The dual-band compressor operates on the monitor mix and ambient microphone channels independently. This allows different compression schemes to be applied to each channel, or even each ear.

The compressor crossover frequency is user adjustable and all standard controls for lower threshold, compression ratio, expansion ratio, expansion threshold, attack time and release time are present.

For instance, when properly adjusted, the ambient channel threshold can be set low enough so that, between songs, a natural audience sound is heard and band communication is possible. During performance, when the ambient level rises above threshold, compression can keep the ambient signal from increasing to undesired levels. The performer won’t even need to reach for their ambient volume knob.