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G2
Operators Manual
Setting the Attack and Release times
As with all dynamics processors too fast attack and release times on low frequency
program (such as a bass guitar) will cause the process 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. This is illustrated with the example of a compressor being used on a bass guitar
signal below.
The gate 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 range settings. 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.
A general rule of thumb when setting the attack and release times would be to set
them sympathetically with the original signal’s envelope. Some basic settings are
given below.
Type of signal
Attack
Release
Human Voice
10mS
200mS
Bass Guitar
5mS (if plucked)
Up to 500mS
Bass Drum
-60uS – 1mS
50mS
Snare Drum
-60uS
Up to 150mS
Strings
150mS
Up to 500mS
Brass
25mS
100mS
Summary of Contents for G2
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