Dynamic Processing Flashcards
Compression
Reduce the dynamic range of music
Threshold
The volume above which a dynamic processor begins to work
Ratio
How much the dynamic processor will reduce the signal by once the signal is above the threshold
What is the ratio of ?
Input Volume : Output Volume
Make-up Gain
Compensates for the reduction in volume that occurs as part of the compression process. Increases the overall volume after compression.
Knee
The characteristic bend in the response curve when the signal crosses the threshold
Soft Knee
It gradually applies the ratio
Hard Knee
Applies the ratio instantly once the signal is above the threshold
Attack
How quickly compression is applied once the signal is above the threshold
Release
How long it takes for the compressor to stop compressing once the signal has fallen below the threshold value
Effects of Fast Attack
Reduces the level of initial transient and brings up the sustain level relative to attack.
Effects of Slow Attack
Reduces sustain level
Pumping
When the compressor is overused
Sidechain Compression
Where a compressor is triggered by the volume level of one track, but the compression is applied to another.
De-essing
Reduction of harsh sounds such as “sss” or “t”
Limiting
Compressors with extreme settings. They have a ratio set as close to infinity:1 (usually 20:1)
What are limiters used for ?
To prevent signals from increasing beyond a certain level to avoid damaging equipment or increasing beyond an acceptable limit.
Expanders
They reduce the level of signals that fall below a set threshold
What do expanders do ?
Expands the dynamic range instead of reducing it.
Noise Gates
They are extreme expanders, they have a ratio as close to infinity:1
What do noise gates do ?
They reduce any signal that passes below the threshold to silence
Hold
The amount of time the gate stays open for after the signal drops below the threshold level
