24
begins.
Gate Release Time:
The Gate release time is the time in which the Gate returns the signal to 1:1 after the hold time has elapsed.
Peak Width:
Use the Peak Width parameter to set the maximum signal impulse width to be ignored by the Gate.
+
The Peak Width parameter is dependent upon the delay parameter in the <GLOBAL SETUP>
menu. The Peak Width Gate parameter will have no effect if the delay has been set to 0 ms. In
addition, the delay time set in the <GLOBAL SETUP> menu should be twice as long as the
desired Peak Width time of the Gate.
Using the Peak Width parameter permits the ULTRA-DYNE PRO to identify and ignore brief signal peaks on
the basis of their duration. For this reason, select a suitable setting for this parameter corresponding to the
maximum duration of the signal peaks to be ignored. The peak width parameter also ensures that an open
gate does not close for signals shorter than the set duration.
3.2.1 Suppression of crosstalk in multi-channel operation
One of the most common applications for an expander/gate is the suppression of undesirable crosstalk
between individual channels during recording and playback. This application is used very frequently when
recording acoustic percussion instruments due to the close proximity of the microphones to one another. The
high sound pressure levels of the individual instruments causes crosstalk in all of the neighboring micro-
phones, leading not only to frequency cancellations but also to a lack of definition in the sound (comb filter
effect). The optimal solution is thus to use a separate microphone for each instrument, with individual gating for
each microphone.
Insert the BEHRINGER ULTRA-DYNE PRO in the recording channel in of the snare, for example, and set the
unit to respond to signals from the snare only. Each microphone should be carefully positioned and checked
beforehand, and the Threshold value set to ensure a clean acoustic separation of the drum sound, as if the
instrument were being played alone.
Correct miking technique is decisive for the optimal function of the Expander/Gate. Be especially careful when
instruments with pronounced high frequencies are being played next to or behind a cardioid microphone.
The directional characteristic of most microphones is considerably less effective at high frequencies. A
difference of only 2 to 3 dB in the response sensitivity between the main and lateral axes in the 5 to 10 kHz
range can result in severe cymbal crosstalk in the tom microphones, or masking of the snare by the hi-hat.
Take maximum advantage of the directional characteristics of the respective microphones to ensure the best
possible acoustic isolation of the instruments.
Be sure to do everything possible to isolate the individual sources with proper miking technique alone.
Otherwise, the Expander/Gate will not be able to provide a clear acoustic separation.
3.2.2 Basic settings of the Gate section
Parameter
S etting
Threshold
-90 dB
Hold Tim e
20 ms
Release Time
20 ms
Peak W idth
0 m s
Tab. 3.1 Basic settings of the Gate section
Begin with very low Threshold values so that the entire signal can pass unhindered. Next, move the fader
upwards until all background noise has been removed and only the desired instrument is still audible.
The hold time can be adjusted to optimize the unit for the program material. It may contain many, frequently
short, pauses which can result in the Gate being activated repeatedly in short succession. The Hold function
prevents the disturbing "flutter" common to conventional gates by delaying the release process. This ensures
3. APPLICATIONS
