Smack! Ratio Control

In the Norm and Warm modes, Ratio controls the compression ratio, or the amount of compression applied as the input signal exceeds the threshold. For example, a 2:1 compression ratio means that a 2 dB increase of level above the threshold produces a 1 dB increase in output.

 

This control is greyed out in Opto mode.

Smack! has no control to directly adjust the threshold level (the level that an input signal must exceed to trigger compression). The amount of compression will vary with the input signal, which is adjustable by the Input control.

As you increase the Ratio control, Smack! goes from applying “soft-knee” compression to “hard-knee” compression, as follows:

With soft-knee compression, gentle compression begins and increases gradually as the input signal approaches the threshold. This creates smoother compression.

In hard-knee compression, compression begins when the input signal exceeds the threshold. This can sound abrupt, and is ideal for limiting or de-essing.

Smack! compression ratios range from subtle compression to hard limiting. At ratios of 10:1 and higher, Smack! functions as a limiter. Selecting the Smack! setting lowers the threshold slightly and applies hard limiting, which keeps the output level constant regardless of the input level. (This setting can also be used for extreme compression effects.)