Klark Teknik square one dynamics - Threshold; Attack

Compressor
22 Square ONE Dynamics
If a compression effect is required together with
limiting of high level transients, two channels of the
Square ONE Dynamics may be cascaded. The
output of Channel 1 (compression) is fed to the
input of Channel 2 (limiting), which gives powerful
two stage control over gain.
Below the compression threshold, the signal is
unaltered. In the example shown in Figure 10
“Limiting and compression graph”, the first
threshold is compressed at a mild 2:1 ratio.
Whereas, at the second threshold it is firmly limited
at a ratio of 20:1.
Threshold
The compression threshold is the point at which the compressor begins to operate. Signals that exceed this
point, that is, go over threshold, will be affected by compressor actions. However, signals below the
threshold do not trigger any compression, but may still be affected by compression releases from previous
over threshold signals.
If the compressor is being used as a limiter, the threshold level is the level at which the limiter begins to
operate.
Attack
Attack sets the time it takes for the compressor to respond once the threshold has been exceeded. Attack
may be set so that the initial transient of the instrument passes through unaltered or set to a faster value so
that the very start of the sound is compressed. Particularly with drum sounds, careful adjustment of attack
time can make the sound more 'punchy' and 'driving'.
Adjusts the time taken for the compressor to respond to an over threshold signal. The shape or style of the
attack is selected from one of the four modes mentioned in “Compressor” on page 19, making the
compressor more adaptable for differing creative and corrective applications.
Input level (dB)
Output level (dB)
+20
+10
-10
-20
+10 +20-10-20
1:1
Compressor 2 threshold
Compressor 1 threshold
Figure 10: Limiting and compression graph