MOTU Traveler-mk3 User Manual page 98

It is precisely this self-adjusting behavior that
makes optical compressors the tool of choice for
smoothing out vocals, bass guitar and full-
program mixes without destroying perceived
dynamics.
Compressor/Limit buttons
The Comp and Limit buttons (Figure 11-26) model
the original LA-2A Limit/Compress mode switch.
The effect is very subtle, with the Limit option
behaving only slightly more like a limiter than a
compressor. The switch increases the level of the
input to the AGC model and runs the attenuator at
a slightly lower level. The Leveler then responds
more strongly to transients, but otherwise still
behaves like a leveling amplifier.
Gain Reduction
Gain Reduction (Figure 11-26) sets the strength of
the signal sent to the AGC model. The Gain
Reduction meter (Figure 11-26) shows the amount
of gain reduction being applied to the input signal.
Makeup Gain
Makeup gain (Figure 11-26) amplifies the output
signal to make up for gain reduction.
Enabling or disabling the Leveler
The Leveler models the LA-2A so closely, it also
models the time it takes for an actual LA-2A to
"warm up" after it is turned on. Therefore, when
you enable the Leveler, give it a moment to "settle"
before you begin processing signals with it.
The Meters tab
The Meters tab (Figure 11-27) serves as a
comprehensive meter bridge for all inputs, outputs
and mix busses in the Traveler-mk3. This tab gives
you a "bird's-eye" view of all signal activity in the
Traveler-mk3; it is ideal for confirming your signal
routing programming and for troubleshooting.
98
Figure 11-27: The Meters tab.
Channel meter display
The channel meter display (Figure 11-27) provides
a long-throw meter for the input or output that
currently has the focus in the Input/Output tabs.
Bus activity LEDs (inputs only)
The Bus activity LEDs (Figure 11-27) are present
only for inputs. See "Input meter and bus activity
LEDs" on page 87.
Pre/post processing switch
The pre/post processing switch (Figure 11-27)
affects all input meters (and the meter in the
channel meter display above the tab, if this area is
displaying an input meter). Click Pre to view levels
before any input channel processing besides trim;
click Post to view levels after all channel processing
(EQ, compression, M/S decoding, L/R swap, etc.)
Bus activity LEDs
(inputs only)
Channel meter
display
Meters tab
Pre/post
processing
switch
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