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COMPRESSOR CONTROL EXPLANATIONS
'COMPRESSION' simply adds gain to the compression sidechain and so
increases compression. In simple terms this changes the 'threshold' of the
compression although with this compressor the 'threshold' is not clearly
defined; the compression starts very gradually and the compression ratio
changes radically with programme content and amplitude.
For practical purposes, winding up the compression control increases the
amount of compression. In use, all controls are interrelated.
'SLOPE' This 5 way switch sets the ratio of compression. Setting '1' is
gentle compression while '5' is a hard limiter and can give 'pumping' effects,
especially with a shorter release time.
'ATTACK' sets the time that the compressor takes to act. At minimum
(fastest) it is possible to make it 'overshoot' on some percussive programme
material: This means that the compression electronics are driven hard
before the gain has been controlled by the light cells. The cells catch up
and overcompress momentarily giving a tiny dip immediately following the
start of the 'note'. This is best demonstrated when recording drums. With
Slope set to maximum, and attack and release to fastest. Used sparingly
this can contribute to musical drive.
Slower attacks are used where the compression needs to be less obvious.
'RELEASE' sets the time during which the path gain returns to normal after
compression. Generally, the longer the time, the less obvious is the
compression.
AMOUNTS OF COMPRESSION.
There can be no rule as to the correct amount of compression for any
particular programme material. Compression (particularly the JOEMEEK
compressor) is a creative effect for the producer.
In rock music, it is possible to use considerable amounts of compression
(10dB or more) and still for the effect to be slight. in classical recording,
conventional compression is frowned upon but the JOEMEEK compressor can
be used to great effect if handled gently.
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