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About Compression
COMPRESSION
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∞
VX2510 & VX2515
Compression control and
LED
The dynamic range of a sound is the difference between its loudest and softest
points. For example, as you play your bass, you’ll probably find that some notes
(for example, notes played on the upper frets of the lowest string) are considerably
louder than others. The function of the Compression circuitry in the Model 2500 Bass
Amplifier is to reduce overall dynamic range by automatically reducing the level of
the loudest sounds you play so that they are closer in level to softer ones—the end
result is that the sound “evens out” and all notes played have pretty much the same
level.
The front-panel Compression control determines the amount of compression (peak
signal reduction) by simultaneously adjusting both threshold and compression ratio
(which ranges from 2:1 to infinity [limiting]). At the fully counterclockwise “Off” posi
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tion, the circuitry is bypassed and no compression is applied (the knob clicks when
set to the “Off” position). As the knob is raised clockwise (at settings from “1” to “∞”)
increasing amounts of compression is applied. At the highest settings, loud sounds
will not just be compressed, but limited, where the output remains virtually constant
regardless of input.
The Model 2500 provides a front-panel Compression LED which acts as a useful visual
indicator of the continuous activity of the compression circuitry. When lit steadily
green (for example, when the Compression knob is set to “Off”), no compression is
being applied. When unlit, compression is being applied to the incoming signal at a
ratio of approximately 2:1. When flashing red, the compression ratio is approach
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ing infinity (limiting is being applied). When lit steadily red, the signal is being
limited. This LED “follows” the incoming signal, changing continuously as different
amounts of compression and/or limiting are being applied.
Compression has three main uses. First, as just described, it “evens” out the notes
played by your bass so that they all appear at virtually equal level. Second, it adds
“punch” to a sound; since all levels are nearly the same, you can play with greater
force without worrying about the loudest notes distorting. Finally, it serves to protect
your loudspeakers from damage as a result of brief (transient) high output levels, as
might be caused by finger-popping or other performance techniques.
Whether or not you need to use compression with your Model 2500 will be a matter
of personal taste and playing style—experiment and see if you like the effect. If you
usually play at low volume levels, you’ll find that, even with the Compression knob
turned up, the compression circuitry may have no audible effect, so it might as well
be off. In general, if you don’t need compression, leave it off.