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Build help and troubleshooting => CP5176 FET compressor => Topic started by: Ptb on November 25, 2025, 07:07:08 AM

Title: CP5176 only compresses in 20:1 / SLAM mode
Post by: Ptb on November 25, 2025, 07:07:08 AM
I have a problem with my CP5176: it only compresses in the 20:1 (SLAM) mode. In all other ratio settings (4:1, 8:1, 12:1) there is no audible compression and the gain reduction meter does not move, even with high input level.

All calibrations have been done according to the manual and the values are correct. The unit passes audio fine and sounds good in 20:1, but the other ratios seem inactive.
Title: Re: CP5176 only compresses in 20:1 / SLAM mode
Post by: JPK on November 25, 2025, 09:52:57 AM
Can you do the measurements shown in 4. Check the side chain in this page (https://www.soundskulptor.com/forum/index.php?topic=7.msg7#msg7)?
Title: Re: CP5176 only compresses in 20:1 / SLAM mode
Post by: Ptb on November 26, 2025, 09:29:48 PM
Thanks, here are the measurements

AC level on TP3:
DC level on TP4:
DC level on JMP1 pin 1:
DC level on TP6:
      -4.5 to -1.2 VDC depending on P6 = -13,2

DC level on TP5 with jumpers JMP1 on 2-3 and 4-5 [o o-o o-o]:
      0.32 VDC =  0,32 

A 12,7
B -0,6
C 13,3
D -0,2
E 15
F -0,8
G -15,1
Title: Re: CP5176 only compresses in 20:1 / SLAM mode
Post by: JPK on December 01, 2025, 04:04:12 PM
With the same conditions as in 4. Check the side chain
What AC voltage do you get on U1 pin1 (1.4VAC) and U1 pin5 (0.7VAC) ?

Check the solder joints and value of resistors R25, R27, R33, R34, R35.