Polyend Tracker Mini Manual page 104

8
Audio
Equalizer Frequency Ranges
An equalizer can boost or attenuate frequencies across a range. The range
of normal human hearing considered in music production is 20Hz to 20kHz.
The character and tonal shape of a sound can be affected by the
adjustment either boosting or attenuating at points on the frequency range.
This is possible within Tracker Mini using the EQ function.
Frequency bands 1,2 (adjustable) & 3 (fixed) positioned across the spectrum.
Normal human hearing is in the range of 20Hz - 20KHz
+12dB
MID
Low
Freq
0dB
Width
-12dB
20Hz 200Hz 500Hz 800Hz 1KHz
SUB BASS
High levels of energy, often a low cut removes some 'unheard' energy and helps create
headroom.Typically frequencies would be cut in this area to create clarity. Emphasis for Sub
Bass, Bass and Kick Drums. Sub bass is considered the low frequencies up to 80Hz.
BASS
Typically an area which contains melodic and rhythmic elements. The mix can be changed to
be fat or thin by adjustments around this area. Muddiness occurs around 300Hz so a small
cut can help clarity of the mix. The mix can be warmed up around 120Hz.
MIDS
Low Mids can be overloaded with frequencies as many instruments cover this range and
muddiness is a common outcome. Honkyness can creep in around 500-1K and tinniness 1-
2K. Cuts can help. Vocal frequencies appear in the high mid range around normal words. 3K
boost on vocals can help push through the mix. Ensure the balance between instruments
and vocals is correct.
HIGH
Sibilance occurs between 5-10K and letters such as S, T can stand out. De-essing can help.
Typically a high shelf can add air and presence to the mix around 6K+. EQ'ing around 4-6K
will affect the definition and bring the sound closer or push them further back.
206
NOTES
High
5KHz 8KHz 12KHz 20KHz
Polyend Tracker Mini Manual
NOTES
Compressor
A compressor essentially works on a signals dynamic range (difference
between audio peaks and lows). Often a compressor is used to reduce the
dynamic range and then allow an increase of the overall signal gain to give
more punch and impact. It can also sound dull if overdone as the nuances
of the dynamics are reduced. Compression techniques can extend further
when layering a compressed sound (to give the impact) with an
uncompressed sound (to give the dynamic subtly). This technique is
sometimes called Parallel or New York Style Compression. In Tracker Mini
this can be created with two tracks one with compressed and other
uncompressed then rendering to a single stem or sample.
How does a compressor work?
Audio over Time
Threshold
Signal is attenuated when
crossing the threshold.
Make Up
Tracker Mini threshold
range is 0% - 100%
In basic terms a compressor reduces the level of any audio that exceeds a
threshold. Think of this as an automatic volume control. The amount of gain
reduction is determined by the ratio parameter. A ratio of 1:1 has no gain
reduction while a gentle 2:1 will reduce by 1dB for every 2dB above the
threshold. Higher ratios are more aggressive. The speed and reaction of
the compressor is also governed by an envelope, in Tracker Mini this is an
Attack and Release envelope.
Polyend Tracker Mini Manual
Audio
Gain Reduction
(Ratio)
Gain
1:1
Tracker Mini has ratio
settings between 1 - 8
2:1
4:1
8:1
∞
Limiting
Input (dB)
8
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