ART Pro Audio SCL2 - Dual / Stereo Compressor / Limiter Expander / Gate - Manual (Page 11)

10
APPLICATIONS
Compressor/ Limiter
The main application of the SCL2™ is to control the dynamic range of an audio signal. Plug a line level (post
preamplifier or other gain stage) source into either input, and set the threshold and output controls to provide
the desired amount of compression to the input signal.
To keep the compression effects to a minimum, adjust the THRESHOLD and RATIO controls such that the
Compressor Attenuation meter reads 6dB or less.
Stereo Mix and Mastering
Because of its low noise and excellent tonal qualities, the SCL2™ is ideal for processing mixes when
recording to DAT, hard disk or analog recording devices. Used as a mastering device, the SCL2™ is capable
of adding volume and impact to the overall signal level. The SCL2™ is ideal for live use as well.
Putting the unit into link mode simplifies the control usage while maintaining the stereo image of the source
material. The knobs and switches on Channel 1 control everything but the output balance and bypass.
The SCL2™ really does a good job of controlling the peak content when setting the attack and release short
and the ratio to "Limit". Make sure not to set the Threshold too low however. Only 6-9 dB indicated on The
Compressor Attenuation meter is required to maximize the level of digital recordings.
Vocal and Instrument Leveling
The musical nature of the SCL2™ makes it ideal for use on a wide range of instruments and vocals. Place
the SCL2™ into a channel insert, after a preamplifier, or in line with the direct output of a mixer channel. Adjust
the controls of the SCL2™ to achieve the desired amount of compression.
A good starting point for speech is a Ratio of 2:1 and gain reduction of 3-9dB. Apply the Gate to eliminate the
breath noises brought up by compression.
Adding sustain to instruments requires more aggressive settings for ratio (start at 4:1) and threshold. Gain
reduction in the 15dB range is not uncommon. If the noise brought up by severe compression is an issue,
apply the expander to provide a smooth tail.
Vocal processing may require tailoring of the detector response to prevent excessive sibilance. Connect a
graphic EQ to the detector loop and boost the 5-8 kHz bands 6dB or more to reduce vocal sibilance.
Ducking
One application of ducking is muting the background music whenever someone talks into a mic. Simply
connect the background music to be ducked to the audio input of the SCL2™ and connect the line level
buffered mic signal to the Detector Loop jack. Set the RATIO control to "Limit". Adjust the THRESHOLD control
for the amount of muting required when someone is talking into the mic. Set the ATTACK control to 1 to 2
mSec to guarantee the music fades off quickly. Adjust the RELEASE control to set the time it takes to fade the
music back in after there is no mic signal.
For a stereo music source, depress the LINK switch and make sure that the Channel 2 Detector Loop jack
has a shorting plug inserted or the same mic signal applied.