Introduction - PRESONUS BLUEMAX Manual

signal to help correct this recording problem by reducing the 'louder' passages enough to be
compatible with the overall performance.
How severely the compressor reduces the signal is determined by the compression ratio and
compression threshold. A ratio of 2: 1 or less is considered mild compression, reducing the
output by two for signals greater than the compression threshold. Ratios above 10:1 are
considered hard limiting. Limiting refers to the point at which the signal is restrained from
going any louder at the output.
The level of input signal at which the output is reduced is determined by the compression
threshold. As the compression threshold is lowered, more and more of the input signal is
compressed (assuming a nominal input signal level). Care must be taken not to 'over
compress' a signal. Too much compression destroys the acoustical dynamic response of a
performance. ('Over compression', however, is used by some engineers as an effect, and
with killer results!)
Compressor/limiters are commonly used for many audio applications. A kick drum can get
lost in a wall of electric guitars. No matter how much level is increased, the kick drum stays
'lost in the mud'. Add a touch of compression and tighten up that kick drum sound allowing it
to 'punch' through without having to crank the level way up.
A vocal performance usually has a wide dynamic range. Transients (the very loudest portion
of the signal) can be far outside the average level of the vocal signal. It is extremely difficult to
ride the level with a console fader. A compressor/limiter automatically controls gain without
altering the subtleties of the performance.
A solo guitar can seem to be masked by the rhythm guitars. Compression can make your
'lead' soar above the track without shoving the fader through the roof.
Bass guitar can be difficult to record. A consistent level with good attack can be achieved with
proper compression. Your bass doesn't have to be washed out in the low end of the mix. Let
the compressor/limiter give your bass the punch it needs to drive the bottom of the track.

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the PreSonus Blue Max smart compressor/limiter with presets.
Your Blue Max was designed with you, the end user in mind. As far as we know, it is the only
compressor in the world with built-in compression presets. The presets were created not only
to assist in setting up the compressor but to offer you the experience of professional
engineers in using compression. If this is your first compressor, you will instantly gain
valuable insight into what can be a confusing experience. The experienced user will gain a
few tricks of the trade usually kept in the arsenal of professional engineers.
This dynamics processor was built with state of the art components to deliver crystal clear
compression for an infinite period of time. We believe the Blue Max to be an exceptional
sounding unit at an exceptional price. We hope you agree. Feel free to contact us at 1-800-
750-0323 anytime for any reason. We value your comments and suggestions.
Please pay close attention to how you connect your Blue Max to your system. Improper
grounding is the most common cause of noise problems in both live and studio applications.
We suggest you look at the connection diagrams which are part of this manual to insure
optimum operation.
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