Banks 13-14: the Ambience Programs
11-2
The Ambience Program
The Lexicon 480L reverberation programs (HALLS
and ROOMS Banks) are designed to add a cushion of
reverberance to recorded music, while leaving the
clarity of the direct sound unaffected. Ambience is
different. It is intended to become a part of the direct
sound — to give it both better blend and a definite
position in space. The difference between the two
approaches to reverb is very dramatic, and can best be
heard by comparing this program with any Hall or
Random Hall program. Review Using the Reverb Pro-
grams in the Owner’s Manual for more information on
Reverb and Ambience.
Ambience is very useful for adding a room sound to
recorded music or speech. It is particularly easy to
match a studio recording of dialog to a typical room
environment. In music recording, using Ambience is an
effective way of realistically adding distance to a close-
miked signal. If an ensemble has been recorded with
close-mikes and pan pots, Ambience can provide the
missing blend and depth. The apparent position of the
instruments is preserved in the reverb while the appar-
ent distance is increased. Ambience is also useful in
matching a closely miked accent microphone to the
overall ambience of a recording. This allows a soloist to
be increased in level without changing the apparent
distance. Ambience can be used in a recording situ-
ation any time a close-miked sound is undesireable.
About the parameters
Page 1
RT (Reverb Time)
This control is not of great importance to the sound. The
range of action is limited. Be careful — both long and
short reverb times may sound unnatural. If a much
longer or shorter reverb time than the preset provides
is desired, SIZ should be changed first.
RTL (Reverb Level)
RTL controls the level of the reverberant part of the
ambient decay. At 0, only the early reflections will be
present in the sound, and there is an abrupt end to the
sound when these early reflections are gone. Setting
RTL to about 70 results in a natural blend of early and
late reflections.
SIZ (Size)
SIZ allows you to vary the apparent size of the space
over a wide range. SIZ is the most dramatic control, and
must be selected to match the music or program
material. It should be the first control that you adjust to
tailor the desired space. SIZ also affects the reverb
time, in a similar way to the standard reverb programs.
ROL (Rolloff)
ROL controls the -3dB point of a 6dB/octave filter on the
output. It sets the effective bandwidth of both the early
reflections and the reverberance.
DIF (Diffusion)
DIF controls the degree to which initial echo density
increases over time. High settings of DIF result in high
initial buildup of echo density; low settings cause low
initial buildup. After the initial period (controlled by DIF),
density continues to change at a rate determined by
SIZ. To enhance percussion, use high settings of DIF.
For clearer, more natural vocals, mixes, and music,
use low or moderate settings.
Page One
Page Two
To Next Page
Loading...
