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C2
Operators Manual
Setting the Attack and Release times
As with all compressors, using too fast attack and release times on low frequency
program (such as a bass guitar) will cause the compressor to respond to individual
cycles of the signal, rather than the overall envelope. This will result in obvious
distortion, which might be described as sounding like clicking superimposed on the
original signal.
The compressor release time has been deliberately restricted to a minimum of 25mS
to prevent excessive distortion on low frequency signals, even with fast attack times
and high ratios. None the less, it is still possible to introduce some distortion if care is
not taken with the settings. The best way to ensure that the signal is not being
excessively distorted is to make good use of the ‘ACTIVE’ button, constantly
comparing the original signal with the compressed version.
The Compressor ‘Knee’ Control.
One of the most misunderstood parts of a compressor is the parameter usually
labelled the ‘Knee’. This may be a fully variable control, or a switchable parameter,
normally with ‘Hard’ and ‘Soft’ settings. The knee control permits a softening of the
compressor action, which can prove to be especially useful at high compression
ratios.
Without the inclusion of a knee control, at the threshold of gain reduction, a sudden
transition occurs between unity gain and the ratio by which the compressor
attenuates. When using high compression ratios, the use of a hard knee can result in
a very unnatural sound.
Summary of Contents for C2
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