smart:comp 3

The Compression Matrix is where you shape how smart:comp 3 responds to your audio. Instead of manually dialing in threshold, ratio, attack and release, you simply move a thumb through thsi 2D grid. Every position represents a complete, signal-adapted compressor setup - from snappy and punchy to dynamic or dense. It gives you a visual, intuitive way to pick the compression character you want.

• Inside the Matrix, the Compression Scope is the highlighted green area. This scope shows what is actually possible with your specific audio material.
• If your signal is very dynamic and open, the Scope will be large, giving you lots of meaningful options.
  If it’s already heavily compressed or very controlled, the Scope will be smaller — simply because there’s less room to shape the dynamics further.

When you manually adjust the main parameters manually (threshold, ratio, attack, release), the thumb in the Matrix moves as well. And the other way around - moving the thumb updates the compressor parameters in real time. This keeps everything in sync and helps you clearly understand how your compression settings relate to the perceptual space of the Matrix.

Most of the time, you don’t need to re-learn. Once smart:comp 3 has analyzed your signal, the learned information stays valid. For example, switching profiles does not require re-learning.The learned observation of your signal remains unchanged - the profile simply interprets that information differently.

You only need to re-learn when the audio itself changes noticeably (different performance, different take), or if you feel that smart:comp 3 analyzed a non-representative part of the signal and you want it to “listen” to a better section.

smart:comp 3 no longer suggests just a single “best” compression setting. Instead, it analyzes your signal and learns a space of meaningful compression behaviors, presented in the Compression Matrix. This gives you creative freedom to move between characters like snappy, punchy, dynamic or dense - all based on what’s actually possible with your signal.

On top of that, smart:comp 3 adds Group Mode, customizable Style engines, enhanced Input Riding and a zero-latency mode.

The size of the Compression Scope (green area inside the Compression Matrix) depends entirely on the signal you feed into the learning process.

• Small Scope: The signal is already very controlled or compressed. There’s only limited room to meaningfully change its dynamics, so the learned “feasible area” stays small.
• Large Scope: The signal still has lots of natural movement and headroom. The compressor can shape it in many different ways, so the Scope expands.

This variation is expected and simply reflects how flexible your material actually is.