Look Ahead Functions On Devices

[dawman]

Using the Waldorf Oscillators I often use the offset functions to smooth out the rough tonal edges and audio dips, but sometimes I am inserting the Expander or Limiter devices in the synths insert FX rack to keep a more consistent volume.
The envelopes sometimes have a great sound but get drowned out the tails of the preset unless I install the Exp or Lim.
Using the Look Ahead feature seems to capture the lowest dynamics but adds colorization to the sound, which actually sounds cool, but is there a way to use the LA function and maintain the original clarity of the audio?

Thanks In Advance.

[voidar]

Isn't this the nature of the compression you are applying?

LA will preserve your attac and initial low end.

[dawman]

Exactly....
But I hear a colorization of the sound, which is O.K. when being used w/ a Comb or Tube Filter, but on certain sounds, it tends to change the timbre to a more phasier tone.
I haven't tried the Sidechaining aspects of it since I have it in a synth's insert effects rack, which negates that capability.
Perhaps I should have it connected prior to the synth and try that.

[alfonso]

Exactly....
But I hear a colorization of the sound, which is O.K. when being used w/ a Comb or Tube Filter, but on certain sounds, it tends to change the timbre to a more phasier tone.
I haven't tried the Sidechaining aspects of it since I have it in a synth's insert effects rack, which negates that capability.
Perhaps I should have it connected prior to the synth and try that.

Are you turning off the direct sound in the insert module?

[dawman]

Yes Brotha' Man Alfonso..............
You are exactly correctamundo.
Bowen synths all have Direct signal knobs, I ran it w/o the direct signal and got the results I needed perfectly.
I was trying to catch the Combing of the Filter.
It's coolest sounds are the lowest levels of when the sound is getting Combed. After the initial sound, the volume increases too much for the effect I was striving for.
Taking out the direct signal is what the Doctor ordered, thank you.

[at0m]

XITE-1/4LIVE,

Voidar is correct. Look Ahead really is a Side Chain: the processing path is slightly delayed, a couple of milliseconds, so that the dynamic processing can take place with some headstart compared to the dry undelayed signal, which drives the dynamic processing.

As such, the processing engine can "look ahead" (but it's really the processed signal which is delayed) and anticipate most drastic changes in dynamics. A practical application would be to have a longer (smoother) attack and still react swiftly to sudden dynamic changes.

In native software, the delay caused by the look-ahead can be compensated for by Plugin Delay Compensation, but on our realtime DSP platform that's inherently impossible. This will be practically inaudible, apart when perfect phase alignment is required between some channels, like when mixing dry/wet signals (which you experienced) or on multi-mic'ed recordings.

I hope this gives you further insight in the Matrix,
at0m.

[dawman]

Brotha' Man at0m, thanks for your usual precise explanation.

I have been experimenting with sound design using SFP effects and synths.
I always try to soak in the tricks and knowledge of members who have years more of experience w/ SFP and always appreciate the information.
These little tricks we have and share are great for recorded audio, and I am finding they also work well in real time also.
I use to struggle w/ dynamics on analog synths live and never was completely satisfied and drove our FOH engineer nuts.
We had some pretty expensive hardware back in the day and the Aphex Aural Exciter use to help out along with a Otari 4 Track which the engineer would manipulate by hand to get some great sounds, but we were never able to bring out the opriginal attacks consistently live, but in the studio only.
I am finding I can bring out the attack transients using the Expander S device, and even level out the audio that follows which is usually much louder.
These little tricks are fascinating and really add a new character to the original presets.
Perhaps I should make an investment with the SPL Transient Designer plug, since it seems to focus on that type of effect I am striving for.

Using these per preset in an insert effects rack has decent results, but having them sidechained and run Post synth should be even better, That's todays experiment.

Thanks Again at0m..