Aphex Studio Dominator 700 - Drive Set; Release Time

8.4 Drive Set
Drive is now readjusted to accomplish the desired limiting
action. If only "protection" limiting is desired, then the
drive should be·reduced so that only the highest peaks which
would ordinarily II cras h" the downstream equipment cause
ljmiting. This condition causes the limiter to be totally
transparent within the safe dynamic range of the audio system.
When the excessive peaks occur, instant undetectable limiting
takes place. Occasional limiting action assures adequate output
level for optimal signal-to-noise performance.
If increases in loudness or density are desired, greater
amounts of total limiting may be used. As greater average
limiting is used, the audible effects of limiting will become
more pronounced. This is unavoidable because of dynamic range
compression. However, the Studio Dominator can be driven to
greater than 20dB of total limiting without inducing more
distortion. The unwanted effects of pumping, hole punching,
dullness, and other typjcal limiter side effects are much less
audible with the studio Dominator than for other limiters . This
makes it very feasible to use heavy limiting to achieve high
density where previously other limiters would produce too many
annoying side effects.
8.5 Release Time
Adjust the release time setting for the desired limiter
characteristics. The desirable release time is usually a
function relative to the amount or depth of limiting. For a
large amount of total limiting, fast release time will give
greater loudness and more density while a slow release time will
give less density and less average loudness but more natural
sound.
For shallow limiting where only infrequent audio peaks are
drIven into limiting (such as in "protection" limiting
applications), the fastest release setting will provide nearly
undetectable limiter action.
The release setting may be readjusted at any time without
interacting with other controls, and can be readjusted to
compliment any combinations of drive and equalizatjon whjch may
be created by the user.
NOTE: After the output level, drive, and release time are
chosen, adjusting the Studio Dominator is essentially complete.
Equalization and use of TEe are optional but the user should
experiment with them to determine if the effects are desirable
for the particular application.
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