problems with DBX 166XL

  • Thread starter Thread starter FALKEN
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FALKEN

FALKEN

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pre-question:

If I have threshold @ -20, ratio 2:1, I should expect to see 10 db of reduction, and set my output at +10, right?

the reason i ask is,

I have been having to put my dbx on +4, while the rest of my gear is running at -10. it just does not put enough signal out otherwise.

assuming my math is correct, anybody else have this problem?

or am i using the wrong forumla to set output gain?
 
FALKEN said:
or am i using the wrong forumla to set output gain?
Click to expand...
There's no "formula" - use your ears.... plus, you have to understand the gain structure between ALL your equipment -- from your description, sounds like you've got something set incorrectly or you're mistaken about the gain structure a unit in your chain is operating at.
 
FALKEN said:
pre-question:
If I have threshold @ -20, ratio 2:1, I should expect to see 10 db of reduction
Click to expand...
Maybe on a steady signal 20db above the "threshold". But then there's the time factors to throw in there...

...and set my output at +10, right?
Click to expand...
Perhaps, if to make up for that much gain reduction, or so that the new average loudness is similar for A/B comparison sake.

Do me a favor? See if you're XL crosstalks like crazy between channels.
(Mine does. :rolleyes:
Wayne
 
mixsit said:
Do me a favor? See if you're XL crosstalks like crazy between channels.
(Mine does. :rolleyes:
Wayne
Click to expand...

i think it might. (when the channels are linked). haven't tested enough i guess.


to answer the previous question, I have had this same problem (gain) sending into multiple sources, my layla set to -10 (so I KNOW thats right) and also a cd burner which is at -10 (rca inputs). also, the source both from my behringer notepad mixer (-10) and from a preamp that can be set at either.
 
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If you have linked your two channels on the DBX, then channel 2 will always show the compression metering from channel one. Thats what a stereo link does. It takes the gain reduction from channel 1 and applies it to channel 2. Also, it's possible that the xlr jacks on the DBX 166 are +4 whereas the 1/4" jacks are -10. That could account for a wierd mismatch. Not only that, but inserts on some consoles are -10 whereas aux and master outputs are +4. Consult all the manuals for proper settings. I don't believe that the 166 offers this, but the 160's offer calibration. If they do though, that could also change things.
 
That might be the problem.

would linking the channels override channel 2's output gain setting?


going back to the gain reduction equation,
I thought db's are an exponential function.
 
I believe that it does override the 2nd channels output volume. I could be wrong though. I have never tried since whenever I stereo link I just ignore the second channels settings.

ratios.... 2:1 means that half the signal over the threshold will pass through. 3:1....1/3 6:1.... 1/6 etc.... So if you have your threshold at -15, feed it with a 0 signal with a ratio of 3:1 the result would be -10. To keep the signal at unity you would hit the output with a +10 boost.
 
Yes... Linking over rides all controls for the right hand channel
 
xstatic said:
ratios.... 2:1 means that half the signal over the threshold will pass through. 3:1....1/3 6:1.... 1/6 etc.... So if you have your threshold at -15, feed it with a 0 signal with a ratio of 3:1 the result would be -10. To keep the signal at unity you would hit the output with a +10 boost.
Click to expand...

right on;

my math was off. thanks.
 
figured out my problem.

the "stereo couple" or "linked" option does not seem to apply to the peakstop limiter section. so; the right side was completely squashed down, while the left side was able to move more freely; which sounded like "crosstalk" when the volume levels changed between the two sides (on whatever was panned to the center).
 
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