Traditional Dynamics Processor

What is Dynamic Parametric Equalization?

Dynamic Parametric Equalization, branded as DynPEQ™, is an extension of both traditional dynamics processors and parametric equalizers that allows for dynamic control of parametric bands.

The basis of the technology is the traditional dynamics processor. A sidechain signal feeds an energy estimator. A dynamics curve maps the energy estimate to an output gain value. This dynamically variable gain is finally applied to the input audio signal to yield the audio output.

Replace Gain with Parametric Filter

Upon this dynamics processor basis, DynPEQ applies two principles.

The first principle is that the dynamic gain element can be replaced with a parametric equalizer band. The frequency and Q parameters are not disturbed, but the gain signal dynamically modifies the boost/cut level.

Filter Sidechain through Parametric Core

The second principle is that the equalizer parameters that are not dynamic, frequency and Q, specify a frequency-selective filter that can be applied to the sidechain, so the energy estimated is the energy in the band of interest.

The result is a signal processor that provides unprecedented control over the audio spectrum in a manner that audio professionals are already familiar with. It can be thought of as a frequency-selective dynamics processor. It can also be thought of as a parametric equalizer with dynamic detailing. Either way, it is an intuitive and useful combination of two essential audio signal processing tools.

For more information

A more detailed description of DynPEQ was published in the Journal of the Audio Engineering Society. The paper is titled "Concept, Design, and Implementation of a General Dynamic Parametric Equalizer." It is in the January/February 2009 issue, volume 57 number 1/2, pages 16-28. A PDF version of the paper can be obtained from the AES E-Library website.