Compressor

The Compressor attenuates loud parts, while leaving soft parts untouched. Apart from this, it can make sounds 'fatter' or just make them fit better in the mix without any significant compression taking place.

Compressor window (Level History display on top-left available in Pro Plus edition only)

Threshold controls the level above which compression takes place

Attack controls how fast the Compressor will attenuate loud signals, while Release controls the time it takes to stop attenuating after a loud signal ended. Low Release times can cause distortion at low frequencies.

Gain sets the amount of gain applied after the compressing action is done. As the Compressor attenuates loud parts the overall level drops. The Gain control compensates for this level drop. By activating the Auto Gain button the Compressor will automatically adjust the Gain control.

Program selects the program used:

• Clean is as transparent as possible. This is a 'feedforward' compressor, which is the way typical modern compressors work.
• Vintage is less transparent, but has more character. This is a 'feedback' compressor, which is the way older (tube or opto) compressors work.
• Warm Vintage is like Vintage, but modified so it produces more even harmonics.

The Side Chain section is available with the Clean program only.

The Level History (Pro Plus edition only) can be reset using the F5 key.