2013

Effects and effect plug-ins 141
Shorter release time may be used for modern, aggressive "close up" vocals, e.g.
when breathing sounds are an important stylistic device and the voice should sound
very full and compact.
• Knee: Use this parameter to specify the shape of the characteristic around the
threshold. A "hard knee" means that the transition of 1:1 amplification for level
reduction occurs abruptly; a "soft knee" on the other hand starts much lower than
the threshold and moves the characteristic softly into the reduction. A "hard"
setting is useful for effect-filled, acoustic compression, e.g. individual drum
tracks. A softer setting is useful for complex and sensitive sources like guitars,
pianos, or vocals. The more complex the signal, the easier it will be to notice a
difference. For less sensitive sources, this parameter is usually less important.
Note that for "soft knee" settings, the "threshold" value will need to be re-
adjusted, since the compression starts at a much lower level.
Compression Expert Settings
Of course, you can efficiently compress a lot of data with AM-Track without having to
press the "Expert" button or try out additional options. However, we have added a few
"handy" parameters behind the front panel. This applies equally to both compression
modes.
• Look ahead: AM-Track is always ahead of the signal. You can specify how many
milliseconds you want to "look ahead". The audio signal path is delayed according
to the signal route so that the detection circuit is fed first with the input signal
(so-called "look-ahead delay"). You can increase the attack time and still avoid
fast peaks. The latency compensation in the host program ensures that other
tracks in the arrangement are adjusted and that no time delay occurs. For
percussive signals, you can even set the delay all the way to "0".
• Detector hp filter: This high-cut filter is positioned before the two compressors'
detection circuit. You can use it to specifically exclude basses and mids from
these rules. Complex signals with bass and hi information like a subgroup or
complete mixdown produce fewer "pumping" artifacts. This is because low-
frequency signals feature the most power and therefore always trigger regulation
and modulate other frequency ranges in the volume
• Auto makeup gain: Normally, you have to continuously adjust level reduction to
generate "compression" at the same maximum level. This is done by activating
auto makeup gain. The volume difference expected from the set working
parameters is determined and applied as an output factor after master regulation.