LA Audio GCX20 - Manual (Page 14)

Page 14
Signal levelling
Signal level variations can occur when the distance between the vocalist
and microphone changes. The GCX20 compressor can be used to level
out the result of poor microphone technique, producing an even sound.
Set RATIO to around 4:1 and adjust THRESHOLD for a gain reduction of 6
to 10 dBs at maximum signal level.
N.B. If vocals sound thin after being compressed as described, use an
external Hi pass filter, patched into the Sidechain insert, set to reduce the
sensitivity of the compressor to low frequencies. This allows more low
frequency signals to pass unaffected and fattens the sound.
This technique can also be used to reduce level variations in bass, lead
guitars, and horns.
Fattening bass-drum sounds
Bass drums often suffer from too much boom and lack of leading edge
slap. To tighten-up use a RATIO of around 6:1 and adjust THRESHOLD
for 10-15dB gain reduction. Use the SLOW mode to emphasise the
leading edge before compression becomes effective.
Bringing sounds forward in the mix
The use of a compressor to reduce the dynamic range of a sound source
increases the average level of the sound. This principle can be used to
accentuate a vocal or other lead track in a multitrack recording.
Use a gentle RATIO of around 2:1 and a THRESHOLD of approximately -
20dB to achieve gain reduction of no more than 6dB. Restore the
compressed signal to its original level using the GAIN control.
NB. Avoid over compression as this may produce a dull sound. It is better
to apply gentle compression twice (passing the signal through both GCX20
compressors) than a lot of compression in one go.
Vocal de-essing
Some microphone/vocalist combinations produce significant 'ess' sounds
(sibilance). The GCX20 compressor can be used to reduce these sounds
by making the compressor more sensitive to these frequencies.
Use an external Hi pass FILTER (via Sidechain insert), set to around 3-
6kHz to make the compressor more sensitive to the 'ess' frequencies. Use
moderate to high THRESHOLD and RATIO settings and FAST mode.