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Audio Dynamics 101: Compressors, Limiters, Expanders, and Gates:

In this article, we’ll demystify the compressor and other dynamics processors. We’ll cover the four main types of plug-ins used to control dynamics: limiters, compressors, expanders, and gates. We’ll discuss the mathematical processes behind these tools, how they affect the sound, and the best scenarios in which to use them.

Expanders are my least understood tool. Gates are kind of troublesome as well. This is a good description of what they do.

Gain Staging: What It Is and How to Do It:

Gain staging in the analog days

Before the advent of digital, records were made with analog equipment. Microphones, outboard EQs, compressors, console desks, tape machines—every piece of gear had to be leveled properly for the next piece of the chain, in order to achieve a good result.

Always good to know why we do things.

Logic Pro X keyboard command of the day. #LogicProX @StudioIntern1

  Octave 5

Change the step input keyboard focus to Octave 5. Not much call for that if the keyboard is showing on the display. Far more likely to use the shift octave commands.

Octave - 2  Shift-Z


 


Octave - 1  Z


 


Octave + 1  X


 


Octave + 2  Shift-X

Use step input recording techniques — Logic Pro X:

Step input allows you to insert MIDI notes when you’re not recording in real time. You can use step input to create note runs that may be too fast for you to play or to replicate sheet music that’s too difficult for you to play.

⇧ SHIFT – ⌃ CONTROL – ⌥ OPTION – ⌘ COMMAND

Logic Pro X keyboard command of the day. #LogicProX @StudioIntern1

  Region Automation: Control Change 25

Set the region automation to CC25. With automation being displayed (press ‘A’ on the keyboard) you will typically see “Track” automation. Click on the “Track” button to change to region. There is also an on/off control button as well.

I am not sure of what “Region Automation” is all about. Ahh. Now it makes sense. Sound in space over time. A remarkably complex programming space. I simply need to re-think my programming methods. Parallel programs with function calls tied to time points as opposed to simply being interrupt driven. I need to meditate.

Show automation curves — Logic Pro X:

Before you can add automation points to a track’s automation curves, you need to show the automation curves. Automation curves are displayed as colored curves and points on top of audio and MIDI regions across the track, running the length of the project. You can choose whether to view and edit automation across the track (track-based automation) or only within the track’s regions (region-based automation).

⇧ SHIFT – ⌃ CONTROL – ⌥ OPTION – ⌘ COMMAND