Why processing is needed
Songs, ads, jingles and speech do not arrive at the same level or with the same tonal character. That is why a radio station processes its master signal: so that transitions are more controlled, peak levels are safer and the overall sound is more consistent.
The signal passes through a clear chain: input gain → AGC → multiband → EQ → limiter → output. AGC evens out large level differences between sources, and three key stages — the equaliser, multiband compression and the limiter — shape and protect the final sound.
Equaliser
The EQ has several sections: a high-pass (low-cut) filter, low shelf, parametric mid and high shelf. This lets you correct the low end, the tonal balance and the midrange without an external EQ program.
This is not an invitation to “pump up” the sound. Correction is what helps most: removing unnecessary sub-bass and gently controlling the bass, a problematic midrange or the high frequencies.
Multiband
The multiband section splits the signal into LOW, MID and HIGH bands with adjustable crossover points. Each band has threshold, ratio, attack, release and makeup gain.
The advantage over a single broadband compressor: a problem in one part of the spectrum does not affect everything else with the same force. Heavy bass is kept under control without needlessly pulling down the high frequencies.
Limiter
The limiter is the final peak-level protection, with ceiling and release settings. The gain reduction display shows how hard the limiter is working at any given moment.
If the limiter is constantly working extremely hard, that is not a sign of good settings, but a signal that the preceding level or processing is too aggressive. That is why visual feedback matters.
Stereo-linked processing
Settings are applied coherently to the stereo signal, so the left and right channels are not treated as two unrelated programmes.
What you get
- basic master processing inside the application;
- control of the tonal balance;
- three-band dynamics control;
- protection against unwanted peaks;
- visual feedback on what the processor is doing;
- less need for an additional software processor in simpler setups.
Important: audio processing requires careful listening and understanding. There is no single “best” setting for every station, and excessive compression and EQ can make the sound worse. The result depends on both the source material and sensible settings.