Mackie Quad Gate/Compressor Owner's Manual - Page 13

Owner's Manual GATE CONTROLS ���� ��� ��� �� ��� ��� ��� ��� �� �� ��� ��� ��� �� ���� ��� �� � � ���� � �� ��� ��� �� ���� �� �� �� ��� ��� ��� � ��� �� �� �� � �� �� � �� ���� ���� ���� ���� ���� ���� �� Gate Overview The gate is a standard noise gate with variable key filters, and a downward expander function. It comes before the compressor in the Quad Comp/Gate signal path. Signals that are below the threshold level are attenuated by one of these two methods: 1. If EXP [20] is out, then the attenuation is set by the RANGE [24] control. For example, all signals below the threshold can be reduced by 15 dB. Plonk. 2. If EXP is pressed in, then the attenuation is set by the RATIO [19] control. This leads to a smoother and more gradual attenuation which depends on how low the input signal drops below the threshold. We can use a gate to: • Reduce noise levels from individual microphones during non-use, handling, or crosstalk between mics. • Modify sounds with careful use of attack, hold and release times. • Tighten up drum and percussive sound envelopes. • Have fun at fancy gate parties. Once the GATE [16] button has been pressed, the knobs operate as described below. Note: The gate is still in operation (at its last settings) working its magic on the audio, even if the GATE button is not selected. 18. THRESHOLD knob 19. RATIO knob In gate mode, this knob is o�n�l�y active when the EXP [20] button is pressed in (i.e., the expander is in opera- tion ��� The markings���around the RATIO��k� nob show�� ��� ��� ��� ����th�e��c�om�p��ression ratio such as�2�:1��a�nd� 10:1. The expander uses these same values as a refer- � �� ��� ��� �� ence, but the actual value are inverted, �s�u�c�h as 1:2, 1�:�1�0�a��n�d�s�o on. For exam��p�l�e�, if the knob is set to 5:1 from the marked scale, this is an actual downward expansion ratio of 1:5 (every 1 dB of signal below the threshold will yield 5 dB attenuation of the output). The ratio ranges from 1:1 (no gain reduction) to 1:20 (maximum gain reduction). Ignore the infinity:1 label, as this is just valid for the compressor. As the settings approach 1:1, the resolution between values increases, for finer control of smaller values. 20. EXP button This backlit button changes the gate to a downward expander when lit. When engaged, the RANGE [24] knob is disabled and the RATIO [19] knob is enabled. The ATTACK [21], RELEASE [22], and HOLD [23] knobs operate the same as in gate mode. Signals that are lower than the threshold level are decreased in level by an amount determined by the setting of the RATIO knob. In gate mode, this knob adjusts the level below which attenuation begins. The threshold level can be adjusted from -60 dBu to +20 dBu (fully clockwise). Signals below the threshold are reduced in level by an amount set by the RANGE [24] knob (or RATIO [19] if EXP [20] is pressed in). Signals above the threshold are not affected by the gate. 21. ATTACK knob In gate mode, this knob adjusts the amount of time for the gate to open and pass the signal through, once the signals move above the threshold level (after reduction has occurred). Use this knob to adjust the Attack time from 0.1 ms to 300 ms (fully clockwise). Owner's Manual 13