MOTM

Hi Richard,

I can see where a limiter along with some light compression maybe could be
useful for a synth, especially when doing unpredictable stuff like noise
patches and patching a modular live. It would help by not letting the output
to your amplifier go beyond a set level (the limiter) so that you could
avoid overloads etc and the compressor is basically used to reduce dynamic
range so softer sounds effectively can be heard better (the compressor has a
volume threshold setting and when the input volume reaches the threshold
point, it starts reducing the output volume. So, it makes the louder
passages of the input sound softer and then by cranking up the output gain
to the amp, the softer sounds are more easily heard at the sacrifice of some
dynamics)

The Sonic Maximizer is an interesting device but it's not magic (like I
thought it was when I first got one! ;-) and it's hard to resist the
temptation to crank up the effect just a little too much (subtle amounts are
best) so running everything through it all the time tends to make people
finally unplug them and not use them anymore. That said, I found that they
are great for doing cassette tape to digital transfers (can brighten up dull
tapes without "sounding EQ's")  and I've read that they are often used for
live sound systems to bring a little extra clarity or 'cut'.  One of my
favorite uses was to 'spruce up' a synthesized Hammond organ patch. Like the
'best' rock organ sound in a Roland MKS-50 synth through the rock organ
effect on a Roland RPS-550 can sound pretty OK, but running that output into
a Sonic Maximizer makes it sound almost great! (gives it just a little bit
of bite that improves the sound 100%, at least to me)

What is it exactly that you aren't happy with or feel you are missing from
your synth/live sound?

Best of luck!

John L Rice

PS - I have succumbed to yours, and others, greater wisdom and have realized
that it will be much better (and actually necessary) to put a separate power
supply in each of my portable cabinets! "You can lead synthesists to
multiple power supplies but you can't get them amped up!" ;-)  


-----Original Message-----
From: motm@yahoogroups.com [mailto:motm@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
Richard Brewster
Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 7:16 PM
To: MOTM List
Subject: [motm] OT: Compressor/Limiter/Gate

I'm wondering if a compressor/limiter/gate would improve the 
straight-to-MP3 recordings I make with the Tascam SS-R1.  Or to improve 
the live sound.  I'm looking at the following units.

http://www.bbesound.com/products/maxcom/index.asp

http://www.dbxpro.com/166XL/166XL.php

I wish I could get hold of these units to play with to get a better idea 
of what they would do, before having to buy them.  But in lieu of that, 
I'd appreciate any advice.

TIA,

Richard Brewster
http://www.pugix.com <http://pugix.com>



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