Dynamic Range Processing and Its Influence on Perceived Timing in Electronic Dance Music

Abstract

In this article, we explore the extent to which dynamic range processing (such as compression and sidechain compression) influences our perception of a sound signal’s temporal placement in music. Because compression reshapes the sound signal’s envelope, scholars have previously noted that certain uses of sidechain compression can produce peculiar rhythmic effects. In this article, we have tried to interrogate and complicate this notion by linking a description of the workings and effects of dynamic range processing to empirical findings on the interaction between sound and perceived timing, and by analyzing multitracks and DAW project files, as well as released audio files, of selected EDM tracks. The analyses of the different EDM tracks demonstrated that sidechain compression affects the music in many possible ways, depending on the settings of the compressors’ parameters, as well as the rhythmic pattern and the sonic complexity of both the trigger signal and the sidechained signal. Dynamic range processing’s impact on groove and perceived timing indicates, in line with previous findings, that sound and timing interact in fundamental ways. Because of this interaction, then, we cannot limit ourselves to technical terms that describe how particular effects are achieved if we want to fully understand the grooves that are characteristic of EDM or other music. We must also consider how listeners experience these effects.

There’s More to Timing than Time

“…The producers gave us access to multitrack files of their music, which allowed us to investigate their use of these techniques in practice. In the EDM tracks, we identified the temporal deviations from the grid (asynchronies in the range of 5-30 milliseconds) caused by sonic manipulation of individual tracks (for analyses of the EDM tracks, see Brøvig-Hanssen et al (2020) and Brøvig-Hanssen et al (2021); for analyses of the hip-hop tracks, see Oddekalv 2022aOddekalv , 2022b.…”

Shaping rhythm: timing and sound in five groove-based genres

“…For snare drums, then, Amund prefers 'short and straight on'. Øyvind (also of Basmo Fam) says that whereas the timing of a fast attack sound feels very close to where one places the onset, brass sounds on a synth, where the sound 'swells' after the onset, are generally 7 For a further discussion of Seeb's use of sidechain compression, and of the rhythmic effects of dynamic manipulation more generally, see Brøvig-Hanssen et al (2020). For further discussion of temporal and sound-related aspects of EDM grooves, see Brøvig-Hanssen et al (2022).…”

“…For a further discussion of Seeb's use of sidechain compression, and of the rhythmic effects of dynamic manipulation more generally, seeBrøvig-Hanssen et al (2020). For further discussion of temporal and sound-related aspects of EDM grooves, seeBrøvig-Hanssen et al (2022).…”