FXPANSION D.CAMChanComp User manual

© 2012 FXpansion Audio
DCAM ChanComp Rack
Extension

DCAM ChanComp Rack Extension2
© 2012 FXpansion Audio
Table of Contents
1 Introduction 3
2 Using DCAM ChanComp 4
3 Credits 6

Introduction 3
© 2012 FXpansion Audio
1 Introduction
DCAM ChanComp is based on a classic limiting amplifier design commonlyused as a channel or track
compressor. It features a very fast attack response and is usually intended to be applied to individual
elements such as drums and vocals.
Standard controls/indicators
Bypass/On/Off
This control exists on all Reason devices for managing the state of the entire device.
Patches
DCAM ChanComp features programmable effect presets, called Patches. It includes a number of factory
Patches which can be used as they are or provide you with a good starting point for further tweaking.
Patches use the '.repatch' file extension. Loading and saving Patches is done in the same way as for
other instruments and effects in Reason, using the Patch Browse and Save controls at the top of the
DCAM ChanComp panel.

DCAM ChanComp Rack Extension4
© 2012 FXpansion Audio
2 Using DCAM ChanComp
Rear panel connections
DCAM ChanComp features a set of various inputs and outputs on its rear panel.
The Audio Inputs connectors should be used for the input signal (to be processed) while the Audio
Outputs should be connected to a suitable destination.
If you need to use DCAM ChanComp on a mono signal, you should use the Left input and output
channels.
The GR Output CV connector outputs the gain reduction envelope as a CV source for automating CV-
controllable parameters elsewhere in your Reason project, effectively using DCAM ChanComp as an
envelope follower.
Front panel controls
In Gain
Increase the In Gain control to make the sound more compressed - higher signals engage the
compression circuit more heavily. The control can attenuate the input byup to -20dB or add up to 40dB
of gain.
Envelope section
Attack
The Attack control adjusts the speed at which the level of the input signal is reduced when a peak is
detected.
DCAM ChanComp is designed for fast compression with Attack times from 0.02ms to 1.2ms.
Release
The Release control sets the speed at which the gain level returns to normal after a transient has
passed.
The Release time ranges from 50ms to 1.2 seconds.

Using DCAM ChanComp 5
© 2012 FXpansion Audio
Ratio section
The Ratio specifies the gain reduction applied by DCAM ChanComp.
Five Ratio settings are available: 4, 8, 12, 20 and Nuke. The numbered
settings correspond to ratios of 4:1, 8:1, 12:1 and 20:1. The numbers
represent the change in gain after compression.
For example, when a transient is detected, then a Ratio of 4:1 would mean
that for every4dB of increased signal level coming into the compressor, the
output level rises by 1dB.
.
The Nuke setting is an emulation of the ‘all buttons’ ratio mode on a classic limiting amplifier design.
This mode affects the compression characteristics in various ways, affecting the attack and causing
limiting and distortion effects, resulting in rather brutal, heavy sounds.
Gain Reduction
This meter represents the amount of gain reduction imparted by the compression circuit.
Master section
Bias
The Bias control continuously varies between different capacitor values which were used on various
hardware revisions of the hardware on which DCAM ChanComp is based.
Settings between -25% and +25% result in subtle sonic variations in the compression characteristics.
More extreme settings are useful for driving the compression circuit harder.
Mix
The Mix control allows you to blend the final output mix between the input signal (0%) and output signal
(100%).
This is useful for quickly introducing parallel dynamics processing without having to perform extra
routing in your DAW/host, allowing you to achieve a compressed sound while retaining the original
punch of the signal's transients.
Out Gain
Use the Out Gain control to adjust the final level as required.

DCAM ChanComp Rack Extension6
© 2012 FXpansion Audio
3 Credits
Programming:Jamaine Obeng
DSP: Henry Lindsay-Smith, Paul Chana
GUI design: Paul Chana
QA: Drew Vernon, Tom Meaney, Mike Bugh, Sam Gillies
Video:Rory Dow
Sound design:Drew Vernon, Tom Meaney, Mike Bugh, Jamaine Obeng, Sam Gillies
Documentation: Mayur Maha
Image design: Rus Brockman
Web development:Andreas Schnetzler, Sam Sharp, Rob Philp
Project management:Steve Baker
Artist Relations:Clare O'Brien
Support: Alex Volmer, Ryan Sellers
Additional contributions: Angus Hewlett, Rhiannon Bankston-Thomas, SKoT McDonald
FXpansion USA: Terry Hardin, Leslie Crook
Special thanks to Propellerhead Software and the Propellerhead test pilots.
© 2012 FXpansion Audio. All trademarks acknowledged. Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc. The "Built for
Mac OSX" graphic is a trademark of Apple Inc. and used under license. Windows is a trademark of
Microsoft Corporation. Reason and Rack Extension are trademarks of Propellerhead Software AB.
References or use of logos or trademarks do not necessarily constitute or imply an endorsement or
recommendation by Propellerhead Software. Other trademarks mentioned are held bytheir respective
owners.