Applications - PRESONUS ACP 88 - V 1.2 User Manual

BASIC SETUP & APPLICATIONS

3.2 Applications

•
Example setup compressing a voice or vocal track.
Probably the most common use of a compressor is to control the dynamic range of a
vocalist during a live performance or when recording. It is almost always necessary to
compress a vocal take during a recording session. Most vocalists have a very wide
dynamic range, and if the vocalist does not have 'studio' experience, controlling the
dynamic range becomes even more challenging due to the lack of proper microphone
technique.
This wide variation in level makes it difficult to properly record a vocal take, especially on
digital multi-track recorders which have definite limitations in headroom.Compressing a
vocal also makes it easier to place the vocal track in a mix so that it remains 'in your
face' throughout the track.
To setup for recording a vocal, insert a channel of your ACP-88 into the same channel
as the microphone on your mixer. If your mixer has an insert point, insert the compressor
there (-10 dBu on most mixers). If you don't have an insert point you will have to place
the compressor after your mixer's bus output or whichever output you're using by
coming out of your mixer to the input of the ACP-88; then out of the ACP-88 to the
input of your recorder. If you're using a stand alone mic preamp; patch the ACP-88 after
the preamp and then to the recorder. It is important to utilize the compressor last in the
signal path or positioned in line so that the input level of the compressor is stable.
(Remember: adjusting the signal level being sent to the ACP-88 will require a
readjustment of the various parameters of the compressor.)
Turn the Threshold of the channel's compressor you're using completely counter-
clockwise. If you've gotten the cables right, you should see the LED's above the
Threshold knob of the channel you're using flashing
when you talk into the microphone. Make sure that the channel on the ACP-88 has the
following setup: Link button is out, Bypass is out, Auto is in, Soft is out, Gate
Threshold knob is fully counter-clockwise, Compressor Ratio knob is set to 1:1 (fully
counter clockwise).
To set the compressor: turn the Ratio to the 2:1 mark on the legend. With the vocalist
yodeling into the mic, turn the compressor's Threshold until the gain reduction meters
read about –7dB. Now you will probably need to boost the compressors' output by
turning the Gain knob clockwise so that your mixer or multi-track meters read 0 dB (in
the case of some digital recorders this is –14 dB).
This would be a basic, very simple but useable setting for recording a vocal. Things to
vary to suit your taste might be: adjusting the ratio and threshold for more/less dynamic
range. Push the Soft button in and check out the Soft Knee compression curve. Take
the compressor out of Auto mode and adjust the Attack and Release times to taste.
•
Compressing and gating drums or percussion instruments.
Limiting the dynamic range of a drum kit may or may not be something you want to do
to your drum tracks, but there are some other features of the ACP-88 that can help you
get that "in your face", "bigger than life" drum sound.
17