elysia mpressor - Manual (Page 10)

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Auto Fast
The attack time parameter is a very crucial factor for the control behavior of a compressor. There-
fore choosing the right setting is very important, but depending on the dynamic progress of the
source material this can be a difficult task – no matter if you are processing single channels or
complete mixes.
If a very short time is chosen, the compressor is able to catch the short peaks, but on the other
hand the sustaining signal will also be processed, which might result in audible distortion. Lon-
ger attack settings reduce distortion significantly, but then the compressor is too slow for fast
impulses.
This is where the Auto Fast function comes into play. For example,
if you set the attack to 80 ms and then engage the Auto Fast mode,
the attack time will be shortened automatically on fast and loud
signal impulses. The compressor reduces the signal quickly and
prevents it from slipping through.
Then the attack time directly and automatically returns to its original setting. In Auto Fast mode
the compressor can be very fast, but only when it is really needed. This function influences the
attack parameter on short and loud impulses only; in all other cases the original setting of the
controller is given priority.
Anti Log
The release parameter, on the other hand, has a strong influence on the character of the compres-
sion being obvious or unobtrusive to the ear. As a general rule, linear or logarithmic release curves
will be employed if a discreet performance of the compressor is required. It is characteristic of a
logarithmic release that the time constant shortens when the gain reduction raises. The advan-
tage of this is that short and loud peaks (e.g. drums) have a fast release time, while the remaining
material is processed with a slower release time.
But if intentionally striking and creative compression as well as
producing new and interesting sounds are the sought-after goals,
it definitely makes sense to turn the established approach upside
down. For this reason, you can switch the release curve of the
mpressor from linear to antilogarithmic.
Compared to the logarithmic release curve, the effect of the Anti Log option behaves just the
other way round: When the threshold point is passed and compression starts, the release time
is longer in the beginning. However, when the input signal starts to decline, the release time be-
comes faster.
A special circuitry makes the process independent from the absolute amount of gain reduction.
No matter if the compressor reduces 10, 15 or 20 dB, the curve will always stay the same at the
start and will only become faster at the end. Consequently, many exceptional compression effects
can be created just by pushing a button.
Gain Reduction
Time
Linear
Anti Log
BASICS