Rotatingthe‘Attack’ knobclockwiseincreaseshow
fast the side-chain reacts, i.e.the speed at which
compressionkicksin.The ‘Knee’ knob alters the
input/output curve, i.e.how the LA-1Atransitions into
compression–rotate clockwise andtheLA-1A
becomes alimiter andcounter-clockwise for
compression.
When the Dynamic EQ toggle switch isin the‘down’
position theLA-1Adynamically boostshigh
frequency material.With the'PeakReduction'knob
fully counter-clockwise (zero compression)dynamic
eq is inactive,however astheknobis rotated
clockwise,and the pedal beginscompressing,the
effect becomes increasingly pronounced.Fabulous
for jangly 12-string Rickenbacker guitar sounds.
BypassFootswitch utilisesquiet true bypass
switching tominimse ‘pops’ or ‘thump’ when
engagingthepedal and ensure there isnolossof
guitar tone when the pedal is bypassed.
Balanced Direct Out ¼” TRS(stereo)jack socket
allows connectionof the LA-1Atomixingdesk,
computer soundcard or external audio capture
device.This output is fully balancedandtransformer
isolated, eliminating earth loops and reducing hum to
an absolute minimumandfeaturesagainpad
(+6dB,+12dBand +18dB)to facilitate matching with
anyline or instrument level gear.The Triad
Magnetics audio transformer alsoimpartsit’s own
character to enhance and sweeten the direct sound.
External Select ¼” TRS(stereo)jacksocket.This
enables an external footswitch,such as the Fender®
‘Twin Reverb’ Amptremolo/reverb dual latching
footswitch), to be utilised for remotebypass
switching andactivating the tube boost.
TheoryofOperation
The graph below compares theinput/output
characteristicsof acompressor,perfect amplifier
and expander.It can be seenthat an amplifier
provides afixed gain independentof the signal level,
whereas acompressor adjustsgainin responseto
changesin input level.
The larger the input signal,the lower thegain,
resulting in areduction of dynamic rangeor
compressionof the signal.Conversely,anexpander
increases the dynamic range of a signal.
