Dynamics Operation

Dynamics processors alter the dynamic range of an audio signal, which, for sound reinforcement, is typically a mic input or program material. Dynamic range is the difference between the loudest and the quietest portions of the signal (above the noise floor of a system), expressed in dB. Dynamic range can either be increased using an expander or reduced using a compressor.

See the About Dynamics section for more information.

Inserting Dynamics Processors

To insert a dynamics processor into the DSP signal chain:

  1. Open the processor menu using one of the following methods:

  2. Double-click the DYN (dynamics) block in the DSP Configurator workspace.

  3. Right-click the DYN block to open the context menu and select Insert.

  4. Click the DYN block to select it (or use the arrow keys to navigate to the FILT block) and press the <Enter> key on your keyboard.

  1. From the drop-down processor menu, select the desired dynamics processor type. The DYN block name changes to reflect the name of the selected processor type. The DYN block color changes to a shade of purple.

Setting Parameters

In Dynamics Processing dialog boxes, certain parameters can be adjusted by clicking and dragging parameter handles within the graph. Attack time, release time, and hold time can be set using horizontal sliders. Each parameter can be adjusted by manually entering a value in the field associated with it, then pressing <Enter> or moving to another location by pressing the <Tab> key or clicking the mouse.

To set a parameter within the graph:

  1. Click and hold the parameter handle.

  2. Drag the handle to the desired value.

To set the Attack Time, Hold Time, or Release Time parameter using a slider:

  1. Click and hold the slider handle for the desired parameter.

  2. Drag the handle left or right to the desired value.

You can also adjust one of these parameters by clicking the slider and using the <Left Arrow> and <Right Arrow> keys to adjust the parameters.

To manually set a value:

  1. Click within (or press the <Tab> key to advance to) the field associated with the parameter to be adjusted.

  2. Press the <Delete> or <Backspace> key to erase a value that is to be replaced. Alternatively, you can highlight the value to be replaced.

  3. Enter the new value in the field.

  4. Press <Enter> or move to another location (by pressing <Tab> or clicking the mouse) to accept the new value.

  5. Click OK to save the changes.

Parameters for Dynamics Processor Types

AGC

  • Threshold - The level above which gain control engages (subject to attack time), below which gain control disengages (subject to release time)

  • Gain - The maximum amount of gain that is 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 begins to scale the signal in a linear fashion toward the target level to achieve smoother results

  • Attack Time - The time constant that 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 becomes a factor

  • Release Time - The time constant that 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 engages (subject to attack time), below which compression disengages (subject to release time)

  • Attack Time - The time constant that controls the time required for processing to engage after the signal meets or exceeds the threshold level

  • Release Time - The time constant that 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.

  • 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 becomes a factor

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

Limiter

  • Threshold - The level above which limiting engages (subject to attack time), below which limiting disengages (subject to release time)

  • Attack Time - The time constant that controls the time required for processing to engage after the signal meets or exceeds the threshold level

  • Release Time - The time constant that 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.

  • Hold Time - The time that processing continues after the threshold is no longer met and before release time becomes a factor

  • 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 engages (subject to attack time), above which gating disengages (subject to release time).

  •  Attack Time - The time constant that controls the time required for processing to engage after the signal meets or exceeds the threshold level

  • Release Time - The time constant that 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.

  • Hold Time - The time that processing continues after the threshold is no longer met and before release time becomes a factor

  • Maximum Attenuation - The maximum attenuation that can occur after the signal drops below the threshold