Please see the following post by robc (the compressor algorithm designer) regarding the auto modes. The short version is that the auto modes are more complicated than simply setting some predefined balistics, so there is no sensible mapping back to ‘normal’ attack/release.
Very informative thread. And thanks to RobC for his narrative.
I appreciate that there’s more to the ‘auto’ mode than attack/release, but I still would like some ability to adjust those. The idea of a ‘clean/vintage’ comp is also appealing…
My primary focus at the moment is managing a vocalist that tends to “blow past” the “Vocal” [Auto] profile’s ability to attack quickly enough, resulting in “blasting” of first notes, etc.
I have been having the same issues getting the “Auto”–Vocal’ to work like I want…same big first word kind of thing. I have been basically going as manual as the comp allows to get what I want. Wouldn’t say its perfect, but I am finding I am making less adjustments now.
As mentioned the auto modes are more complex than just adjusting the attack and release settings.
The compressor types involve smoothing algorithms and detector type (rms or peak) plus other tricks in modelling certain compressors.
you can use ‘manual peak’ or ‘manual rms’ and set the attack and release manually. Then store these as library compressors, then you have a presets for instant access.
As for using purely an auto mode -
‘Vocal’ does minimise distortion over attack. For a fast compressor with acceptable distortion I would try 16T.
If the application is to catch the occasional ‘first note’ the limiter is handy, it isnt that aggressive sounding. You can also set the compressor for milder stuff, eg vocal or slow opto.
I’ve noticed the same problem with the Vocal setting being to slow to catch the explosive transients that some vocalists have. Gonna try the 16T mode out. Assume this is modeled on the classic DBX 160 but your not allowed to say that right?
Cheers
Richard Howey
Audio Dynamite Ltd
IDR48/IDR16/T112/R72/Mixpad,Tweak,
Dual M-Dante/DVS, 17"MBP/Logic 9/Custom Mackie Control
I made the decision to go back to manual since I really did not like what the vocal preset did to sound of our vocalists. I am happier because its cleaner now. I would really be excited though if you made a deal with CranSong Those trakkers are heavy.
I’ve noticed the same problem with the Vocal setting being to slow to catch the explosive transients that some vocalists have. Gonna try the 16T mode out. Assume this is modeled on the classic DBX 160 but your not allowed to say that right?
Cheers
Richard Howey
Audio Dynamite Ltd
IDR48/IDR16/T112/R72/Mixpad,Tweak,
Dual M-Dante/DVS, 17"MBP/Logic 9/Custom Mackie Control
I always have at least one VOX group with a fast attack/release compressor acting as a soft limiter for those explosive singers. Vocal mode compressor works fine when combined with a groups that has another compressor. Double compressing is widely popular as far as I can tell from my readings. But I agree with vocal mode being a little slow to catch some of those transients. [ ]
I’m still hope that Rob will explain more on the compressors he designed. Maybe with some extra insights on the other processors in the system as well.