Sonnox Oxford Dynamics User Manual
Page 14
4.6 General Programme Compression
4 COMPRESSOR
One way to alleviate the compression transition effect is to smooth it out using the soft
ratio function:
The above graph shows the action of the
SOFT ratio control set to 5dB applied to the
previous settings. Starting the compression earlier, and increasing the compression ratio
up to the max level point, smoothes out the transition point at the onset of
compression.
The main advantage of this method - often referred to as ‘over easy’ - is that faster time
constants can be used before the compression artefacts become too obtrusive. This
means that the programme can be made to sound louder and more present without
increasing peak levels, despite the fact that more of it is being compressed. Also, the use
of faster time constants further reduces peak overshoot, so there is less need to employ
limiting in the signal chain.
It should be noted that with the Oxford plug-in, the application of the soft function will
always result in the same maximum output level. This means that you can apply the soft
ratio function at will, with only a minimal need to adjust the threshold and ratio
controls.