13
Track One
COMP. ON
The COMP. ON button activates the compressor module. At the same time the GAIN
REDUCTION display shows the processing intensity (also see “MAKE UP GAIN” on page 14 and
“GAIN REDUCTION” on page 17).
LIMIT
The LIMIT switch turns the compressor into a limiter. The COMPRESSION control now serves
the purpose of controlling the threshold. The Limiter applies a “soft” characteristic and does
not function as a peak limiter (see page 20, diagram 1). In other words there is no guarantee
that all peaks are limited. It is therefore advisable when driving a subsequent unit that a head-
room of 2 to 4 dB remains. Peak limiters have a system-based disadvantage in producing
audible distortions considerably sooner, so with regard to both sound quality and recording
safety, we think the soft limiter mode is the better choice for a recording channel strip.
COMPRESSION
The COMPRESSION control sets the intensity of compression. Turning the control clockwise
increases compression. The working area spans between 0 dB (fully left) and -32 dB (fully
right).
The compressor applies the so-called “soft-knee” characteristic, which means it starts
processing earlier than with hard-knee curve (see page 20, diagram 1, curve B). Hard-knee
compressors can sometimes gain more loudness, but they process abruptly and the danger
to ruin a recording with compression artifacts is much higher. On the other hand the soft-knee
compressor always helps very well to keep levels under control and ensures highest recording
safety – and if there is a desire to gain further loudness, the signal can still be processed after
recording.
At maximal compression it operates with a ratio of 1:3 between input and output signal – very
effective dynamic processing are achievable with unobtrusive sound characteristics.
When setting the COMPRESSION rate the GAIN REDUCTION display in the display area is of
great assistance. The effect on the selected COMPRESSION rate is scaled in 1.5 dB steps.
Depending on signal source and dynamic structure the reduction values should lie between
4 and 8 dB to restrict higher peaks and to optimize the operation of the subsequent recording
system.
IMPORTANT: Make sure that the rear COMP. LINK switch is set to MASTER (not engaged).
Otherwise the compressor does not operate.
The COMP. LINK switch only serves to determine
the SLAVE unit when operating two devices in COMP. LINK mode (for further information see
„COMP. LINK“ on page 10).
Compressor/Limiter
Control Elements
