Compression question

RVA

RVA

Ambassador
I have emailed Empress this question, but since I only expect a marketing answer, maybe you members can help me figure this out. I cannot discern to any practical degree how the input control is different from mix control. It seems to me that if input is how much of the signal is being compressed, and the part that is not being compressed is still being heard (I do not notice any dramatic volume reduction when manipulating the input knob), then this would do essentially the same as the mix knob.

I have included a video with an explanation of the controls. The description of input is at 53 seconds and mix at 3 min 17 sec

 
The “input” control is more traditionally referred to as a “threshold” control in this context.
Think of it like a knob that says, “ignore anything below X level at input”. Set around midway, the compressor circuit should ignore soft passages...leaving dynamics untouched. Set full up, it crushes all that stand before it. Set full down it touches nothing. Sounds backwards, I know, but it seems to work.

The ”mix” control seems to behave as expected.... an unaffected portion of the signal can be allowed through along with the affected portion...dynamic, and crushed, mixed together.

I like this pedal.

I would probably use it for NY style on bass, or kick drum, as well as guitar(but I’m not a big fan of compression “in” a guitar rig...I prefer it used in production, or in the mix console...but that’s just me really.
 
Thatbastarddon said:
The “input” control is more traditionally referred to as a “threshold” control in this context.
Think of it like a knob that says, “ignore anything below X level at input”. Set around midway, the compressor circuit should ignore soft passages...leaving dynamics untouched. Set full up, it crushes all that stand before it. Set full down it touches nothing. Sounds backwards, I know, but it seems to work.

The ”mix” control seems to behave as expected.... an unaffected portion of the signal can be allowed through along with the affected portion...dynamic, and crushed, mixed together.

I like this pedal.

I would probably use it for NY style on bass, or kick drum, as well as guitar(but I’m not a big fan of compression “in” a guitar rig...I prefer it used in production, or in the mix console...but that’s just me really.
Click to expand...
Now that makes sense. Threshold I understand, mostly from working with noise gates, but they certainly do not describe it that way, not even in the manual. Thank you for an explanation I can wrap my head around.
 
They mislabeled the input control.
It should be labelled threshold.
In the demo it seems to be controlling the
signal level at which compression kicks in.

The control also seems to be wired in a counter intuitive way.
Turning it clockwise seems to lower the compression threshold.
Every compressor I have ever used works the other way.
 
If you would like to demonstrate this clearly to yourself, turn the “input” full up, and the mix full down. Feed a steady, percussive signal through(like with a looper or something). Then ride the mix knob through its travel, and listen to the crushing noise come and go.

It’ll be fun.
 
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