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Quantum (Compressor)

Compressor

Quantum Device

Essentials

Quantum splits audio into four bands with independent compressors for each band. Apply different compression settings to low, mid, and high frequencies separately. For example, gently controlling low-end rumble while applying more aggressive compression to midrange vocals or high-end transients.
  1. Four-band frequency splitting
  2. Independent compressors per band
  3. Threshold, ratio, knee, attack, release, makeup
  4. Global Peak/RMS detection

Bands

Quantum Bands
Band crossover handles Drag these vertical lines to set crossover frequencies between the four bands (20 to 20000 Hz). The bands are labeled 1 (Low) to 4 (High)
Threshold (THold) Sets the level above which compression begins (-48 to 0 dB)
Ratio Sets the amount of compression applied once the signal exceeds the threshold (1:1 to 50:1)
Knee Adjusts the transition between uncompressed and compressed signal (0 to 24 dB). A soft knee smooths this transition
Attack Time taken for the compressor to respond once the threshold is exceeded (0 to 1000 ms)
Release Time taken for the compressor to return to normal after the signal drops below the threshold (0 to 1000 ms)
Makeup Boosts the compressed signal to compensate for gain reduction (-24 to +24 dB equivalent)
Mute (M) Mutes the selected band
Solo (S) Solos the selected band for monitoring
Bypass Clicking the band number disables compression for that band (the frequency band still passes through, but uncompressed)

Output

Quantum Output
Gain Output level after compression (-24 to +24 dB equivalent)
Peak | RMS Determines the detection mode used by the compressors. RMS mode uses a detection window (see RMS Window)
RMS Window Duration of the detection window for RMS mode (0 to 30 ms). At 0 ms, compression triggers on the first peak sample
On/Off Activates or bypasses the quantum compressor effect

Spectrum display

Quantum Spectrum display

The real-time spectrum analyzer shows frequency content with three display modes (visual only, does not affect audio processing):

Off No spectrum display
Pre Shows input signal before processing
Post Shows output signal after processing

Practical Tips

Practical Tips

  • Mastering: Smooth overall mix dynamics by applying light compression across all bands.
  • Bass control: Use a lower threshold and ratio on Band 1 (low frequencies) to tighten up bass.
  • Vocal clarity: Apply compression to midrange (Band 2 or 3) to bring vocals forward without squashing the lows or highs.
  • De-essing: Apply subtle compression on the highest band (Band 4) to tame sibilance.
  • Sound design: Over-compress selected frequency bands for creative distortion or pumping effects.
  • Solo each band to hear its frequency content clearly while adjusting compression settings.
  • Use soft knees for transparent compression and hard knees for more aggressive dynamics shaping.
  • Match makeup gain to ensure each band contributes evenly after compression.

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