Dynamics

The VS-2480 offers a number of very powerful dynamics processors.

Compression

Use the Compressor, shown in Figure 14.4, to help tame the peaks of a signal. A compressor reduces the output signal automatically whenever the input signal exceeds a certain level. This allows you to hear more of the "meat" of the signal. The Threshold setting determines at what level the Compressor kicks in. Levels below the threshold are not affected. The Ratio setting controls how much compression is applied once the signal level exceeds the threshold. The Attack and Release settings control the speeds of change of the compression effect.

Figure 14.4. The Compressor controls

Expander

Use the Expander effect, shown in Figure 14.5, to reduce the level of background noise in your signal. From gentle background reduction to extreme gating, expansion can clean up your mix in an automatic way. The Threshold setting determines at what level the Expander kicks in. Levels above the Threshold are not affected. The Ratio setting controls how much attenuation occurs when the level is below the threshold. The Attack and Release settings control the speeds of change of the Expander effect.

Figure 14.5. The Expander controls

Combined Compressor and Expander

Figure 14.6 shows the Compressor and Expander combined. Combine the two sections to treat particularly unruly signals, such as a loud guitar amp with a lot of "buzzing" noise when the performer is not playing and a lot of peaks in the signal when he is playing.

Figure 14.6. The combined controls

Limitations of Dynamics Processors

While the VS-2480 is powerful, its power is limited. One such limitation applies to the Dynamics processors: If any track uses combined Compression and Expansion, no input channel may use ANY dynamics processing at all. The reverse is also true.

One other limitation is that the dynamics settings are not included in the list of things that may be Automixed.

Dynamics Key Source

The process of reacting to a signal is referred to as keying off of that signal. Hence the designation of the Key In signal track. Normally, the dynamics react to changes in the signal that they are processing. Sometimes, it is useful to have the dynamics react to a different signal than the one they are processing. The Key In data area lets you choose any of the 24 Track Mixer channels as a key source.

Dynamics Metering

The VU meters within the Dynamics processor are good indicators of your signal's current level. The GR (Gain Reduction) meters show how much the Dynamics processor is changing your signal.