
EddieRay
#?
And how is it different from that, uh, other kind?
Fletcher said:An optical compressor [as was over simplified in a previous post] does indeed perform gain reduction control via a light source into a photo sensitive cell... as the light souce gets brighter, the photo sensitive cell tells the amplifiers to turn down the volume... hence less dynamic range, or what is known as a compressed signal.
There are all kinds of ways of performing compression in addition to an "optical gain reduction cell"... it can be done with a remote shutoff tube [also know as a "Delta-MU" or "Variable-MU" process], there are several different kinds of 'Voltage Controlled Attenuators" and "Voltage Controlled Amplifiers" as well as "FET limiting", "diode bridges", yada, yada, yada...
The fact of the matter is that the gain reduction cell, is only one of the myriad of variables that will contribute to the sound and reaction of a compressor. These processes really aren't more than advertising bullshit until you have a bunch of experience with a whole bunch of different units and processes.
As, if not more important than the gain reduction cell is the over all audio path, the analog electronics through which the audio actually travels. If this doesn't net you the tone and texture you're seeking for the music it matters not what the 'gain reduction cell' might be... cuz if it sounds like ass with nothin goin' on with the gain reduction cell, it's gonna sound like worse ass when you add gain reduction.
Before you fall victim to the avalanche of advertising buzz words used by the various marketing departments to move more steel... I'd highly recommend that you try a whole bunch of different units in your room on your music and determine which suit your style of music/engineering best... ain't no one box is the be-all / end-all for every situation... no matter what the big glossy ad in the magazine sez, nor what the mook at the Banjo Mart tells you.
Peace.