Boss Audio Systems GT-6B owner manual Effects Explained, Compressor/Limiter

Chapter 4 The Effects Explained

This chapter describes the particular qualities of each of the GT-6B’s internal effects, as well as the parameters used to control them.

The sound that is input to each effect is called the “direct sound,” and the sound modified by the effect is called the “effect sound.”

All product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

The names used for the sounds mentioned in this document are intended to be descriptive in nature, used solely to identify the equipment whose sound is simulated using COSM technology.

COMP/LIMITER

(Compressor/Limiter)

The compressor is an effect that compresses (or attenuates) loud input levels and expands (boosts) low input levels, thus evening out the volume to create sustain without distortion. It also has the effect of evening out the sound.

The limiter is an effect that prevents distortion by suppressing input signals that exceed a set value (threshold). You can get the same effect achieved with the compressor by setting the threshold at a low value.

The GT-6B’s COSM technology provides you with four types of modeled compressor/limiter perfectly suited for the bass.

Parameter	Value
On/Off	Off, On
Type	BOSS Comp, D-Comp, Rack 160D,
	Vtg Rack U
Attack	0–100
Sustain	0–100
Threshold	0–100
Ratio	1:1– ∞ :1 (Rack 160D)
	4:1– 20:1 (Vtg Rack U)
Release	0–100
Tone	-50–+50
Level	0–100

On/Off

Sets the compressor/limiter effect to ON or OFF.

Type

Selects the compressor/limiter type.

BOSS Comp	Models the BOSS CS-3
D-Comp	Models the MXR dyna comp.

Rack 160D	Models the dbx 160x.
Vtg Rack U	Models the UREI 1178.

Attack

(with BOSS Comp, D-Comp)

Adjusts the strength of the picking attack when the strings are played. Higher values result in a sharper attack, creating a more clearly defined sound.

(with Vtg Rack U)

This adjusts the amount of time that is to pass between the point at which the input level exceeds the set threshold level and compression begins, and the time at which the compression ratio set with the Ratio setting is achieved. Compression is applied more rapidly as the value is increased.

Sustain

(with BOSS Comp, D-Comp)

Boosts low-level signals, adjusting the time over which sounds are sustained. Higher values deepen the effect, resulting in a longer sustain.

Threshold

(with Rack 160D, Vtg Rack U)

Adjust this as appropriate for the input signal from your bass. When the input signal level exceeds this threshold level, limiting will be applied. The limiter goes onto effect at lower levels as the value is reduced with Rack 160D.

This controls the input level with Vtg Rack U. Increasing the value deepens the effect.

(“Thres (input)” appears in the display.)

Ratio

(with Rack 160D, Vtg Rack U)

Adjusts the limiter compression ratio. Higher values create a stronger compression effect.

Release

(with Vtg Rack U)

This adjusts the time from when the signal level drops below the threshold until when the compression is removed. The higher the values set, the more rapidly the compression is released, and the more clearly the sound from the next string played is heard.

Tone

(with BOSS Comp)

Adjusts the tone. The higher the value set, the more the high frequencies are boosted, resulting in a harder sound.

Level

Adjusts the volume.

Chapter 4

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