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3.3.3 The "dull" sound of compressors
Compressors are often blamed for muffling the sound when the dynamic range control begins to take effect.
We would like to explore this issue in greater detail. Bass frequencies generally contain the greatest share of
physical energy in a piece of music and are thus responsible for causing the compressor to reduce the
overall dynamic range. The levels of the high frequency material are also reduced accordingly. This is
explains why cymbals and the hi-hat are swallowed acoustically by powerful snare or bass drum pulses in
highly compressed drum recordings. Echo and environmental reverb signal shares are also severely af-
fected.
The usual solution for this fundamental problem is generally to either reduce the compression rate or to
lengthen the attack time to the point that high frequencies pass through the compressor unhindered before
the compression becomes fully effective.
The ULTRA-DYNE PRO offers a far more elegant solution to the problem. Splitting the frequency spectrum
into six completely user-definable bands ensures that the bass band does not affect the degree of compres-
sion of the other bands. This permits an increase in the density and loudness of the music without the
disadvantages described above.
What's more, the integrated Exciter and Tube Simulation functions of the ULTRA-DYNE PRO are outstanding
ways to add polish to the processed signal.
3.4 The VIRTUOSO function
With its multiband principle, the ULTRA-DYNE PRO offers a wealth of parameters which can have a great
effect on the function of the six Compressors. The compression always sets in at the correct moment due to
its ability to analyze the program material in advance. However, other parameters are also decisive as to
whether the compression is pleasant and effective or conspicuous. The Ratio parameter in the Compressor
section can be used to set the gain Ratio of the input to the output signal. This permits you to follow your own
objectives with the degree of signal attenuation. Establishing the Threshold parameters for all six bands is
considerably more difficult and is strongly dependent upon the program material.
With its VIRTUOSO function, the ULTRA-DYNE PRO lets you analyze the program material over a period of
time and set the Threshold parameters for all six bands automatically. Simply let the VIRTUOSO function
analyze the passage of program material which is decisive for the Compressor in order to determine the
Thresholds. Monitoring a short section with VIRTUOSO is sufficient if the material does not contain any
pronounced differences in its dynamic range. The selection of the passage and the duration of the analysis is
entirely up to you.
You can select from four different gain reduction levels when activating the VIRTUOSO function. These four
choices provide an adequate selection for most types of music:
LIGHT
The LIGHT option provides a very gentle and subtle compression. This setting is recommended for program
material which has already been highly compressed. It can, however, also be used for classical music with a
wide dynamic range if only a slight, virtually inaudible reduction of the range is required.
MEDIUM
The MEDIUM setting adapts the Thresholds so as to compensate major differences in the dynamics of the
program material, without causing the material to seem truly dense.
TIGHT
TIGHT provides strong compression with a substantial reduction of the natural dynamic range of the program
material. Use this setting to consciously increase the density and loudness of the material.
ULTRA
The ULTRA setting involves extremely high compression of the program material and permits the application
of maximum compression levels. The result is an extremely dense output signal, but without dullness or loss of
transparency.
Be sure to experiment with the VIRTUOSO function to gain experience of your own, so that you can quickly
and effectively determine the degree of compression required for your music in the future.
3. APPLICATIONS
