![]() When toggled into Old mode, the API 2500+ uses a feedback type of compression, in which the detector is placed after the VCA. The result is a “punchy” sound that lacks the undesirable “pumping” effects that other compressors often provide.Īnother unique feature you’ll find on the API 2500+ is the ability to toggle between two types of compression modes, which include Old and New. This filter imbues each octave with equal energy, instead of half the energy as the next lowest one. The API 2500+ Stereo Bus Compressor is a popular VCA compressor that includes a unique “THRUST” feature that places a filter in front of its RMS detector. In addition to being a popular choice for vocals, VCA compressors are often used for mastering purposes because of the transparency they tend to provide. ![]() Generally, VCA compressors provide a very precise level of control, and a sound that’s predictable and clean. These are some of the most common types of compressors and often include all the controls you’re used to seeing on plugin compressors, like attack, release, threshold, ratio, and sometimes a knee.įigure 1: Solid State Logic's G Comp 500 Series Stereo Bus VCA Compressor. VCA compressors, or voltage controlled amplifier compressors, use a control signal to dictate whether or not gain reduction is applied to an audio signal. Additionally, we’ll take a look at a few popular hardware compressors and the companies emulating them the best. I want you to be able to decide when it makes sense to reach for a compressor from one topology versus another. Messitte’s article is somewhat technical, so I’ve summarized and simplified the key takeaways for you. In Nick Messitte’s article called “4 Types of Analog Compression-and Why They Matter in a Digital World,” he dives into the design elements unique to these different types of compressors. The four types of compressors you should become familiar with include VCA compressors, optical compressors, FET compressors, and tube compressors. Even if you don’t own a hardware compressor, you may be in possession of one or more hardware compressor plugin emulations.īecoming familiar with the sound of compression, typical of different compressor topologies, will allow you to make more well-informed decisions when choosing between compressors when mixing and mastering your music. Plugin companies often create hardware compressor plugin emulations that provide you with the sound of famous hardware compressors within your DAW. Based on the topology that a compressor belongs to, you can make a few assumptions about the character it will impart on the signal you compress.įor example, one type of compressor may provide “clear” and “transparent” results, while another may apply compression in a way that leads to a “thick” and “creamy” processed signal. Well, hardware compressors are broken down into different topologies (types) that make use of unique internal designs. Why would one compressor sound different than another? Aren’t they all just doing the same thing? Coming from the digital audio world, this might seem a bit odd.
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