Operator’s Guide
12
How Sound Gating Works
The
VGM-1041
’s digital signal processors arrive at each channel’s level using a
nonlinear, wave-sensing algorithm. Then the mixer’s microcontroller monitors
all these continuously, 6000 times per second. It “learns” the ambient sound at
each mic to ignore background noise such as from air conditioning. Any mic
whose level is at least 6dB louder than the others, gates ON. Once live, a mic
remains ON as long as
any
of these conditions are met:
•
Its level remains higher than the threshold described above
•
Less than 0.2 seconds “hang time” has elapsed since being above
threshold
•
It’s the only live mic remaining (including any
forced ON
, see page 28)
Microphone inputs gate OFF when
all
these conditions become false,
remaining so until active again. Gating works best for orderly discussions --
where generally, one person speaks at a time. The two dedicated Auxiliary
inputs are not gated – thus they operate concurrently along with mics.
If the
VGM-1041
has not been set up properly at installation, you may find that
the sound gating performs less than optimally. If for example the gating is
not
sensitive enough
you may notice:
•
Mics remaining dead for very soft speakers
•
Missed syllables when someone begins speaking
In these cases, first be sure to turn each mic control sufficiently high. Mics that
are turned down cannot gate ON or be heard!
On the other hand, you may find that the gating is
too sensitive
, allowing mics
to gate ON chaotically. Such operation renders the gating feature ineffective,
reducing the available gain before feedback – thus although this does not
interfere with your program, you may wish to have the gating adjusted.
If the sound gating is not working properly, and handling your Gain controls
appropriately doesn’t help, ask your system installer about adjusting the power
amplifier volume (page 18) and the gating (page 28). It’s best if you can be
present for these adjustments to insure everyone’s satisfaction.