Introduction - Alesis 3630 Reference Manual

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INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Alesis 3630 Dual Channel Compressor/
Limiter with Gate. This cost-effective gain control device complements
any studio with several important features. For more information on the
significance of these features, refer to the Appendix "About Compression
and Limiting."
• Stereo or dual mono operation. The 3630 can serve as two totally in-
dependent units, or both sections can be strapped together for stereo
operation. In stereo, gain changes in one section are "tracked" by the
other section to eliminate wandering of the stereo image.
• Peak or RMS response. Determines whether the limiter will base its
operation on signal peaks or average signal levels. Each has its uses with
different types of signals (for example, peak with drums, and average
with complex program material).
• "Hard knee" or "soft knee" response. Each type of response gives a
different limiting action. The hard knee response is generally considered
more "severe," and the soft knee response, more "musical."
• Individual bypass switches for each channel. This makes it easy to
compare the processed and unprocessed sounds.
• Side chain connections. Insert EQs and other devices for applications
such as de-essing (removing sibilance), adding treble to limited signals,
"keying" one signal with another, "ducking" (e.g., making a signal such as
background music become lower in volume in response to another
signal, such as narration), and other applications.
• +4 dBu or -10dBV operation. This provides signal level compatibility
with nearly all studio setups.
• Front panel knob calibrations. Knobs are calibrated to allow for easy
setup and operation.
• Built-in stereo/dual mono noise gate. This can reduce noise when
compressing or limiting. Each section can also operate as a stand-alone
noise gate.
• Extensive metering. Each channel has a 12-LED display to indicate the
amount of gain reduction, a second 12-LED display to show input/
output levels, and a dual-LED display to indicate noise gate status.
Here are some typical applications for the 3630:
• Even out a vocalist's dynamics to compensate for poor mic or vocal
technique.
• Increase a guitar's (or other stringed instrument's) sustain.
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