User Manual

4.2.5. Auto
The original hardware model had a nice feature that Arturia reproduced in this emulation:
Auto Attack/Release. As was very much implied on what we wrote previously, there is no
"right" way to set the Attack and Release controls.
When the Auto switch is On (Auto Mode), the Auto Att/Rel "LED" will be On (green light), and
the unit will automatically adjust its Attack and Release.
This is program dependent, which means it varies according to the audio. For special effects
and certain signal situations, it is often desirable to set fixed attack and release rates. That's
what Manual mode is for. But for vocals and acoustic instruments, Auto Mode may be
handy. It may also be a good starting point when defining manual Attack and Release rates.
Since in Auto Mode the unit has a variable attack rate, and since it is coupled with RMS
detection, it may achieve a smoother compression than manual mode in certain
circumstances, especially in what concerns vocals.
4.2.6. Output Gain
This control is also often called Make-Up Gain, especially in modern units. Because, by
nature, compressors reduce the overall volume level, we need to raise the final output
volume, in order to compensate for that reduction.
Range goes from -20 dB to +20 dB. By default, the Output Gain is set to 0 dB.
4.2.7. Limiter
This is a new feature introduced in a later revision of the original hardware model. It is a
rough but effective limiter intended to control the maximum peak levels at the output of the
unit without messing with any other control.
When used, the Limiter can prevent the Compressor to distort, allowing for more extreme
settings. Every time the Limiter is activated, the red "LED" light next to it will turn on.
By default, the control is positioned at the maximum position, which is +24 dB. This is the
maximum level achieved by the compressor, so, it means the Limit will never be activated.
Range goes from -2 dB up to the mentioned +24 dB.
Arturia - User Manual Comp VCA-65 - COMP VCA-65 CONTROL PANEL 19