Operation Manual; Input Path; 2. Target Level- Page 58

Operation Manual

DBC Network Bridge

page 58

5.3.4 Auto-Leveler

Starting from the 

Input Path

 window, you can open the 

Auto-Leveler

 window (Figure 5.22) by clicking on its icon 

(shown above). The Auto-leveler works in tandem with the Input Gate to compensate for long-term average input levels 
that vary over time. When the Auto-leveler is enabled, the open state gain of the corresponding Input Gate, normally 0 dB, 
is adjusted dynamically to achieve a desired average output level. The Auto-leveler’s effect on input gain is metered by the 
Input Dynamic Cut/Boost Meter.

In the example above, the Threshold is set to –20 dB and the Auto-leveler allows the input signal to pass unaffected at lev-
els below the Threshold. At input signals above the Threshold, the Auto-leveler adds gain to try and adjust the signal to 
the 0 dB Target Level. At input signal levels above 0db, the signal is clamped to 0 dB. Eight parameters control this fea-
ture:

1. On/Off

Turns this feature on or off.

2. Target Level

Sets the desired average output level. The Auto-leveler will expand input signals below this level and compress input sig-
nals above this level. Control range is from –100 to +20 dB in 0.5 dB steps.

3. Max Gain

Sets the maximum gain through the Auto-Leveler. This feature can prevent 'runaway' from occurring during periods of 
very low signal level. Control range is from –100 to +20 dB in 0.5dB steps.

4. Idle Gain

Sets the initial Gate gain when the Auto-Leveler mode is set to “Open to Idle Gain”. Using the “Idle Gain” setting can pro-
vide a smoother transition from very soft to very loud input program. Control range is from –100 to +20 dB in 0.5dB 
steps.

5. Open to...

When set to “Last Gain” the Gate opens to the last gain computed by the Auto-Leveler. In “Idle Gain” position, the Gate 
opens to a potentially safer “Idle Gain” setting.

6. Threshold

Sets the input level below which the Auto-Leveler action will be inhibited. This allows the Auto-Leveler to suspend gain 
changes during quiet passages and, along with Max Gain, prevent excessive system gain. Control range is from –100 to 
+20 dB in 0.5 dB steps.

7. Attack Time

Sets the time required for the Auto-Leveler to expand its gain by 20 dB. Control range is 0.1 to 60 seconds in 0.1 second 
steps.

8. Release Time

Sets the time required for the Auto-Leveler to compress its gain by 20dB. Control range is 0.1 to 60 seconds in 0.1 sec-
ond steps.

5 Advanced Operation

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Figure 5.22  Auto-Leveler Window