Dynamics
Dynamics processors control the volume envelope of signals, reducing dynamic range or removing unwanted quiet sections.
Dynamics processors control the volume envelope of signals, reducing dynamic range or removing unwanted quiet sections.
comp
Compressor - Reduces dynamic range above threshold.
| Param | Type | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| in | signal | - | Input signal |
| thresh | number | -12.0 | Threshold in dB |
| ratio | number | 4.0 | Compression ratio |
Aliases: compress, compressor
Reduces the level of signals that exceed the threshold. Higher ratios create more aggressive compression. A ratio of 4:1 means 4dB of input above threshold becomes 1dB of output.
// Basic compression
osc("saw", 110) * ar(trigger(2)) |> comp(%, -12, 4) |> out(%, %)// Heavy compression (limiting-like)
osc("saw", 55) * ar(trigger(4)) |> comp(%, -20, 10) |> out(%, %)// Gentle leveling
osc("noise") * ar(trigger(1)) |> comp(%, -6, 2) |> out(%, %)limiter
Limiter - Brickwall limiter preventing signal from exceeding ceiling.
| Param | Type | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| in | signal | - | Input signal |
| ceiling | number | -0.1 | Maximum output level in dB |
| release | number | 0.1 | Release time in seconds |
Aliases: limit
A limiter is an extreme compressor (infinite ratio) that prevents the signal from ever exceeding the ceiling. Essential for preventing digital clipping.
// Master limiter
osc("saw", 110) * 2 |> limiter(%, -0.1, 0.1) |> out(%, %)// Aggressive limiting for loudness
osc("saw", 55) * ar(trigger(4)) * 3 |> limiter(%, -1, 0.05) |> out(%, %)Related: comp
gate
Noise Gate - Silences signal below threshold.
| Param | Type | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| in | signal | - | Input signal |
| thresh | number | -40.0 | Threshold in dB |
| hyst | number | 6.0 | Hysteresis in dB (open/close difference) |
| close_time | number | 5.0 | Fade-out time (ms) |
Aliases: noisegate
Cuts the signal when it falls below the threshold, useful for removing noise during quiet passages. Hysteresis prevents chattering at the threshold by requiring the signal to drop further below the threshold before the gate closes.
The close_time parameter controls how quickly the gate fades out when closing, preventing abrupt cuts.
// Basic noise gate
(osc("saw", 110) + osc("noise") * 0.1) * ar(trigger(2)) |> gate(%, -30, 6) |> out(%, %)// Tight gate for percussive sounds
osc("noise") * ar(trigger(8), 0.001, 0.05) |> gate(%, -20, 10) |> out(%, %)// Slow fade-out gate
osc("saw", 110) * ar(trigger(2)) |> gate(%, -30, 6, 20) |> out(%, %)Related: comp