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3.9 The ULTRA-DYNE PRO in the recording and copying fields
A major objective in the recording and copying sectors should always be to ensure the optimum utilization of
the dynamic range of the recording medium. The failure to observe this can result in side effects such as
excessive noise and distortion. Full attention must be paid during multitrack recording, final mixing and while
copying to ensure that the available dynamic range of the tape machine, DAT recorder, etc. is fully exploited.
In principle, it's possible to continuously adjust the recording levels using the faders, i.e. boosting or cutting
the levels manually as required. However, it's obvious that this method is inadequate, as the signal levels often
cannot be anticipated, particularly during live recordings. Especially in the case of multitrack recordings
being "run" under hectic circumstances, the signal levels of the relevant channels simply can't all be moni-
tored and adjusted at the same time. Manual control is simply not fast enough to achieve satisfactory record-
ing results.
An automatic control system can provide better and more consistent results. For these reasons, deploy the
ULTRA-DYNE PRO starting with the known basic settings and take advantage of its dynamic control functions
to "run" analog and digital recordings at the limits of their dynamic ranges without noise or distortion.
3.9.1 The ULTRA-DYNE PRO for digital recording and sampling
Too low a signal level leads to increased noise in analog recordings; overloading a tape machine can result in
a compressed or "constricted" sound, or in the worst case, distortion due to tape saturation. The same errors
in digital recording lead to extremely obvious effects. Inadequate levels result in a loss of resolution in digital
media as the signal level drops. The recording sounds rough and lacks atmosphere. Overloads, on the other
hand, give the recording a hard sound with harsh distortion. This can be prevented by placing the Peak Limiter
of the ULTRA-DYNE PRO before the sampler. It's thus a trouble-free way of ensuring optimal levels for digital
recording or sampling. The Tube Emulation and Exciter sections of the ULTRA-DYNE PRO can also be used
to add life to the cold, sterile character of multitrack digital recording systems by adding additional harmonics.
3.9.2 Mastering with the ULTRA-DYNE PRO
Mastering is one of the most critical steps of the recording process. The goal of this production stage is to
create a copy of the recording with a minimum of noise and distortion and at optimum levels. In many
applications, a high average loudness of the program material is also required. Among commercial audio
media, recordings intended for LPs and cassettes especially require attention to this end. In many cases, the
dynamic range of the program material suffers considerably due to the excessive use of compressors and
limiters. The combined application of the Compressor and Peak Limiter sections of the ULTRA-DYNE PRO
permit a drastic increase of the average loudness without audible restrictions of the dynamic range. Proceed
as follows:
1. Reduce the dynamic range of the source material by a maximum of 6 dB using the Peak Limiter section.
This application limits only the transients without affecting the actual audio material, permitting a better
utilization of the available dynamic range. The overall level can now be raised by 6 dB, leading to a greater
loudness. The Limiter should not be set to more than 6 dB to avoid audible side effects.
2. Apply compression for this reason as well. We recommend restricting the compression to the "top" 6 dB of
the dynamic range.
The effect is especially obvious with DAT recorders with level displays that have a response time of less than
1 ms. Set the DAT recorder to 0 dB and reduce the Threshold of the Peak Limiter until the LIM LED starts
flashing. The "cut off" signal peaks lead to a reduction of the recording level by approx. 6 dB, as can be seen
by the level meter of the DAT recorder. Now raise the recording level of the recorder back to 0 dB. The result
is a noticeable gain in loudness without audible impairment of the audio quality.
3. APPLICATIONS
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