We have designed a range of presets in the Dynamics Processor to give the best results in varying audio situations. In broad terms, from left to right the presets increase in their use of compression on the audio. Here is a description of which each is suited for:
Lounge button: Lounge is best for situations where you are giving your full attention to the audio and want to hear it in the exact way the artist intended. That is, without any compression or variance in volume. This preset still utilises the Limiter module which protects spikes in the audio from potentially damaging your speakers.
DJ button: The DJ preset use the Limiter and Compressor to control excessively loud audio, such as bass beats, which are going to be too loud in volume. This preset is good for manual DJing and beat mixing, where you want to have more manual control over the volume, and particularly don't want the "AGC" enabled, but still want compression of excessively loud portions of audio, as well as protection from spikes.
Party
button: Party is the default preset, and is probably the best to
use in most situations. It utilises the AGC
in addition to the Compressor
and Limiter. The AGC is the yellow
gauge which actually turns the volume up and down in real-time in response
to a songs' dynamics. This preset alters the volume very steadily, in
order to make it difficult for listeners to even notice the change.
The benefit of the Party preset is that you will have nice, smooth,
consistent audio levels flowing from your system without having to worry
about manually adjusting anything. The original dynamics of the music
are still preserved very well, and therefore this preset is usually the
best compromise when all things are considered.
Office
and Radio button: The Office and Radio presets deliver the typical
compressed radio sound you hear on FM stations, but obviously the quality
is superior due to the direct use of CD-quality audio files. AGC
volume adjustments, as well as overall
compression, are made more aggressively which makes it perfect
for applications in low-volume environments. For example, in the office
you want the volume to be loud enough so you can enjoy it, but quiet enough
so that it does not interfere with normal office activities. This calls
for tight volume handling, and this is where the radio preset excels.
No matter what music is playing, you can be sure it will stay at the volume
you want.
Many people simply love the compressed radio sound. We are so accustomed
to it from listening to FM radio for so long, that it seems to have a
kind of magical "air" about it.
What's the general difference between Office and Radio? The Radio preset
is more heavily compressed and volume adjustments are more aggressive
than the Office preset. Radio is designed for use with transmitters, although
settings can naturally be customised for this purpose if desired too.
Dynamics Processor meter explained
Understanding Dynamics Processing