Non Linear Compressor - RME Audio ADI-96 PRO User Manual

9.6 Non Linear Compressor

Function
Non linear compressor. The input signal is processed with a special amplitude function which
softly cuts the highest level peaks. The resulting third order harmonics are widely masked by
the original signal, thus inaudible in most situations. Similar to the effect known as tape satura-
tion.
Application
Allows to provide additional headroom of up to 5 dB without audible clipping (clipping: brickwall
limiting leading to high distortion). Allows to increase the loudness without increasing the maxi-
mum peak level (similar to the effect known as Maximizer).
Settings
Place the cursor in the Overview window on NLC and press Enter.
Menu
Options
Adjustment of the desired gain in loudness (level) from 1 dB to 5 dB.
Typical Settings
As long as not very delicate signals from solo instruments or complete mixes are processed the
Non Linear Compressor is a marvellous tool for every recording and may be always activated
at Gain 5 dB. It helps especially when doing live acoustical recordings to gain additional head-
room and operates like a compressor without attack or release time, thus operating virtually
inaudibly.
The NLC may be used to achieve increased loudness without any pumping when processing
material already normalized near 0 dBFS. When used in combination with the ALC and fast
settings the increase in loudness can be more than extreme, but will also result in compacted
death material without any dynamic left.
User's Guide ADI-96 PRO © RME
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