Compressor main parameters in Logic Pro for iPad
The upper portion of Compressor contains core parameters you use to choose the type of compressor circuit and where you can adjust the main settings.
Note: Not all parameters listed are available in each Compressor model.
Compressor parameters
Circuit Type buttons: Choose the type of circuit emulated by Compressor. The interface updates when you choose a model. The choices are Platinum Digital, Studio VCA, Studio FET, Classic VCA, and Vintage VCA, FET, and Opto models.
Platinum Digital: A clean-sounding compression type with a fast transient response. It can be used on a variety of sources.
FET models: Field Effect Transistor compressors are known for fast transient responses. They can deliver a clean or tone (notably midrange), and can be pushed toward a “crunchy” tone on transients. Ideal for drums, vocals, guitars, and other signals with a fast attack phase. FET compressors can only attenuate the signal.
VCA models: Voltage Controlled Amplifier compressors can respond slowly or quickly to incoming transients. They tend towards a clean tone and are well-suited for bass guitars and low-frequency signals. VCA compressors can attenuate or amplify the signal.
Opto: Optical compressors are known for their fast transient response and non-linear release handling. They are very clean and are ideal for vocals and guitars. They are also often used as limiting amplifiers across buses or outputs.
Input Gain knob and field: Set the level at the compressor input.
Input meter: Displays the level at the compressor input in decibels.
Reduction meter: Shows the compression amount in decibels.
Output meter: Displays the level at the compressor output in decibels.
Threshold knob and field: Set the threshold level—signals above this threshold value are reduced in level.
Ratio knob and field: Set the compression ratio—the ratio of signal reduction when the threshold is exceeded.
Auto Gain buttons: The Off button disables autogain. The 0 dB and -12 dB buttons compensate for volume reductions caused by compression.
Make Up slider and field: Set the amount of gain applied to the compressed signal.
Knee knob and field: Set the strength of compression at levels close to the threshold. Lower values result in more severe or immediate compression (hard knee). Higher values result in gentler compression (soft knee).
Attack knob and field: Set the time it takes for Compressor to react when the signal exceeds the threshold.
Release knob and field: Set the time it takes for Compressor to stop reducing the signal after the signal level falls below the threshold. This parameter works in conjunction with the Auto Release function when active.
Auto Release button: Make the release time dynamically adjust to the audio material. The behavior of the auto release function (and compression results) change when different Release knob values are used.
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