How do you use gates, expanders, or compressors to control the dynamics of audio?

If you work with audio, you know how important it is to control the dynamics of your sound. Dynamics are the variations in loudness and intensity of audio signals, and they can affect the clarity, quality, and impact of your audio. In this article, you will learn how to use three common tools to control the dynamics of audio: gates, expanders, and compressors.

1 What are gates, expanders, and compressors?

Gates, expanders, and compressors are types of dynamic processors that modify the amplitude or volume of audio signals based on certain thresholds and parameters. They can help you reduce noise, hum, and unwanted sounds, enhance the loudness and presence of desired sounds, and balance the levels and consistency of audio tracks.

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Martin Rieger

Make a statement with 3D audio - before everyone else does | Brand and Product Experiences, immersive audio experiences with storytelling
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für mich ist der effektivste Dynamik-Prozessor der Transienten-Shaper. Leider wird meist viel zu viel über Kompressoren geradet. Außerdem stimmt hier die Gliederung nicht. Gates sind Expander mit einer Ratio von 1 zu unendlich. Man müsste auch Limiter erwähnen, die Kompressoren mit einer Ratio von 1 zu unendlich sind. Geräusche entfernt man eigentlich nur mit einem Gate. Während man mit einem Kompressor v.a. den Klang formt und etwa zu laute Pegel ausbügelt

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2 How do you use gates to control the dynamics of audio?

Gates are dynamic processors that mute or attenuate audio signals below a certain level, called the threshold. They can help you eliminate background noise, hiss, and bleed from microphones, instruments, or other sources. To use a gate, you need to set the threshold, the ratio, the attack, the hold, and the release. The ratio determines how much the signal is reduced below the threshold, the attack is how fast the gate opens when the signal exceeds the threshold, the hold is how long the gate stays open after the signal drops below the threshold, and the release is how fast the gate closes when the signal drops below the threshold.

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3 How do you use expanders to control the dynamics of audio?

Expanders are dynamic processors that reduce the gain or volume of audio signals below a certain level, called the threshold, but less than gates. They can help you increase the dynamic range and contrast of audio signals, making them more natural and expressive. To use an expander, you need to set the threshold, the ratio, the attack, and the release. The ratio determines how much the signal is reduced below the threshold, the attack is how fast the expander reduces the gain when the signal drops below the threshold, and the release is how fast the expander restores the gain when the signal rises above the threshold.

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4 How do you use compressors to control the dynamics of audio?

Compressors are dynamic processors that reduce the gain or volume of audio signals above a certain level, called the threshold. They can help you reduce the dynamic range and variation of audio signals, making them more consistent and audible. To use a compressor, you need to set the threshold, the ratio, the attack, the release, and the makeup gain. The ratio determines how much the signal is reduced above the threshold, the attack is how fast the compressor reduces the gain when the signal exceeds the threshold, the release is how fast the compressor restores the gain when the signal drops below the threshold, and the makeup gain is how much the overall output level is increased to compensate for the compression.

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Martin Rieger

Make a statement with 3D audio - before everyone else does | Brand and Product Experiences, immersive audio experiences with storytelling
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es klingt etwas paradox aber zum Verständnis macht ein Kompressor das Signal erst leiser um es lauter machen zu können. Der Kompressor fängt spitzen in der Wellenform ab, womit das Signal leiser wird. Erst mit dem Makeup-Gain kann ich das Signal lauter machen als ich es vorher konnte ohne zu übersteuern

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5 How do you choose between gates, expanders, and compressors?

The choice of which dynamic processor to use depends on your audio source, your goal, and your preference. Generally, gates are useful for removing noise and unwanted sounds from isolated or quiet sources, such as vocals, dialogue, or acoustic instruments. Expanders are useful for enhancing the dynamics and expression of sources that have a wide range of loudness and intensity, such as drums, guitars, or orchestral music. Compressors are useful for smoothing out and boosting the levels of sources that have a narrow range of loudness and intensity, such as voice-overs, podcasts, or radio broadcasts.

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6 How do you apply gates, expanders, and compressors to your audio tracks?

To apply gates, expanders, and compressors to your audio tracks, you need to use an audio editing software that supports these dynamic processors as plugins or effects. You can insert them on individual tracks, groups of tracks, or the master output. You can also use them in combination with each other or with other effects, such as equalizers, reverbs, or delays. However, you should always use your ears and monitor your audio levels carefully to avoid over-processing, clipping, or distortion.

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Robert Rodriguez

Information Systems Specialist at The City of Manhattan Beach
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In the Live broadcasting/streaming of content arena. I apply a gate to all individual microphone channels. The noise floor for open mics when sound checking can vary on each. I take the noise peak of the channel while set to the talents optimal level. I apply the gate at around the peak of that noise to eliminate it while in use. When using audio that has sound degradation do to being copied from an older media format, and doesn’t sonically match a current mastered deliverable, a compressor or expander would bring life, body, and sparkle to enhance the track. Imagine a DJ mixing a Vinyl LP with a Mastered WAV music file. The Vinyl track would benefit from a compressor or expander to match the sonic tone and balance the mix for the listener.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you use gates, expanders, or compressors to control the dynamics of audio?

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1 What are gates, expanders, and compressors?

2 How do you use gates to control the dynamics of audio?

3 How do you use expanders to control the dynamics of audio?

4 How do you use compressors to control the dynamics of audio?

5 How do you choose between gates, expanders, and compressors?

6 How do you apply gates, expanders, and compressors to your audio tracks?

7 Here’s what else to consider

Audio Post Production

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