User Manual

4.2.5. Release
The Release parameter may be considered as the inseparable partner of the Attack. As the
first controls the time it takes for compression to start when threshold is reached, the second
tells the compressor how much it should take to bring the signal back to the original value
after the threshold level is no longer reached.
As we can see, all these parameters are linked to each other. Attack and Release act like
segments of an envelope, which is triggered when audio signal reaches the threshold level,
and which sustain level is defined by the Compression Ratio. In this case, the envelope is
inverted, which means the sustain level is lower than the original level.
Since Release is a time parameter, it can be faster or slower (just like Attack). The effect
the release may have varies, depending on the type of audio we are dealing with (again,
like what happens with the Attack parameter). Usually, release times are slower than attack
times, to avoid sudden changes in dynamics, since these would be more audible in this
segment.
It's important to mention that the Comp FET-76 features the special ability of vary its release
time based on program material. After a transient, it releases quickly to avoid level drops,
but if there is a continued state of heavy compression, the Comp FET-76 will exhibit a longer
release to reduce pumping.
Very much what we said for the Attack can be applied to the Release. Remember this is an
envelope. Think in terms of the original sound and what results you want to achieve, then
draw the envelope contour accordingly.
Release times in the Comp FET-76 can be also very fast, just as they were in the hardware
counterpart. Like Attack times, they are expressed as figures, where 1 is the slowest, and 7
is the fastest.
By default, the Release time is positioned at the middle (4).
18 Arturia - User Manual Comp FET-76 - COMP FET-76 CONTROL PANEL