DTP CrossPoint 4K Series Matrix Switchers • Matrix Software 104
Dynamics blocks (2) — The two dynamics processor blocks, when inserted,
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each provide one of four dynamic processors. A dynamic processor alters
the dynamic range of an audio signal, the difference between the loudest to
the quietest portions of the signal above the noise floor of the system.
Dynamic range can either be increased using an expander (noise gate) or reduced using a
compressor. Click the desired dynamics processor to select it or to view a live audio
meter as shown at right.
The parameters of each processor can be changed in the dialog box, customized to
the processor, that can be accessed by double-clicking the processor block.
1
Automatic gain control (AGC) — AGC adjusts the gain level based upon the strength
of the incoming signal to achieve a more consistent volume. Above a set threshold,
weaker signals receive more gain to reach a user-defined target level; stronger signals
receive less gain or no gain at all.
A window range is also applied above and below the target level. When the signal
reaches the window, gain control starts scaling in a linear fashion toward the target level
to achieve smoother results.
The default threshold is -40 dB. The default target level is -10.0 dB. The default gain
and window are 12.0 dB.
2
Compressor — The compressor regulates the level of the input signal by reducing,
or compressing, the dynamic range of the signal above a specified threshold. The
input-level-to-output-level ratio of the signal determines the reduction in the dynamic
range beyond the threshold setting. For example, with a ratio setting of 2:1, for every
2 dB of input the compressor outputs 1 dB of gain.
Compression is commonly used to keep mic levels within an acceptable range for
maximum clarity. A compressor make softer sounds louder either by reducing the
dynamic range and then raising the output level of the compressor (referred to as
make-up gain), or by increasing the input signal and then preventing clipping by
reducing the louder portions of the signal. This has the effect of making louder portions
of a signal softer. Compression also can be used, similar to a limiter, to protect a system
or a signal chain from overload.
The default threshold is -30 dB. The ratio is 2.0:1.
3
Limiter — The limiter regulates the level of the input signal by severely restricting its
dynamic range above a specified threshold. The limiter prevents clipping and protects
a system against component or speaker damage. The limiter is closely related to the
compressor but applies a much higher compression ratio, in excess of 20:1 (often
expressed as ∞:1) and with a high threshold setting (default is -10 dB, close to clipping).
The ratio cannot be changed.
4
Noise gate — The noise gate is an expander, expanding the dynamic range of a
signal below a specified threshold. To simplify, it makes soft signals softer, effectively
removing background noise while allowing a stronger signal, above the threshold,
to pass. Using a high ratio of 20:1, the expander closes the audio path below the
threshold, eliminating background noise, opening the path above the threshold to allow
signal to pass; hence the term “noise gate”.
The default threshold is -65 dB. The ratio is 20.0:1.
Delay block — The delay processor block, when inserted, provides a means
to delay the audio signal to sync it to video. The processor can delay the audio
using either time or distance in feet or meters between the video display and audio
speakers, as a determiner. The default delay, when inserted, is at 100 ms using the time
function. The settings of the delay block can be changed in the dialog box that can be
accessed by double-clicking the processor block. When you select either Feet or Meters,
you can also specify a temperature, in either degrees Fahrenheit or degrees Celsius The
processor calculates the change in speed of sound for the specified temperature.
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