Compressor main parameters in MainStage

The main part of the interface contains the core compression parameters. You can choose the type of compressor circuit and can adjust the settings.

Note: Not all parameters listed are available in each Compressor model.

Compressor parameters

Circuit Type buttons: Choose the type of circuit emulated by Compressor. The interface updates when you choose a model. The choices are Platinum Digital, Studio VCA and FET, Classic VCA, or Vintage VCA, FET, and Opto.
- Platinum Digital: A clean-sounding compression type with a fast transient response. It can be used on a variety of sources.
- FET: Field Effect Transistor compressors are known for fast transient responses. They can deliver a clean or warmer tone (notably midrange), and can be pushed toward a “crunchy” tone on transients. Ideal for drums, vocals, guitars, and other signals with a fast attack phase. FET compressors can only attenuate the signal.
- VCA: Voltage Controlled Amplifier compressors can respond slowly or quickly to incoming transients. They tend towards a clean tone and are well-suited for bass guitars and low-frequency signals. VCA compressors can attenuate or amplify the signal.
- Opto: Optical compressors are known for their fast transient response and non-linear release handling. They are very clean and are ideal for vocals and guitars. They are also often used as limiting amplifiers across buses or outputs.
Side Chain and Output buttons: View Side Chain or Output parameters.
Gain Reduction meter/graph: Click either the Meter or Graph button to change the real-time compression amount display.
Input Peak indicator: Displays the peak level at the compressor input.
Input Gain meter: Displays the real-time level at the compressor input.
Input Gain knob and field: Set the level at the compressor input.
Threshold knob and field: Set the threshold level—signals above this threshold value are reduced in level.
Ratio knob and field: Set the compression ratio—the ratio of signal reduction when the threshold is exceeded.
Make Up knob and field: Set the amount of gain applied to the compressed signal.
Auto Gain buttons: The Off button disables autogain. The 0 dB and -12 dB buttons compensate for volume reductions caused by compression.
Knee knob and field: Set the strength of compression at levels close to the threshold. Lower values result in more severe or immediate compression (hard knee). Higher values result in gentler compression (soft knee).
Attack knob and field: Set the time it takes for Compressor to react when the signal exceeds the threshold.
Release knob and field: Set the time it takes for Compressor to stop reducing the signal after the signal level falls below the threshold. This parameter works in conjunction with the Auto Release function when active.
Auto Release button: Make the release time dynamically adjust to the audio material. The behavior of the auto release function (and compression results) change when different Release knob values are used.
Output Peak indicator: Displays the peak level of the compressor output.
Output Gain meter: Displays the overall level of the compressor output in real time.
Output Gain knob and field: Set the overall level of the compressor output.

Download the guides:

MainStage User Guide: PDF

MainStage Instruments: PDF

MainStage Effects: PDF

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