Diff between opto and electro compression?
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Posted on Jul 26, 2005 07:44 pm
Bruno
The Quiet Minded
Member Since: Jan 01, 2003
What is the difference between opto and electro compression?
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Jul 27, 2005 11:23 am optical compressors use a light sensor to sense the signal and is gennerally slower and softer than VCA (Votage Controled _____?) VCA's make for a quicker compressor that is better for fast transients....both have their advantages and disadvantages. i think optical's color the sound more but i'm not 100% positive on that.
ciinxMember
Since: May 15, 2004
Jul 27, 2005 02:29 pm Addition, this is a from Waves' general definition on the subject:
a. Opto is a classic modeling of opto-coupled compressors which used light
sensitive resistors to control the amount of compression (in the detector
circuit). They have a characteristic release behavior of “putting on the brakes”
as the gain reduction approaches zero. In other words, the closer the meter
comes back to zero, the slower it moves. (This is once the gain reduction is
3dB or less). Above 3dB of gain reduction, the Opto mode actually has faster
release times. In summary, Opto mode has fast release times at high gain
reduction, slow release times as it approaches zero GR. This can be very
beneficial for deeper compression applications.
b. Electro is very much the inverse of the Opto mode. As the meter comes back to zero, the faster it moves. (This is once the gain reduction is 3dB or less). Above 3dB of gain reduction, the Electro mode actually has slower release times, much like a mini-leveler, which minimizes distortion and optimizes level. In
summary, Electro mode has slow release times at high gain reduction, and progressively faster release as it approaches zero GR. This has very good benefits for moderate compression applications where maximum RMS (average) level and density is desired.
BrunoThe Quiet MindedMember
Since: Jan 01, 2003
Jul 27, 2005 04:21 pm Ok, I believe all that makes sense. But why is there an option to choose between them when there is also an option of choosing release times in the Waves RComp?
Jul 27, 2005 05:17 pm it's just changing the character of the way it compresses. kinda like a guitar amp modeler.
