Über Compressor
Operation Guide
Content copyright © 2011 Sonalksis Ltd.
Über Compressor User Guide
Contents

Introduction 3
Installation 4
with the Plug-in Manager 4
Authorisation 4
Operation 5
Preferences 7
Control Preferences 7
Display Preferences 7
MIDI Options 7
Support 8
Appendix A: Technical Specifications 9
Appendix B: MIDI Specifications 10
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Über Compressor User Guide
Introduction
This guide describes the features, operation and applications of the Sonalksis Über Compressor.
For detailed installation instructions, please refer to the Sonalksis Plug-in Manager User Guide.
You can read more about general features common to all Sonalksis plug-ins in the Universal Plug-
in User Guide.
The Sonalksis Über Compressor
The Sonalksis Über Compressor is a dynamics processor unlike any other. Beneath its simple
interface lies a radical analogue modelled compressor that can be pushed much further
and harder than you ever imagined possible. In essence the Über Compressor is analogue
compression taken to the extreme.
The Über Compressor uses Sonalksis proprietary ʻState Space Analogʼ technology to model real
analogue circuit elements, but it also takes advantage of the digital domain to extend analogue
circuit designs far beyond their normal physical capabilities, enabling a level of creativity not
normally associated with this type of processor. Subtlety is definitely not a feature of this
compressor!
The Über Compressor can be used to simply bring lackluster sound back to life, or to mutate audio
into apocalyptic soundscapes. A true Creative Element.
Like the other plug-ins in the Sonalksis Creative Elements range, the Über Compressor is efficient,
intuitive and direct - and therefore very simple to use, providing great results with minimal effort.
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Über Compressor User Guide
Installation
All Sonaksis plug-ins are installed
using the ʻPlug-in Managerʼ. The
Plug-in Manager simplifies the task
of managing multiple Sonalksis plug-
ins, and takes care of downloading,
installing, authorising and updating
your Sonalksis plug-ins.
Detailed instructions can be found in
the Plug-in Manger User Guide.
Authorisation
If your computer is internet enabled, all license
authorisation takes place automatically. When you install
Sonalksis plug-ins, any plug-ins for which you have Unlicensed Sonalksis plug-
licenses will be authorised by the Plug-in Manager. ins will function for 14 days
after installation without
If your audio computer is not internet enabled, you must go authorisation, after which the
to the ʻProduct Activationʼ section on the Sonalksis website plug-ins will no longer process
in order to obtain an authorisation file. You will need the audio. After this period, you
ʻActivation Codeʼ that is displayed when you run the Plug- can still reactivate a plug-in by
in Manager on your offline system. You can then download obtaining a valid license.
your authorisation file which you simply need to drag-and-
drop onto the Plug-In Manager window.
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Über Compressor User Guide
Operation
This section describes the functions of the Über Compressor. You can read more about general
features common to all Sonalksis plug-ins in the Universal Plug-in User Guide.
Compression is one of the most commonly used effects in audio processing. Standard
compressor designs aim to tame the dynamics of the audio signal while either being as
transparent as possible, or adding subtle colouration that improves the character of the audio.
It should be understood from the outset however that the Über Compressor is not in any way
a standard compressor. The Über Compressor uses the essence of dynamic compression and
then takes the effect to absolute extremes, with the aim of enabling a wider range of creative
uses for a process that may otherwise be overlooked as a purely practical effect.
The Über Compressor is a dynamics processor that can be turned to when creativity is
required. The analogue modelled circuit design uses digital enhancements to enable more
extreme processing that would be possible with real world circuit designs, while maintaining
what is essentially a true analogue character. The Über Compressor extends the possibilities
of creative dynamics processing.
The Über Compressor is based on the underlying principles of classic overcompressing
analogue designs, and uses two attack and two release stages to achieve unique and highly
characteristic curves. One feature of vintage analogue compressors is that they raise the noise
floor, but in digital environments this noise floor is often too quiet to be audible. However the
modelling methods used in the Über Compressor design mean that a ʻtrue analogue noiseʼ is
intrinsic and can audibly add breath into your compression.
Another feature of the Über Compressor is an ʻunder the hoodʼ transient designer that kicks in
like a supercharger on an engine. While you could certainly use the Über Compressor at mild
settings to keep a track safely under control, or even use it at moderate settings to invoke total
audio destruction, reminiscent of favourite vintage over- compressors, it is the extreme settings
(in particular the Fierce mode) which make the Über Compressor utterly unique. The sonic
abominations that result from extreme usage of the Über Compressor just don’t exist without it.
At extreme settings, the Über Compressor doesn’t just destroy dynamic range, it turns it inside-
out!
The Compress dial is the primary control for the Über
Compressor. At the full anticlockwise position, the depth of
the compression effect is minimal. The full clockwise position
applies maximal compression.
The indicator bar around the Compress dial displays the relative
amount of gain reduction taking place. Note that due to internal
automatic make-up-gain circuitry, this is not a true indication of
input/output level differential, but a reference to the amount of
ʻeffectʼ being applied.
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Über Compressor User Guide
The TIMING switch determines to a great extent the character of the
compressor, as this setting controls the rate at which the compressor
reacts to the audio signal. All four attack/release modes are fully adaptive,
meaning that the actual timings will vary according to the characteristics
of the audio signal. The Instant setting will apply extremely fast attack and
release characteristics, while Pop and Slap generally have longer attack
times, and Pump has longer release characteristics.
The Side-Chain BIAS switch selects one of four filter circuits controlling
the input to the compressor gain reduction element. In simple terms this
controls how much of an influence certain frequency characteristics of the
input signal will have on the compression. This will have a more subtle
effect on the character of the compression than the Timing parameter.
The Über Compressor has internal circuitry to automatically compensate
for the large level discrepancies that occur due to the extreme amounts of
compression taking place. However The OUTPUT knob may nevertheless
be required to fine tune the output level, because signal level and ‘perceived
loudness’ are two very different things. The CLIP indicator selects the
threshold above which the integrated clipper-limited circuit activates. The
clipper-limiter produces a tight, clip-like limiting effect, and is post-output-gain
meaning that if CLIP is active then the output gain will not be able to push the
signal level beyond the indicated clip level.
The FIERCE option enables the Über compression mode. When selected, any
compression taking place will be extreme. The analogue circuits modelled in
designing the Über Compressor have a natural element of noise, and given
the extreme nature of the Über Compressor processing this noise can reach
relatively high levels. The NOISE button gives users the option of disabling the
naturally occurring true-analogue-noise colouration from the circuit modelling.
The INPUT Gain fader is used to change the level of the input signal.
Under normal circumstances it should not be necessary to use the input
fader to ʻdriveʼ the compressor, however if the input signal is exceptionally
low (or high) then adjustments can be made using this fader to ensure the
Compress knob then provides a more appropriate range of compression.
The Bypass button switches the entire filter in or out of
circuit. When bypassed, the meter will become inactive
as an indication of the bypassed state. The Bypass
control may be used for simple ʻIn/Outʼ comparisons, or
automated to effectively switch the filter on or off during
use. The Bypass in the Über Compressor should be
used in preference to any ʻaudio hostʼ bypass as it will
guarantee glitch-free in/out transitions, thanks to the use
of high quality cross-fade circuitry.
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Über Compressor User Guide
Preferences
The user preferences and registration page
is accessed by clicking the SETUP button
on the bottom left of the interface. To exit the
setup screen click the OK button.
All preferences are stored and recalled
according to the current system user,
therefore a unique set of preferences is
maintained for each system user.
The setup page also displays the software
version.
Control Preferences
• knob mode - sets the default knob mode.
Processing Preferences
• fierce default - when set to ʻONʼ the default mode of the plug-in is ʻfierceʼ mode; when set to
ʻOFFʼ the plug-in will start up in standard mode.
MIDI Options
• MIDI control mode - selects whether the plug-in responds to control wheel midi data or key
(note on) midi data.
Note that in order to feed MIDI into the
The Über Compressor can react to MIDI plug-in, you should refer to your audio
messages. The MIDI specification for the host software documentation. [It may be
plug-in is defined in Appendix B. necessary to instantiate the plug-in as a
software instrument].
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Über Compressor User Guide
Support
You can visit the Sonalksis website to find the latest product information. If you are a registered
user you will automatically receive relevant information about new releases and updates, unless
you unsubscribe from this service.
All Sonalksis plug-ins are installed, authorised and updated using the ʻPlug-in Managerʼ
application. You can download this application from the Sonalksis website.
If you encounter any difficulties If you are unable to resolve your
when installing or using our issue after reading all appropriate
products, documentation, you can log in to
please ensure that you have read your Sonalksis user account on our
all appropriate documentation, website and access the ʻSupportʼ
including the relevant user guides section where you can request
and FAQ on our website before direct assistance.
contacting us.
[Link]/support
Sienda New Media Technologies SL
Calle Provenca, 278, pral. 1a
08008 Barcelona
Spain
+44 (0)151 3240022
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Über Compressor User Guide
Appendix A:
Technical Specifications
Sonalksis Über Compressor Supported Sample Rates:
• 44.1 kHz
• 48 kHz
• 88.2 kHz
• 96 kHz
• 176.4 kHz
• 192 kHz
Sonalksis Über Compressor Control Ranges:
Clip values Compression Ratio Sidechain Bias Timing Modes
Values
0
none
-3 0 - 11 ‘Instantʼ ʻPopʼ ʻSlapʼ ʻPump’
Top, Bottom, Lump, Scoop
-6
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Über Compressor User Guide
Appendix B: Midi Specifications
WHEEL MODE
Function Transmitted Recognised Remarks
Basic Channel X 1-16
Mode X X
Note Number 48-50 X O NOISE ON/OFF
60-64 X O TIMING
72-77 X O BIAS
84-89 X O CLIP
Velocity X X
After Touch X X
Pitch Bend X X
Control Change 0 X O INPUT GAIN
1 (MODWHEEL) X O COMPRESSION
2 X O NOISE
3 X O TIMING
4 X O BIAS
5 X O CLIP
6 X O BYPASS
7 X O OUTPUT GAIN
8 X O FIERCE
Program Change X X
System Exclusive X X
System Common X X
System Real Time X X
Aux Message X X
KEYS MODE
Function Transmitted Recognised Remarks
Basic Channel X 1-16
Mode X X
Note Number 0 - 127 X O MIN COMPRESSION = 0
MAX COMPRESSION = 127
Velocity X X
After Touch X X
Pitch Bend X X
Control Change 7 X O INPUT GAIN
16 X O NOISE
17 X O TIMING
18 X O BIAS
19 X O CLIP
20 X O BYPASS
21 X O OUTPUT GAIN
22 X O FIERCE
Program Change X X
System Exclusive X X
System Common X X
System Real Time X X
Aux Message X X
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Über Compressor User Guide
NOTICE
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
Sonalksis makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to,
the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Sonalksis will not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages
in connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this material.
No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced or translated to another language
without the prior written consent of Sonalksis Ltd.
Acknowledgements
VST is a registered trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
RTAS is a registered trademark of Avid Technology, Inc.
Audio Unit and Mac OS X are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Content copyright © 2011 Sonalksis Ltd. All rights reserved.
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