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Advanced Optical Compressor
Model 1404 Foot Pedal
Punch
Punch
• Active/Passive Input Select
Allows for hot active pickups
• 10 Megohms Input Z
Brings out the maximum tone
in all types of pickups.
• Low Z Instrument Output
Drives long cords effortlessly
• Balanced Pro D.I. Output
Effect or non-effect select
Ground lift
Studio Quality
• Simultaneous Outputs
Both work at the same time
• True Bypass
No electronics in bypass
• Simplified Operation
Only two knobs
• LED Bar Graph Display
Gain reduction in decibels
• Long Battery Life
Estimated 100 to 150 hours
from a fresh 9V battery
• Flexible External Power
7 to 36VDC any polarity
5 to 24VAC
If the plug fits, it works!
Compression Especially For Musicians
Genuine
w w w . a p h e x . c o m
Optical Compression - What Is It?
There are many, ways to build a com-
pressor. Various devices can be used
to create the core circuit that controls
the gain of the compressor in response
to a control signal. Each type of device
has its own advantages and disadvan-
tages. Every available technology has
produced popular compressors over
the years. However, one of the most
beloved types of compressors is the
“optical compressor”.
An optical compressor is created
from the combination of a light sensi-
tive resistor called a photocell, and
a controllable light source such as a
small light bulb or LED. Devices called
optocouplers combine a photocell
and light source inside a light-proof
package. The photocell changes its
resistivity depending upon the intensity
of the light.
Attack, Release & Memory
Compressors are said to be “attacking”
when they are in the act of reducing the
gain and “releasing” when the gain is
recovering, or rising back up after an
attack. Photocells exhibit a function
called “memory”. When just a few brief
attacks have been experienced, the
photocell recovers quite fast, bringing
back the level more quickly. However,
after repeated and constant attacking,
the photocell builds up a memory of
the light pulses and recovers more
gradually. This helps to smooth out the
compression and preserve the quality
of the sound.
The optocoupler used in the Punch
Factory is made especially for Aphex.
It has unique characteristics that are
unusually good for music instrument
compression. That means no other
compressor sounds like this one.
Compressors - What They Do
The basic idea is that a wide range of input levels is
automatically “compressed” into a lower range of
output levels. After compression, sounds that were
low in volume are higher in volume. One could also
argue that loud sounds are made lower in volume.
What Do I Need a Compressor?
When used well, a proper compressor will extend
the sensitivity of an instrument, bringing up the
tonal nuances that contain the sensuality of your
music. That goes just as well for basses as gui-
tars. Your music will be more consistent, filling the
volume envelope more fatly, making the track stand
out better in a mix. Similarly, in live music, you will
fill better and your playing will be more apparent
among the band.
Sustain
Typically, compression gathers more sustain. When
you play, you hear the notes last longer because the
compressor keeps raising the level automatically
until it runs out of gain. Every time you hit a chord
or note, the compressor “attacks” on the sound
envelope and reduces its volume, then the volume
“releases” back up as the sound dies out.
Punch
When the compressor attacks on the sound, it does
so in a particular way that is different with different
compressors. Too fast an attack will suck the life out
of your music while too slow loses effectiveness.
One of the good things about the Punch Factory
is that it has a complex attack characteristic that
adapts to the sound, letting it emerge enhanced,
or subtly exaggerated. This creates “Punch”, aiding
the articulation of the sound and creating a lush and
full sound.
Expression
You will discover more great sounds on your instru-
ment, and certain musical genres will become more
playable. An example is blues. The Punch Factory
will blend the notes musically, making every note
audible without sucking out any of the feeling. Rich
sustains will not fade into oblivion.
Aphex Systems Ltd. • 11068 Randall St. • Sun Valley, CA 91352 • (818) 767-2929 • Fax (818) 767-2641 • Email: sales@aphex.com
Aphex is a registered trademark and Punch Factory is a trademark of Aphex Systems Ltd.
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