User Manual

1. WELCOME
1.1. What is a compressor?
A compressor is an audio processing device that has been used by recording, mixing and
broadcast engineers for many decades to reduce the dynamic range of signals. This device
evens out ("compresses") the level differences between the loudest and quietest sections of
a recording to avoid excessive peaks. By bringing down the loudest parts of a recording,
compressors allow engineers to boost the entire processed signal without worrying about
the loudest parts overloading a recording. The net result is a higher average loudness level
in a recording.
There are many reasons to use a compressor. For example, a compressor can be used
to protect a recording (and our ears) from excessive peaks that can sound distorted and
can potentially damage our speakers (or our hearing). Also, reducing the loudest parts of a
recording can make for a far more pleasing listening experience. This is because listeners
can turn up the music and hear the softer parts without fear of earache when the louder
parts come. This is especially true in music with dynamic instruments that can produce
sudden loud peaks like a drum kit or the human voice. Compressors can even be used
creatively, to shape and contour sounds in pleasing ways. This flexibility is what makes
compressors one of the most popular tools in a recording engineer's toolkit.
1.2. What are the different types of compressors?
Historically, there have been several major categories of compressors, among them Tube,
FET and VCA. Each of these has a different sonic signature due to the electronics used to
create the compression effect. Arturia has chosen to emulate a top model from each of the
above categories to make sure that users have all the sonic options at their fingertips.
The Comp FET-76 is modeled after one of the most famous "FET" compressors ever
produced. FET stands for "Field Effect Transistor" and while its theory of operation is beyond
the scope of this guide, the key takeaway is that this technology is capable of handling
really fast attack times. It can also induce some "color" and distortion to the sound that many
engineers find very pleasing. This makes it an ideal tool for sculpting instruments with fast
attack transients like drums, guitars and vocals.
Main compressor controls of the FET-76
2 Arturia - User Manual Comp FET-76 - WELCOME