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Adding Mix Bus Compression
After the insert is the Mix Bus Compressor, a Soft Knee VCA compressor, optimised for Mix Bus use.
To insert the compressor into the Mix bus simply press the IN button. The Threshold controls at
which amplitude the Compressor begins to compress the signal. As it is reduced, more of the signal
will be compressed. The Ratio controls by how much the signal above the threshold is reduced. A
ratio of 2:1 reduces the level by a factor of two, a ratio of 4:1 reduces the level by a factor of 4 etc.
The Attack and Release controls can be used to further aect the way the mix is compressed. The
attack controls how quickly the Compressor reacts when the signal amplitude moves above the
threshold. A slow setting will result in fast transient signals being compressed less, and a faster
setting means transients will be compressed with the rest of the signal. The release controls how
quickly the Compressor stops aecting the signal once it falls below the threshold level.
The Mix Bus Compressor features a further feature, labeled Bass Expand. This adds a 350Hz high-
pass filter to the sidechain, which means low frequencies won’t cause the Compressor to activate.
This can help to give a more full, consistent low-end.
As the signal is compressed, the overall level will be reduced, especially when compressing
harshly. To bring the signal back up to its original level, use the Make-up Gain Knob. Switching the
Compressor in and out and listening for a volume dierence or using the Master Meters allows
you to quickly set you make up gain.
Capturing Your Final Mix
Once you are happy with the mix, it can be captured by connecting one of the Mix Outputs to your
DAW or another recording medium, and recording the track in its entirety through the desk. Riding
faders, or altering settings during mixdown provides the analogue equivalent of DAW automation,
while giving a human element to a mix.and one for the right.
We recommend using stereo or stereo linked units, or two identical units with switched controls.
Two units with continuous controls can be used, however care must be taken to match the units to
prevent imbalance across the stereo field.