Dynamic Processing

Question 1

Compression

Answer 1

Reduce the dynamic range of music

Question 2

Threshold

Answer 2

The volume above which a dynamic processor begins to work

Question 3

Ratio

Answer 3

How much the dynamic processor will reduce the signal by once the signal is above the threshold

Question 4

What is the ratio of ?

Answer 4

Input Volume : Output Volume

Question 5

Make-up Gain

Answer 5

Compensates for the reduction in volume that occurs as part of the compression process. Increases the overall volume after compression.

Question 6

Knee

Answer 6

The characteristic bend in the response curve when the signal crosses the threshold

Question 7

Soft Knee

Answer 7

It gradually applies the ratio

Question 8

Hard Knee

Answer 8

Applies the ratio instantly once the signal is above the threshold

Question 9

Attack

Answer 9

How quickly compression is applied once the signal is above the threshold

Question 10

Release

Answer 10

How long it takes for the compressor to stop compressing once the signal has fallen below the threshold value

Question 11

Effects of Fast Attack

Answer 11

Reduces the level of initial transient and brings up the sustain level relative to attack.

Question 12

Effects of Slow Attack

Answer 12

Reduces sustain level

Question 13

Pumping

Answer 13

When the compressor is overused

Question 14

Sidechain Compression

Answer 14

Where a compressor is triggered by the volume level of one track, but the compression is applied to another.

Question 15

De-essing

Answer 15

Reduction of harsh sounds such as “sss” or “t”

Question 16

Limiting

Answer 16

Compressors with extreme settings. They have a ratio set as close to infinity:1 (usually 20:1)

Question 17

What are limiters used for ?

Answer 17

To prevent signals from increasing beyond a certain level to avoid damaging equipment or increasing beyond an acceptable limit.

Question 18

Expanders

Answer 18

They reduce the level of signals that fall below a set threshold

Question 19

What do expanders do ?

Answer 19

Expands the dynamic range instead of reducing it.

Question 20

Noise Gates

Answer 20

They are extreme expanders, they have a ratio as close to infinity:1

Question 21

What do noise gates do ?

Answer 21

They reduce any signal that passes below the threshold to silence

Question 22

Hold

Answer 22

The amount of time the gate stays open for after the signal drops below the threshold level