Dynamic Effects

Summary

Dynamic effects act on the relative level of maximum loudness of the sound signal. They take many forms, e.g. pedals, racks and software components, either directly integrated into a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or available as specialized plugins. Physically, dynamic effects nuance the sound by modifying the spectral composition of the signal. Compression is widely used by professional recording and sound technicians. The chapter presents dynamic range expanders, which are included with most compressors and DAWs. The parameters of noise gates are largely equivalent to those of compressors. Some noise gates include an audio filtering system that only activates the gate on a certain frequency band. Exciters have the unfortunate tendency of caricaturizing sounds, especially vocals. De‐essers are a tool for reducing sibilance, hissing or squeaking sounds. These sounds are a natural part of vocals, but can cause problems in sound processing sequences that use compression, delay or reverb.