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Using gates with compressors
One of the most important applications of a noise gate is the reduction of noise
emphasised by the action of compressors. When any signal is compressed, the highest
levels are reduced, but the lowest noise levels remain the same. This effectively
decreases the signal to noise ratio. By gating the signal before it enters the compressor
(as shown in the following diagram), the noise can be eliminated before it has chance to
be exaggerated by the compressor action.
Some engineers prefer to connect the gate after the compressor. This reduces any
slight noise produced by the compressor itself, but since the dynamic range of the
signal is less when it leaves the compressor, setting the correct threshold level may
take a little longer. Alternatively, the uncompressed signal may be paralleled to the
external sidechain input; this external sidechain can then be used to trigger the gate.
DN530
Operator Manual
Compressor
(for example, a DN540 Creative Quad Comp)
Mic
Return
Send
Mic inputs
Console
Using gates with compressors
Female XLR
connector
DN530 (rear panel)
Channel insert point
25
Male XLR
connector
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