crystal User Manual
Version: 6.6.0/2
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7. Operation
AutoMix
Surface Controls (DeEsser & AutoMix)
VisTool
In the standard configuration, AutoMix is available for all MIC sources. The feature is ideal for balancing active
and inactive microphones such as in a panel discussion, or creating an automated voice-over.
Once AutoMix is enabled on more than one source, an internal algorithm monitors the signal power of each
channel, and then automatically adjusts the mix levels accordingly. For example, if there are three guests plus
the DJ, then the algorithm will automatically mute the guest sources while the DJ is speaking, and so on.
AutoMix can be enabled (and disabled) from the fader strip (via the
AMix
soft key) or from VisTool (via the
AUTOMIX
button). All other parameters are available from the fader strip only as follows:
The following parameters are available for AutoMix:
·
DYN
- on/off for
all
dynamics sections: compressor, expander, gate and de-esser/automixing.
·
AMix
- on/off for AutoMix.
·
Weight
- adjusts the weighting factor of each source from +9 to -9 with a default mid point = 0.
Sources with a higher weight value get priority in the mix; those with the same weight are mixed equally;
and those with a lower value get reduced priority.
For example, in a panel discussion you might want to give the host leading the discussion a higher weight
value than that of the guests. Or, to create an automated voice-over, adjust the weight of the playout material
to a much lower value than that of the voice.
·
Speed
– the speed adjusts the "smoothness" of the AutoMix, and is set in milliseconds (ms).
The speed defines how quickly a signal returns to its normal mix level after its gain has been suppressed. A
short speed fades signals in and out quickly, but could result in "pumping" if several guests are talking in
parallel. A longer speed will be smoother but may generate audible fades in and out. The ideal value depends
on the material.
Both
DYN
and
AMix
must
be enabled (red) for AutoMix to be active. If the master
DYN
button is not
enabled, then the
AMix
button is dim to indicate that AutoMix is not yet active.
