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4 Dynamics
You can use Dynamics effects to control the perceived
loudness of your audio, add focus and punch to tracks and
projects, and optimize the sound for playback in different
situations.
The dynamic range of an audio signal is the range between the softest and loudest
parts of the signal (technically, between the lowest and the highest amplitude). Using
dynamics effects, you can adjust the dynamic range of individual audio files, tracks, or
an overall project to increase the perceived loudness, and highlight the most important
sounds while making sure softer sounds are not lost in the mix. Dynamics effects
include compressors, limiters, and noise gates.
Compressors
A compressor works like an automatic volume control, lowering the volume whenever
it rises above a certain level, called the threshold. Why would you want to reduce the
dynamic level? By cutting the highest parts of the signal (called peaks), the compressor
lets you raise the overall level of the signal, increasing the perceived volume. This gives
the sound more focus by making the louder foreground parts stand out, while
preventing the softer background parts from becoming inaudible. Compression also
tends to make sounds tighter or punchier because transients are emphasized
(depending on attack and release settings) and because the maximum volume is
reached more swiftly.
In addition, compression can help make a project sound better when played back in
different audio environments. For example, the speakers on a television set or in a car
sound system typically have a narrower dynamic range than the sound system in a
theater. Compressing the overall mix can help make the sound fuller and clearer in
lower-fidelity playback situations.
Compressors are typically used on vocal tracks to make the vocals prominent in an
overall mix. They can also be used on music and sound effects tracks, but rarely on
ambience tracks.