User Manual

3
Opto Comp Analog Optical Compressor
Top Panel Features
Analog Optical Compressor
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1. INPUT: The signal output from an
instrument (active or passive) may be
connected to this 1/4" input by means
of an unbalanced (shielded) instrument
cable.
NOTE: There is a –15 dB Pad Jumper
[11] located inside of the pedal (see
page 5).
NOTE: Unplug the input cable when
not in use, as the 9V battery will
drain (and eventually die). Details on
replacing the battery may be found on
page 4.
2. OPTO COMP ON/OFF SWITCH:
Engage this switch to activate the
Opto Comp pedal. This pedal is true
bypass, meaning, the signal will pass
through from input to output with no
circuitry in between when the switch is
disengaged.
3. ON/OFF LED: This LED illuminates
purple when the pedal is engaged.
4. COMPRESSION: A compressor
squeezes the dynamic range of a
signal, reducing the volume of loud
notes, which allows the overall volume
to be boosted. It can really balance out
very dynamic playing styles. Using a
slight amount of compression can beef
up your tone a bit. You can also get a
“punchier” sound using compression.
Rotate the Compression knob (also
known as “ratio control”) to adjust the
overall amount of compression applied
to a signal.
The ratio ranges from a minimum
of 1:1 (fully counter-clockwise) to a
maximum of 10:1 (fully clockwise),
landing at 3:1 at the center position.
5. RELEASE: The Release knob may also
be thought of as a “time control” knob,
as it determines how long it takes for
the compressor to end gain reduction.
The release time ranges from a
minimum of 75 milliseconds (fully
counter-clockwise) to a maximum of
600 milliseconds (fully clockwise).
6. OUTPUT LEVEL: Rotate this knob to
control the overall output level, from
mute (fully counter-clockwise) to +14
dB (fully clockwise). Use it wisely and
turn it down when making connections
or trying something new.
NOTE: The Output Level control is
active only when the pedal is engaged.
7. GAIN REDUCTION LED: This green
LED increases in brightness as gain
reduction increases.
8. OUTPUT: Typically, this 1/4" Output
jack connects to the input of an
external power amplier – or powered
loudspeakers, as long as they have their
own input controls to adjust the volume
level – by means of an unbalanced
(shielded) instrument cable.
However, it may be connected to an
external mixer, recorder, or interface.
In this way, you do not have to mic
the speaker cabinet in order to add
it to the main mix, or to record. The
level of the signal is aected by the
volume control, when the Opto Comp
is active.