BAE Audio 10DC, Instruction Manual

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BAE 10DCF ©2017
5
BAE AUDIO – 10DCF
LIMITER
THRESHOLD:
This sets the audio level at where the signal begins its compression. It covers a range from +4dBu to +15dBu
in 1dB steps. Limiter functions are considered with more care and refinement as the recording device would
be more sensitive to maximum levels, especially with digital media where there is not much give going into the
red with metering. Therefore, knowing where your recording or broadcasting device actually clips is a good
information to know and explore during the setting of the threshold. It may be as simple as looking at the digital
dBFS meter on your screen and making sure it does not pass digital “0”. Remember that analog and digital level
metering is different - maximum level handling capabilities, or headroom, can range from +12dBu to +23dBu for
digital audio recorders, with the maximum level designated as a “0” and all levels below it as negative integers.
ATTACK:
The attack time for the Limiter is fixed at 2mS. Limiting attack time must be fast because it is necessary for
preventing audio levels from exceeding the limit threshold that is set and endangering a recording from level
overload.
RECOVERY:
Similar to that of the compression side, this control sets how fast the limiter circuit returns the input signal to its
original level. Also like the compressor, it has six settings - the first four are the static settings from 100mS to
800mS, and the last two are automatic settings, A1 and A2 respectively. The static functions follows the envelope
of the program material in a fixed time release during compression. The automatic functions derive both the
attack and recovery times from the input signal’s change where composite control is needed. As program material
enters the circuit, it responds with a rapid recovery to isolated peaks and a slower recovery after prolonged high
levels. See specifications above for recovery times.
GAIN MAKE-UP
This sets the output gain of both the compressor and limiter. It can be adjusted from no gain, signified by the 0,
to +20dB in 1dB steps. Use the gain make-up to compensate for the signal level loss due to compression and to
adjust the nominal output level. Note that it works for both the compression and limit side of the circuit, though
on the limiter side, levels will never exceed passed the limit threshold level. However pointless this may seem, it
is done deliberately to give the user the option of over-limiting the limiter side chain which may produce it’s own
artifacts in addition to those of the class A circuit.