Peaking

[ThisBass]

Invalid Link Removed <--- Page 44: Compression Basics. It's easier to understand compressors when you can visually see what it does. Even better is to play with a graphical compressor, gate, limiter, etc. Not all compressors are created equal. You have slope, soft and hard limiting circuits too, depending on how it was implemented. The MXR M87 does soft limiting at 12db and hard limiting at a 20db ratio setting, for instance, and even brickwall if you set the attack to as fast as it can be.

The other thing to keep in mind regarding attack is that too fast an attack time can cause distortion (especially in low frequency signals) as the compressor tries to adjust the level quickly. Low frequency signals have long periods (i.e. the length of time it takes to cycle through a fundamental tone), so compression that is adjusting the volume during a cycle can sound very unnatural.

Meant as supplement.
As long as there is no delay "processed" to the signal to first read the signal RMS before compress the signal there is no possibility for a brick wall compression (or limiting)

Either way the compression ratio referes to rms or geometric average of the signal. Compressors need time to "read" the signal just to calculate the signal for caomparision with adjusted threshold level.

The consequence is dramatic cause unless it's a real brick wall design the very first transients part of the signals remain uncompressed even with digital signal processing.
Digital signal processing does not change anything to principles of feedback control systems!

Btw folks who think they can protect woofers with compressor/limiter do quite the opposite, Average "RMS" is likely increased and furthermore harmful sub-lowish transient noise even more gained.

Understanding compressors and limiters means understand RMS and average which is quite the opposite to a "peak" LED or level meter of a mixing console.
Level meters act rather peak "transient" sensitive while compressors/limiters act RMS "average" sensitive.
Totally different animals!

 

[BogeyBass]

I hate lights just for this reason. the preamp who cares it's probably combination of the pedal and preamp/ compression your loving and likewise can't stand compression either. but it's extremely useful and tone full lol with distortion.

likewise tough part with speakers is with clean tone it's common sense and when you hear distortion it's time to turn down.

with distortion it's tough call cause your already hearing distortion lol. It's all about experience and being familiar with your cab I guess.

idk I've used a 810 for so long there is a certain amount of spongy Ness I can hear or feel when the speaker is in pain. when using distortion it's like extra sponge on top of sponge lol. can't describe really just hear n feel. before the 810 I've used a collection of 2x15 speakers and would overdrive them anyways it was combination of head pedal and
speaker ddistortion. and yes I destroyed a lot of speakers. and didn't really care in fact anybody here with difficulties in life I highly suggest buying a cheap 2x15 and destroying the thing lol it's almost as pain relieving as beer and dynamite. another story lol for later.

 

[JimmyM]

You are fine. I seriously doubt either one of those cabs is in any danger of being taken out by the PF500. Pay less attention to lights and more attention to your ears. That's how you keep from blowing cabs.

 

[Woody_nailer666]

Thanks everyone for all your help. I found the -15db button on the amp, and it worked like a charm!