Alsesis 3630 (I'm sure there have been 23423 of these but)

[Creamyapples1]

I'm sure you guys are sick of seeing it, and from what I've read these aren't the most popular, but it's what I have, so bare with me.

At present I'm using the 3630 when I record amp'd instruments to get rid of the ambient BS amp noise and it works out pretty good. As I get more into mixing down a recording to CD, how would this apply towards this step.

I'm using Cakewalk out through an M-Audio delta 410, to a Behringer (shudder) board. I have the Alesis 3630, an Alesis Microverb, a BBE and a Pioneer "stand alone" component CD burner. How should I chain these and does anyone have any setting suggestions?


Thanks!

Kevin


P.S. I welcome upgrade ideas, but budget is a factor and I'd like to utilize what I have at present.

 

[soundchaser59]

Yes the 3630 gets bashed a lot, but that doesn't change the fact that when it works it works just fine. I have a few of them, very affordable, and if you set it on +4 at the output switch on the rear, it will operate without introducing a ton of noise. I like the way mine works, and it can be factory refurbished with a 1 year warranty for a flat rate of $100. (But then for that much you can buy a new one too!)

Anyway, if I had your gear I would run the mixer into the 3630 in RMS mode, then into the BBE, then to the burner for final mix down. Dont use any more BBE than you absolutely have to in order to hear the benefit. According to Alesis, RMS mode disables the attack and release controls, so you still have access to the threshold, ratio, and output controls. Use as little as you have to to get a reasonably loud sound from the final cd, but without sounding squahsed or pumped. If you must use the microverb on your final mix, use it very sparingly, like on "small 1" or "small 2" with a mix of about 50% and output about 50%, just enough to produce a "just noticeable difference" in the sound. If you dont need it, dont use it. The microverb is really best used on the working mix before you do your final.

Try starting with threshold at 0, ratio at 2:1, output at 0, and go from there. If you still clip then try a slightly higher ratio, 3:1 or even 4:1. I believe in RMS mode the thing will use soft-knee compression, so it should not be audible or very noticeable as long as you dont hit it any harder than 4:1. If it still sounds good but not loud enough, try pushing the output gain a bit. Somewhere in the mix of those three controls you should be able to get a reasonable burn to your cd that sounds good on most stereo systems. You wont get that "store bought" sound without real mastering, but this will help.

If you want to go to the next level at home, try the MasterLink 9600.