{"id":6944,"date":"2023-01-09T22:23:58","date_gmt":"2023-01-10T03:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/?p=6944"},"modified":"2023-04-21T08:48:58","modified_gmt":"2023-04-21T12:48:58","slug":"what-are-optical-compressors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/instruments-and-equipment\/what-are-optical-compressors\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is an Optical Compressor? (Answered)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Are you looking to add some punch and clarity to your mix? Look no further than the optical compressor! With its smooth, transparent compression and range of adjustable controls, this dynamic range compressor is a go-to choice for recording and live sound engineers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From taming explosive drums to adding sustain to vocals, an optical compressor is a versatile tool that can help bring your music to the next level. In this article, we will give you an overview of what an optical compressor is<\/strong> and explain how it can help you with your audio. So if you’re looking for a tool to reduce file sizes, this post is for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is an optical compressor? <\/strong>An optical compressor is a type of analog compressor that utilizes a light element and optical cell to shape the dynamics of an audio signal. When the volume of the audio signal increases, the light element emits more light, which in turn causes the optical cell to reduce the amplitude of the output signal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An optical compressor is a type of audio compressor that uses an optical isolator circuit comprised of a light source such as a light bulb or LED and a photocell. The light source glows brighter or dimmer depending on the input level, while the photocell reads the varying brightness of the light source and changes gain accordingly. This process results in a slower and smoother response time compared to other types of compressors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Optical compressors are known for imposing their own character on the material being treated, making it sound larger than life<\/strong>, especially when they do not use super-well-behaved integrated optical circuits or use them imaginatively. They are as much an effect as a gain-control device, making them popular among recording and mixing engineers who want to achieve a specific sound or tone<\/a> for their recordings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The optical attenuator, known as the T4B, is a key component of an optical compressor. This device contains two photocells, which are light-dependent resistors that alter their resistance value based on the amount of light they are exposed to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The resulting change in resistance value causes the audio signal to be compressed, resulting in the distinctive sound of an optical compressor. The amount of gain reduction applied is determined by the ratio setting of the compressor, which specifies the amount of compression applied for every decibel the signal exceeds the threshold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Optical compressors also have attack and release controls, which determine how quickly the compressor responds to the incoming audio signal<\/strong> and how quickly it releases the gain reduction once the signal falls below the threshold. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is an optical compressor?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How does an optical compressor work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n