The compressor is a tool which reduces dynamic margin of signal if it’s above a specific threshold. Level differences are balanced between higher and lower intensity, resulting in lowest dynamic signal margin. Available settings:
- ENABLE/DISABLE: activates and deactivates the compressor (green/grey button). If it’s disabled, all other settings will not be available.
- THRESHOLD: compression threshold. It specifies input signal level when compression starts. Range for this parameter is between -36dB and +18dB.
- RATIO: Compression ratio. This parameter specifies when input signal reduces its output level. 1:1 ratio establishes that the input signal will not be affected, while the maximum value inf:1 makes the compressor function like a signal limiter, not allowing input signal exceed defined level in compression threshold.
- GR (Gain Reduction): Signal compression indicated as a VU meter. Reduces decibel level between signal input and output level.
- KNEE: compression curve. It allows to select progressive response (SOFT) or rise (HARD) of the compressor when the signal level is close to compression threshold, especially in the set level when the compressor activates or deactivates.
- ATTACK: attack time. It determines elapsed time from exceeding threshold to starting the compressor. Range is between 0.1ms and 500ms.
- RELEASE: It determines delay time of the compressor stops when the signal level drops below the threshold level. Range is between 10ms and 1 second.
- MAKE-UP: Additional gain that can be applied to compressed signal between 0 and +10dB. The audible effect of the compression is a signal with lower volume intensity. MAKE-UP gain additionally allows to increment volume level signal when it’s compresses, recovering intensity.
Check the image by clicking here. It’s not simple to correctly configure delay time for ATTACK and RELEASE parameters. Using short delay time for attack and release can cause noticeable distortion and excessive in low frequencies. When using long delay time can make the compressor useless, causing it to activate too late, allowing signal peaks of elevated intensity without applying any compression.
