Omnia Audio Omnia A/XE - Manual (Page 52)

Once adjusted, the Wideband-AGC section will stay deep in gain reduction, although with
little movement, and action within the limiters will be minimal.
When the programming has wide dynamic range (low RMS and high peak levels), the
opposite will occur. The Multiband section becomes active, while the WB-AGC section
will appear not to respond as much. During these events, the Multiband sections could be
working aggressively, while the WB-AGC section indicates little activity. Good examples
of programming able to cause this behavior: vocal passages, live voice, classical music, and
passages with high transient levels. Good test examples: almost anything classical, as well as
almost anything by Steely Dan!
Also keep in mind that the WB-AGC section is designed to operate much more slowly
than the Multiband sections, primarily because of the nature of each function. Remember
that the WB-AGC section operates on the program’s RMS energy. During gain calcula-
tions, the incoming program’s “average” level is established, and gain adjustments, if needed,
are made based on those calculations. This is why the WB-AGC sections will appear to
move slower as it makes changes over relatively long time periods.
The intent of the Multiband section is to normalize the spectral balance and provide control
of the peak levels. Peak energy must be detected and adjusted in a quick and accurate
manner while, at the same time, not interfering with the sonic integrity of the audio signal.
For this reason, the Multiband sections operate faster, with special background instructions
to govern their behavior, and strictly on an as-needed basis.
Since the processing displays are capable of providing a wide range of information, we do
not recommend setting up the system based on any specified meter indications. Instead, we
recommend setting up the processing by using your ears to judge the sound. We’ve provided
the meters only to analyze the signals and aid you in adjusting the specific parameters
needed to achieve your desired sonic results. Like a speedometer, the meters are a guide, not
the road!
The red ticks that appear above the WB (Wideband AGC), L (Low-Band AGC), M (Mid-
Band AGC), and H (High-Band AGC) bar graphs are the GATE indicators. They display
GATE activity. The GATE function is described above in the section titled “Understanding
the Bar graphs and Indicators”.
Processing Adjustments
Here’s where the action is! A block diagram depicts the flow of the audio signal, and
illustrates the processing functions that are available to adjust. A mouse-click on button will
provide access to that function.
Input
A mouse-click on the Input button displays the input section sub-menu. There are adjust-
ments for the individual Left/Right channels. Drag the slider-bar to adjust the respective
46 | Processing Audio