Author Topic: Console Out too "hot" - what to do?  (Read 14365 times)

Showcase

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Re: Console Out too "hot" - what to do?
« Reply #15 on: November 15, 2013, 11:19:31 AM »
So how hard are you guys hitting the 2 bus on the 4000?

I find the console sound best when pushing the mixbus pretty hot (even to hot for the quad compressor) and then lower the master so the ouptut stays between 0 and +2
...so I always end up with the master between -10 to -12,
I think if you push the output too hot, like +3 and beyond it starts to flatten the sound and get really mish mash`ėsh :)
« Last Edit: November 15, 2013, 11:21:30 AM by Showcase »

marcmozart

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Re: Console Out too "hot" - what to do?
« Reply #16 on: November 15, 2013, 12:34:18 PM »
Thanks for all the ideas!

I experimented a bit and a solution that works for me is using the VCA Trim and backing off about 6 dB.
Probably similar to using the Master-Fader doing the same thing.
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sintech

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Re: Console Out too "hot" - what to do?
« Reply #17 on: November 15, 2013, 12:44:50 PM »
Using VCA trim, you'll not hit the summing so hard. (this maybe a bad thing) Trimming the Master fader should keep the vibe of the mix intact.

marcmozart

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Re: Console Out too "hot" - what to do?
« Reply #18 on: November 15, 2013, 01:33:56 PM »
Thanks, I keep learning every day! :-)

Using VCA trim, you'll not hit the summing so hard. (this maybe a bad thing) Trimming the Master fader should keep the vibe of the mix intact.
1992 SSL 4048 G-Series
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http://www.mixedbymarcmozart.com

Showcase

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Re: Console Out too "hot" - what to do?
« Reply #19 on: November 15, 2013, 01:41:46 PM »
I wouldnt use the Line trims for this, or at all :) just gets messy with recalls, if you stay around 0 or slightly above on the master it shouldnt clip your converters

marcmozart

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Re: Console Out too "hot" - what to do?
« Reply #20 on: November 15, 2013, 04:59:12 PM »
Not the line trims, the VCA trim on the centre section. 
I wouldnt use the Line trims for this, or at all :) just gets messy with recalls, if you stay around 0 or slightly above on the master it shouldnt clip your converters
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Showcase

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Re: Console Out too "hot" - what to do?
« Reply #21 on: November 15, 2013, 05:43:07 PM »
Not the line trims, the VCA trim on the centre section. 
I wouldnt use the Line trims for this, or at all :) just gets messy with recalls, if you stay around 0 or slightly above on the master it shouldnt clip your converters

Ah oh sorry, must have read a little to fast, I thought it sounded a litte weird hehe :) can I ask how hard have you pushed the consoles output to get clipping in the DAW?
« Last Edit: November 15, 2013, 05:46:13 PM by Showcase »

xmax

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Re: Console Out too "hot" - what to do?
« Reply #22 on: March 27, 2014, 05:02:13 PM »
You just need some good passive 600/600 ohm attenuators.

waltzingbear

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Re: Console Out too "hot" - what to do?
« Reply #23 on: March 27, 2014, 05:22:07 PM »
well, I would say attenuators in general, they could be 1K, 5K or 600 ohm. Shouldn't matter too much. But you should put them at the input to the receiver (ie recording device) so that the lo-Z output of the board drives the cable.

Alan
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Druhms

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Re: Console Out too "hot" - what to do?
« Reply #24 on: October 24, 2014, 12:19:06 PM »
First instinct is start your mixes with your master fader backed off a few db.
Also, do you have absolutely nothing on your 2-buss? Nothing outboard between console and converters?  It's fairly standard these days to touch your 2-buss with a little light compression for glue or a touch of eq for overall vibe.  I'm not talking about stepping on the Mastering Engineers territory...nor am I telling you that this step is necessary. I was just asking. So, if you are comfortable, and have no desire for additional processing before your A/D,  Master Fader is your answer!  Many of us rely on the Master Fader from time to time for some level taming.
I run my mix through various things pre converter.  One move is a pair of vintage 1073's line in and have fader trim outputs to help balance your L/R...if needed.  This is a nice mojo move.  There are tons of "Neve type" amps these days if you want some extra voodoo with level control.  Or pick any other wonderful flavors of line amps, super clean to super signature sounding.  Just a thought.
I hit my SSL pretty good.  My output meters aren't pegged,  but they are pretty hot. That's where a good rock mix comes alive on an old SSL.   
Good luck!
JJ