Multichannel dynamic range compression for music signals

Dynamic range compression reduces the level differences between the high and low intensity portions of an audio signal. Applications include hearing aids and professional audio. Many applications strive for transparent compression, where the output signal is to be as perceptually similar to the original signal as possible. Most compression algorithms are very similar, with variations existing primarily in the implementation details of a common set of parameters. This research effort introduces several fundamentally new approaches to dynamic range compression including a critical band multichannel structure, attack and release rates, a level estimate mode control, and a normalization of the level estimates across the frequency bands. This research effort also applies multidimensional scaling techniques to the analysis of subject testing performed using musical stimuli. This analysis allows us to evaluate the interactions of multiple compression parameters and to formulate a much needed metric pertaining to the degree of compression achieved.