The Logic Off Topic list

Kool,

you are a font of knowledge and wit! Thanks for the pointers, look like they
are exactly what I want.

I realise the compressor I'm writing is a little strange, I'll have to make
up my own name for it. Or hey! what about a competition, like when Blue
Peter named their pets!

So come on children, send in those names!

:)

ta
--
Mark Lennox
Consultant

ENDUSER
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Taylor's Lane
Dublin 8
Ireland
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----- Original Message -----
From: "Kool Musick" <koolmusick@...>
To: <logic-ot@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2001 2:36 AM
Subject: Re: [L-OT] Variable Mu COmpressor - explanation anyone?


> Mark Lennox wrote:
>
> >I need someone to set me straight on Variable Mu compressors at a
detailed
> >level.
> <snip>
> >Can anyone point me to where I might find info online or elsewhere? I
need
> >to know this as I am trying to write a Variable Mu VST compressor.
>
> Well ... I don't know if anything I say will "set you straight", but I'm
> willing to try to offer you the very little I know if it's any good.
>
> As marc lindahl said, mu is basically just the term used by the
tube-loving
> audio fraternity for 'gain'. The term 'Variable Mu Compressor' became
> famous because that's basically what Manley called their gear. The more
> general, and so probably more accurate, name is "variable gain compressor"
> or "vari-gain compressor". However, the Manley stuff is so famous that
> everyone pretty much thinks that the name they trademarked for their
> compressor is what all such compressors are called. Bit like Polaroid or
> Biro, I guess.
>
> There's five basic kinds of gain reduction used by compressors:
> 1) Optical isolators using LED's, photoelectric cells and the like
> 2) FET's (field-effect-transistors) which use transistors
> 3) VCA's (voltage controlled amplifier)
> 4) Digital compressors (e.g. plug-ins)
> 5) Variable gains
>
> Variable gain is pretty much a catch all in that it covers those
> compressors that include specific circuits incorporating specific
> electrical/electronic components that do not belong to the other
categories.
>
> If you're building a VST compressor then YOU probably don't need to know
> any of this, but for those who want the gen on compression here's a
15-page
> article which should set them straight:
>
http://www.digitalprosound.com/cgi-bin/getframeletter.cgi?/2001/02_feb/featu
res/big_squeeze/big_squeeze1.htm
>
> And ... since you're trying to build one then here's a longish pdf file
> which will probably really fascinate YOU but pretty much give everyone
else
> insomnia!!
> http://www.geofex.com/PCB_layouts/d&rpub.pdf
>
> Here's the real McCoy ... the Manley site where there's lots of stuff
about
> that really famous Manley Stereo Variable Mu Compressor. Yippeeeee!!
> http://www.manleylabs.com/containerpages/mu99.html
> Long time since I looked at it and it might well be where I got some of
the
> links I've given above. If so, sorry for the repetition.
>
> Then finally (BIG YAWN) here's some graphs taken direct off the Manley
site
> that tells you what you really want to know 'cause it's some really dinky
> actual real life graphs showing relative gains 'n' stuff. Enjoy. And ...
> see how I really enjoyed keeping the good stuff until close to the end!!!
> http://www.manleylabs.com/PDF/PRO_Manuals/Var%20Mu/gr%20chart.pdf
>
> Hope I've helped you some.
> Helpful is what I generally try to be, to be honest ... but ... best not
> say any more, ay??!!!!!!
>
> Kool Musick
> Keep Musick Kool
>
>
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