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Chapter 4 Dynamics processors 83
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Noise gates: Noise gates alter the signal in a way that is opposite to that used by compressors
or limiters. Whereas a compressor lowers the level when the signal is louder than the
threshold, a noise gate lowers the signal level whenever it falls below the threshold. Louder
sounds pass through unchanged, but softer sounds, such as ambient noise or the decay of a
sustained instrument, are cut o. Noise gates are often used to eliminate low-level noise or
hum from an audio signal.
Adaptive Limiter
Adaptive Limiter is a versatile tool for controlling the perceived loudness of sounds. It works by
rounding and smoothing peaks in the signal, producing an eect similar to an analog amplier
being driven hard. Like an amplier, it can slightly color the sound of the signal. You can use
Adaptive Limiter to achieve maximum gain, without introducing unwanted distortion and
clipping, which can occur when the signal exceeds 0 dBFS.
Adaptive Limiter is typically used on the nal mix, where it can be placed after a compressor,
such as Multipressor, and before a nal gain control, resulting in a mix of maximum loudness.
Adaptive Limiter can produce a louder-sounding mix than can be achieved by normalizing
the signal.
Note: Using Adaptive Limiter adds latency when the Lookahead parameter is active. The eect
is typically used for mixing and mastering previously recorded tracks, not while recording. You
should bypass Adaptive Limiter while recording.
Adaptive Limiter parameters
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Input meters: Show input levels in real time. The Margin eld shows the highest input level. You
can reset the Margin eld by clicking it.
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Input Scale knob and eld: Rotate to scale the input level. Scaling is useful for handling very
high-level or low-level input signals. It “squeezes” the higher and lower signal levels into a
range that allows the Gain knob to work eectively. Avoid input levels above 0 dBFS, which
can result in unwanted distortion.
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Gain knob and eld: Rotate to set the amount of gain after input scaling.
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Out Ceiling knob and eld: Rotate to set the maximum output level, or ceiling. The signal will
not rise above this.