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Dynamics Processor
A dynamics processor alters the dynamic range, the difference between the loudest to the
quietest portions of an audio signal. Each input channel offers one dynamics processor
block that, when inserted, provides a compressor.
To insert a processor into an empty block, select from the processor menu (see the Insert
Compressor option in the “Processor Blocks” section). The menu appears when the
block is double-clicked, or is accessed from a context menu that appears when the block is
right-clicked (see the diagram below).
Once the processor has been inserted, individual processor parameters can be changed in
the dialog box, which is accessed by double-clicking the processor block.
All parameters are displayed in a text box and have a resolution of 0.1 increments.
Parameters can be set by direct entry in the text box to replace existing text, then pressing
<Enter> or tabbing/clicking to another area. Threshold, gain/attenuation, target, and ratio
parameters have adjustment points on the graph display. Use the mouse to click and drag
the graph point to the desired destination/value. All time values have a horizontal slider
allowing adjustment in 1 ms increments by either a click and drag of the slider handle, or
focusing on the slider, then using <left arrow> and <right arrow> keys (<Page up> and
<Page down> keys adjust in increments of 10 ms).
Compressor
The compressor regulates signal level by reducing the dynamic range of the input signal
above a specified threshold. The input level to output level ratio determines the reduction
in the dynamic range beyond the threshold setting. For example, in the diagram below,
with a ratio setting of 2:1, for every 2 dB of input above the threshold, the compressor
outputs 1 dB.
Compression is commonly used to contain mic levels within an acceptable range for
maximum vocal clarity. A compressor can also make softer sounds louder in one of two
ways. The dynamic range can be reduced by compressing the signal above the threshold
while raising the post-compressor gain/trim (referred to as "make-up gain"). Alternately,
the input signal can be increased while the compression ratio above the threshold is
increased correspondingly to prevent clipping. Both techniques have the effect of making
louder portions of a signal softer while at the same time increasing softer signals to raise
them further above the noise floor.
DMP 44 LC • Operation 27