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Signal levelling
Signal level variations can occur when the distance between the vocalist and microphone changes.
The GCX20 compressor can be used to level out the result of poor microphone technique, producing
an even sound.
Set RATIO to around 4:1 and adjust THRESHOLD for a gain reduction of 6 to 10 dBs at maximum
signal level.
N.B. If vocals sound thin after being compressed as described, use an external Hi pass filter, patched
into the Sidechain insert, set to reduce the sensitivity of the compressor to low frequencies. This
allows more low frequency signals to pass unaffected and fattens the sound.
This technique can also be used to reduce level variations in bass, lead guitars, and horns.
Fattening bass-drum sounds
Bass drums often suffer from too much boom and lack of leading edge slap. To tighten-up use a
RATIO of around 6:1 and adjust THRESHOLD for 10-15dB gain reduction. Use the SLOW mode to
emphasise the leading edge before compression becomes effective.
Bringing sounds forward in the mix
The use of a compressor to reduce the dynamic range of a sound source increases the average level
of the sound. This principle can be used to accentuate a vocal or other lead track in a multitrack
recording.
Use a gentle RATIO of around 2:1 and a THRESHOLD of approximately -20dB to achieve gain
reduction of no more than 6dB. Restore the compressed signal to its original level using the GAIN
control.
NB. Avoid over compression as this may produce a dull sound. It is better to apply gentle
compression twice (passing the signal through both GCX20 compressors) than a lot of compression
in one go.
Vocal de-essing
Some microphone/vocalist combinations produce significant 'ess' sounds (sibilance). The GCX20
compressor can be used to reduce these sounds by making the compressor more sensitive to these
frequencies.
Use an external Hi pass FILTER (via Sidechain insert), set to around 3-6kHz to make the compressor
more sensitive to the 'ess' frequencies. Use moderate to high THRESHOLD and RATIO settings and
FAST mode.
5.2 NOISE-GATE
APPLICATIONS
The fundamental application of a Noise-Gate is to eliminate unwanted ambient noise from the
recording or PA signal path by closing when the desired signal drops below a defined level.
However a noise-gate can do far more than this simple task. By carefully controlling the settings of
the Threshold and Release controls a noise-gate can become a highly creative tool.
Basic set up - reducing background noise
Start with the THRESHOLD set CCW to its most sensitive (-60dB) which will pass signals of all levels.
