LF distortion with fast comp release times, why ?

gainreduction · 12th December 2006

Seen it mentioned in a couple of compressor manuals (Purple MC76, Buzz SOC 1.1) that low frequencies gets distorted with too fast release times. I'd like to know some theory behind this phenomenon, why does it happen ?

I can hear a difference but I could prefer either one (short vs longer release) depending on the song. I go for the sound I like and don't worry too much.

But what's really going on with the low end with fast release times ? What about fullrange material (mixbuss for example), will a 100ms release (theoretically) mess up the low end of the mix although it just might sound cool ?

Enlight me !

gainreduction · 12th December 2006

I might be confusing distortion with modulation.

Anyway, what happens ?

Led · 12th December 2006

With lower frequencies the waveform has a longer cycle length, and a very fast release time is capable of changing the gain mid cycle on these longer waveforms.
Anything can sound cool if you think it does.

12th December 2006	#1
gainreduction Lives for gear Joined: May 2005 Posts: 2,377 Thread Starter	LF distortion with fast comp release times, why ? Seen it mentioned in a couple of compressor manuals (Purple MC76, Buzz SOC 1.1) that low frequencies gets distorted with too fast release times. I'd like to know some theory behind this phenomenon, why does it happen ? I can hear a difference but I could prefer either one (short vs longer release) depending on the song. I go for the sound I like and don't worry too much. But what's really going on with the low end with fast release times ? What about fullrange material (mixbuss for example), will a 100ms release (theoretically) mess up the low end of the mix although it just might sound cool ? Enlight me ! __________________ http://www.fixitinthemix.se http://www.detonamusic.com

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12th December 2006	#3
Led Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 2,728	With lower frequencies the waveform has a longer cycle length, and a very fast release time is capable of changing the gain mid cycle on these longer waveforms. Anything can sound cool if you think it does.