Front Panel
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9
(5) Ratio -
These four buttons determine the severity of the applied gain reduction. (A ratio of 4:1, for
example, means that whenever there is an increase of up to 4 decibels in the loudness of the input
signal, there will only be a 1 dB increase in output level, while a ratio of 8:1 means that any time there
is an increase of up to 8 dB in the input signal, there will still only be a 1 dB increase in output level.)
When higher ratios (12:1 or 20:1) are selected, the 1176LN is limiting instead of compressing. Note
that higher Ratio settings also set the threshold higher. (
see page 20 for more information
)
The 1176LN Ratio buttons allow four different modes of operation:
4 -
Selects a 4:1 ratio (moderate compression).
8 -
Selects an 8:1 ratio (severe compression).
12 -
Selects a 12:1 ratio (mild limiting).
20 -
Selects a 20:1 ratio (hard limiting).
Unlike many other devices, the 1176LN Attack and Release times get faster, not slower, as
their corresponding knobs are turned up (clockwise).
Pressing all four Ratio buttons in simultaneously yields an extreme form of compression
that many engineers love! When the 1176LN is in this “All-Button” mode, distortion
increases radically due to a lag time on the attack of initial transients and there are
constant changes in the attack and release times, as well as a change in the bias points.
Consequently, the meter will go wild, often resting at maximum. Don’t worry, though – you
won’t be harming the 1176LN by using this mode!
Engineers typically use “All-button” mode on drums or on ambience or room mics. It can
also be used to “dirty” up a bass or guitar sound, or for putting vocals “in your face.”
(
see page 22 for more information
)
