Signal chain blues

[stray411]

I have a DBX 376 Channel Strip (which was bought for vocals) that I have begun using in my keyboard rig and I'm really in love with it's sound, but unfortunately it's mono and that's a big limitation.

I was planning on purchasing another and running the two in stereo, but on the DBX site I read it's not a good idea because of the phase problems.

I'm wondering if that's absolutely true. For example, if I had a stereo piano patch coming from a sound module with stereo outs, the left into strip A and the right into strip B. Then had the analog out from each strip going into the line inputs on my mixer. Wouldn't that work? I don't understand where this phase problem would occur.


Any help would be much appreciated.

Stray

[Orpheus]

i don't get it either. after all, that's exactly how a mixer works anyway...... one side goes through one strip, the other side goes through another, one strip panned left, one panned right. UNLESS, the mean their "strips" are so badly made that different units have significantly different performance.

[stray411]

Thanks for your input Orpheus. Can anyone possibly explain why some higher end units have a stereo link function? What does this do essentially? Is there a work around for not having one?

Thanks in advance

Stray

[mixsit]

Originally posted by stray411
Thanks for your input Orpheus. Can anyone possibly explain why some higher end units have a stereo link function? What does this do essentially? Is there a work around for not having one?

Thanks in advance

Stray

The link function would strap two compressors together so they act as one. That works to prevent stereo image shift. But otherwise...?
Wayne

[Orpheus]

Can anyone possibly explain why some higher end units have a stereo link function?

well, i think the main reason for a stereo link is so that both channels use the same settings. normally when you engage stereo link, you only use one side's controls, and those controls would be used for both channels. the signal still passes through both sides of the unit, just with the same settings.

[stray411]

Thanks Wayne, but I'm still a little confused. The input will be the same regardless of whether or not the units are linked so what could the units be doing entirely to get the phase out of whack.?

I can understand low build quality causing this, but is that only factor? What if we were talking about (2) Mono Avalon Pres with no stereo link function? Would this still be an issue?

And also if I did run into a phase problem would switching the phase on one of the units solve the problem?

Thank again for the help.

Stray

[Orpheus]

i still don't think using two mono's as stereo is bad unless the build quality is inconsistent.

...you know, in the audiophile world they use a lot of "mono-block" amps. that is, two totally separate amps, one for each speaker. in theory, this is better because the two channels aren't anywhere near each other, and thus they are not affecting each other eletrically.

however... analog EQs do cause phase shift. so, when you use two mono units, you have to be very careful to match the settings on both. and generally, the markings on most units ARE NOT calibrated. so, it's very hard to match each unit perfectly. that said, ....as i have mentioned before, it's the same as channel strips on a mixer........... so..... i doubt it's much of a problem anyway.

[mixsit]

The only link function I know of is for the compressors. I don't know of any other 'phase' issues you would run into. As pres or eq's, you would still be setting them as two mono units.
Or, like Orpheus said.
If it was a true linked stereo dedicated eq box, that would probably be more like a mastering level device. (not dual mono?)
If you're going to use them as stereo mix processing, or need compression in a true stereo recording (as in XY as opposed to just two mics at once) that could be what the DBX info was about.
Wayne

[Herm]

Could it be that they are talking about not running two sends
of stereo into a system that is going to be mono, I can see where
that could be a problem with a keyboard.

[stray411]

Thanks for the continued responses and help everybody. I don't think I'll be using two on these units. I can still use the one I have for mono material.

For stereo stuff I think I'll just grab a DMP-3, RNC and a DBX or Tascam EQ and have a lot more flexibility. I can get all of these for just a bit more than I would have paid for the 376.

Thank again for the help.

Stray