Antares AVP1 Hardware user manual

15
What is a De-Esser?
When recording spoken or sung material, the sibilants (Ss, Ts, CHs, and
SHs) in the track often sound louder than the rest of the signal. The effect
is unnatural and often irritating. The solution to this problem is to com-
press only the sibilants, thereby lowering their level relative to the rest of
the track. Processing a signal this way is called de-essing.
The diagram below shows how analog hardware is traditionally config-
ured to accomplish de-essing.
Only the sibilants pass...

16
Low Pass - High Pass Filters
The low pass and high pass filters available in the AVP offer both a 6dB
per octave and a 12dB per octave roll-off characteristic. The 6dB per
octave versions offer a more subtle effect, while the 12dB per octave
roll-off is useful for attenuating sub-sonic noise, rumble, mic stand noise,
high frequency hiss, and other environmental noises encountered in the
recording process. Additionally, the 12dB per octave versions provide a
“Q” control that allows you to create a...

17
LOG
MAGNITUDE
(dB)
FREQUENCY 50 -18 -12-60 6
100 300 1000 3000 10000 22050
HS
HIGH SHELF FILTER
Frequency: 1,000 Hz
Gain: +12 dB
Bandwidth: N/A
LOG
MAGNITUDE
(dB)
FREQUENCY 50 -60 6 12 18
100 300 1000 3000 10000 22050
LS
LOW SHELF FILTER
Frequency: 1,000 Hz
Gain: +12 dB
Bandwidth: N/A
Shelving Filters
Shelving filters are used primarily as “tone controls,” cutting or boosting
whole regions of the spectrum. (You can think of them as fancy versions of
the traditional “Bass” and “Treble” controls you’d...

18
Peaking Filter
The peaking filter is the traditional fully parametric EQ. It can be used
to subtly accentuate or attenuate a frequency or for much more radical
effects.
In the AVP, the peaking filter works over a range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and
can boost or cut the signal at the selected frequency by ± 18dB. Addition-
ally, you can vary the bandwidth from 0.1 to 4.0 octaves.
The graphs below show the effect of changing the bandwidth control of
the peaking filter.
LOG
MAGNITUDE
(dB)
FREQUENCY 50 -60 6 12...

19
Band Pass and Notch Filters
Band pass and notch filters can be thought of as extreme examples of the
peaking filter.
The Band Pass filter sharply attenuates all frequencies except for a band
centered around the cutoff frequency. The width of the pass band is set
by the bandwidth or “Q” control. The band pass filter is typically used to
isolate a particular frequency range in a track or mix.
The Notch Filter passes all frequencies except for a band centered around
the cutoff frequency, which is sharply...

20
Chapter 2:
Setting Up the Antares Vocal Producer
Setting up the AVP is very straightforward.
1. Find a suitable location. The AVP is designed to be mounted in a
standard 19-inch equipment rack.
2. Connect an audio input to the Line In jack (see Chapter 4 for details of
patching the AVP into your system).
3. Connect a cable to the Main Line Out jack. If you will be using the AVP’s
Stereo Double Tracking feature, connect a second cable to the Double
Track Line Out and route as desired (see Chapter 4 for...

21
Chapter 3:
Panel Controls and Connectors
The Front Panel
1Non-existent Power SwitchThat’s right. There isn’t one. The AVP is
designed to remain on continuously. You can, of course, plug it in to a
switched power strip or power conditioner if you like, but leaving it on
all the time will do it no harm.
2LCDAn easy-to-read 20 character by 2 line display. You can set the
optimum viewing angle in the Setup menu (See Chapter 4).
3Data Entry KnobAs the name implies, turn it to enter data.
The Master Module...

22
8PRESETPress this button to display the Select Preset screen.
9SAVEPress this button to save a newly created or edited preset. Also
used to confirm choices in functions that would result in overwriting
current data.
10 Input Level MeterThese five LEDs light to indicate the level of the
incoming audio. Ideally, you should adjust the input to the highest level
that does not consistently cause the top red LED to light. (The red LED
lights at a level of -3dB. Digital clipping, which introduces a...

23
The Compressor/Gate Module
20 COMP.Press this button to set the compressor’s ratio, threshold and
makeup gain.
21 ATTACKPress this button to set the compressor’s attack time.
22 RELEASEPress this button to set the compressor’s release time.
23 KNEEPress this button to set the compressor’s knee characteristic.
24 GATEPress this button to set the gate’s ratio and threshold.
25 Compressor Gain Reduction MeterThis meter lights to indicate the
amount of gain reduction taking place.
26 ONWhen this button is...

24
38 OUTPUT GAINPress this button to adjust the AVP’s output gain and/or
to engage the main bypass.
NOTE: While main bypass is engaged, no other controls will respond
until bypass is disengaged.
39 Output Level MeterThis meter displays the AVP’s output level.
The Back Panel
1Main Line OutputThe AVP’s main audio output. It accepts a 1/4-inch TS
(tip-sleeve) phone plug.
2Double Track Line OutputIf you have selected stereo double tracking,
the second track is available at this output. It accepts a 1/4-inch...