TL Audio 5021 - Manual (Page 12)

and noise on quiet ones. Compressors effectively turn down the loud bits and
turn up the quiet bits, to achieve a more even and controllable level.
Compressors are often judged by their ability to control the dynamics without
creating noticeable audible side effects. Heavy compression can cause the
signal to pump or breathe with the onset and release of the compression.
Some compressor designs can dull the signal and lose the top end of the
signal. The 5021 compressor design, like other TL Audio compressors, uses a
technology based around a transconductance amplifier rather than a VCA
design. This transconductance amplifier design is known for being able to
retain the full frequency range and natural character of the audio signal, even
when compressing the signal quite heavily. The 5021 is also capable of more
severe compression based around the optional Hard Knee mode if this is
desired.
There are other benefits of compression as well as just controlling the peaks
and raising the quiet parts. Applied properly, it can add punch and excitement
to music, as well as fattening up sounds and creating a more professional
sounding recording. With the 5021, you have the added benefit of valve stages
in the signal path, which create a warmth and presence just not obtainable
with solid state or digital products.
4.2 Why Valve Compression?
Valve compression yields a particularly special sound that has become very
sought after, particularly with the widespread use of digital products. The
reason valve equipment sounds special is due to two things: harmonic
distortion and natural compression. When the signal through a valve is
increased, it tends to generate a particular type of subtle and desirable
distortion, called “second harmonic” distortion. This has the effect of thickening
and warming the sound, and the more the level you feed to the valve stages,
the more of this harmonic distortion will be produced. You should be able to
hear this effect as you increase the input gain on the 5021.
Secondly, valves will tend to naturally compress an audio signal, again
particularly as the signal level is increased. This itself also contributes to the
warmth produced by the 5021.
4.3
Overview of Compressor Operation.
To operate the 5021 successfully, an understanding of each control will help to
obtain the best results. If you are unfamiliar with the effect of compression it
may help to adjust each individual control to extreme settings and listen to the
sonic effect. Generally compressors are used in two different ways: either to
enhance the signal and control the dynamic range as unobtrusively as
possible, or used more severely to specifically create an effect.