Quick start guide

Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of this 500 format compatible SSL
LMC+
TM
Module.
This module has been specically designed to operate in a 500 format
rack. In common with many such modules, the nominal input/output
level is +4dBu.
The LMC+ module is the latest incarnation of an analogue processor
that started life as a very humble return talkback compressor (Listen
Mic Compressor) in SSL’s earliest SL 4000 series consoles.
The SSL ‘Listen Mic’ Compressor was, throughout the 1980’s, the
secret weapon in many producers’ sonic arsenal of recording
techniques. Originally designed to prevent overloading the return
feed from a studio communications mic, its xed attack and release
curves were eminently suitable for use on ambient drum mics. The
console surgery required to gain access to the compressed output
was performed on many early E Series consoles before it became a
standard modication on later production systems.
This modular version of the processor has brought out some of the
previously xed settings to knobs and switches, to allow the sonic
signature of this characterful compressor to be tweaked and twisted
for even more creative results.
Operation
Please refer to the illustration opposite.
Trim
➊
The Trim control adjusts the gain of the wet path signal through the
module, prior to the compressor’s gain element. This provides up to
20dB of boost or cut to the signal level. The control has a centre
detent at 0dB.
Using the LMC+
Some of the eects that can be obtained from the LMC+
LMC
➋
HF LF
➌
Scoop
➎
Split
➏
Wet/Dry
➍
Simple
Compressor
IN - - - WET
Parallel
Compression
IN - - -
Adjust the amount
of compressed
signal added to the
DRY path
High Pass
Compressor
IN
SC
Set LF as
required
- - WET
Parallel
Frequency
selective
compression
IN
IN
Set HF & LF
as required
- -
Adjusts the amount
of the ltered
compressed signal
added to the DRY
path
Band
Selective
Compression
IN
Set HF & LF
as required
IN or
OUT to
taste
IN
Adjusts the amount
of the ltered
compressed signal
added back to the
ltered DRY path
Inverse
Selective
Compression
IN
IN
Set HF & LF
as required
IN -
Start around 50%
and adjust for
required eect.
LMC Circuit
➋
The compressor section incorporates a bi-colour GR LED to show gain
reduction, and a variable threshold control with automatic make up
gain to change the severity of the compression eect. The IN switch
takes the compressor in/out of the wet signal path.
High & Low Pass Filters
➌
Variable High and Low Pass Filter sections can be switched into the
main wet signal path via the IN switch or SPLIT switch or, by using the
SC switch, placed in the side chain of the compressor circuit to
provide frequency dependant compression. With the SPLIT switch
active, the ltered wet signal is cancelled out of the dry path.
Mix Section
➍
Variable balance between the dry and processed (wet) signals for
parallel compression and for frequency selective processing in
conjunction with the Split and Scoop Modes.
Scoop Switch
➎
The ‘Scoop’ switch, inverts the polarity of the signal into the
compressor. In conjunction with the WET/DRY Control and the HF and
LF lters, some unusual inverse compression eects can be obtained.
Split Switch
➏
The ‘Split’ Switch recongures the unit as a band selective
compressor. With the ‘Split’ mode active, the lters determine the
bandwidth of the signal feeding the compressor and, at the same
time, the selected band is removed from the DRY path. The WET/DRY
Control determines the amount of the compressed ltered signal that
is returned back to DRY path.
➏
Split Switch
Mix Section
➎
G
ain Trim
High & Low
P
ass Filters
LMC Circuit
Scoop Switch
➌
➊
➍
➋