ETR II FINAL Flashcards
Channel Path
- Mic preamp output
- EQ
- Small Fader Input
- Direct Channel Output
- Multitrack Input
Monitor Path
- Multi-track output
- Input of Large fader
- Mix bus
- Master fader
- Monitor select
Insert Send + Insert Return
There is a separate insert send+return for the Small and Large faders.
Multi-track Output
This is a direct patch point for the output of a track from Pro Tools. This is the “O” in the I/O setting for each track in Pro Tools.
Multi-track Input
This is the direct patch point for the input to Pro Tools. This is the “I” in the I/O setting for each track in Pro Tools.
Aux Send Outputs
“Sends” the signal to an outboard Effects Device- e.g- a Digital Reverb device or a Digital Delay Device.
Stereo Return Inputs
These patch points are where you would patch the output of an effects device to have the reverbs output “returned” to the Mix Bus as a Parallel Effect
***You must also make sure the small STA button is engaged on each stereo that is being used to have that return in the Mix Bus.
Line Input
This is the patch point for line level signals directly to the input to one of the large monitor faders on the console.
Stereo Output L- STA –R
Output of the mix bus.
Five parameters of compression
Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Makeup Gain
6 Track 1 MNTR In L+R
Patch point to monitor external sources of audio that are not going to the Mix Bus but only to the monitors.
Threshold
Sets the amplitude above which compression is to occur and below which compression is to stop.
- As long as signal remains below this level, it will not be compressed.
- When signal exceeds threshold, the compressor attenuates the signal.
Ratio
Amount of compression - compares the amount of input signal above the threshold to the amount of attenuated output above the threshold.
- 4:1 ratio describes a situation where the input level above the threshold is to be four times higher than the output above threshold (4 dB above in becomes 1 dB out).
- Only applies to portion of signal above the threshold.
- Ratio below 10:1 indicates compression.
- Ratio above 10:1 indicates limiting.
Attack
The speed with which the signal is attenuated (how quickly the compressor fully kicks in after the threshold has been exceeded.
Release
Sets the speed of the signal as it moves towards unity gain.
Makeup Gain
Turning the signal back up by a fixed amount.
Sidechain
A gain change device that can significantly change the sound of compression.
Tube compressors
- Level detector circuit sends a voltage to the tube that directly drives the gain of the tube.
- Produces distortion
- Includes the reaction time of the tube as the gain is changed.
- slower
Optical Compressors
- Use interaction between a light source and a light sensitive resistor to influence gain.
- Essentially illuminates a light which then shines on a photovoltaic cell - amplitude of the signal through the compressor is driven by the resistance of the photocell in reaction to the amount of light shining upon it.
- The time it takes the bulb to turn on and off is synonymous with the attack and release of the compression.
- Slower
VCA Compressors
- Leverages a voltage controlled amplifier to affect gain of the compressor.
- Fastest and smoothest.
Pumping
Generally unwanted audible artifact of compressor release revealed by the slow or unchanging amplitude of the audio signal being compressed.
Expander
Signals that fall below a designated threshold are reduced by a specified ratio.
Gate
When the input signal falls below the threshold, the gate closes and passes no signal.
Upward expander (rare)
Increases the amplitude when the signal exceeds the threshold in an attempt to raise the signal without distortion.
Downward expander
Decrease the amplitude when it falls below the threshold in an attempt to lower the level of the noise.
Threshold (expansion + gating)
determines amplitude below which attenuation is triggered into action
- When amplitude sinks lower than the threshold, however, the expander begins to attenuate the signal