3 ms·

I wonder if this could be solved with two volume knobs - one to raise low volumes higher, and the other to lower high volumes. This way the user can change the

• schismsubv 12y ago
  Perhaps you jest, but if not, what you've described here the general function of an audio compressor. Compressors are repsonsible for a lot of the lack of dynamics in modern recorded (and some live) music. A compressor has a setpoint above which it will only allow volume to increase at a set ratio (1 dB for every X dB over the threshold), effectively curving off the peaks. It also usually has a setting for "makeup" gain to raise the volume floor. There's a lot more to it (knee, attack, release, etc.), but that's the general gist - they're designed to manage the dynamic range of a given channel.
  • snarfy 12y ago
    True, it is audio compression (or expansion, depending on the settings). If the audio signal dictates the balance, why have a left and right balance knob? We have a volume knob, but no way to adjust the compression. We are letting the audio signal dictate the compression. It should be set by the user, just like the balance. It could also be a compressor/expander setting, but IMO musical accent is so core to music that it should be a part of the volume control. I doubt any of this would work as the original range is lost after it is compressed.