Density mkIII - manual addendum for the mkIII version

The mkIII version of this compressor introduces quite a lot and deep optimizations of the compressor engine especially but not limited for its use in audio mastering situations. The transient response is spot on now over the entire spectrum and it creates sonic depth and dimension: It renders audio like a three-dimensional image. This feature is very much supported by stateful saturation, which is also included now and appears on the stage as a brand new developed “VCA color” model and can be dialed in to taste.

With Density mkIII not only transients are managed in a musical and mastering grade fashion – it also renders a three-dimensional audio image, which truly supports perceived depth and dimension. And if stereo width is what you're up to then dial in the M/S mode with just a single switch and start tweaking both channels individually.

Major changes from mkII to mkIII version, at a glance:

- the handling of inter modulation distortion (IMD) has been improved and there is no HF exaggeration caused by this anymore
- the transient response of the compressor is now more focused and consistent over the entire spectrum reducing coloration artifacts
- instead, a VCA color model has been implemented which can be dialed in as needed, providing a strong 2nd and 3rd order harmonic as well as frequency and load dependent higher order harmonic distortion artifacts
- the SC filter option was optimized to better decouple the subsonic frequencies below 90Hz
- the TIMING presets had been changed and features faster and more modern release time settings (see below)
- P5 and P6 are introducing true program dependent release time behaviour now
- a timing readout is displayed now for about 5 seconds when the according parameters are changing
- the COMP mode has been slightly changed and features a curve with soft-knee characteristics
- the parameter naming (as seen in host automation) is revised and the parameters are sorted now
- the RELAX option has been adjusted and also allows to speed up the attack times
- the linking algorithm has been revised

About the new COLOR mode:

In left-most position, COLOR is off. By turning the little screw clockwise, strong 2nd and 3rd order harmonics are dialed in as well as frequency and load dependent higher order harmonics. This also colors the sound and if its too much then just back it off until it fits.

Time settings in LIM mode (in COMP mode the attack time is 10 times slower):

PRG	ATT	REL
1	0.2	150
2	0.2	300
3	0.4	600
4	0.8	1200
5	0.2	program dependent fast
6	0.4	program dependent slow

(all timings are specified in milliseconds)