Presonus Audio electronic Smart Compressor - Manual (Page 23)

BASIC SETUP & OPERATION
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from the signal using the Process button to listen to the changes in your
sound. In modern recording practice, it is customary to adjust the Output
control such that the Input and Output level are of equal amounts
according to the Input/Output meter. This gives you an equal level output
so that you can switch processing in and out to compare difference.
Mono Operation
Your Blue Max was designed with a high gain mono input to act as a pre-
amp for instruments such as guitar and bass. Of course, you can also
connect your keyboards, etc. in this mode.
Note: It is very important not to rely on the high input gain of the Blue
Max to boost the level of a signal too low to record or amplify, other than
that of instruments such as guitar and bass. Be sure that you are sending
the Blue Max at least a moderate level before setting the compression. In
this manner you avoid unnecessary input amplifier noise.
Stereo Operation
Your Blue Max is operating in a linked stereo mode at all times. In this
mode, both signals are used to create the gain reduction amount. This
insures proper stereo imaging in stereo compression applications. The
stereo presets were optimized for two basic settings, however all of the
presets will work in stereo mode.
Manual Mode
With the Preset selector set in the Manual position, you have complete
control over the compression settings. In this mode, the threshold is fixed
to -10dB. Therefore, your should follow the same setup procedure as in
the preset operating modes. Remember that if the Ratio control is set to
1:1 (fully counter-clockwise), the compressor is basically off. A good
place to start is with a 2:1 compression setting and Attack and Release in