3
JOEMEEK Photo Optical Stereo Compressor SC2.2
The ORIGINAL JOEMEEK stereo compressor that now has additional
features:
'Dark'/'normal'mode switch
Hard wired bypass facility
LIMITING AND COMPRESSION
Why is the JOEMEEK different to a modern high tech. compressor limiter?
It was designed as a stereo effects compressor rather than a 'levelling
amplifier' as the early compressors were called. These are the basic
definitions:
A LIMITER is a device which stops the output of a signal path going above
a predetermined level.
A COMPRESSOR is a device which reduces the dynamic range of
programme material.
A 'perfect' compressor is an amplifier where the input/output ratio is
constant: So using a 2:1 compressor, increasing the input by 2dB gives a
corresponding 1dB increase in the output.
Early compressors which used variable mu thermionic tubes or
photoelectric devices only approximated true compression over a limited
range. They had a soft 'threshold' where compression started and held to a
predictable ratio up to a certain level, then they returned to a more linear
amplification allowing transients through. This is in stark contrast to modern
VCA compressor/limiters where designers thought it 'sensible' to combine
the functions of compressor and limiter and to 'stonewall' any and all signals
above a certain level.
The musical effect is that (I know I'm over simplifying) VCA compressors
sound muddy and flat, while old compressors sound lively and retain
sparkle.
JOEMEEK SC2.2 Stereo Compressor - User's guide
To Next Page
Loading...
