ABSTRACT
Dynamics processors can be used to perform some clever tricks in addition to their intended purpose. Type of dynamics processor is the volume maximizer, for lack of a more universal term. Like a limiter, this type of processor reduces the level of peaks that exceed a threshold. The Threshold setting is simply a volume control for the level detector, whereby raising the audio volume sent to the detector lowers the threshold. When using a compressor, the most important controls are the compression ratio and threshold. Radio stations have used multi-band compressors for many years to customize their sound and remain within legal modulation limits. Compressors and limiters were originally implemented in hardware, and most modern Digital Audio Workstation programs include one or two plug-in versions. Some compressors and gates offer a side-chain input, which lets them vary the level of one audio stream in response to volume changes in another.
