dbx 576 Owner's Manual page 12

Compressor Controls (cont.)
+20
+15
+10
+5
0
-5
-10
-15
-15 -10
Figure 3: Hard Knee and OverEasy ® Compression Curves
RATIO control:
This control selects the ratio between input and the output levels for signals above the level set by the
Threshold control. It is adjustable between 1:1 (no compression) and infinity:1 (full compression).
Note that when OverEasy
compressed region. As the signal exceeds the threshold, the ratio approaches the ratio set by the Ratio
control.
ATTACK control:
This control sets the amount of time it takes the 576 to begin compressing a signal once the detector
has sensed a signal above the threshold. The attack range is from 3 dB/msec for a tighter and more
noticeable compression effect with very little overshoot to .04 dB/msec for a more gradual compres-
sion that preserves attack transients. A very fast attack setting will cause the 576 to act like a peak
Limiter even though RMS (average level) detection circuitry is used. Slower attack settings cause the
576 to act like an RMS or averaging detecting Compressor/Limiter.
AUTO switch:
This switch overrides both the Attack and Release controls and enables preset program-dependent
attack and release times. These times are derived from the characteristics of the input signal and con-
tinuously change to match its dynamics. The switch lights indicating the attack and release times are
being automatically adjusted in a program-dependent fashion. Enabling the Auto function duplicates
the Òclassic dbx soundÓ of the 576Õs forerunners which have become standards in the industry.
10
1:1 Unity
RED
Above Threshold
2:1
4:1
20:1
Rotation Point Threshold
GREEN
Below Threshold
-5 0 +5 +10 +15 +20
INPUT LEVEL (dB)
¨
processing is selected, the ratio slopes gradually from the linear to the
+20
+15
+10
+5
0
:1
5
10
15
15
1:1
2:1
4:1
:1
RED
Above Threshold
OverEasy Range
Below Threshold
+15 +20
10 5 0 +5 +10
INPUT LEVEL (dB)