Scalar.pdf

Scalar

The Plugin

What is 'Scalar''? Simply put, it's an unusual compressor that

finally makes dynamics processing approachable by mere mortals. I

call this compression algorithm "scalar compression".

Like all dynamics processors, it is designed to be used as an insert

effect, not a send effect. You can use Scalar as a send effect, but

in this mode it will not affect your input signal at all.

Traditional compression uses a "damping" effect, by increasingly

clamping down on the volume of a signal the more it exceeds a certain

threshold. Scalar compression, however, seeks instead to model a

signal's waveform within a given amplitude domain.

To understand how it works we need a little background. Consider a

sample waveform such as this:

+max |

| *

C | * *

| *

| * *

0 |*--------------------*---------------------*------

| * *

-C | *

-max |

As shown, there are two variables at work here. Max is the maximum

possible sample value at any point on the signal curve. For 16-bit

PCM signals, max=32767; for 24-bit signals it's considerably higher.

The other variable is C, which stands for the Ceiling we want to

compress the signal to fit under.

Looking at the sample signal, it's clear that portions of the signal

exceed the value of C, but fortunately do not exceed the value of

max. This makes the signal a great candidate for scalar compression.

What scalar compression does is "scale" the input signal down to fit

within the dynamic range established by C. The result is a signal

curve that looks very similar to the input curve, but is smaller so

that it fits neatly between +/- C.

DSP pros might wonder whether this means there is a loss of audible

volume? The answer is no, because under the hood, the scalar

compression engine establishes a dynamic threshold, somewhere less

than C, below which no compression will occur (see the T variables):

+max |

| *

C | * *

| *

T | * *

| * *

0 |*--------------------*---------------------*------

| * *

-T | * *

| * *

-C | *

-max |

Thus, instead of fitting the entire curve underneath C, the algorithm

only fits that portion of the curve between T and C; the curve less

than T is unaffected by the algorithm.

The result is a remarkably smooth compression effect, with absolutely

no hint of pumping or breathing. This is truly an unusual

compressor, one that I think you will find to be a useful addition to

your toolbox. It can't solve every dynamics problem, but it has a

unique character other compressors cannot touch.

The plugin has only two controls:

Input Gain - this controls the amount of amplification (or gain

cut) that occurs on the input signal before any compression is

performed.

Ceiling - the value of C, expressed in dB. If you set this to

0dB, it is the same as setting it to max. Setting it to -3dB

means that the signal will be scaled to fit so that no sample

values exceed the -3dB mark. And so on.

Using the Plugin

This plugin should be used anytime you need to take control of your

dynamics but cannot get acceptable results from a traditional

compressor.

It's also a great way for people who don't understand the black art

of traditional compression to get some dynamics control without

having to get a physics degree.

A couple of tips on using the plugin:

The one drawback to the scalar compression model is that if the

signal has to be scaled too much it will begin to distort. This is

because the subtle differences between before/after values for each

sample are all of a sudden not so subtle anymore. The result is

that everything starts looking like a square wave, which is not a

nice effect at all unless you're into distortion.

So when you're using this plugin, be sure to listen closely to the

resulting signal and ensure it does not have any meaningful

distortion in it, especially when you send a high-volume peak

through the plug-in. If the distortion is unacceptable, you will

have to increase your ceiling, reduce the input gain, or both.

Sorry folks, a traditional compressor will distort if you overdrive

it, and my scalar compressor is no different in that regard. ;-)

Support

Due to the number of VST hosts and operating systems in the world,

there is no way I can possibly test it with all possible software

products. If you run into any snags, please contact me at:

Darrell Burgan

PalancarWare

darrell@palancar.net

http://palancarware.palancar.net/

Plik z chomika:

Inne pliki z tego folderu:

Inne foldery tego chomika: