Dynamics

Compressor vs limiter

Compressors reduce overall dynamic range of a source, reduces the output level as input increases. Limiters are compressors whose output level remains constant.

What are the compressor controls?

Attack time- how quickly the processor reduces output gain after the signal goes above the threshold

Release time- how quickly the processor returns to unity gain after the signal falls below the threshold

Hold time- length of time gain reduction is maintained even after the signal drops below the threshold

expander vs noise gate

Expander reduces the gain as input level goes down, make quiet sounds quieter and loud sounds louder. Noise gates eliminate unwanted sounds that may impair overall mix.

Expansion vs gating

Expansion is when the level is below when the processor starts working, at a (input:output) ratio, gating is when the ratio hits (10:1)

What are the expander controls?

Attack time- how quickly the processor returns to unity gain after the signal goes above the threshold

Release time- how quickly the expander reduces the gain after the signal falls below the threshold

Hold time- length of time the expander stays open even after the signal drops below the threshold

unity gain

no change in amplitude (1:1)

compressing ratio

2:1

Limiting ratio

10:1

side chain external output

If the compressor's side chain has an external input, a secondary source can cause the primary one to be compressed

De-Esser

an equalizer is added to the compressor's side chain so that the processor is more responsive to a chosen range of frequencies. Will reduce the frequencies that are in excess S-sounds.

Keying or triggering

Using key input to a gate, a secondary source can be synchronized to a primary source. (ex. make the bassist's performance lock more closely to the drummer)

Ducking

process used for broadcasting to reduce the music level while an announcer is speaking

Stereo Compression

one each for the left and right channels. Both channels need to turn down at the same time and by the same amount to preserve the stereo image. To accomplish this, the side chains for the left and right channels can be linked, so that the same signal feeds both left and right detectors.