Using a Microlimiter

[rayc]

Hello out/over/up there,
I recently bought a 2nd hand Microlimiter as I've been trying to record 'cello & have had problems with that instrument's massive volume range.
The micro was cheap & I may have "Got what I paid for" in as much as I can't get it to do much without a lot of noise - also the manual is VERY limited help.
I've tried compressing from the preamp, direct from the mic & compressing the recorded sound but with no useful result. Either it's too noisy or relatively unaeffected.
I think the machine needs a lot of cranking on the inline side before it begins to compress - & this produces noise.
Any advice?

Cheers from here
rayC

 

[soundchaser59]

The microlimiter uses "program dependent ratio and attack" settings, meaning it only compresses when it has to. The more the input signal jumps up the harder it hits the signal back down.

It is hard wired to operate in "RMS" mode only.

When the green lights are on it is compressing, with a ratio from 2:1 up to 8:1.

When the amber lights come on, it is limiting, with a ratio anywhere from 10:1 up to 16:1.

Feed the hottest input signal you can into it, without distorting, so that you use the microlimiter's Input knob as little as necessary. This will also allow you to use the Output knob as little as necessary. If you can get it set so that the output level sounds the same regardless whether the switch is In or Out, then you will be minimizing the amount of noise being passed thru with the music.

Keep in mind that the spec of " .2% THD " is not the greatest, but this is a 16 bit processor so you shoudl be able to get a reasonably clean signal from it, as long as what you are putting in is clean to begin with.

Here is a link to the manual.
http://www.alesis.com/downloads/manuals/MicroSeries_Manual.pdf

 

[rayc]

Dear Soundchaser,
Thanks for the clues. I'll give it a whirl in the morning.
You've provided the clearest direction than I've managed to find to date.
Cheers
rayC