TC-Helicon VOICELIVE 3 EXTREME, Reference Manual

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Editing the Guitar layer
VoiceLive 3 – Reference manual (2014-03-29) 72
Comp(ression) block / tab
Compression is used across almost all modern
music production styles, from studio to live. In a
nutshell, Compression “brings the loudest bits
and quietest bits” of the music closer together in
apparent volume, creating a more even sound.
For guitar, using compression can
– enhance sustain or attack,
– limit levels and/or
– smooth out your overall sound.
For acoustic guitar, it is common to use some
compression full-time, while compression is of-
ten used during solos and boosted sections
for electric guitar. That being said: Like with any
other effect, there are really no rules. Use what
sounds good to you!
In studio recording, Compression is common on
almost every track or group of tracks.
Compression can raise the output level of your
guitar – so be aware that it can also contribute
to feedback.
Tips and tricks for working with
the Compression effect
– “Threshold” is the level at which the Compres-
sor begins to affect the sound. The lower the
Threshold (-30 dB is lower than -20 dB), the
sooner the Compressor will engage.
– “Ratio” determines “how much” Compression
takes place. Ratio is typically defined as “1:X
ratio” where “X” is the number of decibels (dB)
of reduction in level for every 1 dB over the
“Threshold” value. This can sound confusing,
but simply try to think of “lower Threshold and
higher Ratio” as “more Compression”.