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14
Operating
Understanding and enjoying the Kultube
In the latter case the ratio changes depending on the in0ut signal. As the
preset threshold value is approached the ratio is comparatively small (1:1.5)
and doesn’t reach the preset maximum value until high input levels are
present. The result is much less conspicuous compression, since the process
does not kick in as suddenly as with hard-knee mode. On the other hand,
hard-knee results in greater loudness and density of the program material.
When using the de-compressor the ratio is exactly reversed, i.e. an input
level change of 2dB for example results in an output of 4dB. The printed ratio
values cannot be used here, since they clearly deviate. You should therefore
use the de-compressor with care, since it will always make the signals louder.
Setting of the threshold control should also be done with caution.
The Attack control
Among the most important functions of a compressor is controlling the
time constants. The attack control determines one of these times, namely the
kick-in behavior of the compressor. In general terms this determines the time
starting at which the signal should be reduced. This allows you to specify how
rapid signal jumps are handled.
How this look with a sinus-burst (test signal) is shown in Fig. 4.
Here you can clearly see that the first part of the burst signal is unprocessed
and only responded to when the settings are faster. When attack times are
set very short, the compressor responds to even the most rapid transients,
so that the peaks are captured. With slower settings transients are allowed to
pass untouched – a kind of leveling in which the compressor responds more
to the average level. If you are processing a drum loop for example, changing
the attack time can cause a few transients to be passed through. Changing
the attack control now determines how many transients remain unprocessed.
Using very short values (0.5 ms) allows in part just a half-wave of a signal to
remain unprocessed, whereas medium values (10ms) result in a whole series
of waveforms to be ignored. This type of response is also frequently used to
make transients in a signal more clearly audible.
Fig 4
„Attack Normal“