Five Top Tips – Automatic Level Control Equipment

There are a wide selection of equipment which automatically controls levels – but it’s not all good news!

1. It is possible to put automatic level control equipment either on individual sources, such as presenter and guest microphones, or on the output of the mixer – in which case all sources are affected together.
2. Limiters prevent the audio from exceeding a preset limit – which helps prevent overload, however if used excessively, distortion will occur.
3. Compressors introduce a non-linear gain element – increases to the input level result in smaller increases in output level.
4. Compression can be used to change the character of the sound – making a voice sound ‘fuller’ for example.
5. It is important to adjust the ‘attack’ and ‘release’ times of compressors and limiters to prevent ‘pumping’ (audible increasing/decreasing of overall sound level) and to minimize distortion through the sound control process

And a bonus tip:

Even if you have the world’s most sophisticated auto-levelling equipment, it will not totally correct poor microphone technique or make up for poorly adjusted mixer gain settings.

Compressors and limiters can be used to good effect but require careful consideration of where they should be used, and careful adjustment to obtain best results. Clyde Broadcast engineers assist broadcasters in producing the best quality sound within their means and budget. If you would like more information, or you would like the best sound in your listening area, get in touch now.