Yamaha SPX50D - Manual (Page 17)

29. Compressor
This extremely versatile compressor program allows creation of
a wide range of compression and limiting effects. It can simply
be used to reduce the dynamic range of a signal, to smooth out
the sound of an electric bass or add sustain to an electric guitar.
It can help to reduce volume fluctuations as a vocalist moves
closer to or away from a microphone, or limit the maximum level
of a signal to prevent overloading certain types of amplification
of recording equipment.
Attack Time (ATTACK): 1 — 40 milliseconds
Determines how long it takes for full compression to be
reached after the effect is triggered (i.e. the THRESHOLD
level is exceeded). The right ATTACK setting is essential to
preserve the natural initial attack sound of the instrument
used — or modify it as desired.
Delay Time (DELAY): 0.1 — 400 milliseconds
Determines the time delay between the direct sound and the
compressed effect sound.
Release Time (RELEASE): 10 — 2,000 milliseconds
Determines how long it takes for compression to be released
after the input signal drops below the THRESHOLD level.
The RELEASE setting is important to preserve the natural
release sound of the instrument used. Too short a RE­
LEASE setting will cause the sound to be cut off unnaturally.
Threshold Level (THRESHOLD): -48 — -6 dB
Determines the level of the input signal at which the com­
pression effect begins. Set at a low level (-48 dB) all input
signals will be compressed. At a higher level, only those
signals exceeding the THRESHOLD level will be com­
pressed, thus producing a limiting effect. The THRESHOLD
level must be set to match the level and characteristics of
the instrument being used, as well as the desired effect.
Compression Ratio (RATIO): 1 — 20
This parameter sets the "amount” of compression applied to
the input signal. A setting of 1.0 produces no compression,
while a setting of 20 produces maximum compression.
Detect Delay (PET. PLY): -50 — +50 milliseconds
This parameter sets an initial delay between the time the
input signal begins (the time the THRESHOLD level is ex­
ceeded) and the time the compression effect begins. This
delay can be used to allow the initial attack of an instrument
to come through completely unaffected while the rest of the
signal is compressed. A minus DET DLY setting causes the
compressed sound to appear before the direct instrument
sound.
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