User Manual

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4 UC Surface Monitor Control Software
4.3 Dynamics Processing and EQ
Studio 192
Owner’s Manual
4.3.1 Dynamics Tab
The dynamics processing module controls (Noise Gate, Compressor,
and Limiter) are available on the Dynamics Tab.
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1. Gate On/Off Button. Engages/disengages the gate
for the selected analog input channel.
2. Gate Threshold. Sets the level at which the gate opens. Essentially, all
signals above the threshold setting are passed through unaffected, whereas
signals below the threshold setting are reduced in level by the amount
set by the range control. You can set the threshold from 0 to -56 dB.
3. Gate Range. Sets the amount of gain reduction that the gate
will produce. The range can be set from 0 to -86 dB. Note: Range
control is not available when using the expander.
4. Gate Key Filter. Sets the frequency at which the gate will open. Setting a
specific frequency, in addition to a specific decibel level, provides more sonic
shaping. The key filter can be triggered by the selected channel’s or bus’s
signal or by sidechaining a channel and using its signal as the source.
Power User Tip: A properly set key filter on a gate can greatly improve the overall
sound quality of a mix. For example, if you are inserting a gate on a snare-drum
mic, you may get enough bleed from the kick drum to open the gate. This is
where a key filter can come in handy. By setting the key filter to remove some of
those low frequencies, the gate won’t be as apt to open for the kick drum.
5. Gate Attack. Sets the rate at which the gate opens on the selected
channel or output. A fast attack rate is crucial for percussive instruments.
Slow-rising signals such as vocals and bass guitar require a slower
attack; with these signals, a faster attack can cause an audible click. All
gates have the ability to click when opening but a properly set gate
will never click. You can set the attack time from 0.2 to 150 ms.
6. Gate Release. The release sets the rate at which the gate for the selected
channel closes. Gate-release times should typically be set so that the natural
decay of the instrument or vocal being gated is not affected. Shorter release
times help to clean up the noise in a signal but may cause “chattering“
with percussive instruments. Longer release times usually eliminate
chattering and should be set by listening carefully for the most natural
release of the signal. The release time can be set from 0.05 to 2 seconds.
7. Gate Expander button. UC Surface allows you to choose
between an expander and a noise gate for each channel or
output. By default, the Expander button will be enabled.
Power User Tip: In practice, expanders and noise gates are used almost
identically. The main difference is that an expander is smoother and more
gradual, so that it is easier to set the attack and release times correctly.