A ducker is provided which allows the selected microphone sources to automatically lower the music level for talker in the zone you are working in. Radio stations use duckers a great deal to allow DJ's to talk over music. Each zone has its own individual ducker. To use the ducker click Settings>Zones and select the zone you want to work on. Under Ducker enable the mic you wish to be the trigger for ducking the music using the relevant check box, then click 'Ducker Settings'.
The Ducker controls allow you precise control over the way the ducker operates.
Threshold - the level of the microphone signal at which the ducker starts to operate. If the control is set at -20dB, whenever the mic signal reaches this level it will trigger the ducker. -20dB is a good place to start - reduce it further if the music does not go quiet when you speak into the microphone - or speak louder.
Ratio - the amount by which the music signal is reduced. If this is set at 6:1, when the ducker is triggered by the mic signal, the music level will reduce by 6dB. A good starting point would be 10:1. If you want the music to duck more, increase this number.
Attack time - the amount of time taken for the ducker to react. Essentially, a short attack time is best as it quickly reduced the music level, ensuring announcements are clear from the beginning.
Release time - the time taken for the ducker to return to normal operating level once an announcement has been made.