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Reading
a Dorrough Meter
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A
Dorrough Loudness Monitor is roughly analogous to
a "PPM" and a "VU" combined,
but with more complimentary ballistics assigned to
each parameter. The result is an established relationship
between the PEAK and the RMS content. When riding
gain for balanced loudness, PEAKS should be driven
to the brink of the top set of three red LEDs, while
the RMS |
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should be
driven to the brink of the center set of 3 red LEDs,
or whichever event happens first in time. This is defined
as RELATIVE LOUDNESS, in one dB steps from source to
source. More simply put, whenever an operator sees red,
he or she should pull levels back slightly! |
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| "The
best way to practically demonstrate the Loudness Monitor
is to build a mix, adding instrument after instrument.
As you bring up the level a lone snare-drum will send
only the lead PEAK LED across the scale. On a typical
VU averaging meter that sound will only register as a
slight wiggle. A PPM meter might do better with the percussion,
but what if that snare was mixed with some strings? The
PPM would be relatively oblivious to the building density
behind the beat. With the Dorrough meter's "Practical
Standard Ballistics", as instruments are layered-in,
watch a contiguous group of LEDs build-up behind |
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the
PEAK indicator. You can actually see the "density" of
the sound, all the while maintaining the ability to protect
the peak of the waveform. The advantages of these new
devices are so compelling that audio engineers all over
the world are abandoning long cherished notions about
the immutability of old standards. Expensive studio time,
demanding artists and increasing numbers of recording
and location situations, that often preclude re-takes,
make the Practical Standard Loudness Monitor an indispensable
tool." |
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| Dorrough produces
a variety of digital audio meters, video meters, surround sound
meters, and audio and video test products. |
| One year warranty is standard
on all Dorrough products. |
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| The company is located
at 5221 Collier Place, Woodland Hills, California 91364 • Telephone
(818) 998-2824. Fax: (818) 998-1507. Email: dorroughel@aol.com |
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