User Manual

37
5 The Fat Channel
5.1 Fat Channel Navigation
StudioLive™ Series III
Owner’s Manual
- Comp./Limiter. Enable this option to link the compression & limiting
detection behavior for linked channels or buses. With this option on, signals
occurring either linked channel cause identical gain reduction behavior in
both. Disable this option to let the compressor/limiter act independently on
each linked channel.
- Names. Enable this option to keep linked channel/bus names identical.
With this option on, a change to either name in a linked pair is reflected in
the other linked channel.
Power User Tip: If one of the digital inputs (Network, USB, or SD) is selected as the channel
source, you will be presented with the option to designate the Digital Send source as
either Analog or Digital. This is a great way to use plugin processing as an insert. This is
also necessary if you’d like to record an AVB or USB input to the SD recorder. For more
information, please see the StudioLive Software Library Manual.
5.1.2 Gate Mode
Pressing the Gate button in the Fat Channel gives you access to the Noise Gate
parameters for the selected channel or mix. A Gate is a dynamics processor that lets
you silence (or attenuate) signals that fall beneath a chosen signal level. This makes it
possible to reduce the presence of noise or other undesirable signals in the spaces
between the sounds you want.
The Noise Gate can be switched to function as an Expander. An Expander is another
type of dynamics processor, that works like a Compressor in reverse. Rather than
attenuating signals that pass a chosen threshold level, an expander boosts signals
that pass its threshold. This comes in handy when trying to restore punch and impact
to signals that have been overly compressed, or which are not naturally as dynamic
as desired.
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.
The eight displays above the Gate/Expander controls show pertinent data about the
current settings of these controls.
GATE
GATEGATEGATEGATEGATE
Thresh Range Attack Release
Key Lstn Expand
Key Fltr
GATE
OffOffoff700 ms5.00 ms-84.00 dB-84.00 dB
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1. Threshold. Sets the signal level that bisects the signals you wish to keep from
the signals you want to attenuate. Signals below this level are attenuated
according to the setting of the Range parameter. Signals above this level pass
through unaffected.
2. Range. Sets the amount of attenuation applied to a signal when its level falls
below the Threshold. Lower settings pull signal level down further, all the
way to -∞, if desired. Higher settings pull the signal down to a lesser extent,
de-emphasizing noise and other nuisance signals more subtly (without a “hard”
cut-off). Note: Range is disabled when the Expander is engaged.
3. Attack. Sets the time it takes for the gate to “open” when a signal passes the
threshold.
Power User Tip: 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.