Fixed 20:1 compression ratio

[c9-2001]

i just got a Valley audio 401 mic pre..
as i was reading i saw that it's compression ration is fixed at 20:1, could this be bad?
to me thats over-compression... i've never had to go past 6:1 with software compressor.

when i plug it up should i even use the compressor? seeing thats is fixed at 20:1

 

[Track Rat]

That's a limiter.

 

[Richard Monroe]

What Track Rat said- that's a limiter, not a compressor. The question is, does it have a variable threshold? If it does, a limiter can be OK, as long as the threshold is set just before the clip point, and you take care not to hit it too hard. If the threshold is fixed, I'd call that pre a paperweight/doorstop.-Richie

 

[c9-2001]

http://galaxyaudio.com/valley/valleyPRODUCTS.html

 

[Richard Monroe]

Obviously this pre was designed for broadcast, not music, The provided specs don't say whether the compressor has variable threshold, and I can't enlarge the picture to see the front panel. Probably the manual will tell you what the compression threshold is, but unless it's pretty damn high, or variable, I hope you can turn it off.-Richie

 

[c9-2001]

yea you can tern it off. i have the unit in front of me..
the guy i bought it from said it works real good for music production and the compressor would help a lot for my artist that yell a lot....
i'ma go buy some new xlr cabels tomorrow and test t out...

 

[c9-2001]

yea you can tern it off. i have the unit in front of me..
the guy i bought it from said it works real good for music production and the compressor would help a lot for my artist that yell a lot....
i'ma go buy some new xlr cabels tomorrow and test t out...

 

[Recording Engineer]

Just so you know, the 1176 has a 20:1 ratio option... And with a a few of my compressor/limiters, I can use nearly 20dB (though usually more like 12-18dB) of gain reduction with good results; usually on percussive instruments, rooms mics, and vocals.