Gate Mode (Dynamic Fat Channel); Dynamic Fat Channel Controls - PRESONUS StudioLive III Series Owner's Manual

6 The Fat Channel
6.4

Gate Mode (Dynamic Fat Channel)

Gate Mode (Dynamic Fat Channel)
6.4

Dynamic Fat Channel Controls

6.4.1
Pressing the Gate button in the Fat Channel gives you access to the Noise Gate
parameters for the selected channel or mix. A Gate is a dynamics processor that lets
you silence (or attenuate) signals that fall beneath a chosen signal level. This makes it
possible to reduce the presence of noise or other undesirable signals in the spaces
between the sounds you want.
The Noise Gate can be switched to function as an Expander. An Expander is another
type of dynamics processor, that works like a Compressor in reverse. Rather than
attenuating signals that pass a chosen threshold level, an expander boosts signals
that pass its threshold. This comes in handy when trying to restore punch and impact
to signals that have been overly compressed, or which are not naturally as dynamic
as desired.
Power User Tip: In practice, expanders and noise gates are used almost identically. The
main difference is that an expander is smoother and more gradual, so that it is easier to
set the attack and release times correctly. More information about Gates and Expanders
can be found at: www.presonus.com/learn/technical-articles/How-To-Use-Dynamics-
Processing-Getting-Started-With-Compressors-Gates-and-More
The eight displays above the Gate/Expander controls show pertinent data about the
current settings of these controls.
1 2 3
GATE GATE GATE
Thresh Range Attack
-84.00 dB -84.00 dB 5.00 ms
1. Threshold. Sets the signal level that bisects the signals you wish to keep from
the signals you want to attenuate. Signals below this level are attenuated
according to the setting of the Range parameter. Signals above this level pass
through unaffected.
2. Range. Sets the amount of attenuation applied to a signal when its level falls
below the Threshold. Lower settings pull signal level down further, all the
way to -∞, if desired. Higher settings pull the signal down to a lesser extent,
de-emphasizing noise and other nuisance signals more subtly (without a "hard"
cut-off). Note: Range is disabled when the Expander is engaged.
3. Attack. Sets the time it takes for the gate to "open" when a signal passes the
threshold.
Power User Tip: A fast attack rate is crucial for percussive instruments. Slow-rising signals
such as vocals and bass guitar require a slower attack; with these signals, a faster attack
can cause an audible click. All gates have the ability to click when opening but a properly
set gate will never click.
4. Release. Sets the time it takes for the gate to "close" when a signal falls beneath
the threshold.
Power User Tip: Gate release times should typically be set so that the natural decay of the
instrument or vocal being gated is not affected. Shorter release times help to clean up the
noise in a signal but may cause "chattering" with percussive instruments. Longer release
times usually eliminate chattering and should be set by listening carefully for the most
natural release of the signal.
5. Key Listen. Press the button to engage or disengage the Key Listen function in
the solo bus. It will illuminate to indicate that the Key Listen is active. When Key
Listen is enabled, and the selected channel is soloed, you can use the Control
Room outputs to monitor what the gate key filter is removing.
4 5 6
GATE
GATE GATE
Release Key Fltr
700 ms off Off
Key Lstn
StudioLive™ Series III
Owner's Manual
7
GATE
Off
Expand
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