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6. SPECIAL APPLICATIONS
6.1 Using The AUTOCOM PRO For Recording And Cassette Duplication
In the recording and duplication field the goal should always be to achieve an optimum recording level onto the
recording media. Too low or too high recording levels lead to side effects such as noise, distortion etc. In
mastering and multitrack recording, as well as in duplication, one should always take care to utilize the full
dynamic range of the tape recorder, DAT recorder etc. Principally, it is possible to control the recording level by
riding faders, which means with low level signals, the gain is increased, whereas the amplitude of high level
signal is reduced. It is obvious that this method is insufficient because, especially in live recordings, the
expected signal levels cannot be anticipated correctly. Especially with multitrack recordings, which are run
under hectic circumstances, the signal level of all channels cannot be monitored and controlled at the same
time. Generally, with manual control, it is not possible to achieve satisfying recording results.
An automatic gain control system achieves better and more constant results. Use the AUTOCOM PRO by
starting with the initial settings, and use its dynamic control functions in order to be able to drive an analog, as
well as a digital recording, up to the limit of its maximum dynamic range while remaining noise- and distortion-
free.
6.1.1 The AUTOCOM PRO In Digital Recording And Sampling
In an analog recording, too low recording levels lead to an increased noise level, whereas too high levels will
cause a compressed and squashed sound. In extreme cases, it will cause distortion due to tape saturation.
In contrast to analog, side effects in the digital field always become extremely audible: with decreasing level,
a tape previously recorded with insufficient level loses resolution: the recording sounds hard and loses at-
mosphere. With excessive level, the recording sounds harsh and heavily distorted. In order to avoid these
effects, the AUTOCOM PRO as a limiter should be placed before for example a sampler. As a result of this
process, a digital recording or a sampling event can be optimally set in level without any problem.
6.1.2 The AUTOCOM PRO In Mastering
The mastering process is one of the most critical processing steps in recording. In this production step, it is
the goal to achieve a maximum level copy of the recording, without any noise or distortion. In many applica-
tions it is further required to produce a high average volume. In the field of commercial media for example, this
is apparent especially with records and cassettes which are processed with high average volumes. Quite often
in these cases, dynamics suffer drastically, because the program material has been compressed and limited
too heavily. Using the Compressor section of the AUTOCOM PRO as a limiter allows you to drastically
increase the overall volume, without audibly affecting the dynamics.
Proceed as follows:
Limit the dynamics of the program material by 6 dB using the AUTOCOM PRO as a Peak Limiter (Ratio
1:oo). By softly clipping just the transients, the real audio signal will not be limited, resulting in a higher
headroom. The overall gain can now be increased by 6 dB, which leads to a higher volume. More than 6 dB
should not be limited, otherwise side effects could become audible.
This effect is particularly noticeable with DAT recorders, whose level indicators achieve a response time of less
than 1 ms. Set the DAT recorder at unity and now reduce the LEVEL control of the peak limiter until a gain
reduction of 6 dB is indicated. The cut signal peaks cause a reduced recording level of about 6 dB, which is
visible on the level indicators of the DAT recorder. Now increase the recording level of the recorder back to
unity. The result is a clearly louder recording without any loss of sound.
6.2 The AUTOCOM PRO As A Protective Device
Sound system distortion is usually a result of amplifiers and loudspeakers being driven beyond their limitations
by signals clipping. The signal limitations that occur lead to unpleasant distortion that is dangerous to the
speakers.
A speaker diaphragm is required to accelerate, slow down, smoothly change direction and accelerate again in
normal operation. Distorted operation (clipping) leads to instant acceleration, instant stop, change of direction
6.SPECIAL APPLICATIONS