What Initial Dyanamics Control Plugin do you use.

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 8:45 pm

So right now I am using the Nomad Factory LM-662 Dual Limiting Amplifier, a recreation of the Fairchild 670 limiter. I use this as the first plugin in my mastering chain to just even out the dyanamics, very lightly.

As far as anyone who might master "In The Box", what are you using for this task.

I will be getting the UAD pak soon. In about a month. So I will be using their emulation of the Fairchild 670.

Moderator Joined: Sep 12, 2002 Posts: 1857 Location: NYC

that's a pretty non-transparent sounding compressor, do you use it because you like the sound?

Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 2:41 pm

Well as long as you dont engage the 12AX7 tube function, its all good. Also I usually work with a good mix, so if there was an erratic spike in level, either me, or whoever did the mixing, should fix that.
But if that isnt possible, well then the LM - 662 will take care of it. So usually Im only reducing/limiting, every now and then, the wild spike, to level out the dyanamics. And depending on the dyanamic level, usually about -4 decibels "hereandthere" on the meters. And for that wild one, up to -7dB
You know tha deal.
And its pleasing.
So how about anyone else. Its not like your giving away the farm by answering. I hope I havent broken any "mastering, the art of secrecy rules" by asking this question LOL.

Moderator Joined: Sep 12, 2002 Posts: 1857 Location: NYC

I would place an eq before the compressor so you can balance it before compression. can work nicely.

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 6:04 pm

Im using it more as a limiter.
Compression ratio is variable using the DC Bias knob. Availuble compression is 1:1 or 20:1

Availuable Times:
Attack Times:
0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 20, 80, 100, 120, 300 ms
Release Times:
300 ms, 800 ms, 1 sec, 2 sec, 5 sec, 10 sec

I got it set to 0.2ms Attack and 300ms release.
Wish there was a faster release time

The amount (0 - 100%) of 12AX7 tube emulation/saturation effect applied to
audio is controlled by the tube-slider. At 0 (zero), no distortion or emulation
occurs, as the tube-slider is increased, the tube (12AX7) generates warmth
saturation and distortion.

I of course use on tube emulation (0%).

I am looking for another plugin for this task, Initial Dyanamics Control.

In the past Ive used Adobe Audition 2.0 Hard Limiting function/process(Offline).
It has a release of as low as 40ms, and lookahead of 10 seconds. Not sure of attack right now.

I will do this, then some EQ, then multiband compression, then maybe some more EQ, if any. Also stereo manipulation if any. And then to the limiter. Its always different.
All "In The Box".

So basically looking for the best way/tool to accomplish this task.

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 3:24 pm

Ok, let me put it like this. "Top End Limiting"

DC Offset Removal
Stereo Correction If Needed
Low Cut Filter, If needed, around 22Hz.
Parametric EQing
Top End Limiting

The "top end limiting that is done before Multiband Comp., to tame the stray peaks.
Sure I know of the "Purist" standpoint, just select the peak that is above the rest, and process offline with gain function.

Im using WaveLab5 and I got Cubase SX3. I also have Adobe Audition 2.0

Looking for a transparent limiter that will maintain transients.

Also is there any plugin like the Sonnox Transient Modulator.?
That operates on the same principle.

How about the MPL-1 by Kjaerhus Audio
Seems good because of the Lookahead, and you can turn off the AutoGain.
I would just view the waveform, and judge the level to be limited to. And just bring down the threshold, to level out the dyanamics, just barely nip tha peaks.
Then on to Multiband compression.

Moderator Joined: Sep 12, 2002 Posts: 1857 Location: NYC

I think what you are looking for is a transformer. run your mix out and into a transformer and bingo bango, you'll have your sound.

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 3:35 pm

Transformer, ahhah- a Decepticon in disguise. You cover is blown Michael.

But really, what do you mean "Transformer".

I know of electronic transformers, but you cant be talking about that.

Moderator Joined: Sep 12, 2002 Posts: 1857 Location: NYC

yep, that's what i'm talking about. lost of great gear has them and they all sound different. just running a mix through a piece of gear with nice transformers in them will shave off some of the nasties while still retaining nice detail.

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 6:55 pm

What piece of gear would have these transformers that you refer to Michael? Would that be, like, what would that be? A main amp has transformers no? What about a component cassette player? Got transformers?

Running the audio signal into something that I may already have can help remove the warts? See, I'm all over that, I'll run the signal into the dishwasher if you say it has transformers in it!!!

Thanks,

Brien

Moderator Joined: Sep 12, 2002 Posts: 1857 Location: NYC

lots of different kinds of gear have transformers, some good and some bad. Of coarse you want the pieces that have good transformers. I like to think of transformers as a harder version of tubes. they take the edge off but don't soften it like some tube gear.

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2007 10:21 pm

I got ya.

Buss out the mix and patch it into audio gear that has transformer->s<- and get a better overall wart-free sound?

Where is that dishwasher manual,

Brien

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 3:09 am

Michael -

Could you give a few examples of some equipment you favor for transformer processing? I know that certain preamplifier topologies use transformers (the Neve line among them), but are there particular pieces you have in mind?

Jed

Moderator Joined: Sep 12, 2002 Posts: 1857 Location: NYC

well I'm not REAL familiar with all the gear out there and what has what in it, but Amek, some Urie, shadow hills has a big beast with selectable transformers, some neve, some focusrite, lots have transformers. Some good and some not so good. you can look at a schematic or look up the gear on their website to find out what's in it. by trying different kinds, you'll get a sense about what it is you are hearing. The pricier pieces will probably have nicer components in them, but not always. I have a urie la22 that has jenson transformers in it and it sounds pretty nice. Not too pricey but hard to find. Neve likes the sound of transformers, in his 9098 eq he couldn't fit them in so he designed a circuit to emulate the sound. The great warm sound of a U47 has most to do with the transformer in it and not the tube.

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