Dynamics Processor

[Craig Maier]

Dynamics Processor


The dynamics processor provides you with the ability to control the dynamic signal content of the audio envelope of a .wav file. Included are Compression and Limiting, downward Expansion/Noise Gating, ALC, and De-Essing.


The Dynamics Processor
The Dynamics Processor provides you with three functions related to the control of the dynamic range of an audio signal. The functions are as follows:

• Expander/Gate

(Wide Attack & Release Time Ranges are provided in version 7 on Forward)

This system is a downward dynamic expander. When the applied signal is below the threshold setting, the dynamic range of the signal is increased depending on the value of the ratio setting. In other words, the incremental attenuation of the .wav file signal is proportional to the ratio setting when it is below the threshold value. The higher that you set the value of this ratio, the greater will be the degree of downward expansion applied to the signal. Signals above the threshold value are passed through the system with no processing applied. When the ratio control is set to its maximum value (control set all the way up), the system will behave like a Noise Gate (several noise gate presets are available in the Presets menu).

Speeches, sermons, lectures and other similar audio situations often produce undesirable echoes or reverberations in large venues. The Diamond Cut Productions Dynamics Processor when used in Expander/Gate mode can de-verb (reduce) this problem. There are five presets that you can chose from if you encounter this audio problem, having the pre-fix of either reverb reduction or echo reduction. These presets are a good starting point to fix this type of audio problem.

When more modest values of the ratio control are used, the system can produce some improvement in the dynamic range and also the average signal-to-noise ratio of a .wav file. The Expander has the following controls available:

1. 1. Expander/Gate Checkbox: On/Off

Checking this box will enable or disable the Expander/Gate function of the Dynamics Processor.

1. 1. Threshold: -70 dB (control down) to 0.00 dB (control up)

This control establishes the signal level below which the Expander performs its process on the .wav file signal.

1. 1. Ratio: 1.00 (control down) to 29.99 (control up)

This control determines the degree of downward expansion applied to the .wav file for signals that are below the threshold value setting. The higher the number chosen, the greater will be the signal expansion effect.

1. 1. Expander bar graph: Horizontal meter indicating from 0 to –40 dB.

This meter indicates the actual value of downward compression in dB, which is being applied to the .wav file signal.

1. 1. Attack: 0.1 mSec to 1000 mSec

This control is used for the Expander/Gate, Compressor, ALC and De-Esser functions of the Dynamics Processor. It determines the time constant associated with the onset (delay) of any of the Dynamic Processor effects.

1. 1. Release: 10 Seconds to 0.01 Seconds

This control is also used for the Expander/Gate, Compressor, ALC and De-Esser functions of the Dynamics Processor. Its setting determines the delay time associated with the decay of the particular process chosen.

• Compressor

This system is an upward compressor and is the only thing active when the Expander/Gate is turned off. When a .wav file signal level is above the threshold setting, the dynamic range of the signal is decreased, the degree of which depends on the value of the ratio setting. In other words, the incremental attenuation of the signal is proportional to the ratio setting when it is above the threshold value. The higher that one sets the ratio value, the greater will be the degree of compression. When this ratio value is set to its maximum, the system will behave like a Limiter. Signals below the threshold value are passed through the system with no processing applied. When the ratio control is set to its maximum value (control set all the way up), the system will produce the largest degree of compression. The Compressor has the following controls available:

1. 1. Threshold: -60 dB (control down) to 0.00 dB (control up)

This control is similar to the threshold control for the expander, but establishes the signal level above which the compressor performs its process on the .wav file signal.

1. 1. Ratio: 1.00 (control down) to 29.99 (control up)

This control determines the degree of compression, which is applied to the .wav file for signals that are above the threshold value setting. The higher the number that is chosen, the greater will be the effect on the signal.

1. 1. Expander bar graph: Horizontal meter indicating

from 0 dB to 40 dB. This meter indicates the actual value of compression in dB that is being applied to the .wav file signal.

1. 1. Attack: 0.1 mSec to 1000 mSec

This control is used for the Expander/Gate, Compressor, ALC and De-Esser functions of the Dynamics Processor. It determines the time constant associated with the onset (delay) of any of the Dynamic Processor effects.

1. 1. Release: 10.0 Seconds to 0.01 Seconds

This control is also used for the Expander/Gate, Compressor, ALC and De-Esser functions of the Dynamics Processor. Its setting determines the delay time associated with the decay of the particular process chosen.

Important Note: The Punch and Crunch Effect provides you with a somewhat different approach to compression and expansion using multiple frequency bands.