Audio compression reduces the dynamic range of a signal.
Compression is used at all stages of the music production.
It can either be used as a creative and coloration effect, or as a mixing and mastering tool to shape, refine and beef up your mix.
Depending on the technology used in their circuitry, each compressor design has its own specifications and character, making them convenient for particular uses, and bringing very interesting coloration to the sound.
This can make the use of compressors situational and dependant on the producer or engineer's taste.
Find below a quick tour of the VCA-65 main panel parameters.
Threshold
Sets the input level required to trigger the compression.
When the input level goes above the value of the threshold, the compressions starts.
Compression
Sets how much the compression affects the sound.
The higher the ratio is, the more the signal will be compressed.
Attack
The amount of time required for compression to fully operate once the input signal goes above the threshold level.
Release
The amount of time required for compression to fully stop operating after the input signal goes below the threshold level.
Auto
When engaged, the Attack and Release time are adjusted depending on the input level.
This function is very useful when you want the compression to remain inconspicuous.
Output Gain
Compensate the gain reduction with the output gain.
Limiter
The limiter tames the output volume and adds further coloration to your sound.
Mix
Blends the Dry and Wet signal.
This is an easy way to achieve "New York" / Parallel compression.
Here is a quick tour of the advanced side-chain panel.
Source
Lets you choose which audio signal triggers the compression.
It can be the compressor input signal (internal), but also another track (external), or a MIDI trigger.
Detection Mode
Let's you choose if the compression trigger and effect is mono or stereo.
Time Warp
Time warp offsets the signal detection in time.
"Snap" allows the detection to look ahead, whereas "Loose" delays the detection.
Equalizer
Allows you to filter the side chain signal.
Mostly used to take off lower frequencies and avoid, or hone in on, the pumping effect caused by kicks or basses.
Listen
In case you only trust your hears, this let's you hear the side chain signal and the equalization applied on it.
Compression Range
Prevents the compression exceeding a certain amount in dB by restraining the compression range.
The A and B function allows you to compare between two distinct snapshots of the loaded preset.
As sometimes the compressors effect can be very subtle, this feature will help you fine tune your settings.
To do that, start from a reference state, and tweak the settings on the comparison state. Then jump from one state to another and hear the difference without losing your settings on the reference state.
If you want to copy the settings on A to B or vice-versa, select the snapshot you want to copy from (the source) and click over the arrow.
This will make the settings of that snapshot be copied over to the other snapshot.
Note: The arrow is always pointing from the currently selected snapshot (Source) to the other one (Destination).