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Gain:
(Output Level) Since the output gain is attenuated whenever the input
gain exceeds the compression threshold, the overall output level of a
compressed signal will be reduced. Commonly, this reduced output
gain is compensated for by raising the level of the output signal (the
term is "gain make-up"). Output Level range may be adjusted from
mute (minus infinity) up to +20 dB, in increments of 1 dB (depending
on input).
8.3. Suggested Compression Settings
8.3.1. Vocal Settings
The renowned expressiveness of the human voice is due in large part to its
dynamics. A vocal that varies from a whisper to a scream has a strong
emotional impact, but those same dynamics present a challenge to the
sound engineer. Ideal vocal compression maintains some dynamic range
while keeping the vocal the focal point of the mix.
Ratio:
A soft voice might require a ratio of 2:1, whereas a loud voice
might require a ratio setting of 6:1.
Thresh: The higher the threshold setting, the more signal is required to
initiate compression. Ideally this should be set to reign in peak
levels, and allow signals of lower gain to pass uncompressed.
Threshold settings will depend on the nature and variety of the
signal source. Strong vocalists will require a different threshold
than quiet speakers or singers.
Attack:
Short attack times usually work well for voice. However, too strong
a compression ratio, too low a threshold, and too fast an attack
may attenuate speech consonants, which provide important in-
telligibility cues to the audience, thus compromising clarity.
8.3.2. Guitar Settings
Ratio:
A high compression ratio (with gain makeup) will add sustain to
held notes and chords.
Thresh: Moving the threshold will change the audible thick/thinness of
the guitar tone, but generally you want to compress all the notes
played.
Attack:
Be wary of too quick an attack, which may reduce the percussive
attack of the guitar notes.
In general, be wary of too much gain makeup, and too high a compression
ratio, which may make a noisy guitar amplifier more objectionable. Ratio
settings might range from 6 to 20:1, threshold variable, slower attack, soft
knee, output gain boosted slightly to significantly depending on amount of
compression.
8.3.3. Bass Guitar Settings
Bass players use a variety of techniques, often in the same song, that can
benefit from compression. Compressing bass evens out peaks and keeps
the bass level in the mix.
Ratio:
Set to 4:1
Thresh: Set to compress peaks only
Attack:
Quick attack, medium release, hard knee (try various release
settings, depending on the speed of notes played)
Gain:
Output boosted slightly
Vocals
RATIO
THRESH
A TTACK
Guitar
RATIO
THRESH
A TTACK
29
Sabine 2.4 GHz Smart Spectrum
Compressor Limiter
Soft voice
Soft voice
Short attack is better for vocals. Be careful not to
over attenuate speech consonants.
Less Sustain
More Sustain
Thinner sound
Thicker sound
Be wary of too quick an attack, which may reduce the
percussive attack of the guitar notes.
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Wireless
LIT-SWM7000-OG-EN-070615.pmd - rr
Loud voice
Loud voice
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