Masterlink DSP questions

[Chris F]

I've just started recording with my new Masterlink, and I'm very impressed with the unit so far. The interface is taking some getting used to, but overall, I'm very pleased and can see myself using it every day.

About the DSP - there are four different types, and I've used two successfully so far: the EQ, and the Normalization. The EQ worked about like I expected and sounds okay...I'm sure I'll get better with it. The Normalization was pretty simple, but the signal came out a bit hotter than I would have liked. Is there anyway to drop the "ceiling" on the normalization by about 3 or 4 db?

I can't get jack to sound good with the compression, but then I know little about compression. Is this the 3630 compressor? If so, I won't bother with it. If not, any tips?

Last, I've heard a few people on this board say that the Limiter is a real gem, but I can't seem to figure out how to use it properly. If anyone has any tips about how to get started and in the ballpark with it, I'd be very grateful! FWIW, I'm recording duets with either grand piano and double bass, or archtop and double bass, and I'd like to give the recordings a little more presence without jacking the all of the peaks up to -0db. Thanks in advance!

[oboe_prestini]

I'm just curious to know: what recording equipment next to the Masterlink do you use to record the duets?

[PHILANDDON]

I have the masterlink and love it. My understanding of the normalization feature is that it boosts your levels as they can be before clipping. Basically, the feature allows you to see the maximum + gain-change you can do to the song. After you know the maximum change, you can undo the normalizer and boost a more modest amount that suits you're ear by using doing a track level boost using the basic track edit feature.

I like the limiter. I've found that it's good for hot tunes (i.e. with high peaks) that you want/need to make louder. I've played a little with the compressor, but my songs are usually compressed already when they reach the masterlink so I haven't found that feature to be all that valuable. I've used the EQ just to do a tiny bit of bass roll-off here and there.

[Chris F]

Originally Posted by oboe_prestini

I'm just curious to know: what recording equipment next to the Masterlink do you use to record the duets?

Just mics (M-Audio Solaris for bass and either SP B1's or MXL 603's for piano) and pres (M-Audio Tampa and DMP3) through a Soundcraft M12. So far, so good!

PHIL - I figured out that little trick last night, and you're right...it works very, VERY well. Thanks!