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TUBE COMPOSER T1952
3.3 The TUBECOMPOSER as a sound effects unit
In the early 1960s, musicians began looking at the recording process as a way to create new sounds. The
pumping effect which had been avoided by earlier engineers suddenly became fashionable and was utilized as
a creative tool, laying the groundwork for many of the sounds which are now considered indispensable in
contemporary music. The compressor is used in this role because you can hear it working, and control of the
dynamic range is of secondary importance.
With its extensive range of functions, the BEHRINGER TUBECOMPOSER is well suited to this application.
Sound effects of this kind can be achieved using extreme settings. To achieve this, set the THRESHOLD
control to a fairly low level, the RATIO control to almost maximum and use the ATTACK and RELEASE
controls to obtain the desired effect. Experiment with all the controls in order to get a feel of their function!
3.4 The TUBECOMPOSER in mastering
The mastering process is one of the most critical processing steps in recording. In this production step, it is
the goal to achieve a maximum level copy of the recording, without any noise or distortion. In many
applications it is further required to produce a high average volume. In the field of commercial media for
example, this is apparent especially with records and cassettes which are processed with high average
volumes. Quite often in these cases, dynamics suffer drastically, because the program material has been
compressed and limited too heavily. Using the compressor and the peak limiter section of the
TUBECOMPOSER allows you to drastically increase the overall volume, without audibly affecting the
dynamics.
Proceed as follows:
1. Limit the dynamics of the program material by 6dB using the peak limiter section. By softly clipping just
the transients, the real audio signal will not be limited, resulting in a higher headroom. The overall gain can
now be increased by 6dB, which leads to a higher volume. More than 6dB should not be limited, otherwise
side effects could become audible.
2. Therefore, in addition, you should also use compression. It is recommended that the compression is limited
to the first 6dB of the dynamic range only. A high threshold level in addition to the auto mode will give
good results.
This effect is particularly noticeable with DAT recorders, whose level indicators achieve a response time of less
than 1 ms. Set the DAT recorder at unity gain and now reduce the LEVEL control of the peak limiter until the
LIM LED starts to illuminate. The cut signal peaks cause a reduced recording level of about 6dB, which is
visible on the level indicators of the DAT recorder. Now increase the recording level of the recorder back to unity
gain. The result is a clearly louder recording without any loss of sound.
3.5 The TUBECOMPOSER in broadcast
The main aim of processing sound recordings for commercial radio and television is to achieve a maximum
transmission volume at all costs. Owners of these radio and television stations strive to get bigger audience
ratings, because principally, radio programs whose reception is louder than the average are preferred by the
listener. By achieving a bigger audience, the broadcast station gains more money from the increasing number
of promotion companies placing adverts.
What is volume?
Volume is defined as the relationship between the average level of program material to peak-to-peak level, in
response to amplitude and duration. The higher the average level and the time it remains at a high level, the
louder the program material will be perceived by the listener.
If you want to run your broadcast station at maximum average volume, proceed as mentioned in chapter 6.1.2.
Please make sure that the maximum peak level is below the threshold of the transmitters limiter, otherwise
this could lead to very hard and audible use of the transmission limiters. Keep in mind that a heavy increase in
average volume by means of compression always leads to a loss in dynamics and an increased perception of
side effects. The moderate use of the compressor and the peak limiter sections of the TUBECOMPOSER
result in higher average volumes, free of distortion.
3. APPLICATIONS