The term in question likely refers to the ‘range’ setting on a noise gate. This control determines the amount of signal attenuation applied when the input falls below the specified threshold. For example, a range of -60dB means the signal is reduced by 60 decibels once the noise gate closes, effectively silencing quieter unwanted noise. Adjusting this parameter allows for fine-tuning of the gate’s action, balancing noise reduction with preservation of desired audio elements.
The significance of this adjustment lies in its ability to cleanly remove noise without abruptly cutting off desired audio. A poorly configured value can lead to unnatural-sounding fades or a ‘choppy’ effect. Historically, noise gates were developed to combat tape hiss and other analog noise issues. The ability to modify this value provided greater flexibility in different recording and live sound situations, enabling a cleaner and more professional audio signal.
