With the switch in the Output position the meter is a normal VU meter that
shows you the output level of the compressor. If the level is too high or too low
you can adjust the level with the Output knob. With practice you will learn how
to set levels for all of the gear in your input chain. This is called “gain-staging”
and is key to getting quiet, distortion-free tracks.
Note that the Compression and Output controls are interactive - if you add
more compression the output level will go down, if you reduce the amount of
compression the output level will go up. It is usual for engineers to switch the
meter control back and forth between Comp and Output several times while
getting sounds to make sure the meter shows you have the amount of
compression you want as well as the output level you want. Also it’s wise to
keep in mind that singers tend to get excited and will sing harder when you hit
record than when you were getting sounds. Leave some room for that, and pay
close attention to make sure their levels aren’t out of control.
Stereo
In the Mono position the Comp IIT is two completely independent
compressors that can be used at the same time on different signals. In Link
mode the compressor listens to both sides of a stereo signal. Whichever
channel has the higher input gain from moment to moment will determine how
much you compress the stereo signal. In Link mode you must still set the front
panel controls for both channels - in most cases they would be set the same.
This is how you would use the Comp IIT on a stereo mix, for instance.
