User manual

Zaxcom ZFR 200 / 300 Extended Menu

Dynamics

The dynamics is a soft knee compressor that is located after the analog to digital converter. The

dynamics will limit the dynamic range to prevent clipping during occurrences of loud audio. Dynamics is

comprised of both a compressor and an expander, which operate jointly

. The compressor in dynamics

can set to mild or extreme compression and features a soft knee for more transparent

operation.

To enter the dynamics menu

Press the INC or DEC key - “PARMS” (perimeters) will be displayed on the right.

To move to the next parameter, press the MENU key.

To exit this page, hold the MENU key for 1 second.

Dynamics Parameters

• Link L-R: OFF / ON: This links the left and right if you are using a stereo recorder. So if one side of the

signal needs compressing / expansion the other side will do the same to match.

• SPEED (Decay Speed) : SLOWEST / SLOW / NORMAL / FAST / FASTEST

Sets how gradual the signal level decreases after a signal reaches the threshold setting. This is typically

set to FAST.

• ATTACK (Attack Speed) : SLOWEST / SLOW / NORMAL / FAST / FASTEST

Sets the speed in how fast the gain is reduced once the signal exceeds the threshold setting. This is

typically set to FAST.

• CMP RATIO (Compressor Ratio): Valid range: 1.0: to 5.0:1, in 0.1 steps.

The amount of gain reduction is determined by the ratio setting.

A compressor ratio for example of 2.0:1 means for every 1 dB above the compressor threshold the

gain will be reduced 2 dB. A higher ratio setting makes the compressor more aggressive.

• CMP THRESH (Compressor Threshold): Valid range: 0 to –96dB, in 1dB steps.

This sets the level in which gain reduction occurs.

• CMP KNEE: (Compressor Soft Knee): Valid range: 0 to 20dB, In 1dB steps.

Sets the compressor's soft knee. A soft knee reduces “softens” the audible change from

uncompressed to compressed, this is useful especially for higher ratios where the changeover is more

noticeable

• EXP RATIO (Expansion Ratio): Valid range: 1:1.00 to 1:4.00, In 0.01 steps

Sets the expansion ratio. For example a 1:2.0 expansion ratio means for every 1 dB below the

expansion threshold the gain will be reduced 2 dB.

• EXP THRESH (Expansion Threshold): Valid range: 0 to –96dB, in 1dB steps.

Sets the threshold above which gain reduction occurs.

• REDUCE (Expander Gain Reduction): Valid range: 0 to –36dB, in 1dB steps.

This sets the limit on the amount of gain reduction caused by the expander.

• GAIN (Make-up Gain): Valid range: 0 to 30dB, In 1dB steps.

Gain is used to compensate for the gain reduction caused by the compressor. Because the

compressor is reducing the gain (or level) of the signal, the ability to add a fixed amount of make-up

gain at the output is provided so that an optimum level can be used.

DYNAMICS