Instruction Manual

UAD Powered Plug-Ins Manual - 395 - Chapter 38: Nigel
Gate/Comp Module
The Gate is the first sub-module in the Preflex signal chain. Its output is passed
to the input of the Compressor. The compressor output is then passed to the in-
put of the Amp module within Preflex.
A gate stops the input signal from passing when the signal level drops below
a specified threshold value. Gates are generally used to reduce noise levels
by eliminating the noise floor when the ‘main’ signal is not present, but they
are also useful for special effects.
The Preflex Gate is optimized for use with guitars. The threshold is dynamic
and the gate output has multiple soft knees and dynamic slope, providing a
more natural and less choppy sound.
The Compressor reduces the dynamic range of the signal based on the thresh-
old and ratio settings. Guitarists often use compressors to increase perceived
sustain on long notes and for special effects. Refer to Chapter 5 for more de-
tails on compressor theory and operation. Note that Nigel’s compressor
sounds different than the CS-1/EX-1 compressor; it sounds “more vintage”.
Gate Level
Display
This LED-style VU meter displays the level of the signal at the input of Preflex.
For minimum distortion and maximum signal-to-noise, the input level should
be as high as possible. The signal is at 0 dB just before the red ‘LED’ is illu-
minated.
Gate Off/On
Button
Enables or disables the Gate module within Preflex. The Gate is engaged
when the button indicator is bright red. Use this switch to compare the Gate
settings to the original signal or bypass the entire Gate section to reduce UAD
DSP load.
Figure 130. The Gate/Comp module