Dynamics (Compressors and Limiters)

While EQ controls the volume of specific frequencies, Dynamics processing controls the overall volume range of the entire track.

If an actor whispers a line and then suddenly screams, the whisper might be too quiet to hear, and the scream might distort the speakers. A Compressor fixes this automatically.

Oraphim includes a dedicated Dynamics panel on every channel strip. Double-click it in the Mixer to open the interface.

1. The Compressor

A compressor acts like an invisible hand on the volume fader. When the audio gets too loud, it automatically pulls the volume down.

Core Parameters

• Threshold: The volume limit. If you set it to -15dB, the compressor does absolutely nothing until the audio gets louder than -15dB. Once it crosses that line, the compressor activates.
• Ratio: How aggressively the volume is turned down. A ratio of 2:1 means for every 2dB the audio goes over the threshold, the compressor only allows 1dB to pass through. A ratio of 5:1 is very aggressive.
• Attack: How fast the compressor reacts (in milliseconds). A fast attack clamps down instantly on a snare drum hit. A slow attack lets the initial "punch" through before clamping down.
• Release: How long it takes for the compressor to let go and return the volume to normal after the audio drops below the threshold.
• Make-Up Gain: Because a compressor makes the loudest parts of the audio quieter, the overall track is now quieter. Make-up gain boosts the entire track back up. The result is that the whispers are now louder, and the screams are controlled.

2. The Gate (Expander)

A Gate does the exact opposite of a compressor. It turns the volume down when the audio gets too quiet.

• Use Case: You have a microphone recording an actor, but you can hear the hum of a refrigerator in the background when they stop talking.
• Threshold: Set the threshold just below the actor's speaking volume.
• When the actor speaks, the gate opens and lets the audio through. When they stop speaking, the volume drops below the threshold, and the gate closes, muting the refrigerator hum completely.

3. The Limiter

A Limiter is essentially a compressor with an infinite ratio (Infinity:1). It is an absolute brick wall.

• If you place a Limiter on your Main Master Bus and set the ceiling to -1.0dB, it will mathematically guarantee that no audio signal will ever exceed -1.0dB, preventing your final export from ever distorting or clipping, no matter how loud the explosions in your film are.