Buzz Audio essence optical compressor - Manual (Page 7)

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ESSENCE INPUT/OUTPUT RELATIONSHIP
From this graph we see that for lower ratios settings (2:1
and 5:1), the ratio is ultimately achieved only after
another further 10dB of gain reduction from threshold,
(threshold meaning 0dB gain reduction). For higher
ratios, (10:1 and 20:1) the ultimate ratio is achieved
within approx. 10dB and 5dB respectively.
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Tips for Using the Essence continued…
This area of the graph represents the “soft knee” of the
Essence compression characteristic and is an important
feature of it’s design.
Choosing a low ratio setting for gentle control of level
and thereby increasing the loudness of a sound within a
mix is possible without signal degradation and minimal
colouration. On the other hand, with higher ratio
settings, a sound may be “clamped” or levelled whilst
still retaining some audible dynamic.
Note that the 20:1 ratio setting is virtually hard limiting in
that a 20dB input change only results in a 1dB output
change.
•Side Chain Equalizers
The on board equalizers can be used to alter the
sensitivity of the compressor at high and low
frequencies. By boosting the S/C HI EQ, the compressor
is more sensitive at high frequencies, which may be
useful in controlling a sibilant vocal.
By boosting the S/C LO EQ the compressor is more
sensitive to low frequencies, which may be useful in
compressing a bass guitar that has an accentuated low
end.
Combinations of boost and cut on both EQ’s can be
used to either enhance midrange compression (cut