User Manual

4.2.4. Release
The Release parameter may be considered as the inseparable partner of the Attack. As
the first controls the time it takes for compression to start when Threshold is reached, the
second tells the Compressor how much it should take to bring the signal back to the original
value after the Threshold level is no longer reached.
As we can see, all these parameters are linked to each other. Attack and Release act like
segments of an envelope, which is triggered by Threshold, and which sustain level is defined
by the Compression Ratio. In this case, the envelope is inverted, which means the sustain
level is lower than the original level.
Since it is a time parameter, it can be very fast, or very slow (just like Attack). The effect
the release may have varies, depending on the type of audio we are dealing with (again,
like what happens with the Attack parameter). Usually, release times are slower than attack
times, to avoid sudden changes in dynamics, since these would be more audible in this
segment.
Very much what we said for the Attack can be applied to the Release. Remember this is an
envelope. Think in terms of the original sound and what results you want to achieve, then
draw the envelope contour accordingly.
Release times in the Comp VCA-65 are also expressed as rates, but this time in dB per
second. Just like with the Attack parameter, fast release times have a high rate (minimum
is 4000 dB/s), while slow release times have a low rate (10 dB/s).
By default, the Release time is positioned at the middle position (400 dB/s).
Attack and Release control knobs. In the
middle, we can see the Auto button turned
On
18 Arturia - User Manual Comp VCA-65 - COMP VCA-65 CONTROL PANEL