4. THRESHOLD Controls:
The THRESHOLD controls set the threshold point for the compressor sections. They have a range of -40 to +20 dB.
5. RATIO Controls:
The RATIO controls determine the ratio between the input and output level for all signals exceeding the threshold point. The
control range can be adjusted from 1:1 to
∞
:1. A ratio of 1:1 indicates that the there is no level change between the input and
output. A ratio of 2:1 indicates, that for every 2 dB increase in input level above the threshold, there will be a corresponding in
increase in output level of 1 dB. Similarly, a ratio of 10:1 indicates that for every 10dB increase in input level above the thresh-
old, there will be a corresponding increase in the output level of 1 dB. If the RATIO control is set fully clockwise, this corresponds
to a ratio of infinity:1. This means that all input levels are reduced to the threshold point and are thus kept constant. (
Note:
Although a “hard” or infinite ratio limit has applications in certain specialized situations, in general, this setting is neither
appropriate nor necessary as it would cause audible side effects.)
.
6. ATTACK controls:
The ATTACK controls determine the rate by which the compressors respond to a signal exceeding the threshold. These controls
can be adjusted from 0.1 to 200 milliseconds.
(Note: A short attack time is required for very fast transients (level peaks) such as handclaps, snare drums, etc., so that the
compressor is in a position to regulate these types of peaks. With other kinds of program material, it can be advantageous to
apply longer attack times. In fact, it’s always recommended to begin processing with longer attack times and only reduce the
times carefully as required, as the danger of dynamic distortion usually increases with shorter attack times.}
7. RELEASE controls:
The RELEASE controls determine the rate by which the compressors return to unity gain after falling below the threshold level.
These controls can be adjusted from 0.05 to 4 seconds.
(Note: The release time is largely dependent on the program material. If
the time is incorrectly set, this can lead to 2 fundamental problems: (1) If the release time is too short, the overall volume will
fluctuate when signals peak above the threshold level, giving sound an unpleasant pumping effect; (2) If the release time is too
long, pumping and breathing side effects will result when a loud passage is abruptly followed by a quiet passage.)
8. AUTO Switches:
By activating the AUTO switches, the ATTACK and RELEASE controls are disabled and the attack and release rates are automati-
cally derived from the program material by means of intelligent program recognition, so that setting errors can be effectively
avoided. The AUTO processor eliminates side effects such as pumping, modulation distortion, etc., which are found in conven-
tional compressors. This function allows for unobtrusive musical compression of signals or mixes with widely varying dynamics.
The settings of the attack and release controls will function only when these switches are set to MANUAL position.
9A. GAIN REDUCTION Meters:
The 12-segment GAIN REDUCTION meters indicate how effectively the gain is reduced by the compressor, within a range from
1 to 30 dB.
(Note: Although the VCA of the CL-5000 features a control range of almost 60 dB, it is not useful to display the
entire range, as in practice, such a broad control range will hardly ever be required. The visual range of the GAIN REDUCTION
meter is thus only 30 dB)
9B. INPUT LEVEL Meters:
The 8-segment INPUT/OUTPUT meters display the input signal levels to the CL-5000 when the IN/OUT switch (11) is in the OUT
position (bypass). When the IN/OUT switch is set to IN, the INPUT/OUTPUT meter displays its channel signal output level.
10. OUTPUT Controls:
The OUTPUT controls allow for the increase or decrease of the output signals by a maximum of 20 dB. This allows compensation
for a level loss due to the compression or limiting process.
11. IN/OUT Switches:
The IN/OUT switches activate the corresponding channel. This switch acts as a so-called “hard-bypass” so that when the switch
is OUT, the input jack is directly linked to the output jack. Normally, this switch is used to perform a direct A/B comparison
between the unprocessed and the compressed or limited signals.
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