Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter - User Manual

Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Carl Martin
Compressor/Limiter! We believe this unit to be the most
musically useful guitar dynamics processor on the
market. It has been developed to incorporate the same
features, sonic clarity, quietness, and performance of the
best studio compressor/limiters. Spend a little time with us
here in the manual and you can learn some of the basics
of compression and limiting, and how to get the most out
of your pedal.
Simply put, compression and limiting may be defined as
the active control or modification of the dynamics of an
audio signal.
Dynamics may be described as the loudness characteristic of an instrument: the way the note begins, sustains,
and ends. Every instrument has dynamics; for example, a guitar has a very strong initial attack and a smooth
decay,
while a violin has a generally slower attack and will sustain a note as long as you keep bowing the strings. A
compressor allows you to change the character of a guitar's natural dynamics. The result ranges from a subtle
fattening of the tone to radical singing violin effects, and many useful variations in between.
To begin with, be aware that in any compressor/limiter the controls are interactive, and one control may function
somewhat differently when the other controls are set in various positions. Reading this manual, and spending a
little time familiarizing yourself with the controls will generally produce the best results.
The four controls on the Compressor/Limiter are:
Thres
Comp Resp
Gain
Fig. 2
1

Summary

Welcome and Understanding Compression

What is Compression and Limiting?

Defines compression and limiting as active control of audio signal dynamics.

Understanding Musical Dynamics

Describes loudness characteristics of instruments like guitar and violin.

Control Interaction Advice

Highlights the interactive nature of controls for optimal results.

Compressor Limiter Controls and Settings

Control Functions Explained

Details the Threshold, Compression Ratio, Response, and Gain controls.

Indicator and Example Settings

Explains the Busy Light and provides initial example settings.

Advanced Control and Sound Shaping

Adjusting Controls for Effects

Guides on adjusting THRES, COMP, and RESP for various sounds.

Signal Plot Visualization

Illustrates the dynamic range modification with a signal plot (Fig. 9).

Experimentation and Musical Goals

Encourages experimentation for different musical styles.

Specifications and Warranty

Power Requirements and Usage Notice

Details power needs and crucial voltage warnings for users.

Technical Specifications

Lists input/output, S/N ratio, THD, dimensions, and weight.

Product Warranty and Contact

Outlines warranty terms and provides contact information.

Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter Specifications

General

Type	Compressor/Limiter
Technology	Analog
Bypass	True Bypass
Input Impedance	1M Ohm
Output Impedance	200 Ohm
Power Supply	9V DC
Dimensions	120 mm x 95 mm x 56 mm