Roland VS-CDRII User Manual download pdf (Page 20)

A compressor is an effects processor that compresses the dynamic range of any

signal passing through it; basically, making the loud sounds softer and the soft

sounds louder. The compressor’s main duty is to lower the amplitude of the

loudest components of the signal it processes; this process is referred to as gain

reduction. Along with lowering the amplitude of the loudest signals, a small

amount of amplification is applied to boost the low level signal as well. These

actions work together to narrow the dynamic range of the signal.

Here is a brief description of some of the parameters common to most

compressors:

Threshold

The threshold control sets the amplitude level at which the compressor begins

to function. When the input level is above the threshold value, the

compressor begins to work.

Ratio

The ratio control determines the amount of input level to output level. For

example, a 4:1 ratio means that for every 4dB coming into the compressor

above the threshold setting, 1dB will be output. Basically, this control tells the

compressor how much to compress; that is, the amount of gain reduction.

Attack Time

The attack time setting controls how soon the compressor begins to attenuate

the signal after the input signal has gone above the threshold level. In other

words, the amount of time after the signal crosses the threshold before the

compressor begins to work.

Release Time

The release time controls how long the compressor will hold the signal at the

threshold level once the input signal drops below the threshold level. In other

words, the amount of time the compressor stays on after the signal drops

below the threshold level.

Output Gain

The output gain is used to adjust the output level of the compressed signal.

Using the output gain, you can bring the overall output level of the

compressor to its optimum setting.

19The Basics of Modern Recording

The Compressor

Signal at Compressor Input Signal at Compressor Output

1 2 ... 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 ... 38 39

No comments

Roland VS-CDRII User Manual Page 20