The AVA Spectral Compressor (AVA-SC for short) is a dynamics processor that allows you to apply compression selectively across 18 frequency bands. These compression bands can either be spread out across the full range of the spectrum, or focused on a specific frequency range for more precise control.
The AVA Spectral Compressor includes the following features:
- Master Threshold control
- Frequency Range selection
- Band Depth controls
- Gain Reduction graph
- Compressor Knee
- Output Trim
Overview:
The Depth sliders below the graph control the maximum amount of gain reduction that can be applied to the corresponding frequency bands determined by the current Range setting. The Range can be set to focus on specific areas along the frequency spectrum (Low, Mid, High, etc.), or it can be set to Full Range mode to allow control over the entire spectrum. The Threshold sets the input signal level where the overall compression begins to take effect. Additional controls include compressor Knee and output Trim.
Feature Controls:
Threshold
The slider attached to the input meter on the left is the Threshold control. The Threshold sets the input signal level where the overall compression begins to take effect. The Threshold can be set anywhere between -60 and 0 dB.
Frequency Range
The Frequency Range section allows you to select the specific frequency range that gets processed by the compressor. The 18 compressor bands will be distributed across whatever range is selected. For example, with Mid selected, all 18 bands will be focused on the Mid range, allowing for more precise control over the frequencies within that range.
The available Frequency Range options are as follows:
- Full Range: 16 Hz - 20 kHz
- High: 3 kHz - 20 kHz
- High Mid: 200 Hz - 18 kHz
- Mid: 180 Hz - 7 kHz
- Low Mid: 12 Hz - 8 kHz
- Low: 15 Hz - 500 Hz
Depth Controls
The 6 sliders below the graph set the Depth for their corresponding bands. The 18 compressor bands are divided among the 6 sliders so that each slider controls the Depth for 3 of those bands. The range of frequencies affected are shown below each slider.
The Depth determines the maximum amount of Gain Reduction that can be applied within each slider’s control range. Possible Depth values range from -24 to 0 dB. Setting a Depth slider to 0 dB will prevent any attenuation from occurring within that slider’s control range.
Knee
The Knee value determines the hardness of compression on the input signal as it transitions through the Threshold point. Possible Knee values range from 1 to 30. With a low Knee value (Hard Knee), the compression will activate more abruptly as the signal passes over the Threshold. A high Knee value (Soft Knee) will allow the transients of the input signal to pass through more smoothly, applying compression gradually as they transition through the Threshold point.
Output Trim
The Output Trim adjusts the level of the compressor’s output signal anywhere from -10 dB to +10 dB. It can be used to increase or decrease the output level as needed for gain compensation.
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