ACMT - Applied Computer Music Technologies Ltd

ACM510A Product Operating Guide
 
Access to plug-in parameters is provided by a fully resizable graphical user interface. Your host application may also provide access to parameter adjustments and additional configuration. Graphical User Interface
 
The plug-in settings are adjusted by clicking and dragging on the rotary controls or buttons. Some controls may have detents – these manifest themselves as areas in the rotation where the reluctance to move is increased such that you have to drag them a bit harder. They are intended to behave similarly to real controls which may have a 'click stop' at 0dB for example.
 
You can also adjust the controls by placing the mouse pointer over them and using the scroll wheel. In this case the detent has no effect.
 
Control Modes
 
Clicking the preferences button opens the plug-in preferences panel to configure the control mode. The control mode determines the way in which the rotary controls respond to mouse movement. This may also be configured via the host application preferences where applicable.

• Circular. In this mode, clicking on a control will move it immediately to the mouse pointer’s angular position. To adjust the control, drag the mouse pointer in a circle or an arc.
• Relative Circular (Default). This is the default mode unless changed by host application settings. Similar to circular mode, however moving the mouse will adjust the control relative to its current setting.
• Linear. In this mode, the control responds to vertical mouse movement. Drag up to increase the value, turning the control clockwise, or down to decrease the value, turning the control anticlockwise.

In all modes, double clicking the centre of a control will return it to its default position.
 

Control Functions
 
1. Compressor Ratio
 
The ratio control determines the amount by which the output level changes in response to a change in input. For example with the ratio set to 2:1 a 2dB change in input level will result in only a 1dB change in output level. The ratio is fully variable from 1:1 (no compression) to Inf : 1 (full limiting).
 
2. Hard / Soft Knee
 
With the switch off, the compressor has a soft knee curve in which the onset of compression is gradual for signals approaching the threshold. With the switch on, the compressor exhibits a more abrupt onset of gain reduction. The effective threshold point is slightly lowered when the hard knee is selected.
 
3. Compressor Threshold
 
The threshold sets the point at which the compressor begins to act. For example, with a threshold of -10dBu, signals below -10dBu will pass through unaffected while those above will be subject to compression determined by the ratio setting. The threshold is variable between -20dBu and +10dBu.
 
4. Compressor Release
 
The compressor release sets the time required for the compressor to recover after the signal has returned to a normal level. The release time is variable between 0.1and 4 seconds and is also programme dependent.
 
5. Compressor Fast Attack
 
The compressor attack time determines the speed at which the compressor responds to increases in signal above the threshold. With the Atk switch on, the attack time is fast (approx 0.1ms) while with the switch off, it is slowed to approx 1ms.
Fast attack times can be useful for responding to transient signals however, this can also introduce more modulation distortion from the side-chain, especially when combined with fast release times. Selection of the correct time-constant settings for compressor and expander in relation to the programme material is important for obtaining the best performance.
 
6. Effect In / Out
 
This is the plug-in bypass switch. With the switch on, the plug-in will be in the signal path. With the switch off, signals pass through unaffected.
 
7. Gain Meters
 
The bar meters show the amount of gain reduction taking place. The orange meter on the right hand side for the compressor, and the blue meter on the left hand side for the expander.
 
8. Expander Range
 
The range control sets the maximum gain reduction which the expander can apply, it is fully variable from 0dB (expander off) to a maximum of +40dB.
 
9. Expander / Gate
 
With the Exp switch on, the expander / gate functions as a 1:2 dynamic range expander. With the switch off, the expander / gate functions as an 1 : Inf. noise gate.
 
10. Expander / Gate Threshold
 
The expander threshold determines the level at which the expander / gate begins to act. Signals above the threshold will pass through unaffected, while those below will be progressively reduced in level or gated, up to a maximum attenuation set by the range control.
 
Note: When operating as a gate, the threshold also has some hysteresis applied to prevent chattering with signals close to the threshold. When the signal level rises above the threshold, the gate will open, allowing the input through unaffected. However, the level will then have to fall several dBs below the threshold before the gate closes again. In addition to preventing gate chatter this helps to allow instruments to decay more naturally before the gate shuts off.
 
11. Expander Release
 
The expander release control sets the rate at which the expander / gate reduces the signal level once it has passed below the threshold. The release is variable from 0.1 to 4 seconds.
Note: There will be some interaction between the expander release and range controls.
 
12. Expander Fast Attack
 
The expander attack time determines the speed at which the expander / gate opens for signals above the threshold. With the Atk switch on, the attack time is fast (approximately 0.1ms) while with the switch off it is slowed to approximately 1ms.
 

ACM510A Technical Specification:
 
Product Specifications

• Windows and Linux VST and VST3 compatible.
• Mono or stereo operation.
• Interpolated controls for smooth parameter changes with no 'zipper' noise.
• -18dBFS reference level for 0dBu.
• Compressor:
  • Compressor Ratio: 1:1 to Inf : 1
  • Compressor Attack Time: Switchable 10:1 via fast attack (Atk) switch.
  • Compressor Release Time: 0.1 to 4 sec and programme dependent.
  • Compressor Threshold: +10dBu to -20dBu [see digital reference level]
  • Compressor Gain Makeup: Automatic based on threshold and ratio settings.
• Expander / Gate:
  • Expander Range: 0 to 40dB
  • Expander Attack Time: Switchable 10:1 via fast attack (Atk) switch.
  • Expander Threshold: -30 to +10dBu [see digital reference level].
  • Expander Release Time: 0.1 to 4 sec.
• Polarity invert switch.
• Output level trim (+/-6dB).

Please note: In the interest of continual product improvement, specifications may be subject to change without notice.

ACM510A Download Free Demo
 
1. System Requirements - Windows

• 64bit Windows 7 or newer.
• A VST or VST3 compatible host application.

2. System Requirements - Linux

• Linux x86-64/AMD64 64bit e.g. Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or newer.
• A Linux VST or VST3 compatible host application.

3. Free Demo Limitations

• Every 60 seconds the plug-in will fade to silence momentarily. To remove this limitation you will need to have purchased a product activation code.
• To remove the demo limitations, open the plug-in in your host application and click the lock button at the top left of the plug-in GUI to open the license entry dialogue. Type (or paste) your product activation code into the text box. You will then need to restart your host application to complete the process.

4. Product Support

• All downloads include their own installer, manual, and installation instructions. Easy to install with just a few clicks.
• If you need help downloading or installing the software please contact product support for assistance.