Applications; Main Applications And Initial Settings; Expander/Gate Section - BBE MAXCOM Owner's Manual

APPLICATIONS

In this section several typical applications of the MAXCOM are discussed. The following basic settings can
resolve most dynamic problems. They are the ideal starting point. Please take the time to study the application
examples carefully to make full use of the MAXCOMs capabilities in the future.

MAIN APPLICATIONS AND INITIAL SETTINGS

The main applications of the MAXCOM can be divided into four categories:
1 - The Expander/Gate section is used to eliminate interference and to suppress background noise and leakage
on individual tracks in multitrack recording.
2 - The Compressor section is used to compress the program material and to create special effects and unusual
sounds, which are used for recording and musical performance.
3 - The Limiter function is designed to protect loudspeakers, recorders, transmitters etc. from signal peaks, short
term over-loading and over modulation (transmitters etc.).
4 - The BBE SONIC MAXIMIZER function is designed to improve the clarity and openness of any sound source
or sound system application.
Now that the functions of the individual sections have been clearly explained, we would like to acquaint you with
more terms and relationships of the dynamics process.
• COMPRESSION
A compressor converts a large dynamic level into a restricted range. The extent of the resulting dynamic level
is dependent on the threshold, attack, release and ratio settings. The faster the chosen control times and the
higher the compression ratio, the greater the effect on the short term dynamics. This fact is often used to achieve
audible and creative sound effects.
• LEvELLING
The levelling mode is used to keep output level constant, i.e. to compensate for long term gain changes without
affecting the short term dynamics. Normally, the threshold is set quite low in order to be able to increase low
level signals. Levelling requires slow attack and release times combined with a high ratio. Because of the very
slow response time, levelling has no effect on signal peaks or short term changes in average level.
• LIMITING
The limiting function requires a fast attack time and a high ratio and release time setting, which is dependent on
the specific use. As it is usually the task of a limiter to limit only high signal peaks, the threshold is usually set
at a high level. The dynamics are reduced dependent on the ratio setting and the degree by which the thresh-
old point was exceeded. If the attack time is adjusted to control only the average level without affecting signal
peaks above the threshold, then it is referred to as a Program Limiter. For this purpose the attack time will be
set above 20 ms. If the attack time is further reduced in order to also control signal peaks, then it is defined as
a Peak Limiter.
• CLIPPING
In contrast to the two previously mentioned limiters, the clipping mode features infinitely fast control times, an
infinite compression ratio and creates a "brickwall" for all signals above a certain level. To be able to control the
signal peaks, the clipping function radically cuts signals above the threshold without affecting the amplitude of
the original signal. If used in normal applications, this function remains inaudible and under certain circumstanc-
es it can even lead to an improved sound because cutting the transients creates artificial harmonics. If misused,
clipping can cause very obvious and distasteful distortion, which in an extreme manner will convert the signal's
waveform into a square wave.

EXPANDER/GATE SECTION

The main task of the Expander/Gate is to "inaudibly" eliminate undesirable background noise from the usable sig-
nal. This assumes that there is a slight level difference between the usable signal and the noise floor, in order to be
able to define the operating threshold of the Expander/Gate. At the same time, the Expander/Gate must respond
very quickly (have a very fast attack time) so that the signal's leading edge remains unaltered. When expansion
occurs there are no common side effects due to the extremely smooth and unobtrusive action of the circuit.
• CONTROLLING LEAKAGE IN THE STUDIO
Expander/gates are most commonly used to suppress undesirable leakage of sound from one track to another

APPLICATIONS