Symetrix 528 - Addinsr Dynamics, or Punch; Hisrh Level Stasre Monitors - Dynamic Processinii

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processin1r. Durin1r mixdown the 528 not only provides compression, but also eliminates
the noise that often accompanies vocal tracks that are processed with hi1rh frequency EQ,
compression, or both.
In sound reinforcement situations, the expander will attenuate whenever a mic is not in
use, eliminatiDll extraneous pickup of sta1re sounds, and reducin1r feedback from monitor
speakers. The operating principle is the same for both the recordin1r and reinforcement
situations.
4.11 Adding Dyn amics, or "Punch"
By settin1r the EXPAND THRESHOLD above the level of the program material, the 528 can
be made to behave like a linear expander (see Section 1.11) . With this technique, the
528 can simultaneously create a more dynamic feel, add compression, and reduce noise .
Use this ki nd of processin1r for special effects, and to increase the dynamic feel of
percussive instruments like electric bass, snare drum, rhythm 1rUitar, etc.
Set the EXPANDER THRESHOLD above the si1rDal level. The comp/limiter is used to control
peaks (and with certain instruments like electric bass, to put in a little more "bottom" by
creatin1r extra sustain). Set the COMP THRESHOLD so the maxi m um compression is about
6dB with ratios below 2: 1, or 3dB with ratios above 2: 1.
Since this kind of processin1r reduces overall output level, use the OUTPUT GAIN control
to bring levels back up to normal.
4.12 High Lev~l Stage Monitors - Dynamic Processing
Public address and sound reinforcement situations that require comp/limiting are often
plaRUed by feedback problems. Usually the "make up 1rain" used with compression cause s
an overall increase in level which in tum, can cause feedback in the absence of signal,
when the compressor releases and brings levels back up to normal.
The 528's interactive dynamics processor allows the use of lat1re amounts of
comp/limitin1r without serious side effects. When compression is applied to "normal"
si1rDal levels, the compressor returns to unity 1rain when the si1rDal 1roes away. This
action increases overall system 1rain. The 528's expander , on the other hand, decreases
1rain whenever si1rDals fall below threshold. Careful setting of the two threshold control s
tells the 528 how and when to adjust the 1rain.
Sta1re monitors can be made much "ti1rhter'' with compression, but feedback problems oft en
make even 1rentle, low ratio compression impossible. The 528's interactive process or
performs exceedin1rly well in this situation, because the expander decreases gain to
compensate for the gain increase that results from compression.
Careful adjustment of the EXPANDER THRESHOLD control will prevent feedback in the
absence of si1rDal, even with substantial compression. Note that in most cases the
EXPANDER THRESHOLD must be set higher than the COMP THRESHOLD.
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