X-treme eSSB Audio FORUM

Hi Gang,
I like the sound I'm hearing on the stations using the triple c compressors. Had to have One. Now here is a run down of what I'm doing and I need a little help in the placement and setup.
Re 20 / mpa gold / dbx 166xl as gate/ hhb radius 20 eq/ pro vla ch 1 / ex3200/ pro vla ch 2 / dsp 2024 / 882 mixer / vmsdx # 24.
I see ( thanks Guru) to place the triple c last of all except the 2024.
As starters I would setup the triple c as a base setup as shown here on the web site,Knowing there will be some tweek'n. But before we tweek the triple c should any of the vla compression setting need to be changed.
Ch1 is set at little more than 3.1 ratio 0.40 ms attack , 0.15 ms release with about -3 db reduction on normal voicing and -15 on sssing. it then feeds the ex3200 with udx's voodoo and feeds ch2 of the vla set at 3.1 ratio , 25 ms attack , 0.8 ms release same as ch1 on reduction. I know there are a lot of options ,and I would like to hear your opinion. Thanks Steve

Please don't start with use your ears!

Howdy Steve,

I guess we'll give it a go...

You are correct in the positioning of the Triple-C. It needs to be close to the end of the chain with the reverb unit always being the last effects piece in the chain. Why? Because any type of compression after the reverb unit will destroy the reverb tail and ruin the effect.

Hook up the Triple-C and dial it in with the VLA settings unchanged and see how it sounds. Then bypass the Channel 1 of the VLA which is set up for the sibilance and high frequency dynamic control. See what it sound like that way. Then Bypass Channel 2 which is set up for the low frequency smoothing and listen to it.

When you do bypass the VLA and remove it from the mix, you might have to tweak on the Triple C to maximize its affects.

We know, we know, it sounds like were saying "use your ears" without actually saying "use your ears", but you know, the only way to do it is to "use your ears"!

Actually what we think you will find is that it will sound better once you bypass the VLA and just use the triple C for both sibilance control and low frequency smoothing. You can then use the VLA as a type of smoothing control unit instead of just for dynamic control.

Try this for fun,

Remove the VLA Channels 1 & 2 from where it is now, Actually disconnect it which will then have the Channel 2 Output of the EX3200 going straight to the Triple C. Re-connect them in this order...

Re 20 / mpa gold / dbx 166xl as gate/ pro vla ch 1 / hhb radius 20 eq/ pro vla ch 2 / ex3200 / Triple-C / dsp 2024 / 882 mixer / vmsdx # 24

Set up the VLA Channel 1 with about a 3.1 ratio, 0.40 ms attack , 2 to 3 seconds release (yes, seconds). Set the Threshold for -15 to -20dB Gain Reduction. With this much Gain reduction the meters will pretty much stay bouncing around -15 to -10 the entire time your talking, then will Slooooowly return back to center once you stop yakin. Be sure to Reset the gains for correct gain structure. Be aware of the signal to noise ratio, if the unit is too noisy, then you might here allot of HISS.

Set up the VLA Channel 2 the same way. Bypass this channel while you play with Channel 1 for a while, then Bypass Channel 1 and play with Channel 2 and see which one sounds the best.
DAMN!! there's that "use your ears" crap again!

What this is going to do is give the mix a phenomenal smoothness as well as infect the audio mix with the "color" of the VLA unit's audio signature. This is either going to sound good or it's going to sound like shit!

Play with the Ratio and the Attack a little as well as the Release for the best sound.

Be aware that the gain structure will need to be reset while doing this, as well as the Triple C settings.

That ought to keep you busy for a little while!
N-Joy!!

Thanks Mike, I'll experiment with those options. Using ears too! OH,don't think you aren't going to get some recordings. The replacement triple c should be here in a few days and I know I'll have to do the firmware updates and the mods on this unit before I start play'n. I'll keep ya posted.
Thanks again, w5kai