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Far Beyond Compression (4
advanced control freaks)

Studio Overviews

Posted by CapnZilog - Dec 16, 2004
@ 09:16:51 PM

Using SONAR automation to
creatively solve your mix problems with
precision

We all know that compressors can
be used to ride the levels in a mix and even out the dynamics.
But did you know that you can act as your own compressor, with
a level of control you might not have thought possible? Have
you ever wanted to tweak, pan or effect a single note in your
mix but found it too hard to do in real time? An exacting
alternative to using compressors is to use track or clip
envelope automation.

Say you received a solo from
somebody to mix into a team project, but in the middle of that
solo he added a harmony guitar and now that spot is too loud.
The envelope waveform of the solo looks like this, with an
bulge in the
middle:

:1sec........:3sec:............:10sec
(timeline)
medium-medium-LOUD-medium-medium-soft (clip
waveform)

Now, you -could- run this through a
compressor in order to try to even out the levels of the
middle section, and in a hurry that's probably a good approach
to take.

Or, you could assign an automation envelope
(in SONAR: right click on clip, select
Envelopes->Clip->Gain) and a line will appear across the
length of the clip. This is the Gain Automation Line, which
modifies the level that the clip plays back at. What you get
initially is
this:

:1sec..........:3sec:...............:10sec
(timeline)

medium--medium--LOUD--medium--medium--soft
(clip waveform)
node----------------------------------node
(default clip anchor
nodes)
0dB...................................0dB
(node settings)

By adding more Nodes (control points)
to the Gain Automation line just to the left and the right of
the LOUD section, you can set their values in order to
decrease the gain of that one particular
section.

:1sec..........:3sec:...............:10sec
(timeline)

medium--medium--LOUD--medium--medium--soft
(clip waveform)
node---node-node-----node-node--------node
(nodes)
0dB....0dB..-3dB.....-3dB..0dB.........0dB (node
settings)

What you've done here is acted like a human
compressor, telling SONAR that you wanted the LOUD section
dropped by 3dB where you placed the nodes. This is really
awkward to display using ASCII graphics, so look up "Using
Automation" in the SONAR Online Help.

You may be
thinking "so what!" at this point. The "What" is the fact that
if you master Automation, your options are endless; Want to
mute an individual note? Do it. Fade out a clip using a
complex handmade curve? No problem. Pan every other note to
opposite sides of the speaker? Easy! But for gain purposes,
it's a -really- cool way to smooth out the trouble spots in
your mix.

-djh

6 comment(s) | viewed 201
time(s) | |

Your Comments

Commented by zylaxis - Dec 18, 2004 @ 03:15:14
AM

great article CapnZ- thx for
explaining a much-needed studio technique in terms that even
computer nitwits like me can grasp ;) !!!

Commented by CapnZilog - Dec 18, 2004 @
05:55:23 AM

Dude, see if you can guess which
solo I was referring to up there! I'm sure ProTools has the
same feature, I just don't know what they call it
8)

Commented by hmmm - Dec 26, 2004 @ 10:55:51
AM

Good article

Commented by VanHelsing - May 26, 2005 @
10:43:28 PM

This is the method I use in Somar
for solos. Compression just doesnt do it for me.Making custom
hand made automation for gain, volume and pan is really
nifty.

Commented by sixtofive - May 28, 2005 @
01:04:21 AM

I've used the same technique with
a volume envolope in the old Pro Audio 9 (which is what i
still use).  very useful, and it can save a great take
that was ruined by one or two notes.

Commented by Monster Zero - May 29, 2005 @
03:13:43 PM

Good idea. I'm learning the ropes
on pro tracks so I as well do that sort of thing with a volume
env. I think cmp would be better, but haven't figured it out
yet. If any one wants to help the dumby shoot me an e-m. THX
:MZ Oh Ya where to get better drum backing track etc.
:)

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