Compressors and Equalizers

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Compressors work to control levels by automatically reducing the volume when it gets too high. Use EQs (equalizers) when you want to boost or reduce certain frequencies.

COMP-01

A compressor is useful for improving the consistency of a signal's volumeboosting quiet parts and pushing down loud parts in order to achieve a smoother, more balanced result.

When using a compressor, you need to tell it at what level you wish it to start reducing the volume and how much to reduce it by.

NOTE

It can take some time to get the hang of using a compressor. Try to shoot for a natural sound (unless you are intentionally going for a unique effect). Set the threshold so that only the extremely high peaks are reduced. Also, try not to set the attack and release times too low; this will create the pumping effect. You'll find plenty of information on the Internet for tips on using a compressor.

PEQ-2

The PEQ-2 is a straightforward two-band parametric equalizer. The term "two- band " essentially means that there are two equalizers that can be used. Each EQ is able to filter a different frequency.

Boosting Frequencies

With the Dr:rex loop playing:

Reducing Frequencies

Now that you know how to increase frequency levels, look at how to reduce them. First, reset the Gain and Freq settings before proceeding to the following steps.

Changing the Frequency Range

When you boost or reduce frequencies, you are actually boosting or reducing a range of frequencies around a center frequency (the center frequency being that to which the Freq knob is set). You have the ability to adjust the width of the frequency's band that is affected by the boost or reduction.

NOTE

As mentioned, the PEQ-2 has two bands of EQ: A and B. The parameters that control these bands are identical.

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