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Chapter 4 Dynamics processors 84
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Output meters: Show output levels, enabling you to see the results of the limiting process. The
Margin eld shows the highest output level. You can reset the Margin eld by clicking it.
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Mode buttons (Extended Parameters area): Click to choose the type of peak smoothing:
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OptFit: Limiting follows a linear curve, which allows signal peaks above 0 dB.
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NoOver: Avoids distortion artifacts from the output hardware by ensuring that the signal
does not exceed 0 dB.
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Lookahead eld and slider (Extended Parameters area): Drag to adjust the playback buer size
(how far in the future the le is analyzed for peaks).
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Remove DC checkbox (Extended Parameters area): Select to activate a highpass lter that
removes direct current (DC) from the signal. DC can be introduced by lower-quality
audio hardware.
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Inter Sample Peak Detection checkbox (Extended Parameters area): Select to detect inter-sample
peaks in the signal.
Compressor
Compressor overview
Compressor is designed to emulate the sound and response of a professional-level analog
(hardware) compressor. It tightens up your audio by reducing sounds that exceed a certain
threshold level, smoothing out the dynamics and increasing the overall volume—the perceived
loudness. Compression helps bring the key parts of a track or mix into focus, while preventing
softer parts from becoming inaudible. It is probably the most versatile and widely used sound-
shaping tool in mixing, next to EQ.
You can use Compressor with individual tracks, including vocal, instrumental, and eects tracks,
as well as on the overall mix. Usually you insert the Compressor directly into a channel strip.