Optical Compressor - Focusrite Platinum Penta Preset Stereo Compressor Manuel D'utilisation

– reverses the phase of the signal from the mic input. This may be necessary
PHASE (Ø)
when wiring polarity is incorrect, or when using two microphones (one of which is connected
through the Penta ™ ,) picking up the same source but at different distances from it. This may
cause phase cancellation, and pressing the PHASE switch may rectify the problem.
– is a High Pass Filter which removes unwanted low frequencies such as
HPF ( )
'proximity effect', where bass frequencies are over emphasised as a result of close-miking, or
stage rumble received through the mic stand.
– sets the level of the incoming signal from the selected input, starting with
INPUT GAIN
the INPUT GAIN control fully anticlockwise. Connect a signal source to the unit and slowly
increase the control until the input level peaks at the -2dB LED on the input level meter. The
O/L (overload) LED may light briefly on peaks in the signal, but if the O/L LED stays on
continuously for any period, or you hear the unit distort during loud peaks, you should reduce
the setting of the INPUT GAIN control.

OPTICAL COMPRESSOR

The Penta's compressor uses opto technology which gives more pleasant distortion
characteristics than low-cost, VCA-based compressors.
The Penta ™ provides 16 preset compressor settings which will be ideal to use unchanged in
many instances, or may be used as starting points for individual settings for particular
applications. The six variable controls should initially be set at the centre detent position for
correct recall of the preset settings.
(Note that the control positions do not refer to absolute values. These values change
depending on the individual preset selected, and the controls provide +/-
adjustment of each stored setting).
Each control may then be adjusted (if necessary) to suit the particular application. Until you are
familiar with the Penta ™ , start adjustments with the COMPRESSION and MAKEUP GAIN
controls only, leaving the other controls at the centre positions. Then explore the effect of the
other controls until you achieve the desired result.
All compressor controls operate on both channels simultaneously. However if using the MIC
or INSTRUMENT INPUT the signal will only pass through the left channel.
– activates the compressor. When the switch is released the
COMPRESSOR IN
Compresssor is bypassed, but the compressor settings are retained, allowing simple comparison
of compressed/uncompressed signals.
PRESET COMPRESSOR SELECT
compressor. The buttons scroll the selection continuously (i.e. to get from preset 1 to 16, just
press the left button once).
– sets the threshold i.e. how
COMPRESSION
much of the signal is affected by the compressor.
Turning the control clockwise will increase the
amount of the signal that the compressor affects –
giving more compression. Turning the control anti-
clockwise will decrease the amount of the signal that
the compressor affects – giving less compression.
– The act of compressing
MAKE UP GAIN
makes loud signals quieter to reduce the dynamic range, producing an overall reduction in
level. The MAKE UP GAIN control allows you to restore the signal peaks back to their
original level.
U s i n g t h e P e n t a
– selects the chosen preset for the
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