Linear/db timing (linear type), 2 linear/db timing (linear type) – Sonnox Oxford Dynamics User Manual
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4.8 Compressor Timing Laws
4 COMPRESSOR
4.8.2 Linear/dB timing (Linear type)
The Linear /dB law, in some respects, exhibits the reverse behaviour of the Exponential
law. Because the rate of change of gain is constant (as set by the timing controls), the
greater the signal dynamic excursion the longer the compressor will take to complete a
gain change. Also, since the total time that the compressor spends in attack or decay is
proportional to the size of the gain excursion, the harmonic content of the compression
artefacts will seem to reduce in frequency content the louder the signal excursion is. This
type of compressor is useful for generating dynamic audio effects because the sonic
character of the compression is much more affected by time control settings and
programme material than the exponential type.
10 dB gain reduction (scaled)
30 dB gain reduction
The diagrams above illustrate the action of the linear law. The first shows 10 dB gain
reduction (scaled for comparison) and the second one shows 30 dB. The rate of change is
the same during the attack period, and therefore the total time for attack (and subsequent
release) is increased with greater level transition.
Note:
The Linear timing law is generally unsuitable for the control of programme dynamics
and modulation levels because of its unnatural sounding relationship between level
excursions and perceived overtone generation.