User Manual

94
11 Resources
11.3 Compression Setting Suggestions
StudioLive™ Series III
Owner’s Manual
11.3 Compression Setting Suggestions
The following are the compression presets that were used in the PreSonus BlueMax.
We have included them as a jumping-off point for setting up compression on the
StudioLive.
Vocals
Soft. This is an easy compression with a low ratio setting for ballads, allowing a wider
dynamic range. It’s good for live use. This setting helps the vocal “sit in the track.”
THRESHOLD RATIO ATTACK RELEASE
-8.2 dB 1.8:1 0.002 ms 38 ms
Medium. This setting has more limiting than the Soft compression setting, producing
a narrower dynamic range. It moves the vocal more up front in the mix.
THRESHOLD RATIO ATTACK RELEASE
-3.3 dB 2.8:1 0.002 ms 38 ms
Screamer. This setting is for loud vocals. It is a fairly hard compression setting for a
vocalist who is on and off the microphone a lot. It puts the voice “in your face.”
THRESHOLD RATIO ATTACK RELEASE
-1.1 dB 3.8:1 0.002 ms 38 ms
Percussion
Snare/Kick. This setting allows the first transient through and compresses the rest of
the signal, giving a hard “snap” up front and a longer release.
THRESHOLD RATIO ATTACK RELEASE
-2.1 dB 3.5:1 78 ms 300 ms
Left/Right (Stereo) Overheads. The low ratio and threshold in this setting gives a
“fat” contour to even out the sound from overhead drum mics. Low end is increased,
and the overall sound is more present and less ambient. You get more “boom” and
less “room.”
THRESHOLD RATIO ATTACK RELEASE
-13.7 dB 1.3:1 27 ms 128 ms
Fretted Instruments
Electric Bass. The fast attack and slow release in this setting will tighten up the
electric bass and give you control for a more consistent level.
THRESHOLD RATIO ATTACK RELEASE
-4.4 dB 2.6:1 45.7 ms 189 ms
Acoustic Guitar. This setting accentuates the attack of the acoustic guitar and helps
maintain an even signal level, keeping the acoustic guitar from disappearing in the
track.
THRESHOLD RATIO ATTACK RELEASE
-6.3 dB 3.4:1 188 ms 400 ms
Electric Guitar. This is a setting for “crunch” electric rhythm guitar. A slow attack helps
to get the electric rhythm guitar “up close and personal” and gives punch to your
crunch.
THRESHOLD RATIO ATTACK RELEASE
-0.1 dB 2.4:1 26 ms 193 ms