Solid Dynamics

Upper and lower dynamics control

SOLID DYNAMICS brings together the compressor and gate/expander functions of a console channel. The compressor reduces material above its threshold; the gate or expander attenuates quieter material below its own threshold. These separate sections let you tighten a drum or other source without expecting one compression setting to solve both peak control and unwanted decay.

Shape the response, then blend

Hard/soft knee, alternate release curves and fast-attack switches change how decisively the sections respond. Compression makeup is calculated automatically, so final matching uses Output rather than a dedicated makeup knob. A linked stereo detector, optional external sidechain and independent dry addition extend the basic channel-strip workflow. Adjust the compressor and gate separately while watching their respective meter indications, then assess them together in context.

Source: Manual, “Common Parameters and Features,” pp. 8–9; “The Main Interface,” pp. 12–15.

Compressor

Threshold sets where gain reduction begins and Ratio determines its strength. A 1:1 ratio leaves the signal uncompressed; the maximum tends toward limiting. Knee selects an abrupt hard transition or a progressive soft transition. Fast Attack shortens the documented response from 30 to 3 ms for a 20 dB reduction, useful when catching attacks matters more than preserving their full impact.

Release sets recovery between 0.1 and 4 seconds. Lin. Rel. changes the recovery curve from logarithmic to linear, so compare its feel with the same release setting. Makeup gain is automatic; do not look for a separate makeup control. The left yellow/red side of the VU meter shows compressor attenuation.

Gate/expander

The Gate/Expander switch chooses gating or the gentler fixed-ratio 2:1 expander. Its Threshold determines when low-level material is attenuated. Range limits the depth of that attenuation; at zero it effectively prevents this section from reducing the signal. This is often a better first adjustment than forcing an excessively high threshold.

The gate's own Fast Attack helps retain the start of a hit when opening. Its Release sets how quickly it closes or attenuates after the signal falls below threshold, again covering 0.1–4 seconds. Green meter LEDs show this section's attenuation. Lengthen release or reduce Range if tails are being cut unnaturally.

Routing and level

SC Gain enables and sets the external detector signal; configure its feed in the host. Link L/R gives the channels a shared detector or independent dynamics processing. Input Boost adds 10 dB before processing. Dry restores original signal for parallel treatment, while Output sets the processed output contribution. Recheck level after changing automatic makeup conditions, Input Boost or Dry. Header presets and A/B slots preserve and compare setups.

Source: Manual, “The Main Interface,” pp. 12–15; “The Menu Bar,” pp. 10–12.