Overview
A compressor can be used to reduce dynamic range, maintain consistent levels, and shape the tone and character of your audio.
Module Interface
Label | Section | Controls and Features |
---|---|---|
Meters and Displays | Waveform DisplaysGain Reduction Trace | |
Module Header | [Detection Filter View], Vintage Mode, (#detection-filter-view), Level Detection Mode, Auto Gain, Auto Release, Reset | |
Controls | Threshold, Knee, HUD Controls: Ratio, Attack, Release, Makeup Gain, Mix | |
Advanced Panel | Sidechain |
Meters & Displays
The meters and displays in the Compressor module are outlined in the image and table below.
Waveform Displays
- Scrolling waveform: displays the amplitude of the input (uncompressed) and output (compressed) signals over time. The meter scrolls from right to left, with the most recent information on the right.
- Input waveform: the dark grey waveform displayed behind the output (wet) signal waveform.
- Output waveform: the light grey waveform displayed in front of the input (dry) signal waveform. When the signal is compressed, you can monitor the applied gain reduction compared to the input.
Gain Reduction Trace
Draws a line that represents the gain reduction applied to the selected band over time. Use the Gain Reduction Trace to monitor and to set the response times (attack and release) and gain reduction envelope applied over time.
NOTE: AUTO GAIN ON THE OUTPUT WAVEFORM
Auto Gain adjusts the level of the compressed signal to compensate for any level difference between the uncompressed and compressed signals. The gain change introduced by auto gain is reflected in the output waveform, which may make it more difficult to differentiate between the input and output waveforms. The gain reduction trace meter can be useful for monitoring gain reduction over time when Auto Gain is enabled.
The controls in Global Controls Header affect the entire Compressor module:
Detection Filter View
Enable the Detection Filter to adjust the frequency response of the detection circuit. When the Detection Filter is active, you can access the controls outlined in the table and image below. Neutron 3 Elements includes detection filter processing in only the Compressor module.
Icons | Control | Description |
---|---|---|
POWER BUTTON | Toggle ON to enable the Sidechain Filter. By default the Detection Filter is OFF. | |
SOLO | Enable to audition the output of the Detection Filter. This can be useful to enable when adjusting the Detection Filter nodes. | |
Resonant Filter Nodes | Adjusts gain and center frequency in lowpass bands and highpass bands. |
Resonant Filter Node Adjustments
The Resonant Filter Nodes are displayed within the the Detection Filter view. You can use these to tailor your frequency response:
- Click and drag the resonant filter nodes UP or DOWN to increase or decrease gain.
- Click and drag the resonant filter nodes LEFT or RIGHT to adjust the center frequency.
TIP: Compressor Detection Filter
- Making adjustments in the Detection Filter allows you to tailor the Compressor’s sensitivity to different frequencies. This is useful when using the Compressor in single band mode.
- For example: If you want the Compressor to react more to sibilant or harsh frequencies rather than low-frequency content, you can filter out low frequencies using the high-pass filter and boost sibilant frequencies using the resonant low-pass filter to adjust the signal that the Compressor treats as the input signal.
Vintage Mode
Enable to switch from the default digital mode to vintage signal processing which offers less transparent, more lively and colorful sound.
TIP: VINTAGE MODE AND HIGH RATIOS
By applying high ratios, you can achieve a pumping effect. Although not always desired, this can be used to add character to your audio. This effect is particularly useful on room mics.
Level Detection Mode
Determines how input levels are calculated by the compressor. Adjusting the level detection mode will alter the level that is considered by the threshold, which will affect when or how often the input level will trigger compression. The Compressor includes three level detection modes: RMS, PEAK, and TRUE.
Mode | Description |
---|---|
RMS (Root Mean Square) | Determines input level to the compressor by averaging levels of the incoming signal. RMS detection is useful when you are trying to increase the overall volume level without changing the character of the sound. |
PEAK | Determines the input level to the compressor using instantaneous peak levels of the incoming signal. In general, this setting is useful when you are trying to even out sudden transients in your music. |
TRUE | Similar to RMS mode, determines input level to the compressor by averaging levels of the incoming signal, but produces even levels across all frequencies. True mode will not produce aliasing or artifacts- a common side-effect of RMS detection. |
Auto Gain
Enables the Compressor to calculate the level difference between the input (uncompressed signal) and output (compressed signal) and automatically apply the calculated gain adjustment.
Auto Release
Enables the Compressor to analyze the input signal in order to automatically scale the Release time to values that will help to avoid pumping and maintain desired loudness in the processed signal.
Reset
Returns all controls in the Compressor module to their factory default values. If you wish to return to settings you were using before clicking the Reset button, you can use the Undo History window to revert to the settings before the Reset event.
Controls
You can control compression by setting the Threshold and Knee.
Threshold
Determines the signal level at which the compressor begins processing.
ADJUSTING THRESHOLD
- Click and drag the Threshold slider handle up to increase the Threshold or down to decrease the Threshold.
- Click on the Threshold value readout text and manually enter a value in the inline edit field.
TIP: USE WAVEFORM DISPLAYS TO SET THRESHOLD
You can use the Waveform Displays as a visual guide when setting the threshold level for the compressor.
Knee
Adjust the knee value to set the desired character of the compression. The range of knee values provide different results:
- Higher knee values result in a “soft knee” setting with a subtle, natural sounding compression.
- Lower knee values result in a “hard knee” setting with an aggressive compression.
NOTE: Knee disabled in Vintage Mode
The Knee control is not adjustable when Vintage Mode is enabled.
HUD controls
The Compressor HUD controls work together to influence the character, amount, and speed of the compression applied to the input signal. The HUD controls available are:
Attack
Adjust the amount of time (milliseconds) it takes for the Compressor to reach the target gain reduction Ratio. Gain reduction begins when the input signal exceeds the threshold, according to the rules set by the Level Detection Mode.
Release
Adjust the amount of time (milliseconds) it takes for the Compressor to return to unity gain (recovers gain) when the input signal falls below the threshold, according to the rules set by the Level Detection Mode.
Ratio
Determines how much gain reduction will be applied to the entire signal or entire band when the threshold is crossed.
NOTE: RATIO SETTINGS AFFECT COMPRESSION
Certain ratio settings and threshold setting will affect compression:
- A ratio setting of 1:1 will cause no attenuation upon signals that exceed the threshold.
- Ratio settings of 10:1 or greater will cause the compressor to function as a limiter.
- A ratio above 1.0 will cause compression. But, if you have a ratio below 1.0, it will cause the module to function as an Expander. When performing expansion in this way, the Gain Reduction Meter will show an inverted meter display.
Makeup Gain
Determines the amount of static gain applied to the output signal after compression.
Mix
Adjust this slider to control the dry/wet mix of the direct, unprocessed signal with the processed signal for the associated band.
NOTE: Auto Release Enabled with Vintage Mode
Auto Release is always enabled when Vintage Mode is selected.
Advanced Controls
You can enable/disable the Compressor’s Sidechain input in the Advanced panel of the HUD. To access the Advanced Panel, click the arrow button on the right hand side of the HUD.
Sidechain
Enables the Compressor’s detection circuit to use an external sidechain input signal to determine when to apply compression to your current track. When the external sidechain signal exceeds the Threshold level, compression will be applied to your current track.
Neutron Elements 3.9.1
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