Peak mode. RMS mode automatically adjusts the attack time, depend- ing on the characteristics of the signals being processed.
In peak mode, this control sets how fast the limiter's internal circuitry reacts to changes in input level. The longer the attack time, the more of a signal's dynamics are "let through" before the limiting action kicks in. With slower attack times, the limiter responds more to average sig- nal level. This produces a smoother sound that tends to retain dynamic character, but the tradeoff is that the 3630 cannot react as rapidly to sud- den level shifts.
Examples: Setting a longer attack time with guitar allows more of the pick attack to come through. A longer attack time with kick drum lets through more of the beater "thock." For recording, you may want to trade off response time for smoothness. When used to prevent loud- speaker or power amp clipping, a fast attack time is desirable.
Release (50 ms to 3 seconds)
This control works only with the Peak/RMS switch (section 1.5) in Peak mode. RMS mode automatically adjusts the release time, depend- ing on the characteristics of the signals being processed.
In peak mode, this control determines how long it takes for the limiter to return to unity gain after going into limiting. With short release times, the limiter tracks every little change in level, producing a poten- tially uneven or "rippling" effect that decreases dynamics but increases the average output level. Longer release times tend to "squash" the signal more, producing less overall output but retaining more of the signal's dynamics.
Excessive release times can be used as an effect. In the 60s using lots of limiting with long release time on drums was a popular recording technique.
Output
The process of reducing dynamics lowers the signal's overall level. Use this control to compensate by adding output gain.
Example: Limiting a signal by 6 dB will make the signal seem approximately 6 dB softer. Compensate by using this control to increase the level.
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