LAWO mc266, Tutorial

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Tutorial
mc²66 V1.3/0 65/ 68
Setting a Compressor
The console provides four independent blocks of dynamics
processing (Gate, Expander, Compressor and Limiter). Any of
the four sections may be placed anywhere within the channel
signal flow. For example, to gate pre EQ and compress post EQ,
or to limit the channel signal post fader while compressing the
feed to the direct output. In addition a dedicated 2-band filter
section may be inserted into the sidechain of the gate or
compressor. Let’s look at how to set a compressor:
1. Locate the COMP/LIM panel on the Central Control
Section.
2. Check that the LIM button is turned off.
3. Press the ON button to switch on the Compressor.
4. Check that the 2nd button is off and use the four rotary
controls to set the compressor attack time (ATT/RLS),
threshold level (THRS/LAHD), ratio (RATIO/HOLD/KNEE)
and output gain (GAIN).
5. Now turn on the 2nd button and use the two upper
controls to set the release time (ATT/RLS) and look ahead
delay.
The front panel displays, and boxes on the Main display update
to show the relevant settings
The action of the compressor is best described by looking at the
Compressor graph on the Main display. Note that as you adjust
your settings, the bouncing ball shows the position of the signal
level relative to the threshold and ratio you have set. In addition,
the vertical GAIN meter displays the amount of gain reduction
being applied to the signal. Finally, the two meters below the
graph show the input (IN) and output (OUT) levels to and from
the section.
The Compressor parameters may be set as follows:
ο
Threshold Level – from -40dB to +20dB.
ο
Ratio – from 1:1 to 10:1.
ο
Attack Time – from 0.3ms to 250ms.
ο
Release Time – from 0.04secs to 10secs.
ο
Look Ahead Delay – from 0ms to 10ms.
ο
Gain – from -20dB to +20dB.
For a smoother compressor, insert the 2-band sidechain filter
and set -10dB gain for an 18dB/octave low shelf at around
125Hz to remove unwanted low frequencies.
Central Control Section
Main Display
Tip