volume from console or output of limiter?

[christiandaelemans]

hey y’all. i got an odd question for ya:

so i’m almost done with my album, and i need to think about how to mix this beast down and digitize it. i run my tape tracks through a tascam m512, and the stereo L and R go through an alesis micro limiter and into an interface.

there are 2 ways i can get good signal to my computer: i either bring all the faders up on the console and get the console to be outputting most of the noise (so, vus are moving a lot and nearing red, including stereo L and R meters), and the output knob on the master buss limiter is lower down.

OR, the faders on the console are very low, with the stereo out fader all the way up and most of the gain coming from the alesis micro limiters’ output knob. there is no hard slamming of any of the console channels, vu meters are barely moving, and all the compression is solely from the limiter and its input level.

i’m unsure which approach would yield an “objectively” better, more desirable sound either in terms of signal quality or noise levels. i feel like the answer should be obviously, but i don’t know if it is hence me making this post.

TLDR: should most of the gain come from the console channel and master buss faders? or should most of the gain come from the output knob of my master buss limiter?

 

[ashcat_lt]

We’d generally prefer to get as much gain as we need as early in the chain as possible. There will be some smallish amount of noise added between the mixer and the limiter, and if you can avoid turning that up, you’ll usually be better off.

 

[bouldersoundguy]

I'd optimize levels in the console and skip the MicroLimiter. But if you use the Alesis, optimizing levels in the console will minimize any noise that the limiter adds.

 

[RFR]

You want the desk at unity gain. I wouldn’t worry too much about the meters peaking at times. It’s not like digital when you absolutely have to keep it from going into the red. If it sounds good it is good

 

[Gtoboy]

Looking at the limiter schematic it appears that in bypass the alesis is still running the signal through buffers which can help keep your signal quality from degrading. So it may be a good idea to leave it in circuit in bypass mode, depending on the condition of the wiring and connections (which can cause noise issues all on their own). I wouldn't use the limiter in the circuit my self, though if you like the mix through the limiter it could be helpful to record it also to use as a reference. Not to compare. Just to help from getting into the weeds during mixing