Compressor Or Limiter? pls recommend

  • Thread starter Thread starter dejacky
  • Start date Start date
D

dejacky

New member
Hi,
I'm feeding my audio signals through an SM ProAudio PR8 8 channel preamp directly into my RME Multiface A/D and I noticed (particularly) on drums I get digital overloads that sound horrible. I've tried adjusting levels, but I feel some type of "limiter" that doesn't let the signal overload the input would help me a great deal. My question is do I need a particular compressor or limiter and what do you all suggest for under $200 & at least 2 channel (including used equipment).
My Drum setup is 3 mics for now (2 Oktava MK012 overheads & 1 AT3035 for kick drum). Thanks in advance :) .

-dejacky
 
What overloads the most, the OHs? So it's overloading the preamps' inputs and not the outputs/AD converter, right? I'd say an RNC could be well used as a limiter. I would guess your pres just have XLR ins/outs, so youll have to run the RNC inline before your pres. RNCs are all over the forums and I bet you've at least heard of them. You can get them used on Ebay for around $150-160 for 2 channels.
 
They all overload, but the wierd thing is, the overloads I typically hear are not causing the overload leds on the preamp to blink...so I'm assuming maybe my Multiface mixer needs to have the input signal fader lowered? Also the AT3035 sounds nice on voice with no pad, but gets the same overloading distorted sound....basically everything overloads at the gain amount i really really like.

Yes I've heard of the RNC's :). My bass player friend suggest I get it to be used with electric bass guitar, he said this would help control the bass sound while playing thru a normal guitar amp so it wouldn't become damaged from excessive bass dynamics.
 
The RNC is an excellent choice for general useage, however, also consider the Symetrix 501 for electric bass (classic choice) in addition.
It is reputed to be better than the RNC for this application.

Be aware that the earlier "toggle switch" 501's have a superior VCA unit inside, although the later versions are considered good too.

Chris
 
If you're clipping, then turn the damn gain down. :D

It sounds to me like something might be off here with your gain staging.

Are you 100% certain it's digital clipping, or could it be your preamps' headroom is maxed out? I'm suspecting you're not addressing the real problem.
 
dejacky said:
They all overload, but the wierd thing is, the overloads I typically hear are not causing the overload leds on the preamp to blink...so I'm assuming maybe my Multiface mixer needs to have the input signal fader lowered? Also the AT3035 sounds nice on voice with no pad, but gets the same overloading distorted sound....basically everything overloads at the gain amount i really really like....
Click to expand...

You may be better off getting to the bottom of that first, then work in a compressor for the sound of it, not to fix distortion.
The compressor would be to late if it's the mic or preamp for example, and once that's resolved, you still don't have to have a compressor/limiter to get good signals in.
Wayne

Opps. Looks like chessrock about covered that at the same time. :rolleyes:
 
I think it might be that i haven't adjusted the Input fader level of the A/D with RME's software mixer that controls hardware input levels...so i'm reading the manual and trying to get my damn pci card to work..it just stopped working for no reason recently :mad: .
 
They are right. I thought maybe your preamps headroom wasn't enough for the drum transients and you were already at a low gain level. Good luck on your card.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top