User Manual

4.2.4. Attack
The Attack time is a very important control in a compressor. It is with this parameter that
we define how much time the compression takes to happen when the threshold value is
reached. Manipulating this parameter can completely change the character of a sound. Very
fast attack times cause the compressor to squash the signal. On the other hand, very long
attack times will let almost all transients to pass through, which, in the worst case scenario,
can deceive completely the goal we wanted to achieve by using compression in the first
place.
So, we have to define the Attack time according to the type of audio we are dealing with,
and our goals regarding compression. Vocals don't deal with attack transients we usually
want to preserve, therefore the attack time there may be shorter. On complete drum tracks,
where we want to achieve the "pumping" effect, the attack time may also be positioned at a
very short value (in this case with a higher compression ratio).
As a rule of thumb, observe this: fast attacks and high ratios can reduce the sound of
unwanted transients, like a guitar pick. Slow attacks and lower ratios let transients through
and retain sound character.
If we want to use the Comp FET-76 as a limiter, we would use a Ratio of 20, and use a fast
attack (no need to go to the fastest positions). When using the unit for limiting purposes,
we can also take advantage of the "look-ahead [p.25]" feature made possible with the Time
Warp control in the Advanced Mode.
Comp FET-76, like its hardware counterpart, is capable of very, very fast Attack times. When
adjusting the Attack, you should keep that in mind. Since attack time values in the Comp
FET-76 may vary according with the audio being processed, they are expressed as figures,
where 1 is the slowest, and 7 is the fastest.
By default, the Attack time is positioned at 5.
Comp FET-76 Attack and
Release controls in their
default positions
Arturia - User Manual Comp FET-76 - COMP FET-76 CONTROL PANEL 17