Extron electronic DMP 64 manual Compressor

Compressor

The compressor regulates signal level by reducing (compressing) the dynamic range of the input signal above a specified threshold. The input level to output level ratio determines the reduction in the dynamic range beyond the threshold setting. For example, with a ratio setting of 2:1, for every 2 dB of input above the threshold, the compressor outputs 1 dB.

Compression is commonly used to contain mic levels within an acceptable range for maximum vocal clarity. A compressor can also make softer sounds louder in one of two ways. The dynamic range can be reduced by compressing the signal above the threshold while raising the post‑compressor gain/trim (referred to as "make‑up gain"). Alternately, the input signal can be increased while the compression ratio above the threshold is increased correspondingly to prevent clipping. Both techniques have the effect of making louder portions of a signal softer while at the same time increasing softer signals to raise them further above the noise floor.

Compression can also be used to protect a system or a signal chain from overload similar to a limiter. Click in each field to change the value.

Threshold — The input signal level above which compression begins (subject to attack time) and below which compression stops (subject to hold and release time).

The threshold level can be adjusted from -80.0 to 0.0 dB in 0.1 dB increments. Default is -30.0 dB.

Ratio — The input signal level reduction when compression is engaged.

Ratio can be adjusted from 1.0 to 100.0 in

0.1increments. Default is 2.0:1.

Attack Time — Adjusts the time delay for compression to engage after the input signal level reaches or exceeds the threshold level.

Attack time can be adjusted from 0.0 to

200.0ms in 0.1 ms increments. Default is 5.0 ms.

Hold Time — Adjusts how long compression continues after the input signal drops below the threshold and before release time begins.

Hold time can be adjusted from 0.0 to

500.0ms in 0.1 ms increments. Default is 100.0 ms.

Release Time — Adjusts the time it takes to return the signal to normal (unprocessed) levels after the signal no longer exceeds the threshold level setting. Release time begins only after hold time is reached.

Release time can be adjusted from 10 to 1000.0 ms in 0.1 ms increments. Default is 100.0 ms.

Soft Knee — Select the Soft Knee checkbox to smooth and soften the transition from uncompressed to compressed output levels. There are no adjustments.

DMP 64 • Software Control 47