5.2
In Use.
Having connected the FAT 1, it’s time to put it into action! Here’s a simple step by step
guide:
a)
The first stage is to set up the gains of the unit. With the Compressor switched out, start
with the Input and Output Gains and Gain Make-Up at 0dB.
b)
With the Meter set to read ‘Output’, adjust the Input Gain to achieve a peak reading of
around 0VU with the chosen source material.
c) If more output is then required then adjust the Output Level control accordingly.
d)
Now depress the Compressor ‘On’ switch, and depress the Meter switch to read ‘Gain
Reduction’.
e)
Using the Program control, select a suitable preset to suit the instrument or mix you are
listening to.
f)
The meter should now register that some gain reduction is taking place. If not, or you
wish more gain reduction to occur, increase the setting of the Input Gain control.
g)
When gain reduction is taking place, you should notice that the output level is reduced. By
switching the Compressor On switch in and out, you can compare the levels and the
subjective sound quality of the original and compressed signals. With the Compressor
active, use the Gain Make-Up control to set the level so that when disabling the
compressor, there is no level drop. This way you can A/B the signals without the levels
changing.
h)
Switch to Manual mode. You will now find that the Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release
and Knee controls become active. Start with the Threshold at +10dB, Ratio at 1:3,
Attack and Release at ‘Fast’, and Knee at ‘Soft’.
i)
While continuing to meter gain reduction, gradually turn the Threshold clockwise towards
-20dB. While doing this you’ll notice that compression will start to take place and the
meter will start to register some gain reduction. The further towards -20dB you move, the
greater the gain reduction that occurs. Aim to get around a maximum 3-4dB of gain
reduction occurring as a starting point. You should also notice that increasing the Ratio
setting causes more gain reduction to occur.
By referring to Figure 4, you can see the settings that we have used to create the fifteen
program presets, so you may want to manually duplicate these settings and then use them
as a starting point, then adjust to suit your own tastes.
