What does BKE mean in UNCLASSIFIED

The limiter reduces the amplitude of peaks in the audio signal to prevent distortion. The compressor attenuates the dynamics of the signal, making it more consistent in volume. The expander increases the gain of low-level signals, making them more audible.

Most BKE units provide controls for threshold, ratio, attack, and release settings for each band. Threshold determines the level at which the dynamics processing begins, ratio controls the amount of attenuation or expansion applied, attack sets the speed at which the processing engages, and release determines the time it takes for the processing to disengage.

BKEs are used in various audio production and mastering scenarios, including:

• Maximizing the loudness of a signal without clipping or distortion.
• Controlling the dynamics of instruments or vocals to create a more balanced mix.
• Eliminating unwanted noise or background hiss from recordings.

While both BKEs and compressors reduce dynamics, BKEs offer a more comprehensive approach by combining limiting and expanding capabilities. This allows for greater flexibility in controlling the signal's dynamic range and enhancing its overall clarity.