XTA 5 Series - Manual (Page 44)

Page 44
5 Series 5 Series 5 Series 5 Series Operator’s Manual
What is Dynamic EQ?
Dynamic EQ is essentially a compressor or expander that can be set to respond and act upon only a certain range of
frequencies. Its behaviour is dependant on the operating mode chosen – two of these are relatively traditional, whilst two
modes offer the possibility to turn the normal action of compressors and expanders on their head to allow innovative
adaptive control of the program material. The four operating modes are explained in detail below.
Quadrant/Mode I: “Boost Above”
This is the other less than traditional mode of operation, offering upward expansion, where the signal is boosted once it
reaches the threshold. The example below shows that 1kHz filter again, this time with the threshold at +10dB. As can be
seen, as the signal rises above the threshold it is progressively boosted around the 1kHz region.
Uses of “Boost Above” mode.
This mode is more useful that it might first appear – the ability to add EQ only at higher signal levels allows some very
effective emphasis of certain parts of the spectrum to be added, without the side effect of a permanent audible peak.
Adding some ‘top end sparkle’ – try picking out high-hats and cymbals with a filter at 12kHz , ‘Q’ of 1 Octave, and fast
attack and release, typically 5mS and 25mS. This gives a significant boost to the top end, without bringing up noise in the
absence of any high frequency content.
Similarly, ‘punch’ can be re-introduced to a lacklustre bass drum by setting the filter to about 80Hz and slowing the attack
to 49mS and the release to 100mS. As the bass drum causes the EQ only to be applied on peaks, there is no additional
muddiness added to the bottom end of the spectrum.