Aphex 722

The Aphex Systems Model 720 / 722 Dominator II is a stereo MultiBand peak limiter designed to fit a wide range of applications. Through the use of MultiBand techniques along with new proprietary circuits, the audibility of limiting action has been greatly reduced, especially when compared to conventional limiters. This means that greater limiting depth is possible, resulting in higher loudness with maintained audio quality. At virtually any limiting depth, the Dominator II is free of "hole punching", "dullness", and most other effects normally associated with limiters. As a peak overshoot protection limiter, the Dominator II is undetectable in line while it absolutely prevents peak levels from exceeding a user settable output level. In addition, the desired limiting effects of greater audio density and increased "punch are readily available with the Dominator II.The Model 722, for broadcast use, has the Pre and De-emphasis circuitry, while the Model 720 Does not.

Multiband vs Wideband Processing
A very significant problem with wideband processing is "spectral gain intermodulation" which occurs when one part of the spectrum controls the level of another part. A typical situation is a vocalist being "sucked down" every time the kick drum hits.

Since most energy is contained in the lower frequencies, they tend to control the level of the entire spectrum. When the lower frequencies are above the limit threshold the higher frequencies are attenuated thus causing the output to be dull.

MultiBand processing solves these problems by splitting the audio into two or more frequency bands and processing each band separately. However, more bands often result in many more parameters to control including a method of summing the bands together again. While giving the user flexibility, it also requires different settings for almost every different source.

The Dominator II uses program dependent, intelligent circuits to reduce the number of controls. The user, therefore, has flexibility to shape the sound while quickly and easily achieving the goal of consistent, effective limiting.

ALT (Automatic Limit Threshold)
A MultiBand processor splits the audio into separate bands, limits each band individually and then sums the bands together again. Even though each band's peak output is predictable, summing the bands together produces an unpredictable peak output.

One conventional approach to making the summed output predictable is to use a wideband limiter after the summing. This, however, introduces all the drawbacks of wideband limiting discussed above.

Another approach is to use a clipper on the summed output. This causes too much clipping distortion if the summed output is too high. In order to avoid this distortion the limiters' thresholds are set very far below the clipper threshold. The drawback is a loss of loudness and, due to the lower thresholds, much greater amount of processing.

The Dominator II uses a patented method to produce a predictable peak output while maintaining maximum loudness without audible distortion- the Automatic Limit Threshold (ALT). The outputs of the three bands are summed and sent to the ALT detector circuit. If the sum exceeds a reference value, the ALT reduces the thresholds of the individual limiters. When the summed output falls below the reference value the limit thresholds return to their original setting.

The ALT circuit has a self-adjusting finite attack time. The amount of time it takes to lower the thresholds of the limiters is the length of time the limiters' overshoot may be in the clipper. The reference value of the ALT in relation to the clipper determines the depth of clipping.

Both parameters are set by the Density control. When the Density control is set higher, the ALT reference gets closer to clipping, and the attack time is slower, producing more clipping. The opposite occurs when Density is set lower. The "0 RCH" position for the Density control emulates the standard parameters of the original Studio Dominator Model 700, and is recommended for general use.

It should be noted that there is only one ALT circuit controlling both channels equally. This provides global stereo balance and imaging by assuring that both channels always limit at the same threshold. This does cause an interaction if the Dominator II is used as two independent channels. Therefore, we do not recommend such a practice.

Features:

• Peak Ceiling Trimmable in 0.2dB Steps Over a 34dB Range
• 3 Bands of Limiting with Switchable Crossover Frequencies
• Patented Automatic Limit Threshold (ALT) Circuitry
• Freedom from Pumping
• Freedom from Spectral Gain Intermodulation
• Adjustable Density (Relative Crest Height)
• Calibrated Detented Potentiometers
• 104dB Dynamic Range
• LF and HF EQ Provides Shaping Equalization Below Peak Ceiling
• Relay Bypass, Remote Controllable
• Servo-Balanced Transformerless Inputs and Outputs

Applications:

• Sound Contracting -- protection of amplifiers and speakers from overload; increased loudness; maximized use of available power.
• Recording -- preventing sudden peak overload of mixer or recorder; tightening tracks; special effects, etc.
• Mixing -- used as a program limiter, the Dominator II will keep a track "rock steady" for "layering" into or on top of a mix.
• Digital Sampling -- obtaining good full scale samples free from peak overload, i.e. no more missed samples.
• Digital Recording -- insuring clean recording by stopping clipping of peaks and overshoots. Maximizes bit usage for less distortion.
• Satellite Uplink -- Modulation control to prevent splattering on high frequency audio, gives reduced distortion, better signal-to- noise.
• Broadcasting -- AM and FM modulation control for increased loudness; cleaner sound; use in production for greater consistency of tapes, punchier voice-overs.
• Location Film Shoots -- anti-crash for dialog and sound effects recording.
• Post Production -- Soundtrack peak control; managing difficult dialog; controlling transient sound effects.
• Optical Recording and Transfer -- prevents "valve clash", gives higher average level with low distortion and better signal-to- noise performance.
• Analog Disk Mastering -- peak control for high allowable average cutting levels; less limiter degradation to the program; brighter, punchier sound.
• C/D Mastering -- peak and density control for more accurate digitizing, cleaner sound requiring less error correction on playback; no limiter induced sound degradation.
• STL & Phone Line Driver -- maximize signal-to-noise without overload distortion.
• Video and Audio Tape Duplication -- "Hotter" transfers withoutsaturation.