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Dynamic processors in the effect rack function in the same way as dynamic effects. The term dynamic simply means that it alters an audio signal based on the frequency content and amplitude level. Dynamic effects can help bring your mix to live but they are sensitive device that require more attention. The most common effects processors or dynamic effect are;
- Expanders
- Limiters
- Gates
- Compressors
Expanders:-
The expander function opposite in relation to compressors and limiters. On like the compressors and limiters which reduces the signal level when it exceeds the users set threshold, the expander increases the dynamic range of the audio signal when it is below the user set threshold.
Expanders are often used to make quite sounds even quieter on mixes to fix noisy recordings.
Limiters:-
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These are compressors which are designed for a specific purpose. Limiters are often used to control the level of the entire mix by reducing the level of the signal to a certain threshold. Limiters and compressor perform the same basic task, the compressor smoothly reduce the gain above the threshold, while the limiter will almost completely prevent any additional gain above the threshold. Limiters are often used to maintain a constant and aggressive level and amplitude and also used to safeguard against signal peaking(clipping ).
Noise gate:-
Noise gate or gate is a dynamic processing effect used to control the dynamic content of an audio signal. Just like the compressor which cuts or mute audio signals above the threshold, the noise gate acts like an auto mute which attenuates the signal below the threshold. The noise gate is often used to reduce noise like hum, hiss, and voice pops in a mix as it only allows signal above the set threshold to pass through.
Compressors:-
Compressors are mostly used to polish recording and live sound by controlling the maximum levels as well as maintaining higher average loudness.
Compressors are automatic volume control that turns loud part of the audio signal down when it exceeds a certain level. The circuit that actually controls the level is called a voltage controlled amplifier (VCA). Most hardware and software compressors have their own unique sound which introduces pleasing tones to lifeless tracks. The compressor can also be used to make audio tracks sound more natural without distortion which in turn result in a better mix.
Time based effect:-
This effect alters the timing of a signal which can create short or long bursts of sound. This effects are often used to shape the depth and dimension of sounds within the mix. Some common time based effects used in audio production include delays, echoes, reverbs, harmonizer, phases, flangers, choruses, etc.
Each of this time base effects manipulates and modulates the signal over time in their own unique way. Essentially, they capture a portion of an audio input delay it slightly, then play it back. The complexity and the length of time for which they delay the sound are the main differences between the various types of time based audio effects.
Filter effects:-
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This effects are simple ubiquitous audio tools that should be a part of every producer's arsenal. Their purpose is to alter the frequency content of an audio signal. They can also be used to suppress or emphasize frequencies in an audio signal, which results in a change to the tonal colour of the audio. The Different varieties of filters used during audio production include lowpass, highpass, band pass, notch and special morphing filters.
Low pass filters:-
The lowpass filter attenuates frequency content above a cutoff frequency, letting through the filter only the low frequencies. These filter is used to remove out the high frequency content of a mix.
High-pass filters:-
These filter function exactly like the low pass filter, It attenuates frequency content below the a cutoff frequency, allowing only the high frequencies to pass through the filter. They are as well use to remove low frequency content from a mix.
Band pass filters:-
These filter passes the frequency between the two cutoff frequencies while attenuating those outside the range. The opposite is a band reject filter which attenuates frequencies between the two cutoff frequencies while passing those outside the 'reject' range.
N/B Equalizers (EQ) are also a types of filter, though not used as creative effects, they are used to refine a mix.
Modulation effect:-
These effect are used to add motion and depth to The mix Modulation has to do with modifying a source signal by another source. Some commonly used effects like flangers, phaser, modulator and frequency shifter are examples of modulation effects.
The basic type of modulation effects are the vibrato and tremolo.
Pitch effects :-
These effects modify the pitch of a sound by simply altering the pitch by a predesignated musical interval or by adding new frequencies to a signal. These effects also raise or lower an audio signal by Octaves or a range of interval alterations through the process called pitch shift.
We also have another process called pitch correction, which is applied in correcting inaccuracies during recording or live performance.
Conclusion:-
Dynamic effects play an important role in shaping the dynamic of our mix and With the right application, it can really bring your music to life and take the listener to sonic spaces.
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