Ducker
Purpose
The ducker reduces the level of the signal passing through it by a preset amount when a signal of adequate level is detected at the side chain input. Attack and release controls allow the input to be faded in and out smoothly when the ducker activates and deactivates.
A typical application for a ducker is found in a paging system. The background music path passes through the main input of the ducker and a page microphone signal feeds the side chain input. As the page microphone is spoken into, the background music will fade out or be ducked. A Mixer device is required to complete this application since the Ducker device does not internally combine the Side Chain input with the Main input.
Inputs
The Main input is the upper input node on the Ducker device block. The Side Chain input is the bottom input node on the Ducker device block.
Controls
Active Indicator
Lights when the level of the signal at the side chain input exceeds the Threshold Level setting. The main input is attenuated or "ducked", or is in the process of becoming attenuated as per the Attack control when this indicator is lit.
Note: If the Defeat button is engaged, the Active Indicator will never light.
Attack
Upon detecting adequate signal on the Side Chain input, the ducker fades down the Audio input at the rate specified by the Attack control.
Defeat
Defeats the ducker by not allowing it to activate. Refer to the Ducker Schematic for clarification.
Depth
Specifies the amount of attenuation applied to the input signal when the ducker is active. When set to +0dB, the ducker is effectively defeated. When set to Off, the Audio input will be completely muted, rather than dimmed, when the ducker activates.
Output Level
Controls the overall output level produced by the device.
Note: It is possible to create an overload condition at the ducker output if this control is set above +0dB. Such an overload will be indicated by the Output Clip indicator.
Output Overload
Indicates clipping at the output of the ducker. This condition is only possible if the Output Level control is set above +0dB.
Release
Upon detecting loss of adequate signal on the Side Chain input, the ducker fades up the main input at the rate specified by the Release control.
Threshold Level
Specifies the Side Chain peak signal level above which the ducker will activate.
Schematic
Advanced Topic
The Deluxe Ducker Device contains some additional Level and Meter devices.