Behringer COM800 manual Minicom in Practice, How to set levels correctly

MINICOM COM800

4. THE MINICOM IN PRACTICE

Typically, music production comprises three steps: the actual recording as well as the mix and mastering processes. First of all, individual signals are recorded. In a computer-based production environment this means that each instrument is recorded on a different track. When using software sound generators, the individual signals are directly available from the computer. Mixing means that the volume levels of the instruments are adjusted, effects are added were needed and the frequency range of each instrument is optimized with equalizers. During the mastering process equalizers and control amplifiers are used to give the mix the finishing touch, so as to achieve a homogeneous sound and optimum loudness.

Compressors have become the standard tool for dynamics processing during all stages of a production. Today, these popular control amplifiers are widely used for music production.

Traditionally, compressors are used to limit the dynamic range of a signal, i.e. to reduce the difference between the highest and the lowest signal levels. This is useful, in particular, to control volume fluctuations in instrument signals during the mixing process. In addition, compression can also be used to enhance the sound of a production.

4.1 How to set levels correctly

4.1.1 The I/O LEVEL switch

Before you can give your signals additional punch and power, please make sure to set the levels of your MINICOM correctly. First of all, adjust the proper operating level using the I/O LEVEL switch on the rear panel of the unit. -10 dBV are used in a consumer environment, +4 dBu in professional recording studios. Many semi-professional audio cards and studio devices can be set accordingly by means of a hardware/software switch. Mixing consoles usually work with the professional 4 dBu level, while guitars, basses, keyboards and consumer equipment (CD/MD-DAT players/recorders) use -10 dBV. If you are not sure which level to use, please consult the user’s manuals of your

devices or simply try which setting gives you a reasonable level on the IN/OUT LED display .

Always make sure that the INPUT LEVEL control is set to zero and the METER switch to

INPUT.

+If you can select the operating level used by your studio equipment, please be sure to have the same level used by all devices.

4.1.2 Signal adjustment

Wire the MINICOM as described in chapter 5.1, depending on the application. Now, apply the signal

to be compressed and use the METER switch to set the IN/OUT LED display to INPUT, so

that it shows the input level. Turn the INPUT LEVEL control , until the signal level displayed is around the 0 dB marking between -6 dB and +6 dB and the CLIP LED does not light up.

Select the preset of your choice and activate the compressor in the signal path with the IN/OUT

button . The GAIN RED LEDs display the gain reduction produced by the compression

process. Check the output signal by setting the IN/OUT LED display to OUTPUT using the

METER switch , and raise the level until the signal is around the 0 dB marking between -6 dB

and +6 dB. Since the GAIN RED LEDs show the gain reduction achieved by compression, they give you an indication of the level by which the signal can be raised with the OUTPUT LEVEL control

.

4. THE MINICOM IN PRACTICE 11