic enhancer which restores the
lost treble portions depending on the compression value.
Detector loops
An additional functional feature is provided by the DETECTOR LOOPS connection
sockets. These sockets may be used as simple insert sockets for looping in of exter-
nal appliances, e.g. equalisers. On the other hand, these sockets make it possible to
receive the control signal from external appliances, since the control signal path can
be separated from the normal audio input.
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AUTO switch (7):
Switches on and off the automatic control of ATTACK
and RELEASE times depending on the audio signal.
When the switch is pressed, manual control is switched
off and the ATTACK (6) and RELEASE (8) controls do
not have any effect.
When the switch is pressed, the corresponding AUTO
LED (13) is on.
RELEASE control (8):
Controls the time delay after which the COMPRES-
SOR/LIMITER reacts when the actual value falls below
the threshold and terminates the signal attenuation.
OUTPUT control (9):
Controls the level of the output signal.
The signal may be attenuated or amplified within a ran-
ge of 20dB to balance level differences that occurred
during signal manipulation.
IN switch (10):
The switch activates or deactivates the signal manipu-
lation to make it possible to compare original signal
and manipulated signal.
When the switch is pressed, the corresponding IN LED
(14) is on.
PROCESS control (11):
Controls the effect strength of the enhancer.
The higher the setting the more intensive the treble
regeneration.
The enhancer does, however, only amplify the treble
portions when the compressor function is active.
LED display
GAIN REDUCTION (12):
Displays the signal attenuation of the compressor in dB.
AUTO LED (13):
Is on, when the AUTO function is active
(see AUTO switch (7)).
IN LED (14):
Is on, when signal manipulation is active
(see IN switch (10)).
