MUS 441/541

Dynamics Processing Question Sheet

• What is dynamic range? the maximum and minimum amplitude supported by a sound
system.

• What is dynamic range processing? the process of altering the dynamic range of a
signal.

• What are the two main types of dynamic range processing that we are going to focus
on in the class? Limiter and compressor.

• How compressor works? by reducing dynamic range.

• What does “Brick Wall” mean? (two meanings)

• What is Ratio? Determines the severity which the dynamic range is altered.

• What is Makeup Gain? optional amplitude adjustment, applied post-dynamics

processing, to return the affected signal to a desirable level.

• What’s the problem may occur if we set the attack time too slow? if the attack of the
envelop is fast, as a snare drum, it will not affect it.

• What is Knee? the immediacy of the compression;expansion curve.

• What is going to happen if too much compression applied in a project? the dynamic
range will be reduced to the point of both loud and soft will be almost the same.

• Where to use limiter most of the time? in popular and rock music, for example. Not as
much in electroacustic;art music.