User`s guide

User’s Guide
18
Final Mix for Tracktion
or maximum output on the graph. A soft knee
curve has a smoother curve that connects the
two points. This creates a more gradual transi-
tion between non-compressed and compressed
signals.
Snare track example
The graph above could be used on a snare track
to drastically lower the volume of a few snare
hits by an over-excited drummer, while leaving
most of the snare track unaffected.
Dynamics Section
Active
This engages or disengages all of the compres-
sors.
Note: The dynamics processor for each
band can be individually enabled or dis-
abled using the IN button immediately
below the key/crossover graph.
Reset
This will reset the Dynamics section to its fac-
tory default settings.
Link All
When engaged, this button allows you to edit all
three bands of dynamics at once. Changes don't
take place until you move a parameter within
the dynamics section.
Soft-Clip On and Threshold
The SOFT CLIP button activates a soft-clip
limiter circuit. There is also a THRESHOLD
adjustment. When the output of the dynamics
section goes above this threshold, the soft-clip
circuit kicks in. This circuit starts adding ana-
log-style distortion. This avoids the harsher
sound of a straight digital clip. The lower the
threshold, the more analog-style distortion is
added. If the threshold is set too low, you hear
this as a very crunchy distortion sound. It is
best to keep the threshold between –3 dB and
–1 dB unless you are going for a special sound
effect.
The soft-clip circuit has an indicator light, lo-
cated between the SOFT CLIP button and the
THRESHOLD adjustment. This activates when
the signal is above the soft-clip threshold.
The soft-clip circuit is the last thing in the sig-
nal processing chain. If you notice it become
active and wish to avoid any kind of distortion
being added, back off the output faders.
Noise Gate and Threshold
Final Mix also has a simple noise gate with a
threshold adjustment. The noise gate threshold
can go from 0 dBfs to –125 dBfs. The attack
rate (when the gate opens) is very fast. The
release rate is very slow. This can be used as
an effect to generate a very slow, smooth fade
out of a song. To do this, set the threshold at 0
dB with the noise gate disabled. When you want
to start the fade out, enable the noise gate and
the fade out starts. The fade out lasts about 5
seconds.
The noise gate is located post-dynamics but pre-
output fader. That is, adjustments made in the
output fader do not affect the performance of
the noise gate.