a system for processing audio signals in two channels , wherein each channel includes a plurality of band pass filters for dividing the signal in each channel into a plurality of bands and a plurality of variable gain amplifiers coupled one each to a band pass filter . control logic coupled to the variable gain amplifiers prevents the signals in adjacent bands within a channel from being attenuated simultaneously . the control logic attenuates the signals in one channel in accordance with the signal in the corresponding bands in the other channel . in some circumstances , the signal in the band in the one channel is attenuated .