Sound Performance Lab Model 2049 manual Operating, Attack control, „Attack Normal

Operating Understanding and enjoying the Kultube

In the latter case the ratio changes depending on the in0ut signal. As the preset threshold value is approached the ratio is comparatively small (1:1.5) and doesn’t reach the preset maximum value until high input levels are present. The result is much less conspicuous compression, since the process does not kick in as suddenly as with hard-knee mode. On the other hand, hard-knee results in greater loudness and density of the program material.

When using the de-compressor the ratio is exactly reversed, i.e. an input level change of 2dB for example results in an output of 4dB. The printed ratio values cannot be used here, since they clearly deviate. You should therefore use the de-compressor with care, since it will always make the signals louder. Setting of the threshold control should also be done with caution.

The Attack control

Among the most important functions of a compressor is controlling the time constants. The attack control determines one of these times, namely the kick-in behavior of the compressor. In general terms this determines the time starting at which the signal should be reduced. This allows you to specify how rapid signal jumps are handled.

How this look with a sinus-burst (test signal) is shown in Fig. 4.

Fig 4

„Attack Normal“

Here you can clearly see that the first part of the burst signal is unprocessed and only responded to when the settings are faster. When attack times are set very short, the compressor responds to even the most rapid transients, so that the peaks are captured. With slower settings transients are allowed to pass untouched – a kind of leveling in which the compressor responds more to the average level. If you are processing a drum loop for example, changing the attack time can cause a few transients to be passed through. Changing the attack control now determines how many transients remain unprocessed.

Using very short values (0.5 ms) allows in part just a half-wave of a signal to remain unprocessed, whereas medium values (10ms) result in a whole series of waveforms to be ignored. This type of response is also frequently used to make transients in a signal more clearly audible.

14