Compression Test

[sven hauck]

Based upon another thread I decided to post 3 audio files treated by an API 2500 compressor. I mixed them up so that no one will know which is which by order and thought it would be cool to have people guess which are the treated ones.

I tried to normalize all three at -1.2 dB. The three loops that were randomized consist of:

X - treated with the API with a -3 threshold and the tone setting on loud
Y - treated with the API with a -6 threshold and the tone setting on normal
Z - not treated by any compression

Incidentally, the tone setting of the API is part of the thrust circuit, which is only found on the 2500.

It will be interesting to see who gets all 3 right.

[NuEra]

fun! my best guess...

loop 2 - z
loop 3 - x
loop 1 - y

[Rambunkcious]

Loop 2 = Z
Loop 1 = Y
Loop 3 = X

[admin]

Will check these later.

As far as the tone setting it's actually the other way around, Thrust is part of the Tone section (comprising of knee, thrust, and type). It's just a hipass filter to take out the lows in the side chain. 'Thrust' just makes it sound cool, like the Drawmer which labels it "Big Switch". By taking out lows int he sidechain the music can breath more and is less compressed, so bigger, or more 'thrusty' as API likes to call it hehe.

[sven hauck]

You're absolutely right. Thrust is definitely the cool button.

[Edel]

My Guess ..

Loop 1 - Y
Loop 2 - Z
Loop 3 - X

[przechuy]

X - treated with the API with a -3 threshold and the tone setting on loud
Y - treated with the API with a -6 threshold and the tone setting on normal
Z - not treated by any compression

loop 1 -Y
loop 3 -x
loop 2 -z

[klooptheloop]

X - treated with the API with a -3 threshold and the tone setting on loud
Y - treated with the API with a -6 threshold and the tone setting on normal
Z - not treated by any compression

Loop 1 - Z

Loop 2 - Y

Loop 3 - X

[NuEra]

anxiously awaiting jesse's guess and answers revealed

[admin]

I'd say they are Y Z and X (Loop 1, 2 and 3).

Loop 2 sounds less compressed although initially I thought it was loop 3 as it seems loop 3 is a little louder. Loop 1 is pumping in the hihats which I'd say would be due to the normal switch triggering more off the kick and lower threshold.

If you can give the rest of the settings and I'll try to emulate it. Also with the Gain reduction.