dbx 160SWP - Manual (Page 3)

adjusted too fast for a particular application. In fact, most users find that they
use only the upper half (12:00 and clockwise) of both the attack and release
controls for 99% of their compression needs. Inappropriately fast attack and
release times can “chew up” a signal yielding unpleasant results. This is why we
have chosen to limit the range of the attack and release controls on other
compressors we manufacture such as the 1066.
The ultra-fast response of the 165/165A is one reason for its longevity and
“classic” status in the pro audio arena, enabling it to dynamically alter fast
signals as well as provide a creative tool for intentionally shredding the sound,
adding “bite” to vocals, for example. To preserve the heritage of the 165/165A,
we chose to include its manual attack and release characteristics in the new
Blue Series 160S. But in striving to constantly improve our products, we sought
a way to combine the benefits of having ultra-fast response to fast signals with
the forgiving program-dependent characteristics of the Auto mode. Enter
AutoVelocity™ Dynamics processing (AVD). AutoVelocity™ Dynamics
circuitry allows the engineer to set the attack and release controls for relativity
fast settings and not have the dynamic distortion problems associated with
these faster settings.
The AutoVelocity™ Dynamics circuitry allows the compressor to operate in a
manually adjustable program-dependent mode, meaning signals that change
slowly experience slower attack and release times than what are indicated by
the attack and release controls; see Figures 1 and 2. For signals that change
quickly (i.e. snare drum hit), the attack and release response speeds up to
reflect the actual settings of the attack and release controls; see Figures 3 and
4. The faster attack time allows us to catch the transients without allowing
overshoot and to release quickly from the larger change of compression
without “punching holes” in our sound. So, we get to use the full range of the
attack and release controls without being overly cautious of setting the controls
AutoVelocityª Dynamics and the dbx 160SL White Paper - November 1998 Page 2 ¨
AutoVelocity™ Dynamics and the dbx 160SL