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The expander eliminates low-level noise by automatically turning down
the volume (per the threshold and ratio settings) when the noise isn't
masked by the music. Since this is a realtime process, you may not always
get the result you want. Consequently, you may find that you can achieve
more precision results by using the V-Studio's Phrase Edit functions to
manually remove any noise problems.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when tweaking the
multiband processors:
•
In mastering applications, conservative ratio settings work
best—During mixing, it's often appropriate to apply
extreme dynamics processing to individual sounds, with
ratios at 4:1, 8:1, or higher. However, mastering benefits
from a subtler approach. You'll usually achieve the most
natural results with ratio settings between 1.25:1 to 2.5:1.
•
Work the threshold—The threshold control determines
when the processor will start reducing gain on a frequency
band. Subtle adjustments go a long way, so practice using
them to their greatest effect.
•
Use care when adjusting the attack time—Once the
threshold has been reached, the attack time determines
how fast the processor will act. For example, if the
compressor's attack time is too short, you'll soften the
attack of the percussive elements of the mix, making them
sound squashed. Increasing the attack time a little will
make the sound punchier.
•
Watch the release—The release control determines when
the volume reduction stops. If the release time is too long,
the processor can't recover quickly enough, resulting in
a "pumping" sound. If the release time is too short, the
sound will distort (especially on low frequencies).
•
Keep an eye on the GR meters—The GR meters tell you
when, and how much, the processor's altering the sound.
Watch them carefully to see how your dynamics settings
affect each frequency band.
•
Use the multiband processors like an EQ—By adjusting the
split points and the output levels of each processing band,
you'll find you have a great deal of equalization control
over the signal.
•
Bypass the bands you don't want to use—To bypass an
expander band, set its threshold to -80 dB and its ratio to
1.00:1. To bypass a compressor band, set its threshold to 0
dB.
•
Don't get frustrated!—The right dynamics processing for
a particular song is achieved with careful adjustment of
the threshold, attack, and release controls. Finding the
right settings can be hard, especially when you're just
starting out. But, with a lot of practice and a little patience,
your efforts will pay off. By learning to get your dynamics
settings "just right, " you can take the quality of your master
tracks to a new level.
Limiter and Soft Clip Tips
•
Making it loud—You've probably noticed that many
commercially released CDs (especially those in the pop and
R&B genres) are maximized in level. This is accomplished in
the mastering process by using the Limiter. The Limiter
works by lowering the volume of the music's peaks,
allowing you increase the average signal level before
clipping. The peaks are controlled using the threshold
control, and the average level is increased post-limiting by
adjusting the MTK's output level control.
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