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Control elements, Side-chain filter / external side-chain, Eq off – SPL Iron V2 Two-Channel Tube Mastering Compressor (Black/Silver) User Manual

Page 18: Eq 1, Eq 2, Position 3 (eq 2) integrates a highpass filter

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18

Control Elements

Side-chain filter / External side-chain

Side-chain filters can be used to focus the response of the compression to certain fre-

quency ranges. This is also referred to as frequency selective compression. The side-

chain filters are only in the control signal path – not in the audio path. The IRON Mas-

tering Compressor offers a six-position switch to choose between the Off position, four

side-chain filter presets or an external side-chain insert. For instance, if the low frequen-

cies are attenuated, the compressor will not react as promptly to kick drums and bass

lines. This can prove very useful when these elements are very present in the material

used. The same applies the other way around. If you increase certain frequencies, the

compressor will respond more resolutely to them. The side-chain filters are only in the

control signal path – not in the audio path.

The IRON Mastering Compressor offers a six-position switch to choose between the Off posi-

tion, four side-chain filter presets or an external side-chain insert. In position 1 (Off), only a

capacitor is integrated into the side-chain signal to filter out frequencies lower than 20 Hz.

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EQ Off

The next switch positions can be used to switch more complex filters into the

side-chain signal. These can be used to focus the response of the compression to certain

frequency ranges. This is also referred to as frequency selective compression.

Position 2 (EQ 1) integrates a lowpass filter.

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EQ 1

Position 3 (EQ 2) integrates a highpass filter.

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EQ 2