Smack! Compression Mode Buttons
Smack! has three modes of compression: Norm (Normal), Opto, and Warm. Use the corresponding button to select a mode.
Enable the Norm button to emulate FET compressors, which can have significantly faster attack and release times than opto-electrical-based compressors. It can be used for a wide range of program material and, with extreme settings, can be used for sound effects such as “pumping.”
In Norm mode, you can precisely adjust the Ratio, Attack, and Release controls to fine-tune the compression characteristics.
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Enable the Warm button for compression that is based on Norm mode, but which has program-dependent release characteristics. These characteristics, often described as “transparent” or “smooth,” can be less noticeable to the listener and can reduce waveform distortion caused by some sustained low-frequency tones.
As with Norm mode, Warm mode can be used for a wide range of program material including vocals or low-frequency instruments such as tom-toms or bass guitar. Extreme settings can be used to produce “pumping” effects. Like Norm mode, Warm mode lets you precisely adjust the Ratio, Attack, and Release controls to fine-tune the compression characteristics.
Enable the Opto button to emulate opto-electro compressors. Opto mode produces “soft knee” compression with gentle attack and release characteristics, and is ideal for compressing thin vocals, bass guitars, kick drums, and snare drums. In Opto mode, only the Input and Output controls are available for adjusting the amount of compression. The Attack, Release, and Ratio controls are greyed out and cannot be manually adjusted.