Yamaha aw16g User Manual

Appendix

174

Dynamics processors are generally used to correct or control signal 
levels. However, you can also use them creatively to shape the vol-
ume envelope of a sound. The AW16G features comprehensive 
dynamics processors for all the input channels, tape returns, and the 
bus and stereo outputs. These processors allow you to compress, 
expand, compress-expand (compand), gate, or duck the signals pass-
ing through the mixer, giving you unparalleled sonic quality and flex-
ibility.

■ Compressor

A compressor provides a form of automatic level control. 
By attenuating high levels, thus effectively reducing the 
dynamic range, the compressor makes it much easier to 
control signals and set appropriate fader levels. Reducing 
the dynamic range also means that recording levels can 
be set higher, therefore improving the signal-to-noise 
performance.

Threshold determines the level of input signal required to 
trigger the compressor. Signals at a level below the 
threshold pass through unaffected. Signals at and above 
the threshold level are compressed by the amount speci-
fied using the Ratio parameter. The trigger signal is deter-
mined using the KEY IN parameter.

Ratio controls the amount of compression-the change in 
output signal level relative to change in input signal 
level. With a 2:1 ratio, for example, a 10 dB change in 
input level (above the threshold) results in a 5 dB change 
in output level. For a 5:1 ratio, a 10 dB change in input 
level (above the threshold) results in a 2 dB change in 
output level.

Attack controls how soon the signal is compressed once 
the compressor has been triggered. With a fast attack 
time, the signal is compressed almost immediately. With 
a slow attack time, the initial transient of a sound passes 
through unaffected.

Out Gain sets the compressor's output signal level. Com-
pression tends to reduce the average signal level. Out 
Gain can be used to counter this level reduction and set 
an appropriate level for the next stage in the audio path.

Knee sets the transition of the signal at the threshold. 
With a hard knee, the transition between uncompressed 
and compressed signal is immediate. With the softest 
knee, knee5, the transition starts before the signal 
reaches the threshold and gradually ends above the 
threshold.

Release determines how soon the compressor returns to 
its normal gain once the trigger signal level drops below 
the threshold. If the release time is too short, the gain will 
recover too quickly causing level pumping-noticeable 
gain fluctuations. If it is set too long, the compressor may 
not have time to recover before the next high level signal 
appears, and it will be compressed incorrectly.

Threshold (dB) –54 to 0 (55 points)

1.0, 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.7, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 
4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10, 20, 

∞

 (16 points)

0 to 120 (121 points)

0 to +18 (36 points)

hard,1,2,3,4,5 (6 points)

6 ms to 46.1 sec (160 points)