elysia xpressor - Manual (Page 8)

8
Log Release
It is the time constants and especially the release parameter that
decide if the processing of a compressor is obvious or unobtru-
sive to the ear. As it is difficult to achieve perfect results for all
kinds of different material with only one type of release curve, the xpres-
sor offers two different options to choose from: logarithmic and linear.
It is characteristic of a logarithmic release that the time constant short-
ens when the amount of gain reduction increases. The advantage of this
behavior is that short and loud peaks (e.g. drums) have a fast release
time, while the remaining material is processed with a slower release. Its
smooth performance makes the Log Release especially useful for master-
ing and stereo buss compression.
The linear mode, however, has a straight release profile, without the
slower tapering release characteristic of the Log mode. The linear mode
is a good choice for more aggressive dynamics control of dry signals,
and it is especially useful when you want to process signals which do not
have a long decay period.