In the last column, we explored the technical side behind what makes the Oxford Dynamics such a powerful tool. While tech talk and theory are good for general knowledge, it's performance in session that separates one piece of software from the next. Lets examine a few real-world examples of the Dynamics in action and see how you might apply these ideas to your next project.

When one thinks of a dynamics processor, it's often compression that first comes to mind. But Oxford Dynamics has a lot more under the hood than just compression.

BASIC DYNAMICS

As you can see from the above screenshot, Dynamics features a Gate, Expander, Compressor, Limiter, S-C EQ (Side Chain Equalizer) and Warmth functions. Note: you don't have to load in the 'Oxford Dynamics Full' if you just need a lighter version - you can choose to load up just the Compressor/Limiter, Dynamics (with no S-C EQ), or Gate/Expander (Ex 2). If you load the Gate/Expander for example, you will notice the Compress, Limiter and S-C EQ are grayed out.

GATE/EXPANDER.

This will help lighten the processor load, allowing you to use just what's needed. Should you require those extra features at a later date, just load in a 'Full' version 'on top' of the original, and it will retain your settings.

Dynamics comes in handy when layering drum loops, as many of us do in today's production environment. The first audio example below takes a drum loop with no dynamics or effects on it.

By inserting a simple Gate onto the loop and adjusting the Threshold, Attack, Hold and Release, you can get it to almost 'jump' out at you, by cutting off certain beats and rhythmic elements.

DRUM LOOP GATE

If you played further with the Attack setting and pushed it to a relatively long 4-26.00 ms, you can get a 'reverse' feel happening. Very creative indeed.

I tend to take it even farther, by inserting the Expander and Limiter to really chop it up. Then I'll take the compressor and squash it a bit (notice how it pulls back the power of the snare and hats), before layering other sounds on top of it to make a whole new groove.

DRUM LOOP GATE FULL FX

The idea behind applying such radical dynamics to the loop is to get it to punch through a blend of rhythmic elements. As each new percussive part is added, I will tend to go back to the original and tweak the aforementioned Attack, Hold and Release settings to find just the right touch.

Of course, not all applications require aggressive dynamic techniques. Many Sonnox Dynamics users apply it for the opposite effect - an almost 'invisible' compression. Generally speaking, that means the signal will be held down dynamically without sonic artifacts; something this plug-in excels at. If you want that vocal, acoustic guitar or bass to just sit transparently in the pocket, Dynamics is the tool to turn to. Of course, you can hit it hard too, when trying to achieve that "John Bonham" drum sound.

I also use Dynamics whenever I need pure, clean gain on a track. Simply turn the compression on (using the 'IN' button of course) and set the Threshold so there is no reduction happening. Then, use the Make-Up knob to add the desired gain. It works great on software synths and samplers that have a low output. I even have a preset saved for such purposes. I've christened it "RT Clean Gain".

Last but not least, don't forget that by clicking on the Sonnox button, you can access further menu selections. For Pro Tools users, the overload duration and Knob Mode (Linear or Circular) can be selected.

SONNOX BUTTON HERE

PowerCore users get a menu allowing for 'No Latency' mode to be switched on or off and for the peak meter behavior to be changed. They also offer 'Load Preset' and 'Save Preset' options for exchanging setting between different Dynamic Types. VST Native users get preferences for setting the clip light behavior.

G3 VST and Audio Units Powercore users also get a preference for "No Latency" mode. For G4 VST and Audio Units UB Powercore versions, in the forthcoming dual native/PowerCore versions on the Mac, you get a preference for whichever mode is the default (native or PowerCore accelerated). Audio Units Native users get circular/linear knob mode, and clip light behavior.

As illustrated above, the Sonnox Dynamics plug-in is a true multi-purpose tool. Your own experiments with it are sure to uncover a number of new applications. If you discover something particularly cool, I'd be interested to hear about it. We may even want to share it with other users. I can be reached at Surroundpro@aol.com or through my website at RichTozzoli.com. Enjoy!

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