MOTM

This is what I was trying to say with my original reply: I don't 
need to limit the output of the MOTM even when generating nasty 
timbres.  I use the trims on the inputs of my mixer, because 
compression/limiting affects the dynamics of the track too much 
(most of the time).

Mike

--- In motm@yahoogroups.com, Adam Schabtach <adam@s...> wrote:
> 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