The Enhancer - Joemeek Pro Channel VC3 v2 User Manual

VC3
v2 - User's guide
Pro Channel
A COMPRESSOR is a device which reduces the dynamic range of
programme material. Its use is necessary to squeeze both the loudest and
softest sounds onto records so that they can be listened to in all
environments; ie, in the car! A secondary use of compression (and most
important for us) is to introduce some artificial dynamics into sound to make
it sound more exciting. This is what the JOEMEEK compressor does best.
WHAT IS A COMPRESSOR?
A perfect compressor is an amplifier where the input/output ratio is
constant: So using a 2:1 compressor, increasing the input by 2dB gives a
corresponding 1dB increase in the output.
Early compressors which used variable mu thermionic tubes or
photoelectric devices only approximated true compression over a limited
range. They had a soft 'threshold' where compression started and held to a
predictable ratio up to a certain level, then they returned to a more linear
amplification allowing transients through. This is in stark contrast to modern
VCA compressor/limiters where is seemed 'sensible' to combine the
functions of compressor and limiter and to 'stonewall' any and all signals
above a certain level; excellent for technical level control but hopeless for
musical effect. Generally, (I know I'm over simplifying) modern VCA
compressors sound muddy and flat, while old compressors sound lively and
retain sparkle. The compressor in the JOEMEEK PROCHANNEL is unique;
it is a recreation of an early photoelectric compressor in use in the mid
1960's. It is capable of producing the same punchy sounds that were so
characteristic of the pop records of the time: I know; I used to make them!

The ENHANCER

An enhancer (or exciter) adds a particular type of sparkle (fairy dust?) to
sounds, particularly voices.
The enhancer in the JOEMEEK PROCHANNEL works by picking off part of
the sound, compressing and distorting it, filtering off the original sound and
remixing the resulting harmonics back with the signal.
It adds high frequency sparkle, making singing voices sound more present
and exciting without some of the other hissy effects you get from simply
turning up the HF equaliser. It is the supreme 'suck-it-and-see' device.
Used properly it can create beautiful sounds. Overused it can be horrible.
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