Compressor
A fully featured compressor with the classic BSS 'progressive knee' sound, which produces a gentle ratio near the threshold becoming progressively more aggressive further into compression. An auto-release mode not only allows the release time to be related to the user-set attack time, but also varies this relationship depending on the nature of the program to give a very natural sounding result. Two versions of the compressor are available, a single channel version, and a stereo version, where two independent audio channels are controlled by a single control panel, the side chains being locked together to prevent stereo image shifts.
Inputs and Outputs
The single channel compressor has one audio input and one audio output.
The stereo compressor is identical to the single channel version except that it has 2 inputs and 2 outputs. Adjustment of controls has the same effect on both channels.
Properties
Side chain
A side chain input can be made available so that an equaliser for example can be introduced to make compression frequency conscious. Any side chain processing would normally derive its signal from the same source that is fed to the audio input of the compressor.
Control Panel
Threshold control
Adjusts the level threshold above which compression will take place. Below this threshold, no compression will take place.
Ratio control
Adjusts the aggressiveness of compression.
Gain control
Adjusts out any gain anomalies.
Attack control
Adjusts the time it takes for the compressor to respond to signal levels above the threshold.
Note that this control also affects the release time in 'Auto Release' mode.
Release control
Adjusts the time it takes for the compressor to recover after the signal level goes below threshold.
Note that this control has no effect in 'Auto Release' mode.
Bypass button
Removes the compressor from the signal path.
Auto Release button
Automatically adjusts the release time optimally for the programme material.
Note that the time constants are still dependent on the attack setting.
Gain Reduction meter
Displays the amount of gain reduction being applied.
Notes
! This object will cause audible distortion if the Attack and Release times are too fast since it will be trying to apply dynamic gain reduction to the instantaneous values of lower frequency waveforms.
! This object is capable of raising signal levels beyond the clipping point so; care should be exercised when using positive gain values.