Chapter 12 of 14
Audio Processing in SAM Broadcaster Pro
Without processing, your stream will sound inconsistent and thin. SAM Broadcaster Pro includes a built-in audio processing chain that improves loudness and consistency significantly.
Accessing the Audio Mixer Pipeline
All audio processing in SAM Broadcaster Pro is configured through the Audio Mixer Pipeline:
- Click the Config button in the toolbar
- Select Audio Mixer Pipeline
The pipeline shows all inputs: Deck A, Deck B, Sound FX, Aux 1, Voice FX and Mixer. Each has its own processing chain.
Built-In Processing
SAM Broadcaster Pro’s built-in processing includes:
- Equaliser — adjust frequency response across the audio spectrum
- Gated AGC (Automatic Gain Control) — automatically evens out loudness differences between tracks
- Stereo Expander — widens the stereo image
- Bass EQ — boost or cut bass frequencies
- 5-band processor — multiband compressor/expander/limiter for precise control over different frequency ranges
- 2-band processor — simpler two-band alternative
- Clipper — hard limiter to prevent output from exceeding a set level
For most stations, enabling the AGC and setting modest compression values is a good starting point.
DSP Plugins
SAM Broadcaster Pro supports Winamp DSP plugins for additional processing. To add a DSP plugin:
- Click Config → Audio Mixer Pipeline
- Open the DSP tab
- Install your Winamp DSP plugin to the SAM Broadcaster Pro plugins folder
- Enable the plugin by checking the checkbox next to it
- Select it and click Configure plugin to adjust its settings
Stereo Tool with SAM Broadcaster Pro
Stereo Tool is a popular third-party audio processor widely used in internet radio. It is available as a Winamp DSP plugin and can be loaded into SAM Broadcaster Pro’s DSP chain. Stereo Tool adds advanced multiband compression, loudness maximising and stereo enhancement beyond what the built-in processing provides.
Processing Guidelines
- Test your processed audio on headphones, phone speakers and a car stereo
- Avoid over-processing — heavy compression causes listener fatigue
- Use the AGC to even out track-to-track level differences before adding heavier processing