Audio Compressor Threshold Setting Using Averaged Amplitude Levels

Solution Overview

Problem

Setting the threshold for an audio compressor in digital audio workstations and non-linear editors is time-consuming and requires expertise, leading to suboptimal results for novice users who lack the necessary training and experience.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that automatically set the compressor threshold by calculating an average value of amplitude values in an audio file, using root-mean-square (RMS) or other averaging methods, to attenuate samples above the threshold while leaving samples below unchanged, thereby simplifying the compression process and improving quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual threshold setting by trained audio engineers is used, then audio compression quality is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio compression qualityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing the audio file's amplitude characteristics and setting the compressor threshold without requiring manual intervention from trained audio engineers. The computer calculates the threshold based on the audio data itself, enabling the system to serve its own configuration needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of listening and adjusting thresholds by trained engineers is replaced with an automated computational system. The computer uses algorithms to analyze amplitude values and determine optimal threshold settings, substituting human expertise with automated signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual threshold setting by trained audio engineers is used, then audio compression quality is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio compression qualityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing the audio file's amplitude characteristics and setting the compressor threshold without requiring manual intervention from trained audio engineers. The computer calculates the threshold based on the audio data itself, enabling the system to serve its own configuration needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of listening and adjusting thresholds by trained engineers is replaced with an automated computational system. The computer uses algorithms to analyze amplitude values and determine optimal threshold settings, substituting human expertise with automated signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If automated threshold setting using average amplitude values is used, then ease of operation and productivity are improved, but measurement precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidthreshold setting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter used for threshold determination from subjective human perception to objective average amplitude values. By calculating the mean of amplitude samples, the system transforms the threshold setting problem into a mathematical computation that can be automated while maintaining reasonable accuracy for compression purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10050596B2Using averaged audio measurements to automatically set audio compressor threshold levels

Publication Date: 2018.08.14 ADOBE INC

AI summary

Various aspects of this disclosure describe setting an audio compressor threshold using averaged audio measurements. Examples include calculating one or more average values of amplitude values of an audio file, and setting a threshold used in the audio compressor based on the calculated thresholds. Samples of the audio file with amplitude values above the threshold are attenuated, while samples of the audio file with amplitude values below the threshold are not attenuated. The threshold can be set equal to a calculated average value, or from a function of one or more calculated average values. Different audio channels comprising the audio file can be processed to set a respective compressor threshold for each audio channel.