Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for processing an input electronic audio signal to relatively attenuate portions thereof to prevent those portions from exceeding a predetermined threshold, while minimizing adverse effects, such as unnecessary attenuation, on other portions of the signal. A zero-crossing detector detects when the input signal crosses a predetermined zero reference level. A peak detector detects the peak of the input signal during a time interval defined by successive zero-crossings. An amplitude control signal is generated as a function of the detected peak. A delay circuit receives the input signal and generates a time delayed version of the input signal. Preferably, the delay circuit has a characteristic delay time that is of the order of the longest period of audio signal to be processed. Amplitude control means, responsive to the time delayed version of the input signal and also to the amplitude control signal, are provided for applying amplitude control during said time interval as it occurs in the time delayed version of the input signal.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim