Signal Processors and Devices - Sound Quality Control

Some electronic gadgets were initially added to the recording studio to allow return for frequency response or vibrant problems in the equipments. When signal processors are properly used, they can add consistency to the sound, but if not used properly, they can badly degrade the sound or even generate pathetic results. Naturally signal processors are popular with composers of electronic music. Signal processors devices are: Equalizer, Filter and Limiter.

An equalizer is a device that can fine-tune the spectrum contents of a signal from the audio system. The sound regulating process can be done with any equipment that has a variable frequency response; the most familiar is the tone controls on a home stereo system. These tone controls normally distress the sound amplitude in two frequency areas, treble and bass. This is enough for the minor changes, the end user may want to make variations in the program, but the recording engineer needs more agility for coverage of the whole audio spectrum. The whole studio will have sophisticated stems that might include 30 or more areas to control the audio spectrum. Many equalizers have sliders to alter the amplitude of each band, and those regulating sliders are laid out in such a way that their positions graphically show the frequency response. This feature gives rise to the name GRAPHIC EQUALIZER. Equalizers are actually designed to make pretty small changes in the signals.

A FILTER is used for more fundamental effects and changes like totally removing some area of the signal. A filter is a circuit that sharply decreases the amplitude of audio signals of frequency outside of particular limits. The unaffected region of sound is called the PASSBAND, and the filter type is named after the passband as low-pass, high-pass, or band-pass. The spot where the signal fall just becomes obvious (a reduction of 3 dB) is known as the CUTOFF FREQUENCY. A low-pass filter with a cutoff of 500 Hz will attenuate any signal of frequency above 500 Hz.

Limiter is a very general requirement of stereo systems that the amplitude of the input signal must not go beyond some limit. The result of breakdown to abide by that limit is unnecessary distortion and possibly scratched speakers. If an audio system operator cannot keep the signals within limits, it is necessary to include a LIMITER, a device which turns the gain down whenever the signal exceeds the limit. Signal processors are manufactured by numerous car stereo system manufacturing companies in the world. Signal processors are very functional devices that help you out to control the sound quality of your home or car audio system. You can buy signal processors of different companies and of different types from local car stereo stores or online stores as well.