G-Force Improvements in v3.5 and Higher
Scope
As of version 3.5, G-Force was improved. This is a detailed list of changes that provides tips for those updating from versions prior to version 3.5.
Description
Some Omnia.11 users have found that their previous G-Force preset doesn't sound the same after updating from a version prior to version 3.5. Read on for a complete description of the changes and tips for adjusting older G-Force presets.
G-Force Improvements and New Controls
Cornelius and Frank have been working hard since the version 3.0.x release to improve G-Force even more and this version 3.5 update features three key elements that make it a “must-have” for any Omnia.11 user!
First is Frank’s new “Pepino” Clipper! The latest FM final clipper from Frank Foti now features improved high-frequency handling and more / more consistent bass response!
Second are improvements to Corney’s dynamics sections, optimizing them for the new clipper, including a new unified FM /HD Bass Clipper that not only improves overall bass response but also improves audio consistency between the FM & HD channels (on HD equipped units).
Third, for HD-enabled units, there is a greatly improved new HD lookahead limiter.
If you’re new to G-Force (or if you’d like a more complete refresher on all of its features, please also see the updated Introduction To G-Force document.
Also, here's a helpful link to an article about using older GForce presets in v3.5 and higher:
Using G-Force Presets Designed Before Version 3.5
That said, I would recommend starting fresh with one of the updated presets that take full advantage of the new features.
Here’s what was new in v3.5:
In G-Force Demo mode, the silence "reminders" now grow in duration:
-- The length of the silent period is now 4 seconds instead of 1.6 seconds
-- The first silence will still occur about 4 hours after boot. The next one after that will be 2 hours later, and then 1 hour, and so forth until there is 4 seconds of silence every 2 minutes.
The “Quick Setup” tab has been renamed “Quick Tweak”
The “Ratio” controls in the Wide Band / Advanced tab and AGC / Advanced tabs have been renamed “Min Ratio”. This is more accurate since the compression ratios are not fixed and vary with the dynamics of the program material. If you desire a more traditional, tighter AGC sound, you can turn these up to restrict the compression to using higher ratios.
A word about the AGC metering: You may notice that there is a “faster” component to the movement of the 5-Band AGC gain reduction meters that may look different from previous versions. This is a result of improvements to the AGC algorithm and do not indicate an added fast gain reduction component. It is merely an effect of newly added “special sauce”! 😀
Descriptions of all the new controls:
New Quick Tweak controls :
Mid Location: (Quick Tweak -> Mid) This new control gives the ability to emphasize, or slightly de-emphasize the amount of midrange audio energy heard through any selected preset.
New Bass EFX Controls :
The Bass EFX tab is where the exact type of bass you are enhancing in the quick setup menu is defined. See the full manual for descriptions of previous controls.
The following controls have been added to the Bass EFX menu in version 3.5
Phat Harmonics: (Bass EFX -> Phat Harmonics) This new function is a very powerful addition to the Phat Bass system. It is capable of generating bass harmonics that add the sense of “warmth” and “detail” to deep bass notes and bass percussion. It is capable of doing this without creating muddy-sounding audio.
This is a major advantage in processing in that the only way to attempt attempting such a thing before was with various EQ curves...which typically made some things sound good, and others muddy.
If your preset is using lots of equalization to add warmth, see our tips and tricks section for hints on how to use this control to give cleaner not muddy warm audio!
Punch Mode: (Bass EFX -> Punch Mode) This control determines what type of “bass thump” you are enhancing when adjusting the “Bass Thump” control in the quick setup tab. Low settings produce a “low impact” thump (the default mode in previous G-Force versions). Higher settings produce a higher impact “punch”, or -if you wish- bass punch with authority!
New WBAGC Controls :
Accelerated Release Location: (Wide Band -> Accelerated Rel) Some programmers have wanted to have the ability to modify the default behavior of the Wideband AGC to handle extreme audio level differences in program content, and to modify how fade-outs are handled. Previously, this function was just part of how the algorithm worked, and there was no option to change it. Now we’ve brought out this function.
By default, the control is at 1 (algorithm default). By advancing the control higher, you will observe the wideband AGC tracking “fade-outs” and overall differences in level more aggressively. As the level differences increase, the wideband will begin dramatically increasing its release rate to “chase the level drop”. Note that this may allow you to use lower “regular” Release settings than you otherwise would have.
New Multiband AGC Controls :
Transient Detail Location: (AGC -> Basic -> Trans Detail) This control allows you to be VERY creative with the sound of the multiband AGC system. With it all the way up, it creates a very open sound while maintaining loudness. It helps to bring forward drums and other transients in the program content. Especially so if you are using DeClipper.
Transient Offset (Lo and ML bands) Location: (AGC -> Advanced -> Lo [or ML] -> Trans Offset) These controls allow you to add to or subtract from the amount of Transient detail enhancement in these bands. Lowering ML Transient Offset can cure any muddiness that may build up. Adding more to the low band can emphasize kick drum effect.
Accelerated Release (all bands) Location: (AGC -> Advanced -> [LO, ML, MH, HI, SH]) This control allows control over how each of the multiband AGCs respond to drastically changing program levels in program content.
Previously, this function was just part of how the algorithm worked in each of the multiband AGCs, and there was no option to change it. Now we’ve brought out this function. By default, the control is at 1 (algorithm default). By advancing the control higher, you will observe the wideband AGC tracking “fade-outs” and overall differences in level more aggressively. As the level differences increase, the wideband will begin dramatically increasing its release rate to “chase the level drop”.
Dynamic EQ Changes & Improvements :
Location: (AGC -> Dyn EQ ) The “Out” controls for each band have been replaced by new “Target” controls. Note that the previous Output controls were redundant with the AGC XO controls. Also Note that the ML band acts as a reference band so is not adjustable. Separate mode references only the ML band. Interactive mode also looks at adjacent bands.
DynEQ Target: (LO, MH, HI & SH bands): You can raise or lower the target output level of each adjustable band to boost or restrict its maximum amount of boost.
The “Cut Ratio” controls are now active. When raised from 0%, these will allow the Dynamic EQ to reduce the level of a band below the 0dB line, similar to the way the Boost Ratio controls allow the bands to raise the level. For example, using some Cut Ratio on the LO and /or SH band can smoothly reduce any excessively boomy or bright material that may come along ahead of the AGC, reducing the load on the LO & SH band AGCs.
Be careful not to use too much Cut Ratio though as too much can cause some audible artifacts. A setting of about 30% would be a good start if you want to try it. Watch its behavior on lots of program material to ensure it is doing what you expect.
Main FM Clipper :
New Ultra - Low IMD clipper: The version 3.5 release features Frank Foti’s most advanced Lo-IMD clipper yet! This new clipper allows for much cleaner / smoother high-frequency sound than before - and allows for rich, powerful bass response. Older presets will immediately benefit from the new clipper, and the new control set in the dynamics sections let you take full advantage of the power available in the new clipper!
HF Silk Location: (FM -> Advanced) The HF Silk control allows the end-user to adjust the characteristic sound of the new FM clipper. Higher settings engage the full power of the clipper on high frequencies, producing the smoothest less fatiguing sound. Lower settings will mimic the high-end response of the previous clipper. We recommend using the highest settings. Older presets will default to minimal amounts of smoothing.
Clipper Silk Location: (FM -> Advanced) The clipper silk control determines the overall texture of the clipper sound, especially at low frequencies. Lower settings give more of a “solid” kick to bass percussion, higher settings provide a softer “padded kick”.
HD Lookahead Limiter :
The HD channel’s lookahead limiter has been greatly improved in version 3.5. For full information about the HD section, please see the document “INTRODUCTION to G-Force”. The URL can be found on Page 14.
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