MXR M87 bass compressor : Gain Reduction and Ratio

[Jamir]

When I turn the ratio up, I believe I'm doing more compression... But the LED g/r signal seems to fall...
The LED g/r ranges from -20 to -1
So what would it mean if the light shows at -3, and, what does it mean if it shows at -10
Is it that, Gain Reduction means
Amount of sound compressed after the threshold?

 

[JKos]

Yes, Gain Reduction means the amount the signal is being reduced. -3 means the signal is being compressed by 3 dB. -10 would mean 10 dB which is more compression than -3 (3 dB).

- John

 

[Jamir]

Yes, Gain Reduction means the amount the signal is being reduced. -3 means the signal is being compressed by 3 dB. -10 would mean 10 dB which is more compression than -3 (3 dB).

- John

so more ratio up means more gain reduction will take place.... But why is that the signal seems to fate away when I turn the ratio up... I hardly see green lights...

 

[JKos]

Maybe you need to increase the Input control.

- John

 

[Solude]

Like JKos said, raise the input. VCA compressors crunch attack peaks so if you switch it from a 4dB peak being reduced to 1dB to a 20dB peak being reduced to 1dB you need to make up the difference somewhere. That said, use 4:1