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5 Resources
5.2
Compression Setting Suggestions
StudioLive™ Series III Rack Mixers
Owner’s Manual
5.2
Compression Setting Suggestions
The following are the compression presets that were used in
the PreSonus BlueMax. We have included them as a jumping-
off point for setting up compression on the StudioLive.
Vocals
Soft.
This is an easy compression with a low ratio setting for ballads, allowing a wider
dynamic range. It’s good for live use. This setting helps the vocal “sit in the track.”
THRESHOLD
RATIO
ATTACK
RELEASE
-8.2 dB
1.8:1
0.002 ms
38 ms
Medium.
This setting has more limiting than the Soft compression setting,
producing a narrower dynamic range. It moves the vocal more up front in the mix.
THRESHOLD
RATIO
ATTACK
RELEASE
-3.3 dB
2.8:1
0.002 ms
38 ms
Screamer.
This setting is for loud vocals. It is a fairly hard compression setting for
a vocalist who is on and off the microphone a lot. It puts the voice “in your face.”
THRESHOLD
RATIO
ATTACK
RELEASE
-1.1 dB
3.8:1
0.002 ms
38 ms
Percussion
Snare/Kick.
This setting allows the first transient through and compresses
the rest of the signal, giving a hard “snap” up front and a longer release.
THRESHOLD
RATIO
ATTACK
RELEASE
-2.1 dB
3.5:1
78 ms
300 ms
Left/Right (Stereo) Overheads.
The low ratio and threshold in this
setting gives a “fat” contour to even out the sound from overhead
drum mics. Low end is increased, and the overall sound is more
present and less ambient. You get more “boom” and less “room.”
THRESHOLD
RATIO
ATTACK
RELEASE
-13.7 dB
1.3:1
27 ms
128 ms
Fretted Instruments
Electric Bass.
The fast attack and slow release in this setting will tighten
up the electric bass and give you control for a more consistent level.
THRESHOLD
RATIO
ATTACK
RELEASE
-4.4 dB
2.6:1
45.7 ms
189 ms
Acoustic Guitar.
This setting accentuates the attack of the
acoustic guitar and helps maintain an even signal level, keeping
the acoustic guitar from disappearing in the track.
THRESHOLD
RATIO
ATTACK
RELEASE
-6.3 dB
3.4:1
188 ms
400 ms
