Dynamics Operation

See topic, About Dynamics, for more information.

Inserting Dynamics Processors

To insert a dynamics processor into the DSP signal chain:

1. Use one of the following methods to open the processor menu.

Double-click the DYN (dynamics) block.
Right-click the DYN block to open the context menu, then select Insert.
Click the DYN block to bring focus, or use the arrow key to navigate to the DYN block. Then, press the Enter key.

2. Select a dynamics processor type from the processor menu.

3. The selected processor loads with default parameters. The DYN block name changes to reflect the name of the processor type. DYN block color changes to a shade of purple.

Setting Parameters

In Dynamics processing dialog boxes, certain parameters can be set by dragging parameter handles within the graph. Attack time, Release time, and Hold time can be set using a horizontal slider. All parameters can be set by manually typing a value in the value field, then pressing Enter or using the Tab key or mouse to move to another location.

To set a parameter within the graph, click + hold the parameter handle and drag to the desired value.
To set a parameter with a slider, click + hold the slider handle and drag left or right to the desired value. Or, select the slider, then use right/left arrow keys to adjust.
To manually set a value, click within (or use the Tab to advance to) the value field. Use the Delete or Backspace key to erase a value to be replaced, or highlight the value(s) to be replaced. Type a new value, then press Enter, or key or mouse to another location to accept the new value.

Parameters for Dynamics Processor Types

AGC

Threshold - the level above which gain control will engage (subject to attack time), below which gain control will disengage (subject to release time).

Gain - the maximum amount of gain that will be applied to a signal, after the Threshold is met, in order to reach or approach the Target value.

Target - the desired average output level, after the signal exceeds the threshold.

Window - the range above and below the Target level, from which gain control will begin to scale the signal in a linear fashion toward the Target level, for the purpose of achieving smoother results.

Attack Time - this time constant controls the time required for processing to engage after the signal meets or exceeds the Threshold level.

Hold Time - the time that processing continues after the threshold is no longer met, and before release time comes into play.

Release Time - this time constant controls the time required for the processor output to return a signal to a normal (unprocessed) level after the signal no longer exceeds the Threshold level setting.

Compressor

Threshold - the level above which compression will engage (subject to attack time), below which compression will disengage (subject to release time).

Attack Time - this time constant controls the time required for processing to engage after the signal meets or exceeds the Threshold level.

Ratio - the ratio of input level to output level after dynamics processing has engaged.

Hold Time - the time that processing continues after the threshold is no longer met, and before release time comes into play.

Soft Knee - apply Soft Knee to smooth and soften the transition from uncompressed to compressed output levels.

Limiter

Threshold - the level above which limiting will engage (subject to attack time), below which limiting will disengage (subject to release time).

Attack Time - this time constant controls the time required for processing to engage after the signal meets or exceeds the Threshold level.

Hold Time - the time that processing continues after the threshold is no longer met, and before release time comes into play.

Soft Knee - apply Soft Knee to smooth and soften the transition from uncompressed to compressed output levels.

Noise Gate

Threshold - the level below which gating will engage (subject to attack time), above which gating will disengage (subject to release time).

Attack Time - this time constant controls the time required for processing to engage after the signal meets or exceeds the Threshold level.

Ratio - the ratio of input level to output level after dynamics processing has engaged.

Hold Time - the time that processing continues after the threshold is no longer met, and before release time comes into play.

Max Attenuation - the maximum attenuation that can occur, after the signal drops below the threshold.