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Conference Paper

DRACULA: A Dynamic Range Audio Controller with Unobtrusive Level Adjustment

Authors: Gilchrist, Neil H.

AES Conference: UK 9th Conference: Managing the Bit Budget (MBB) · Paper MBB-10 · May 1994

Abstract

It is often necessary to reduce the dynamic range of musical programmes, particularly those comprising orchestral and choral music, for them to be received satisfactorily by listeners to conventional FM and AM broadcasts. With the arrival of DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) a much wider dynamic range will become available for radio broadcasting, although some listeners may prefer to have a signal with a reduced dynamic range. This paper describes a digital processor developed by the BBC to control the dynamic range of musical programmes in a manner similar to that of a trained Studio Manager. It has been used by BBC Television to reduce the dynamic range of recorded music programmes, during post-production. It may be used prior to transmission in conventional broadcasting, replacing limiters or other compression equipment. In DAB, it offers the possibility of providing a dynamic range control signal to be sent to the receiver via an ancillary data channel, simultaneously with the uncompressed audio, giving the listener the option of the full dynamic range or a reduced dynamic range.

Details

Published in
AES Conference: UK 9th Conference: Managing the Bit Budget (MBB)
Paper number
MBB-10
Publication date
May 6, 1994
Session subject
Managing the Bit Budget
Affiliation
BBC Research & Development Department, Tadworth, Surrey, U.K. (See document for exact affiliation information.)
Type
Conference Paper