Compressor - Neutron 3 Elements Help

May 2024 · 7 minute read

Overview

A compressor can be used to reduce dynamic range, maintain consistent levels, and shape the tone and character of your audio.

Module Interface

LabelSectionControls and Features
Meters and DisplaysWaveform DisplaysGain Reduction Trace
Module Header[Detection Filter View], Vintage Mode, (#detection-filter-view), Level Detection Mode, Auto Gain, Auto Release, Reset
ControlsThreshold, Knee, HUD Controls: Ratio, Attack, Release, Makeup Gain, Mix
Advanced PanelSidechain

Meters & Displays

The meters and displays in the Compressor module are outlined in the image and table below.

Waveform Displays

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.

IconsControlDescription
POWER BUTTONToggle ON to enable the Sidechain Filter. By default the Detection Filter is OFF.
SOLOEnable to audition the output of the Detection Filter. This can be useful to enable when adjusting the Detection Filter nodes.
Resonant Filter NodesAdjusts 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:

TIP: Compressor Detection Filter

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.

ModeDescription
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.
PEAKDetermines 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.
TRUESimilar 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

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:

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:

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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