PRESONUS BLUEMAX Manual page 8

of 2:1. This simply means that for every 1dB of level increase into the compressor, the output
will only increase 1/2dB, thus producing a compression gain reduction of 0.5dB. As you
increase the ratio, the compressor gradually becomes a limiter. A limiter is defined as a
processor that limits the level of a signal to the compression threshold. For example, if you
have the ratio set to 20: 1, input set at 0dB, the output of the Blue Max will be
internal threshold of the compressor, which is set to
Note: The ratio control is only active in manual mode.
Attack sets the speed at which the compressor 'acts' on the input signal. A slow attack time
(fully clockwise) allows the beginning envelope of a signal (commonly referred to as the initial
transient) to pass through the compressor uncompressed, whereas a fast attack time (fully
counter-clockwise) immediately subjects the signal to the ratio and threshold settings of the
compressor.
Release sets the length of time the compressor takes to return the gain reduction back to
zero (no gain reduction). Very short release times can produce a very choppy or 'jittery'
sound, especially in low frequency instruments such as a bass guitar. Very long release times
can result in an over compressed sound, sometimes referred to as 'squashing' the sound. All
ranges of release can be useful at different times however and you should experiment to
become familiar with the different sound possibilities.
Note: The Attack and Release controls are only active in Manual mode.
Input / Output Meter
The Input/Output meter shows the signal level being processed by the Blue Max. Input refers
to the signal level being processed by the Blue Max before processing. Output refers to the
signal level after processing. '0dB' on the meter is referenced to the +4/-10 switch on the rear
of the unit. In +4 mode, 0dB = +4dBu. In -10 mode, 0dB = -l0dBV.
Gain Reduction Meter
The Gain Reduction meter indicates the amount of gain being reduced by the compressor in
dB.
A t t a c k a n d R e l e a s
A t t a c k a n d R e l e a s
10dB in manual mode.
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limited to the