Native Instruments VC 76 Manual page 13

(7) Release knob: Adjusts the release time of the compressor, i.e. the time it takes for the com-
pressor to get back to its standby state after the signal level has fallen below the threshold lev-
el. Note that the release phase, or the time it takes for the compressor to reach its standby
state, gets shorter when the knob is turned clockwise.
(8) Ratio selector: Selects the compression ratio. This directly affects how much gain reduction
is applied to the input signal. Following ratios are available: 1:1 (1), 4:1 (4), 8:1 (8), 12:1
(12), and 20:1 (20):
▪ The ratio 4:1 (4) generates a moderate compression.
▪ The ratio 8:1 (8) generates a severe compression.
▪ With the ratios 12:1 (12) and especially 20:1 (20) the compressor tends to behave like a
limiter.
▪ The position ALL, at the top of the selector, was not available as such in VC 76's ances-
tor. It originates in the so-called "All-Button" mode used by many engineers. Indeed, on
the hardware unit the ratios were selected via a set of buttons. By pressing all buttons si-
multaneously, you could get an extreme (and variable!) form of overdriven compression,
which notably became a distinguishing feature of the "British sound" from the 1960s and
1970s. This behavior is made available here via this
▪ On the other hand, with the ratio 1:1 (1) no compression is applied. Nevertheless, the in-
put signal still passes through the unit, thus getting its circuitry's signature sound. This is
sometimes called the "No-Button" mode (see the "All-Button" mode above for the ex-
planation).
See ↑1.1.1, Main Compression Parameters
gain, compression ratio, and threshold level parameters.
(9) VU meter: Allows you to visually monitor the compression in real-time. This VU meter has
three operation modes, which you can select using the Display mode selector (see below).
(10) Display mode selector: Allows you to switch the VU meter between various operation modes
by clicking the corresponding labels:
▪ In: The VU meter displays the level of the input signal. Use this mode to ensure that the
input signal is at the optimum level.
ALL position.
for more general information on the make-up
Using the VC 76
The Main Interface
VC 76 - Manual - 13