Dbx ® Dynamics - Lexicon MX500 Owner's Manual

Effects Descriptions
dbx dynamICs
®
The MX500 offers two dynamics processing modules, De Esser and Compressor, that
utilize dbx's legendary digital dynamics processing technology to produce professional-
quality reverbs and effects.
De-Esser -
Stereo
A De-Esser is a type of compressor used to tame excessive sibilance, or the "s"
sounds in a vocal performance. Note that the De-esser does not pass dry audio.
Compressor -
Stereo
A compressor is used to control the dynamic range of a signal. Typically used to tighten
bass or drum tracks, or to control a vocal passage, a compressor is a very useful but
often misunderstood tool. To better use the Compressor in the MX500, a bit of
understanding about compression is helpful. Note that the Compressor does not pass
dry audio.
When a signal level crosses the Threshold level, the compressor then reduces the
amount of output level by an amount determined by the Ratio. For example, if the
threshold is set to –12dB, and the ratio set to 4:1, then when signal exceeds –12dB, the
signal level above that amount only increases by 1dB to every 4dB of signal level above
–12dB. In this case, an incoming signal of –4dB (which is 8dB above the threshold)
would result in an output signal of –10dB, or 2dB higher than the threshold level,
since the 4:1 compression ratio only allowed 2dB more output, based on the 8dB
increase above the –12dB threshold.
Because the resulting output is less than the original signal, a third control, Makeup
Gain compensates for this loss of level, but with less dynamic range, or the difference
between the softest and loudest parts of the signal.
Note: The De-Esser and Compressor effects are Mono In Dual Stereo configuration
programs.
dbx Dynamics Controls
Ratio
Determines the amount of compression, from 1:1 (no effect) to Infinity:1 (complete
limiting).
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