Klark Teknik DN500 Plus, Operator'S Manual

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One of the principal uses of compression is the control of level in vocals. Many singers train for years to
achieve the degree of breath control necessary for an even tone and expressive performance. Other vocalists
rely on an instinctive voice production technique, which may need help in the studio to maintain a consistent
level, and result in a vocal track which 'sits' correctly in the mix.
The level of a vocal may vary widely, and appear like the unprocessed signal in the diagram :
The unprocessed signal has a large dynamic range between the highest and lowest levels. Applying
compression reduces the highest levels, reducing the dynamic range. Because the peak level of the signal is
now lower, make-up gain is added to restore the original peak level. The result is a much more controlled and
usable sound.
Diagram 1
With gain make up
Compression
Threshold level
Unprocessed signal
Signal
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Signal
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Signal
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Time
Time
Time
3:1 Compression above threshold
Threshold level
Threshold level