Supercharger

Compression without a full timing panel

SUPERCHARGER centers its workflow on input calibration and a single Compress control. Once the input is in the indicated operating region, increasing compression is designed to maintain an approximately even listening level. This makes it useful for quickly comparing how much density a bass, vocal or drum group needs.

Character and attack

Dirt adds saturation, while Punch selects a slower attack so transients pass more freely before compression takes hold. Mix can restore some uncompressed signal, and external sidechain operation allows another track to drive the response. The important first step is Input Trim: the simplified amount-and-loudness behavior depends on correct input level, so turning Compress before calibrating can give a misleading impression of the effect.

Source: Manual, “What is SUPERCHARGER?” p. 6; “The Main Interface,” pp. 7–8.

Calibrate the input

Start with Input Trim while the source plays at representative loudness. The Input level indicator should be green; the left red arrow indicates too little level and the right red arrow too much. This is the operating reference for the compression control's loudness compensation, not simply a clipping lamp.

Compression and character

Compress increases gain reduction as it turns right. Watch the Gain reduction meter and listen for changes to attack, body and recovery. Dirt enables mild saturation for extra bite and coloration. Punch selects a slower attack, preserving more transient energy before the compressor responds. Compare Punch on rhythmic material when compression has made the attack feel too restrained.

Sidechain and parallel balance

The Sidechain button/LED switches detection to an external source. Route that source in the host first; a kick feeding the sidechain can create deliberate pumping in a sustained part.

Mix blends the compressed and uncompressed signals. Note its orientation: fully left is Wet, fully right is Dry. Start wet when establishing compression, then bring back dry signal for parallel density with more original dynamics. Output sets the final level, and the Output meter helps check the result after changing Dirt, Punch or Mix.

Compare and save

Use the preset menu for starting points and the header's A/B slots for two versions of the same treatment. Copy A to B before making a stronger alternative, then save the preferred state as a user preset. Recalibrate Input Trim when moving that preset to a source with a substantially different level.

Source: Manual, “The Main Interface,” pp. 7–8; “Using the Presets,” pp. 9–12.