Setting up a large sound system with 2 inputs. I need to duck one of the inputs. Can I use a gate to do this?

Question

One input is a CD player , the other is a microphone. I want the CD player channel to duck automatically when the microphone is spoken into. I do not want to manually do this so if I can set up a gate to do this automatically I will or any other device that you might know of.

Answer 1

Ducking is usually accomplished using a compressor with a side chain capability. An EQ is usually inserted into the side chain and the program material to be ducked can be reduced according to frequency specifics.

Gating will work in the side chain as well, but, this will not reduce the unwanted signal but eliminate it. There is also the possibility of "chattering" if the threshold on the gate is not set properly.

The most common use of ducking is evident in any live broadcast of an NFL football game or other sport where there is much crowd noise. This is the side chain EQ at work. The crowd noise still comes through but at greatly reduce signal level. The compressor reduces the signal level but it "keys" of off the setting of the EQ.

Any chance you have used the wrong term when referring to "ducking"? A little more info and I may to be able to help more.

Answer 2

Sorry, can you rephrase your question? It sounds like your setting up a basic stereo signal and want to mute one of the channels. If so you can do one of the following:

1. turn you balance to the channel you want to hear
2. don't connect the cable to the amplifier of lthe channel you don't want to hear.
3. some amps also have a switch to shut off an output.

If this discribes your system a gate would be overkill.