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Build help and troubleshooting => LA502 Optical Compressor => Topic started by: AveryG on March 31, 2024, 04:26:43 AM

Title: Gain Reduction Meter & Compression is extremely sensitive
Post by: AveryG on March 31, 2024, 04:26:43 AM

Hi, 

I just assembled my LA502 a couple nights ago and went through the setup guide. Testing went fine and all my measurements were within spec. When it came time to adjust the LED's, I adjusted them as the instructions stated. However, when running signals through the unit, the compression knob is extremely sensitive. If I turn the peak knob from zero to about the 5th dash line, it will read -3dB, but if I turn it a little bit more (somewhere around the 10th dash line) it'll jump all the way to between -9 and -12 drastically. Maybe I missed something when dialing in p3, p4, and p5? This isn't normal behavior is it? I think the compression is supposed to be more gradual and smoother? Please help! Thanks. 

Title: Re: Gain Reduction Meter & Compression is extremely sensitive
Post by: JPK on April 03, 2024, 03:28:31 PM

Check that you didn't swap the 2 pots:
PEAK : 100kB
GAIN : 4k7C

Title: Re: Gain Reduction Meter & Compression is extremely sensitive
Post by: AveryG on April 04, 2024, 02:27:54 AM

Ok I just checked. I do have the pots in the correct placement. 100k for peak, 4k7c for gain. 

Title: Re: Gain Reduction Meter & Compression is extremely sensitive
Post by: JPK on April 04, 2024, 03:08:29 PM

100k for peak
100kB Log ?

What is your 0dB input signal voltage level?
If you are working at a high level, higher than +4dBu, it can be useful to decrease the gain in the side chain by increasing the value of R20 (in PCB REV1.4).