Parameter Setting - Apex Digital dBC-8 User Manual

PARAMETER SETTING

What is the effect of the different parameters and how to correctly set a compressor?
Threshold:
This is quiet an easy parameter: when the level of the input signal stays under the threshold
the compressor is not active and the signal stays unaltered. When the level of the signal
exceeds the threshold, the compressor starts working and will reduce the dynamic range
of the input signal. If you want to use some compression, set the ratio at a starting value
of 2:1 and move down the threshold until you see some compression going on (red com-
pression LEDS on the dBC-8). Please bear in mind that the threshold parameter is closely
linked to the ratio parameter. When using a high ratio, set the threshold as high as possible
since you want to stop signals going over a certain level. When using smoother compres-
sion curves (lower ratio's) adjust the threshold so to not compress background noise but
to so that the compressor starts working when it really matters. Be careful however: sound
levels during rehearsal or sound-check may be different than those during the live act.
In general, musicians will play louder during the live performance. Also don't forget that
there might be songs or passages where some of the musicians play subtle and with low
levels. The threshold is the function you will adjust the most during set-up and even live
performance.
Attack Time:
This is the time it takes the compressor to achieve 75% of its compression when the input
signal exceeds the threshold. On a compressor this parameter is closely linked to the
release time. Always think about the musical quality's of the signal you want to compress,
this will tell you a lot about were to start with the attack and release times. Let's consider
the human voice. When talking or singing a human voice consist a lot of pauses/silences.
Depending on the language, words do start suddenly so a fast attack time is necessary.
When setting the attack time to a value too long, you will have the impression that the first
letter(s) of words is cut off which will reduce intelligibility. If you want to preserve the natural
sound, listen carefully when adjusting the attack time so to not alter the natural attack time
of the source signal. Slower attack times will render the process less obvious but are more
suited to material with less pauses/silences. Also be careful since a too short attack time
might lead to clicks or other artifacts. God has given most of us some ears, so use them
to adjust this parameter.