SOUNDBOOTH CS3
User Guide
51
Curve Smoothing
Creates curved transitions between control points, sometimes producing a more natural
distortion than the default linear transitions.
Time Smoothing
Determines how quickly distortion reacts to changes in input levels. Level measurements are based
on low-frequency content, creating softer, more musical distortion.
dB Range
Changes the amplitude range of the graphs, limiting distortion to that range.
Linear Scale
Changes the amplitude scales of the graphs from logarithmic decibels to normalized values.
Post-filter DC Offset
Compensates for any sample offset introduced by distortion processing. Such offsets can cause
audible pops and clicks when edited. (For a definition, see “DC offset” on page 80.)
Dynamics
The Dynamics effect can be used as a compressor, limiter, and expander. As a compressor and limiter, this effect
reduces dynamic range, producing consistent volume levels. As an expander, it increases dynamic range by reducing
the level of low-level signals. (With extreme expander settings, you can totally eliminate noise that falls below a
specific amplitude threshold.)
See also
“Applying effects” on page 46
Standard options
Mode
Specifies the source type and desired effect.
Amount
Controls the overall level of expansion, compression, and limiting.
Advanced options
Threshold
Sets the input level at which dynamics processing begins. Note that limiting and compression begin above
their threshold settings, while expansion begins below.
The best Threshold setting varies for each phase of dynamics processing:
•
Limiter
Set the threshold near the maximum amplitude you want to achieve.
•
Compressor
Set the threshold around 5 dB below the peak input level to retain more dynamic range. Or try
settings around 15 dB below the peak input level to greatly reduce dynamic range.
•
Gate/Expander
Set the threshold at the level of background audio you want to remove.
Ratio
Sets a compression or expansion ratio of between 1-to-1 and 30-to-1. For example, a compression setting of
3
outputs 1 dB for every 3-dB increase above the threshold. By contrast, an expansion setting of
3
reduces volume by
3 dB for every 1-dB drop below the threshold.
Typical compression settings are moderate (around 2–5), producing a natural sound. Typical limiting and expansion
settings are more extreme (around 10–30). High limiting ratios ensure that audio produces maximum volume
without distortion. High expansion ratios ensure that undesirable background sounds become inaudible.
Attack
Determines how quickly dynamics processing starts after audio passes the threshold. The defaults (5 milli-
seconds for limiting, 10 milliseconds for compression and expansion) work well for a wide range of source material.
Use faster settings only for audio with quick transients, such as percussion recordings.
Release
Determines how quickly dynamics processing stops when audio passes the threshold. The default, 100
milliseconds, works well for a wide range of audio. Try faster settings for audio with fast transients, and slower
settings for less percussive audio.
