BSS Audio DPR-402 Owner's Manual - Manual (Page 19)

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Fig 10.3 The effect of
Ratio on the Output
Signal
10.3 Attack Time The response of the DPR-402 compressor to signals above the threshold point
is further defined by the ATTACK TIME control (See figure 10.4).
The DPR-402 ATTACK TIME control has 11 calibrated positions from 50
microseconds to 100 milliseconds, and determines how quickly the
compressor responds to signals once the threshold is exceeded.
As explained earlier, for fast transients, a fast attack time is desirable. For
other types of program material a slower time will be more useful. It is always
preferable to start with a slower time, and progressively speed up the response
as necessary, since too fast a time may cause distortion of the sound.
10.4 Release time Another parameter which affects the compressor performance is the RELEASE
TIME control (See figure 10.5).
The release time control has 10 calibrated positions from 5 milliseconds to 5
seconds, and determines how quickly the compressor returns to normal gain
following a transient in excess of the threshold. The setting of the release time
is very much dependant on program type, and the setting of a wrong speed
will result in either of two conditions:
If set too fast; the overall volume level will jump up and down, exactly
following the peaks above threshold, and this will produce an objectional and
unsettling effect.
If set too slow; quiet parts of the program immediately following loud
transients will be subjected to 'breathing' or 'pumping' effects caused by the
VCA releasing its attenuation (or effectively the system gain) during the quiet
program period, when it is not required.
Fig 10.5 RELEASE time
control
Fig 10.4 ATTACK time
control