2013

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drums (e.g. subgroup, ambience, mics). You should rely completely on your ear for
this.
Because of the feedback topology, the maximum gain reduction is usually lower than
VCA devices with forwards detection, usually 20 dB. This way, there is almost always
a level-matching amplifier in the feedback loop. The "drive" fader of the AM-Track
regulates the so-called feedback amplification. This can be so high that the detector
be saturated by a loud input signal, resulting in signal peaks being swallowed up.
Simultaneously, the setting becomes more intense as quieter signals also start
reaching the threshold. You can creatively implement this according to the situation
to create complex signal compression, which doesn't much sound like dynamic
compression due to the transients that slip through and release at high "drive" levels.
The stated release of the signal, technically known as a ratio reduction, is also caused
by the centerpiece of the circuitry: the FET. Level reduction works entirely as a
function of its characteristic curve, resulting from the non-linear behavior of this
element. The FET virtually comprises part of the input resistance of the compressor
circuit. As a result, the input/output response curve does not create a plateau when
"drive" is high, which would be the case for a reference line featuring a high ratio or
even limiting. A saturated FET may no longer complete the job it was marked out to
do, i.e. to keep its output at low Ohm values. Once again, signal peaks pass through
the entire circuit unaffected, but the average level may be compressed severely. From
a technical point of view, the control process appears incomplete, but sounds
pleasantly open and airy depending on its application.
The entire detection is dependent on the spectral balance in the virtual AM-Track
circuit, the highs are automatically less strongly compressed, so that even extreme
settings sound less flat and more lively.
It's the same story with deep bass. On closer listening, you'll find that with strong
compression, the signal still retains its power, which would otherwise be lost if the
envelope were to follow shortly afterwards.
"Vintage" mode has another feature: the output of the compressor in the signal flow
features an emulation of a transformer-coupled matching-level amplifier. This
contributes to some subtle, non-linear distortions at high levels, but is very much
frequency-dependent.
VCA Mode
In VCA mode, the parameter selection and the circuitry design
correspond to a modern compressor with a VCA element as the control
circuit and a forward automatic gain control in the detector section
("feed-forward design", i.e. the controlling signal for level reduction is
taken from the input signal).
The typical basic sound for this category is accurate, largely neutral and, in relation to
the adjustable parameters, easily predictable.