I can't help but think that most of the replies to the original query have
missed the point. The original query was (in part):
> All
> I want to do is limit the output to protect my speakers and prevent
> clipping at the mixer input. I don't need to squash the dynamic range
> to fatten this sound!
Most of the replies have focused on the relative merits of compressors and
compression, which is a related but different topic. It seems to me that the
original query hasn't really been addressed, and is relevant to this list.
Or maybe I just think it's relevant because it's something I've wondered
about myself. :-)
So maybe I'll try putting a similar query in my own words: is it sensible to
use a peak limiter between the output of a modular synth and the input of a
mixer or A/D converter or whatever you happen to be using for monitoring and
recording, not for controlling the dynamics of the signal but for protecting
your input stages/pre-amps/power amps/speakers/ears (most important) from
the 10V p-p signals present in a MOTM? If so, what is a good unit for this
task?
Under normal circumstances, of course, the output of a synth is nothing to
worry about--the output signals are much smaller than the 10V p-p modulation
signals. But accidents happen (happy accidents being one of the reasons to
own a modular in the first place) and it seems to me that it can't be a good
thing to plug the unattenuated pulse output of a 320 LFO directly into a
pair of powered monitors, for example. It'll scare the pants off you and
anyone else around, for one thing.
I've adopted the practice of always using an 830 mixer as the output point
of my MOTM; that is, I connect the output (OUT 2) of the 830 to my mixing
desk, A/D converter, whatever. I start with all of its level knobs rotated
fully CCW and turn them up slowly after patching new signals into the mix.
This is only a partial solution, though.
(As an aside, I have an RNC compressor and am very fond of it. I haven't
tried using it as a peak limiter, but it's lovely for other tasks.)
--Adam