Legitimate gain procedure?
Dra
Posts: 3,777
Seeking input to see if my logic was good.
Finally got arround to setting my mixer, 260, and new PLX3102 amps gain structure. After getting the board LED's, 260 in / out meters (GUI) to -0-, I had a thought. This is what I did...
I forced the board into HARD clipping (95% on) (only 1 red above +9).
Then made sure that the 260 input peaked at +18, same on the outputs (with limiters on).
The amp clip LED's are variable in their illumination with the level of distortion and they were flashing a pale pink.
Thoughts :?:
Ideas :idea:
DRA
Finally got arround to setting my mixer, 260, and new PLX3102 amps gain structure. After getting the board LED's, 260 in / out meters (GUI) to -0-, I had a thought. This is what I did...
I forced the board into HARD clipping (95% on) (only 1 red above +9).
Then made sure that the 260 input peaked at +18, same on the outputs (with limiters on).
The amp clip LED's are variable in their illumination with the level of distortion and they were flashing a pale pink.
Thoughts :?:
Ideas :idea:
DRA
0
Comments
Bet you didn't expect to see ME show up here... ya right
As for the limiter... I can't say thats how I would suggest doing it...I would rather see the gain structure set with the limiter OFF... then find the level you want to run your shows (within the limits of the gain structure) and set the limiter up to just start hitting at that point, that gives you a slight additional gain but the artifacts of the limiter are not evident (that squashing sound...audible pumping like sound the higher we go into clipping. But then I like a very live, uncompressed airy sound...your mileage may vary...if you want that compressed sound without using a compressor, set the limiter lower and drive into it a bit, you'll get that squashed plastic sound you've been looking for
Cheers...
Gary...
So now that +20 is established. The goal should be +12 (not 18)continuous and avoid any +18 ignition at all (since that limits me to 2db headroom) as a worst case scenario. I theorize that a constant +12 is bumping +15 db. That could be confirmed by how much the input mixer is reduced to get to the new set point.
So I was using the right equation, but using the wrong number for \"X\". So I missed the problem. Maybe the teacher will give partial credit.
As far as the limiters go, they were triggering but were not going into reduction yet. And like I said, I had the board waaaaay hotter than I would ever push it (95% on with the only red LED and I would never go beyond a 5% \"blink\". OK maybe a 10% \"blink\", if needed.
Thanks,
DRA
Current system:
Mains-
260
PLX3102 stereo 600w - Yorkville E12 (pr) 400w program
PLX3102 stereo 600w - Yorkville E12 (pr) 400w program
AP3000 bridged 2400w (4 ohm) - Yorkville subs (pr) 800w program
Monitors-
DRPA - 1 mix
Yorkville NX25P (pr) (200w bi-amped poly-cab)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clipping_(audio)
I have heard from a source, forgotten where from, that digital clipping is the biggest no no in audio.
I should set up gain structure so everything clips (analogy) at the same time except for digital equipment which should be a few db down. And watch for transient clipping
Is this a correct philosophy???????
Mark
Gadget