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Dynamic Processing
their job is to affect the volume level (loudness / softness) of an audio signal.Some types of __________ include: Compressors, Limiters, Gates, Expanders. TERM 2
Compressor
DEFINITION 2 A device that acts as an automatic level controller. It does this by reducing the DYNAMIC RANGE of a signal. TERM 3
Compression
DEFINITION 3 __________ is most commonly used to keep the loudest portion of a program within a tolerable level difference from the softest portion of a program.Once an input signal exceeds a certain THRESHOLD , _____ is added to the signal.Signals BELOW the threshold are not affected. TERM 4
Compressor Parameters: Threshold
DEFINITION 4 The level at which the device (in this case, the compessor) "kicks in" or is "triggered" TERM 5
Compressor Parameters: Ratio
DEFINITION 5 Indicates how many decibels of level reduction will be introduced once a signal level hits the threshold level. the change in output level for a given input level change.
Compression Ratio Example 1
A compression ratio of 3:1 means that for ever 3 dB above the threshold an input signal goes, the output will only be 1 dB above the threshold.Using the same 3:1 ratio, when the input signal is + dB above the threshold, the output signal will be +3 dB above the threshold.3 dB (yields + 1 dB) +3 dB (yields another+1 dB) + 3 dB (yields another +1 dB) = +3 db TOTAL above the threshold. TERM 7
Squashing
DEFINITION 7 ______ a mix occurs when you're applying a very high compression ratio - like 10:1, since the compessor begins to act as a limiter.By doing this, you are limiting the dynamic range an additional 9 dB - since you're only letting it climb 1 dB in level even though you've pushed the input signal 10 dB hotter. TERM 8
Compressor Parameters: Attack
DEFINITION 8 The amount of time between when the signal crosses the threshold and when the compression kicks in.A proper ___ time setting will allow transients while still compressing the rest of the signal. TERM 9
Compression Parameters: Release
DEFINITION 9 The amount of time between when the signal drops below the threshold and when the unit stops applying compression. TERM 10
Attack &
Release
DEFINITION 10 usually measured in milliseconds (ms) with each ms representing the time interval to achieve a specific gain reduction or release.These durations can be either user modified to fit a specific type of signal or they are "automatic" as determined by the unit.
Multi-band Compression
Since various frequency ranges respond differently to different compressor settings _____compression can be useful.These types of comressors break the frequency spectrum into a number of different areas and apply compression to those areas independently.Orignally, only seen in mastering studios; now they're common in nearly ever DAW and in use at all radio stations. TERM 17
Limiters
DEFINITION 17 in the most basic sense _____ is compression with a very high ratio such as 10:1 or more and using a quick attack time.Results in a greatly reduced output level relative to the amount of input level.Can raise the overall signal level by reducing peaks - thus keeping the signal away from distortion (since peaks are reduced) even though all other signal levels are increased._______ are more aggressive towards peaks than "regular" compression. TERM 18
Brick Wall
Limiting
DEFINITION 18 more common in the digital realm.Does not let the signal exceed the threshold.Thresholds can range from 20:1 to infinity to one.Usually applied as a "safety net" in order to catch any signals that "slip" over a specified maximum output signal level - such as in broadcast applications.If used as a primary limiter, the sound can be pretty harsh and distorted sounding. TERM 19
Pumping
DEFINITION 19 the term "______" when referring to a compressor means that the compressor's attack and release times are set to be so fast that they react very quickly to transients.Once the transient happens, the compressor kicks in, reducing the output level. Once the transient passes, the level returns to normal. Making it sound like a very quick fader dip and return. TERM 20
Expander
DEFINITION 20 The job of a compressor or limiter is to reduce the dynamic range.the job of an _____ is to ____ (or extend) the dynamic range.There are two types of ______: upward and downward.
Upward Expansion
increase the amplitude when the signal exceeds the threshold in an attempt to raise the level of the signal (without distorting).Very difficult to control - a rather unique approach to increasing a dynamic range. TERM 22
downward expansion
DEFINITION 22 This is the "normal" _____ approach.Decreases the amplitude of a signal when its level falls below a threshold in an attempt to lower the level of the noise.Imagine headphone bleed on a vocal take - an _____ would further lower the level on the headphone bleed. TERM 23
downward expansion: Noise
Gate
DEFINITION 23 A ____ is an expander set so that (usually) signals below a certain threshold can not be heard.Essentially, an expander with more aggressive settings.A ____ is to an expander as a limiter is to a compressor.If using a high ratio (10:1 or higher), it is considered _____ TERM 24
Side-Chain (Key Input)
DEFINITION 24 A _______ is an additional input sometimes called a "key", that lets an external input control the amount of dynamics (ex. Comression or gating) applied to the signal that's routed through the processor. TERM 25
Side-Chain example: compressor (ducking)
DEFINITION 25 Think of a sports broadcast where the announcer stops commenting. The sound of the game increases. Once the announcer responds to a play, the game sound reduces while the announcer's level is at approximately the same level as the game sound prior to speaking.In this example, the announcer's voice triggers the game sound to lower - or "_____". Once the announcer is done speaking, the game sound raises back to it's original level using a determined "release" time.
Cutoff Frequency
also known as 3dB DownpointThe frequency where the OUTPUT LEVEL of the filter is ATTENUATED or BOOSTED 3dB compared to the input level (the pass band).Also defined as the point where the Stop Band and the Pass Band meet. (Note: This will also come in handy when learning about crossfades). TERM 32
Bandpass Filter
DEFINITION 32 also known as Peak or Bell.Attenuates the frequencies ABOVER and BELOW a band of frequencies - allowing only that band of frequencies to pass through unaffected. TERM 33
Band Reject Filter
DEFINITION 33 ATTENUATES a BAND of frequencies - allowing frequencies that are lower and higher than the band to pass through unaffected. TERM 34
Notch Filter
DEFINITION 34 a ______ is the same as a Band Reject filter but deals with a very NARROW BAND of frequencies.BAND REJECT and _____ are used INTERCHANGEABLY. TERM 35
Low Pass / High Cut Filter
DEFINITION 35 A filter that ATTENUATES the frequencies ABOVE a cutoff frequency and passes those BELOW through UNAFFECTED.
High Pass / Low Cut Filter
a filter that ATTENUATES the frequencies BELOW a cutoff frequency and passes those ABOVE through UNAFFECTED. TERM 37
dB per octave
DEFINITION 37 A measurement specifying the decibel reduction or gain that takesp lace over the course of one octave. Always based on a multiple of 6 dB relative to the octave. TERM 38
Pole
DEFINITION 38 A circuit that contains one resistor and one capacitor. TERM 39
How Poles work
DEFINITION 39 A one-pole circuit functions as a low pass or high pass filter with 6 dB of attenuation per octave. Each additional pole adds 6 dB per octave (2 pole is 12 dB / Octave, 3 pole is 18 dB / octave etc.) TERM 40
Order
DEFINITION 40 A reference that corresponds to the number of poles in a filter, referencing 6 dB/ octave. For example, a first ___ filter attenuates at 6 dB/ Octave (like a single pole filter), a second ___ filter attenuates at 12 dB / Octave (like a two pole filter), a fith ____ pole attenuates at 30 dB / Octave (like a 5 pole filter).
Measuring Q (case, pg. 107)
Width of Q (cutoff freq. to cutoff freq.)the reciprocal of the number of octaves that you want to target.A Q of 1, is 1/ octaves wideA Q of 2, is 1/2 octaves wideA Q of 3, is 1/ octaves wideA Q of 0.25 is 1/0.25 (or 4) octaves wide. TERM 47
Fixed Equalizers
DEFINITION 47 as the name implies, parameters are "locked"A console may have 3 ____ Eqs labeled as "Hi", "Mid", and "Low" with no variation of frequency available.The only variable parameter is GAIN.Usually found on inexpensive consoles. TERM 48
Semi-Parametric
DEFINITION 48 Also referred to as "Sweepable-Mid" EQs.Allow for limited frequency band selection. Has a fixed QUpper and lower EQs are fixedIn a 3 band EQ, the lows and hi frequencies would have adjustable gain (but not adjustable frequency or slope). The mid knob gain adjustment and a sweepable frequency. TERM 49
Parametric (Peak) Equalizer
DEFINITION 49 ____EQs allow you to raise or lower frequencies located around a center frequency.Fully_____ EQ usually has 3 controls:-Gain (to adjust level)-Q (the bandwidth of the affected area)-Hz (the center frequency). TERM 50
Parametric
DEFINITION 50 All three parameters (Hz, Gain, Q) are adjustable on all potential bands (multiband - 3,4,5 + different bands available).also include Hi/Low Pass filters with Hz, gain, and slope (dB/Octave) adjustments. Most flexible and most common on high-end consoles.Developed by George Massenburg in 1972.
Low Shelf Filter / EQ
a f ilter that can BOOST or ATTENUATE the frequencies BELOW a cutoff frequency and pass those ABOVE trhough unaffected.The response of the filter looks like a shelf since the affected frequencies are boosted or attenuated the same amount. TERM 52
High Shelf Filter / EQ
DEFINITION 52 A filter that can BOOST or ATTENUATE the frequencies ABOVE a cutoff frequency and pass those BELOW through unaffected.Does for high frequencies what the Low Shelf filter does for low frequencies. TERM 53
turnover frequency
DEFINITION 53 The 3dB up or down point (similar to that of a Cutoff Frequency) of a shelving filter / EQ.If your shelf is set for 12 dB of gain at 6 kHz, the _____ would output only 9 dB of gain at 6 kHz. TERM 54
Graphic EQ
DEFINITION 54 An EQ that has a bank of sliders to boost or cut a certain frequency with aset Q.A 4-band ____ EQ will have 4 different bands available for adjusting such as 20 Hz, 200 Hz, 2k Hz and 20 kHz.A 31-band____ EQ will have 31 different bands available for adjusting.A 31- band is also called a 1/3 octave EQ because the center frequency of the sliders are located at a 1/3 octave apart.
