elysia xpressor - Manual (Page 10)

10
Negative Ratios
Negative ratios – what exactly does this mean? To get a better
understanding of this function, it makes sense to realize what
the ratio control of a ‘normal’ compressor does:
• 1:1 The signal remains linear, there is no compression process going
on.
• 1:2 After crossing the threshold, an increase of 2 dB at the input will be
compressed to an increase of 1 dB at the output.
• 1:∞ After crossing the threshold, the output signal is constantly held
at the threshold level without reacting to further increases at the
input (limiter).
At a negative ratio, the characteristic curve bends and returns back down
after crossing the threshold. The louder the input signal, the lower the
output signal – perfect for groovy compression effects.
To get a grip on the extreme ‘destruction’ this can cause, engaging the
Gain Reduction Limiter is just the right idea.