LA Audio MPX10 - Manual (Page 24)

Page 24
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Avoid over compression as this may produce a dull sound. It is better to
apply gentle compression twice, once during recording which has the
benefit of increasing signal headroom and then again on replay/mix down.
Vocal de-essing
Some microphone/vocalist combinations produce significant 'ess' sounds
(sibilance). The MPX10 compressor can be used to reduce these sounds
by making the compressor more sensitive to these frequencies.
Press in the 'DS' switch on the compressor section. Use moderate to high
THRESHOLD and RATIO settings and FAST mode.
For more advanced de-essing patch an external parametric EQ (via
Sidechain insert), set to around 3-6kHz and adjust the EQ's gain and
bandwidth controls to make the compressor more sensitive to the 'ess'
frequencies. This method can also be used to tune-in to a particular fret
buzz on a guitar. The Millenium EQX20 or the EQ section of the MPX10 is
ideal for this application.
5 . 3 E X P A N D E R
The fundamental application of an Expander is to eliminate unwanted
ambient noise from the recording or PA signal path by progressively
attenuating the signal level when the it drops below a defined level. The
progressive action, low ratio and relatively long release time makes the
audible operation of the expander far less obstrusive than a noise gate.
Basic set up - reducing background noise
Start with the THRESHOLD set CCW to its most sensitive (-70dB) which
effectively keeps the expander off (EXP led OFF, no attenuation). Listen to
the natural decay of the signal to be processed and adjust Threshold so the
expander starts to attenuate just as background noise begins to become
apparent. Its worth checking that this signal is the quietest part of the track
otherwise signal decays may be lost. Although the ratio and release times
have been optimised for vocals the MPX10 will work equally well with
miked instruments, guitars and basses.
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Remember the EXP led goes out as signals exceed the Threshold
level.
Improving mic separation
In multitrack recording it is most important to maintain good mic separation.
Microphones in close proximity, handling high energy sounds such as in
the recording of a drum kit, are bound to suffer from overspill from one mic
to another. Although this application is normally handled by a noise gate the
expander section of the MPX10 can be used to good effect.