Compression Settings: Some Starting Points - PRESONUS StudioLive 24.4.2 Owner's Manual

8 Tutorials
8.2 A Brief Tutorial on Dynamics Processing
Release. The gate-release time determines the rate at which the gate
closes. Release times should typically be set so that the natural decay of the
instrument or vocal being gated is not affected. Shorter release times help
to clean up the noise in a signal but may cause "chattering" in percussive
instruments. Longer release times usually eliminate "chattering" and should
be set by listening carefully for the most natural release of the signal.
Range. The gate range is the amount of gain reduction that the
gate produces. Therefore, if the range is set at 0 dB, there will be no
change in the signal as it crosses the threshold. If the range is set
to -60 dB, the signal will be gated (reduced) by 60 dB, etc.
Key Listen. The key listen allows the user to listen to
the signal that is being filtered by the gate.
Frequency Key Filter. Some gates offer a variable frequency control allowing the
user to set a specific frequency band that the will cause the gate to open or close.
Noise Gating. Noise gating is the process of removing unwanted sounds
from a signal by attenuating all signals below a set threshold. As described,
the gate works independently of the audio signal after being "triggered" by
the signal crossing the gate threshold. The gate will remain open as long as
the signal is above the threshold. How fast the gate opens to let the "good"
signal through is determined by the attack time. How long the gate stays open
after the signal has gone below the threshold is determined by the hold time.
How fast the gate closes is determined by the release. How much the gate
attenuates the unwanted signal while closed is determined by the range.
Noise gates were originally designed to help eliminate extraneous noise
and unwanted artifacts from a recording, such as hiss, rumble, or transients
from other instruments in the room. Since hiss and noise are not as loud
as the instrument being recorded, a properly set gate will only allow the
intended sound to pass through; the volume of everything else is lowered.
Not only will this strip away unwanted artifacts like hiss, it will add definition
and clarity to the desired sound. This is a very popular application for
noise gates, especially with percussion instruments, as it will add punch
or "tighten" the percussive sound and make it more pronounced.
The following are the compression presets that were used in
the PreSonus BlueMax. We have included them as a jumping-
off point for setting up compression on your StudioLive.
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PreSonus StudioLive ™ 24.4.2 Owner's Manual

8.2.3 Compression Settings: Some Starting Points

Vocals
Soft. This is an easy compression with a low ratio setting for
ballads, allowing a wider dynamic range. It's good for live
use. This setting helps the vocal "sit in the track. "
Thresholdhold
-8.2 dB
Medium. This setting has more limiting than the Soft compression setting,
producing a narrower dynamic range. It moves the vocal more up front in the mix.
Thresholdhold
-3.3 dB
Screamer. This setting is for loud vocals. It is a fairly hard compression setting for
a vocalist who is on and off the microphone a lot. It puts the voice "in your face. "
Thresholdhold
-1.1 dB
Percussion
Snare/Kick. This setting allows the first transient through and compresses
the rest of the signal, giving a hard "snap" up front and a longer release.
Thresholdhold
-2.1 dB
Left/Right (Stereo) Overheads. The low ratio and threshold in this
setting gives a "fat" contour to even out the sound from overhead
drum mics. Low end is increased, and the overall sound is more
present and less ambient. You get more "boom" and less "room. "
Thresholdhold
-13.7 dB
Fretted Instruments
Electric Bass. The fast attack and slow release in this setting will tighten
up the electric bass and give you control for a more consistent level.
Thresholdhold
-4.4 dB
Acoustic Guitar. This setting accentuates the attack of the
acoustic guitar and helps maintain an even signal level, keeping
the acoustic guitar from disappearing in the track.
Thresholdhold
-6.3 dB
Tutorials
A Brief Tutorial on Dynamics Processing 8.2
RatRatioio AttAttackack ReleaRelease
1.8:1 0.002 ms 38 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
2.8:1 0.002 ms 38 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
3.8:1 0.002 ms 38 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
3.5:1 78 ms 300 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
1.3:1 27 ms 128 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
2.6:1 45.7 ms 189 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
3.4:1 188 ms 400 ms
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