LdC Automax v1.0

This is a little machine you can use to automagically set the correct gain for the signal. That is, you set the desired peak output level/ceiling, and the machine will "normalize" the signal to the correct range. The idea is, you calibrate the machine by setting it to Learn mode and feeding it the loudest signal you anticipate using. The volume will be compensated so that the peak value of this "loudest signal" will now produce a signal at 0db. Think of it as normalizing like in a wave editor (though it will also make a loud (greater than 0db) signal quieter). You can then set the mode to Lock and the gain will stay the same. It can also "remember" how loud it was the last time you used it, so when you reload a song you don't have to re-Learn the levels (see the Attributes for info on this).

Possible Uses

* You could use this machine when you want to export your whole mix as a WAV from Buzz at the maximum amplitude without clipping. Just make sure this Automax is the last thing your whole mix goes through before going to Master.

* Useful when using dynamics based machines and you want to make sure the signal going in is in a certain range, for instance with dynamics based machines it's handy to send in a signal that goes right up to 0db so that the threshold settings and stuff are easier to set up. So place the Automax before the dynamics machine etc.

* Good for placing after machines too where you can't predict the output gain, and you want to make sure it's not going to go over a certain level and distort your mix.

* I've been using this in conjunction with my Trigger machine (a proper machine ;) so that when i connect an input to it from my drum pads, i can make sure that my loudest hits will peak the input at about 0db, just by putting this machine in front, switching to Learn mode, and hitting the pads a few times at the hardest velocity i want to use before Lock'ing the gain.

Parameters

*Mode: 
 Learn - This mode is used to calibrate as described above.
 Lock - The gain won't be altered any more, even by signals which cause the machine to go over 0db. The machine is now functioning as a simple gain device. Use this mode when you have finished calibrating. BEWARE of the fact that the signal may now easily exceed your desired output ceiling :-| As you would expect, this mode uses a lot less CPU (not that this machine uses much anyway hehe).

*Reset: This is a trigger switch, set it to either 0 or 1 (or move the slider) and the machine will reset it's internal gain settings so that you can learn a "new" maximum peak level. Handy if an unexpected peak in the input has messed up the settings, etc.

*Response: Inertia in milliseconds so that when the gain is altered (by the Learn mode or Reset function), the change is gradual (reducing clicks). However, this means the signal can go over the desired output level if there is a sudden increase. When left to 0 there is no inertia, which can cause clicks, but means that the signal is ALWAYS within the desired output range.

*Output Ceiling: A control to set your desired maximum output volume, which you could also think of as a master gain control. If you leave this at 0dB, you can expect the output signal to peak at 0db (ie. +/-32767), except for where the signal exceeds this due to the inertia control. Think of it as the "Normalize to..." parameter you get in wave editors.

Attributes

*Initial Maximum: This is the value which the machine considers internally to be the 0db mark (which will be later "moved" when a signal exceeds it) when you hit reset or when the machine first loads. the idea is that this should be lower than the maximum value you are expecting. setting it very very low will sort out practically any signal. setting it too high may mean that some low level signals won't get maximised. setting it to the maximum (32767=0dB) will make the machine act more like a limiting device, as anything over 0db will make the signal get quieter, but any signal within the normal range won't be affected.

*Save Mode: This controls whether the machine saves its current internal gain settings (not the parameters) when you save your BMX/BMW. This is useful so that you don't have to put Automax back into Learn mode and "learn" all the loudest signals every time you open up your files.

   0 = Never :       Never saves settings, it's just like flipping
                     the Reset switch every time you load the BMX/BMW.
   1 = Only Locked : Only saves and reloads settings if the machine is in Lock mode.
   2 = Always :      Always reloads the previous settings, regardless
                     of the Mode setting. This is the default setting.

Stats... Box

Right click the machine and select "Stats..." and you get a little stats box. It just tells you the Learned peak values of the INPUT signal. These are the internal stored maximums used by the machine to calculate the correct output gain, so if the maximum is, say -10dB, that means the machine is boosting the input by +10dB, and THEN applying your desired output ceiling. Be aware that when you are in Lock mode, these values aren't being updated (cos they're locked ;)

thx

thx to oskari, cyanphase, rymix, apo, zephod, mva, djlaser, and all #buzz ppl

Automax by Lee du-Caine 2002

email: Ken_Golf@hotmail.com

This plugin isn't guaranteed in any way, if it does anything naughty, then tough. Use at your own risk ;)