AutoVelocity™ Dynamics and the dbx 160SL White Paper ¨
AutoVelocity™ Dynamics and the dbx 160SL Many audio compressors employ an “Auto” mode to set the attack and release of the VCA so that the compressor will be well behaved when used in a variety of situations such as compressing vocals, piano, or program material. “Well behaved” means that pumping and breathing are minimized and that dynamic distortion, caused by low frequencies modulating the control line feeding the VCA, is not audible.
AutoVelocity™ Dynamics and the dbx 160SL adjusted too fast for a particular application. In fact, most users find that they use only the upper half (12:00 and clockwise) of both the attack and release controls for 99% of their compression needs. Inappropriately fast attack and release times can “chew up” a signal yielding unpleasant results. This is why we have chosen to limit the range of the attack and release controls on other compressors we manufacture such as the 1066.
AutoVelocity™ Dynamics and the dbx 160SL too fast and still have the quick response of the VCA needed to tame transient signals. This essentially means that AutoVelocity™ Dynamic circuitry creates a fast “peak limiting” function which rides on top of a slower “compression” function. AutoVelocity™ Dynamics is now available on all dbx 160SL units manufactured after January 1, 1998. A retrofit kit is available so that any dbx 160S can be updated to include this new technology.
AutoVelocity™ Dynamics and the dbx 160SL Figure 2. The graph on the left shows the small step release curve of the 160SL in response to a sine wave burst input with AVD circuitry disengaged. The graph on the right shows the release curve of the 160SL to the same burst input with AVD circuitry engaged. Note the slower release time in the graph on the right. Figure 3. The graph on the left shows the large step attack curve of the 160SL in response to a sine wave burst input with AVD circuitry disengaged.
AutoVelocity™ Dynamics and the dbx 160SL Figure 4. The graph on the left shows the large step release curve of the 160SL in response to a sine wave burst input with AVD circuitry disengaged. The graph on the right shows the release curve of the 160SL to the same burst input with AVD circuitry engaged. Note the slope of the curves are essentially the same.
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