Audio Connections... 11 Typical Applications... 12 Connecting Directly to an Instrument... 12 Mixer Inserts ... 13 Using the NanoCompressor with a Powered Mixer ... 14 Mixer Main Outputs ... 14 Avoiding Ground Loops ... 14 Description of Controls...17 Front Panel... 17 Threshold...
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Contents Refer All Servicing To Alesis ... 28 Obtaining Repair Service ... 28 Customers in the USA and Canada ... 28 Customers outside the USA and Canada... 28 Specifications ...29 NanoCompressor Manual...
Alesis warranty card It is important to register your purchase; if you have not already filled out your warranty card and mailed it back to Alesis, please take the time to do so now. Basic Connections The NanoCompressor will work in many different applications, whether you are connecting an instrument directly into it, or connecting it with a mixing console.
If the Input meter on the NanoCompressor begins to clip (turn red), decrease the volume of the source (instrument, mixer send, etc.). If the NanoCompressor’s level is causing the mixer or amp to distort, turn the Output Level down.
(average) style. When set to RMS, the Attack and Release controls will be disabled. Attack. This is the amount of time it will take for the NanoCompressor to start compressing when the input signal crosses over the threshold. This control is disabled when compression is set for RMS.
[OUTPUT] knob does not function when the NanoCompressor is bypassed. Placement and Installation The NanoCompressor may be mounted almost anywhere it's needed: on a table, on top of an amp, or next to a mixing console. In any case, make sure to place it safely where it will not fall or be damaged.
(either 110 or 220V, 50 or 60 Hz). To turn on the NanoCompressor, plug the small end of the power adapter cord into the NanoCompressor’s [POWER] socket and the male (plug) end into a source of AC power.
These provide two different audio hookup options: • Mono. Connect a 1/4" phone cord to the [LEFT] INPUT of the NanoCompressor from a mono source, and another 1/4" phone cord from the [LEFT] output of the NanoCompressor to an amplification system or mixer input.
If your mixer features individual channel or buss inserts, you can dedicate the NanoCompressor to a specific channel or buss on the mixer. Insert jacks on the back of a mixer provide a way of “inserting” external processing equipment into the signal path.
Using the NanoCompressor with a Powered Mixer You can dramatically improve the sound quality of a powered mixer by connecting the NanoCompressor to it in the same way you would connect it to a regular mixer, with one important note: Never connect an output intended for a loudspeaker (the power amplifier output) to the input of the NanoCompressor.
(as it is in most unbalanced equipment). If the NanoCompressor is attached to a metal rack mounting shelf, the assembly shares a common ground with the other equipment in the same rack. In some cases (such as a star ground scheme), you may wish to use nonconductive rack rails or rack isolators to avoid ground loops.
[RATIO] control. In the diagram above, Figure (a.) shows the input signal to the NanoCompressor. In this example the compressor Threshold is set for -10dB and the Ratio is set for 4:1.
0.1 to 200 milliseconds. The Attack and Release controls only function when the NanoCompressor is in Peak mode. Long attacks are useful for percussive sounds, where shorter attacks are good for melodic parts like vocals and strings.
When the NanoCompressor is set for Hard knee, the compression ratio applies only to signals above the threshold level. If the NanoCompressor is set for Soft knee, the compression ratio gradually increases from 1:1 to the currently selected ratio over a range of approximately 5 dB, so that the transition from uncompressed to compressed is more gradual.
Rear Panel Power This is a plug for connecting the Alesis Model P3 9VAC power supply (supplied). The power supply included with the NanoCompressor is compatible with the electrical requirements of the country of purchase, and should be connected to the proper electrical outlet.
[LEFT] input. The nominal level is -10dBV (.316 volts). Output (Left & Right) These are 1/4" unbalanced phone jacks which connect to inputs such as mixer insert returns or power amplifier inputs. For mono applications, use the [LEFT] output. The nominal level is -10dBV (.316 volts) NanoCompressor Manual...
PPLICATIONS Instrument Settings This section is designed to get you started with the NanoCompressor by giving some sample settings. These are merely suggested settings, experiment and find your own once you begin to hear what the NanoCompressor does to your sound.
• Threshold set for constant compression (around -3dB) • Ratio set for 6:1 • Knee set for Soft • Peak/RMS set for RMS Experiment with turning the Threshold up or down for a thinner or chunkier tone. NanoCompressor Manual...
“sibilance” can sometimes be eliminated by moving the microphone, but often a de- esser is required. The NanoCompressor allows you to perform de-essing on a track by using a sidechain. By placing an equalizer in the sidechain, you can set the NanoCompressor so that only certain frequency ranges trigger the unit to start compressing.
To make the NanoCompressor into a ducker, plug the source into the inputs and plug the trigger into the sidechain. The Sidechain return (the ring connection) isn’t used in this example.
ROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating the NanoCompressor, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support for assistance. Symptom The Power LED does not light when the unit is...
SWITCHES AND CONTROLS! Spray onto a cloth, then use cloth to clean the unit. Refer All Servicing to Alesis We believe that the NanoCompressor is one of the best compressors that can be made using current technology, and should provide years of trouble-free use. However, should problems occur, DO NOT attempt to service the unit yourself.
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