Aphex Studio Dominator 700 - Recording and Mastering

initially. Raise the peak ceiling control to approach 100
percent modulation on program peaks. The output control
operates in IdB steps so it will probably be necessary to use
the stereo generator input trimmers to achieve the final exact
100 percent modulation setting. If there are no such trimmers
on your stereo generator, you may access the output trimmers
inside the Studio Dominator for a fine adjustment of output
level.
Once the modulation limits are set by the above technique,
the DRIVE, RELEASE TIME, and other controls may be adjusted to
obtain the desired on-air sound. Use of the TEe may be
particularly beneficial since a greater sense of transient
dynamics can be obtained. Additionally, by not turning on the
tracking mode, wider stereo imaging and higher average loudness
can be obtained. The loss of center image stability is not as
severe with the Studio Dominator as expected because the ALT
circuit intelligently tracks the limiting thresholds of left and
right channels.
4.2 Recording and Mastering
a) Tracking
If the tape saturates, if the electronics run out of
he~droom, or if the digital recorder reaches peak input, - you
can no longer "fix it in the mix." By setting the Studio
Dominator output ceiling just below the system's peak level,
these problems will never again occur.
Recording with boosted high end can be safely handled by
the Studio Dominator, preventing tape saturation while
eliminating the need for another equalizer in the signal path.
Using the Studio Dominator. the output of the mic preamp or
input fader may be increased to make a "hotter" recording. This
will effectively increase the signal-to-noise performance so
that noise reduction may no longer be necessary.
b) Mixing
Very often it is desired that a lead track ride out front
of the rest of the mix. By using the studio Dominator on that
track. maximum loudness can be achieved and maintained, allowing
it to stay out front without having to drop the level of the
rest of the mix.
Since the ratio of the Studio Dominator is infinite, any
track driven into consistent deep limiting will not move,
regardless of input level. This is especially useful for bass.
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