Compressor/Expander

Menu Command: Effect | Compressor/Expander

The Compressor/Expander effect is a general purpose dynamics processor commonly used as a compressor, limiter, expander, or a gate. See the for more detailed information. Note that this effect does not change the size of files (it does not control file compression).

The Multiplier specifies the level of volume change. For compression, this value should be less than 0dB. For expansion, the value should be less than 0 as well.

The Threshold specifies the audio level to activate the expander or compressor. Compressors change the volume level of all sounds above that level. Expanders change the volume level of all sounds below that level.

The Attack and Release times specify how quickly the expander/compressor is activated. An attack value of 0.100 means that the audio level will have to cross the threshold for at least one tenth of a second before the multiplier is used at full force. A release value of 0.100 means the multiplier will continue to be used (decreasingly) for one tenth of a second after the threshold is no longer crossed.

Use the Expander and Compressor modes to specify what processing is required. Use Expander mode to change volumes of quiet sounds. Use Compressor mode to change volumes of loud sounds.

The Anticipate attack setting tells the effect to scan ahead for audio that crosses the threshold. If the Attack time is set to 0.100, then the effect scans ahead by 0.100 seconds. This means that the multiplier will be at full force the instant the threshold is crossed rather than building to full force 0.100 seconds later. The Use smoother setting smoothes out any sudden volume changes which may occur during processing with small attack/release times.

The Noise gate presets are useful for removing noise in quiet sections of a sound.

See Also