background image

Controls at a Glance

bypass:

  Use to engage/bypass the unit.  It will illuminate when the 

compressor is in the signal chain.   It is true bypass and will pass 

signal when bypassed even if the unit is powered off.

ratio:

  Determines the compression ratio for signals above the threshold.

3:1

 - Gentle and transparent.

6:1

 - More aggressive compression.

12:1

 - Limiting.

Note the threshold raises slightly with higher ratios so that the 

output volume is more constant when switching ratios at typical 

gain reduction settings. This makes comparing the effect of different 

ratios more accurate.  

input:

  Controls the level of the signal entering the compressor. 

The unit has a fixed threshold so higher input settings will result 

in increased amounts compression.

mix:

  Blend between wet(compressed) signal and dry(uncompressesed) 

signal.  Counter clockwise is dry, clockwise is wet.

attack:

  Controls the time constant which affects how quickly 

gain reduction acts after the signal has exceeded the threshold. 

(50us - 50ms) *

release:

  Controls the time constant which affects how quickly the 

gain reduction decreases after the signal drops below the threshold. 

(50ms-1s) *

*The attack and release controls are not used when the compressor is in 

auto mode.  Switch to manual mode for control over attack and release.

output:

  Controls the overall output level leaving the compressor.

Summary of Contents for ECM-519

Page 1: ...compressor ECM 519 ...

Page 2: ... This compressor is extremely versatile It s great on aggressive time settings and applying a lot of gain reduction but can also be extremely transparent The auto modes engage two completely separate side chain circuits that change the way the compressor behaves giving you sounds that aren t possible with conventional attack and release settings True bypass switching makes meaningful comparisons a...

Page 3: ... The ratio determines how much gain reduction will be applied to the signal once it crosses the threshold At a 3 1 ratio for every 3dB of input signal above the threshold there will be 1dB of output signal A 12 1 ratio would output 1dB for every 12dB of input signal etc Attack controls how quickly the gain reduction will begin after a signal has crossed the threshold Release controls how long it t...

Page 4: ...g is great for controlling the dynamics while tracking The auto mode handles the attack and release times so setup is super fast This adds a ton of character to your drum buss Set the input level for 25dB of reduction Mixing in some dry signal keeps transients intact ...

Page 5: ...emely natural sounding on acoustic guitar This setting will control the dynamics without feeling squashed This will lock the bass in the mix giving a solid bottom end that is very controlled It will also even out any inconsistencies in the playing ...

Page 6: ...or controlling cymbals and sibilance in vocals link Links 2 compressors to form a stereo pair See Using the Link Function for details on connecting the units side chain hpf The high pass filter cuts out low frequen cies in the side chain below either 120Hz or 220Hz manual auto Control the attack and release times manually or with one of the two auto modes auto1 Great for dynamic control Use when t...

Page 7: ...ate input Controls the level of the signal entering the compressor The unit has a fixed threshold so higher input settings will result in increased amounts compression mix Blend between wet compressed signal and dry uncompressesed signal Counter clockwise is dry clockwise is wet attack Controls the time constant which affects how quickly gain reduction acts after the signal has exceeded the thresh...

Page 8: ...nk there s two ways to connect the link either through your 500 series rack enclosure if your 500 series rack supports linking or through the supplied link cable using the link connector Tip If you want the absolute closest matching we recommend sending the same mono signal to both units Return them to your console daw and invert the phase of one channel and blend both signals to mono so the signa...

Page 9: ...in your rack Typically racks link with pin 6 on the card edge connector High Pass Filter The high pass filters cut out low frequencies in the side chain below either 120hz or 220hz Good uses for this would be Engaging the 120hz filter on bass will allow you to smooth out the mid range without over compressing the lower notes The 220hz filter is useful on instruments like chugging guitar or other l...

Page 10: ...cy This allows the auto modes to provide extremely transparent compression that isn t possible with traditional attack and release controls Auto mode 1 This mode is great for general dynamic control It can be used while tracking vocals to control peaks and smooth out the overall level without nasty artifacts Also it works great for sitting things in a dense mix but still allowing them to breathe A...

Page 11: ... thicker low mid from slight saturation in the low frequencies Loaded In this mode the output transformer is loaded down so it saturates easily This really smoothes out the transients and provides a vintage feel It s amazing for controlling cymbals in a drum buss or for taming sibilance in vocals Tip The transformer is at the very output of the unit So if you d like to add the transformer sound wi...

Page 12: ...onse 3dB 10Hz 35kHz Distortion Varies based on gain reduction Noise Varies with settings Output Level Input Level Up to 22dBu Up to 22dBu Required Current Attack Range manual mode Release Range manual mode 120mA per rail 50us 50ms 50ms 1s user manual version 1 0 Specifications ...

Reviews: