Dynamics setting question

[johnh76715022]

Hi everybody
I want to set my ratio about 4:1 or something normal, the only way I can do it is by dragging the point on 
the graphic display line?  When I go to the settings tab I don't see anything for ratio.  
and when I click on the Segment 1, Segment 2 information below the graphic, there is nothing to edit. 

So I wonder if there is something wrong with my display, or.. where can I type in my ratio?

Probably something I'm missing, thanks for reading!

[EuanWilliamson · Accepted solution]

You are correct. No direct way to enter the ratio.

Dragging the points gives you feedback below as to the ratio you are creating.

Perhaps you would be happier with the single band compressor.

No graphical representation though.

[johnh76715022]

@EuanWilliamson 

hey thank you, I never noticed that single band compressor before.  

My use is fairly simple and I always wondered why this dynamics processing is so darn fancy.  

Thank you so much for taking the time to help!  Much appreciated.

[EuanWilliamson]

"dynamics processing is so darn fancy"

Start simple and then tweak for unique situations.

I find the visual approach easier to understand the consequences 🙂

Have a look through the presets and their descriptions and the graph that creates them.

The one above is one I've modified from the supplied 3.1 preset.

I steepened the segment 2 section to hit ~ 4:1 and also set it to spline curves

to make the effect on the processed voice smoother.

The dip in the curve below ~ 30db helps keep the noise floor from getting amplified.

[johnh76715022]

I was dealing with this 80 minute dj mix file where some of it is drastically louder than the bulk of it.
The red line is about -4db, so I was thinking I'd want a threshold around there.  and a long release to last over succesive beats until the loud tracks are done being too loud.  

I actually tried Single band compressor, but the ratio wasn't enough to really do what I wanted even with high ratio, so maybe limiter is the right tool for this.  

and finally, that dynamics tool I first mentioned, with the line (and nice curve on yours), for this use I was getting caught up thinking about the graphic display for some reason.  It is easier for my brain to think about the values of the settings than try to move the line over 1 pixel in a guess ad check fashion. 

Compression is probably the wrong tool for a thing like this right?    

[EuanWilliamson]

Hi John, take a look at Mike Russells take on how to do this.

It should give you some good ideas to try out.

https://youtu.be/U49uRMOWUp8

[johnh76715022]

Wow, I didn't even know about the preview window

  That will be a lot less painful than .. dwell on the settings forever and imagine, try it, undo, repeat. 

Also great info on the different techniques, perfectly what I needed.  

Noting also that he set the threshold to the RMS avg .. have to think about that.  

Saved that link to my desktop thanks!

[EuanWilliamson]

Hi John,

I suddenly remembered that you were talking about an 80 min mix.

So, probably the easiest method is to use a gain enevelope and the preview window.

Mike Russell as always has a great explanation:

https://youtu.be/CDEhiyZ5JM4