TC Triple C's placement issue

[9H5QB]

Hi,

My name is Mario , I'm 9H5QB from Malta!

I would be grateful that If possible, I would like your advice and wisdom on the best possible hook up and placement of my audio equipment for ESSB before it goes to my TS-870.

I know there are various similar posts, but I have recently acquired extra gear, and need to construct a 'fresh' new setup to reflect the new gear.

I have read a lot about the TC Triple C's placement issue, but I do have a Behringer DEQ2496 also in the chain, and I'm feeling confused now!


Gear for Ham radio:

AKG Perception 220 / Audio Technica AT2035
Presonus Eureka
Behringer Ultracurve Pro 2496
TC Triple C
Aphex Exciter
Behringer FBQ6200 31 Band EQ


I have also Behringer EX3200 x 2
MDX2600 Composer Pro
MIC2200 Ultragain


Helppppp!!!!

73 de Mario
9H5QB

[Voodoo Guru]

Howdy Mario,

Welcome to the Forum!!

You have allot of "all in one" equipment that is performing duplicate functions. Just starting out you really don't need to use all of it as it will confuse the setup greatly. Some pieces don't need to be used at all. This is how you should start out and see how it sounds then go from there....

Audio Technica AT2035

Presonus Eureka - Use just the preamp section. Bypass the Compressor and EQ.

Behringer Ultracurve Pro 2496 - Set up Channel 1 for Downward Expansion/Noise gate.

Behringer Ultracurve Pro 2496 - Set up Channel 2 for Parametric EQ (PEQ)

Behringer EX3200 - set up as daisy chained per website http://www.wz5q.net/index/rack_data/3200.htm

TC Triple C


Try this first and see how good you can set the Audio. Once you have Mastered this, then you can experiment in adding the other functions and seeing how they change the Sonics of the Mix.

You can also try the Audio Technica AT2035 in the above order. See which mic your voice sounds the best without any processing at all and use that one.

The MDX2600 Composer Pro & MIC2200 Ultragain are good to have around, but you have better units to use so there is no need for these to be in the chain.


No likey these units...
Behringer FBQ6200 31 Band EQ -
Aphex Exciter -

Have Fun!

[9H5QB]

Thanks a lot for an informative reply! Much appreciated

I have a number of questions from your reply.....

''You have a lot of "all in one" equipment that is performing duplicate functions.''

Couldn't agree more! But I need to clarify that it was not my intention to use every single piece of gear in the chain, I just pointed out to you what I have at the moment, and asked for your advice which would be appropriate and ideal that go together for the audio chain to obtain the best possible ESSB....

1. ''Behringer Ultracurve Pro 2496 - Set up Channel 1 for Downward Expansion/Noise gate.''

2. ''Behringer Ultracurve Pro 2496 - Set up Channel 2 for Parametric EQ (PEQ)

Can you kindly elaborate how to points 1 & 2 pls? (sorry for my dumbness)

3. ''Behringer EX3200 - set up as daisy chained per website''

Is the EX3200 preferred over the Aphex Exciter? Why? My EX3200 are stock, unmodified! But I have already used it as instructed, but was not that 100% satisfied though...


''No likey these units...''
Behringer FBQ6200 31 Band EQ
Aphex Exciter


Why exactly? Would the 31 band EQ help shape better?

Cheers mate!

[Voodoo Guru]

Howdy Mario,

1. ''Behringer Ultracurve Pro 2496 - Set up Channel 1 for Downward Expansion/Noise gate.''

2. ''Behringer Ultracurve Pro 2496 - Set up Channel 2 for Parametric EQ (PEQ)

Can you kindly elaborate how to points 1 & 2 pls?

It has been a very long time since we've played around with a DEQ2496 and don't remember all the individual steps for setting up the modules, so you will have to refer to the Manual for that.

What you want to do is come from the Eurica Preamp and come into the Left Channel of the DEQ2496 and set this up for downward expansion to remove the back ground noise.

Then leave the Left Channel and go into the Right Channel of the DEQ2496 and set this up for the Parametric EQ.

The reason for doing it this way and not putting them both on the same channel is because you want the downward expander/noise gate BEFORE the Parametric EQ. The order of modules in the 2496 actually puts the downward expander BEHIND the PEQ when using only one channel.

3. ''Behringer EX3200 - set up as daisy chained per website''

Is the EX3200 preferred over the Aphex Exciter? Why? My EX3200 are stock, unmodified! But I have already used it as instructed, but was not that 100% satisfied though...

OK, this is just our opinion that the EX3200 is superior. If you like the way Aphex sounds, then by all means put that in line instead! It is all really what you like the best as to what matters.

''No likey these units...''
Behringer FBQ6200 31 Band EQ
Aphex Exciter

Why exactly? Would the 31 band EQ help shape better?

The Aphex sounds inferior to us compared against the EX3200. The Aphex does not have the Phase Shifting capability like the EX3200 Surround Processor Control Provides when connected correctly.

The 31 Band EQ is inferior to the Parametric EQ due to lack of control. You do not have control over the Bandwidth at all as it is fixed. You have only limited control over Gain, and Frequency.

Take Care,

[9H5QB]

..excuse my ignorance.... (blush) (pls bear with me, I do appreciate, still learning the proper way from you guys!)

ok, so let's proceed the idiot's guide's pace here...let's construct this piece by piece

''What you want to do is come from the Eureka Preamp and come into the Left Channel of the DEQ2496 and set this up for downward expansion to remove the back ground noise. Then leave the Left Channel and go into the Right Channel of the DEQ2496 and set this up for the Parametric EQ. ''

Mic Preamp(Compressor+EQ Bypassed)->DEQ2496 IN L->OUT L->IN R->OUT R->Aphex/EX3200->Triple C...

so next down the chain after the DEQ2496 is the Aphex/EX3200 right? As for compression, this will be done by the Triple C correct? Btw, I have already configured the DYN,PEQ,DEQ,WIDTH,IO, do I keep the settings?

and if I follow the above in the audio chain with the FBQ6200 31 Band EQ ? what possibly can it alter?

Mic Preamp->DEQ2496->Aphex/EX3200->Triple C->FBQ6200

any comments?

[Voodoo Guru]

Howdy Mario,

Mic Preamp(Compressor+EQ Bypassed)->DEQ2496 IN L->OUT L->IN R->OUT R->Aphex/EX3200->Triple C...

so next down the chain after the DEQ2496 is the Aphex/EX3200 right?

Yes correct.
But either one or the other for the Aphex/EX3200.
Just to be clear, do not run both. This would be too much.

As for compression, this will be done by the Triple C correct?

This is correct. The Triple C will accomplish all compression needs.

I have already configured the DYN,PEQ,DEQ,WIDTH,IO, do I keep the settings?

You must use your ears to see if the settings are correct for you or not.
But to start out with,
I would only use the DYN for the downward expansion and bypass all other modules on the Left Channel,
and only use the PEQ for EQ and bypass all other modules on the Right Channel.
You can add other modules latter once you have a basic setup.

The DEQ needs to be bypassed completely due to the Triple C being used for the multiband compression. Do not use the DEQ at this time.

and if I follow the above in the audio chain with the FBQ6200 31 Band EQ ? what possibly can it alter?

Mic Preamp->DEQ2496->Aphex/EX3200->Triple C->FBQ6200

You do not need it.
There is no reason to have another EQ because ALL of your EQ functions will be accomplished using the Parametric EQ in the DEQ2496. Also, putting an EQ after the Compressor would destroy the dynamics if not set VERY carefully.

Have Fun,

[9H5QB]

Well, what can I say?! Saying thankyou is not enough!!

I feel that a proper understanding and a logical perspective is essential here, not just for ESSB. I learned a great deal about audio through you and your ideas/advice, I strongly feel I am slowly gearing towards perfection! hehe

ok ok, either the Aphex Exciter or the Behringer EX3200 after the DEQ2496...

the below is of such IMPORTANCE...

''I would only use the DYN for the downward expansion and bypass all other modules on the Left Channel, and only use the PEQ for EQ and bypass all other modules on the Right Channel.
You can add other modules later once you have a basic setup.

The DEQ needs to be bypassed completely due to the Triple C being used for the multiband compression. Do not use the DEQ at this time. ''

Left Channel - DYN lit
Right Channel - PEQ lit
(all others bypassed to start with. As you said, I can add other modules later once having a good basic setup.)

So, to conclude, here goes..
AT 2035->Eureka Mic Preamp->DEQ2496->EX3200->Triple C

Please correct me if I'm wrong somewhere...

The only sad thing about all this is the FBQ6200, or lack of it's use now. It is indeed a pity, absolutely brand new, days old. Wanted to include it in the audio chain... Oh well....my bad

Cheers mate! Thanks a million!

[Voodoo Guru]

Howdy Mario,

It sounds like you have the correct order and understanding for starting out.
Give that a try and see how it plays for you.

Don't feel bad, over the years we have had stacks of equipment and Mics in the closets and under the bed searching for the optimum Sonic Signature for our voice.

Have Fun!!

[9H5QB]

Hey Honorable Guru!

Well, I have performed a few tests 'on air', and apart from propagation was not the best these last few days, I must say I'm reallly REALLY pleased with the outcome of this new setup. However, in my opinion, few adjustments are needed especially in the compression area, and in the DEQ2496(the beast). Minor as they may be, these are always important for the shaping of the frequencies. The Triple C is a gem!

I have spent quite some time monitoring the output via MONI(not so precise) of the TS870 through good headphones, and I'm pleased with the quasi broadcast quality type being emitted...3.4/6kHZ here we come

To start with, Behringer MIC2200 was kept as the mic preamp and initial piece in the audio chain, will see what the Presonus Eureka will enhance once I alternate between them for more 'on air' tests, tube warmth for sure, and a bit of color..

I have the intention of recording a clip just for kicks, will be available soon. Also, on my Qrz.com page, the ESSB settings currently used are available for download should anyone bother.

Any comments if I attempt to switch to a better 'broadcasting' mic instead of my Audio Technica AT2035 ? Mind you, the AT2035 is a wonderful mic with excellent specs. Just wanted your opinion for a possible upgrade for the better..

Cheers mate, eternally grateful!

Mario 9H5QB

[Voodoo Guru]

Howdy Mario,
Great that you are enjoying the Sonics from your new lash up!

Mics are a purely subjective subject for sure. This is beast left to the individual to try and match the mic to his/hers voice with the least amount of EQ'ing. Find the one that sounds the best without an EQ, that way it doesn't take as much Sonic Manipulation to shape it like you want it.

Take Care,