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pleasant feedback problems. If the MAXCOM is inserted into the mic channel, it will shut off the channel when
it is not being used reducing the possibility of feedback.
• NOISE REDUCTION ON EFFECTS PATHS
The effects rack is one of the most overlooked sources of noise in a PA system or recording facility. The price of
reverb and delay units and harmonizers has fallen drastically over the last number of years, which have made
these units a common feature in small studios and home recording installations. However, multiple effects units
considerably increase the overall noise level, so that the pleasure in acquiring a new sound effect is short lived.
It will prove useful to use the MAXCOM as the last component in the chain of effects units and use the noise
reduction function of the Expander/Gate section.
THE COMPRESSOR FUNCTION
The task of a compressor is to reduce the dynamic range of program material and to control the overall level. The
extensive controls of the Compressor section provide a great range of dynamic effects: from musical and soft
compression to limiting signal peaks, right up to extreme and effective compression of the overall dynamics.
For example, a low ratio and very low threshold setting can be used to achieve soft and musical processing of
the general dynamics of the program material. Higher ratios, together with low threshold settings, create rela-
tively constant volume (levelling) for instruments and vocals. High threshold levels generally limit the overall
level of a program.
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Ratios greater than 6:1 effectively prevent the output level from signals significantly exceeding the threshold
point (provided that the OUTPUT control is in the 0 dB position).
The AUTO function prevents aggressive compression, created by high ratios, from sounding too unnatural.
• INITIAL SETTINGS FOR THE COMPRESSOR SECTION
CONTROL
THRESHOLD control .........+20 dB
RATIO control ..................... 2.5:1
AUTO switch ........................... IN
OUTPUT CONTROL ............... 0dB
IN/OUT switch ........................... IN
Rotate the THRESHOLD control counterclockwise until an appropriate amount of gain reduction is indicated
on the GAIN REDUCTION meter. This operation will be accompanied by an audible drop in output level. The
OUTPUT control should now be turned clockwise to reinstate the output level. The level of the unprocessed and
the processed signal can be compared by pressing the IN/OUT switch.
Final adjustments of the controls can then be made to suit your particular requirements, including the RATIO,
ATTACK and RELEASE controls. The AUTO function provides program dependent dynamic processing which
suits most standard uses. If a "condensed" or "wider" sound processing technique is required the attack and
release times can also be manually adjusted.
The experienced user will be in a position to specify parameters while in bypass mode and thus realize the effect
before the unit is actually switched into operation. This is important in live situations, where a signal needs to be
managed efficiently by the engineer without the convenience of continual A/B comparison.
• THE MAXCOM AS A SOUND EFFECTS UNIT
In the early 1960's musicians began looking at the recording process as a way to create new sounds. The
pumping effect which had been avoided by earlier engineers suddenly became fashionable and was utilized
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APPLICATIONS
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