Filter
Top Products
Control
Smart release
Scan mode
Auto gain compensate
Description
The Smart Release slider allows you to configure the compressor to automatically increase the
release time for sustained notes and decrease the release time for sharp transients. Setting this
value higher increases the internal variability of the specified Release value.
Generally, louder overall audio levels can be achieved with lower Release values. However, low
Release values can also lead to an increase in “pumping” artifacts. Configuring a Smart Release
value increases the release time during sustained sounds, thereby preventing release changes
from occurring too rapidly.
The Scan mode radio buttons allow you to specify whether Peak or RMS mode is used to
determine the loudness of an audio file, which in turn determines the amount of compression
that is applied.
When compressing in Peak mode, the compressor applies compression where it detects audio
signal peaks that surpass the threshold.
However, when compressing using RMS mode, the compressor processes the audio using the
detected average RMS value of the entire file. The Root Mean Square (RMS) of audio is a
measure of its intensity over a period of time. Therefore, the RMS level of audio corresponds to
the loudness perceived by a listener when measured over small intervals of time. As a result,
rapid transient peaks may not be processed when compressing in RMS mode.
When you select the Auto gain compensate check box, the compressor output is boosted by a
constant amount derived from the Threshold and Ratio settings. This option prevents a loss in
overall level when compressing audio.
Tip:
When using the Auto gain compensate option, the Output gain fader should be used
to fine tune the signal output level.
Use longer look-ahead
Smooth saturation
Input/Output meter
Attenuation meter
When you select the Use longer look-ahead check box, the compressor scans farther ahead in
the incoming audio to determine how much compression is needed. This results in
compression being applied before the threshold-surpassing audio actually occurs, thereby
allowing for a slower Attack time value. However, the pre-compression effect (fades that occur
prior to attacks) of this option may be distracting.
Selecting the Smooth saturation check box lowers the amount of distortion caused when
applying heavy compression. When this option is turned on, the compressed audio sounds
warmer and not overly bright.
This meter allows you to monitor the level of the incoming and outgoing signals. When the
Input button is displayed, the meters display the incoming signal level. Clicking Input toggles
the button to an Output button and displays the outgoing signal level. Clicking Output returns
you to the incoming signal display.
This meter allows you to monitor the audio signal attenuation derived from the current
settings.
228 | CHAPTER 13