Aphex COMP 500 - Manual (Page 4)

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The COMP 500 module is an optical compressor. It features an elec-
tronically balanced input and uses a Jensen JT-11DL nickel output
balancing transformer. The optocoupler was designed to be as fast
as possible and is produced exclusively for Aphex. The COMP 500
also features stereo linking.
2.0 INTRODUCTION
3.0 CONTROLS & INDICATORS
3.1 DRIVE CONTROL
The Drive control determines the amount
of input signal sent to the compressor. The
COMP 500 has a maximum input level of
+27dB. Turning this knob clockwise will
result in more gain reduction. However, the
total amount of gain reduction is determined
by the Ratio control.
3.2 RATIO CONTROL
The Ratio control determines how hard the
input signal is compressed. It has a range of
1.5:1 to 10:1. This means that with the knob
set fully clockwise, for every 10dB of input
signal only 1dB of signal is sent to the output.
3.3 GAIN REDUCTION METER
The 10-segment Gain Reduction meter pro-
vides visual feedback as to the amount of
gain reduction measured in dB. The example
above would register about 12dB of gain
reduction.
3.4 RELEASE CONTROL
The Release control determines the amount
of time it takes for the audio signal to return
to normal levels after the signal is no longer
being compressed. Use a slower setting for a
leveling affect when inserting the COMP 500
on a buss. A faster setting would be more
appropriate for compressing a dynamic signal
like a vocal or kick drum.
• Transparency in the behavior of the optical
element.
• Flexibility of being able to control the
release time from a leveling amp behavior
to a compression behavior.
• Character of the Jensen output transformer.
• The combination of these features makes
the COMP 500 unique.