Drawmer MX60 Pro Front End One - Manual (Page 13)

OPERATION
Preamp
For use as a front end, the MX60 may be connected directly to the line input of
a tape recorder, hard disk recorder, mixer or other line level compatible
device. However, by using the line input or the insert return as an input, the
MX60 may be used in the insert loop of a mixing console to provide dynamic
processing, equalisation or Tubesound processing. In this latter application,
ensure that the insert send and return level on your console matches the
MX60 input/output sockets that are being used.
When setting the input level, observe the level meter and adjust the Gain
control so that the -10dB LED lights frequently with the 0dB LED lighting
infrequently on signal peaks. If the Clip LED comes on at all, the gain setting
should be reduced.
Dynamics
Setting up the compressor is easiest if the gate and de-esser are initially
turned off and the signal kept below the level at which the peak limiter
operates. This allows the compressor to be set up in isolation. The ideal ratio
setting depends on how firmly the signal dynamics need controlling; as a rule,
higher ratios provide a higher degree of control but also tend to be more
audible in operation when high levels of gain reduction are required. If in
doubt, start off with a ratio of around 4. The programme adaptive attack and
release time constants will automatically adjust to suit the material being
processed.
In general, the threshold should be set to give a maximum reading on the gain
reduction meter of between 8dB and 12dB, though the MX60 can compress
more heavily if required to do so. In order to avoid over compression, it is
worth considering applying a more cautious amount of compression during
recording and then apply further compression while mixing.
Compressing during a mix will increase the subjective level of background
noises during pauses and quiet passages but, unless the noise contamination
is serious, the gate section will be able to attenuate it to a very high degree
without compromising the wanted signal. The gate threshold should always be
set as low as possible while still attenuating noise during pauses. If the
threshold is set higher than necessary, some of the wanted signal may be cut
off making the gate action audible.
Finally, set the compressor's Gain control to give the required output level
using the output level meter (with the Output control in its 0dB calibrated
position) and the limit activity LEDs to guide you. The limiter LEDs should only
light briefly on extreme signal peaks unless you're deliberately driving the
limiter hard to create a special effect.
Setting the de-esser is very straightforward as most of the hard work is done
by the intelligent circuitry. Select Male or Female according to the vocal style
of the performer and increase the amount of de-essing just enough to reduce
the sibilance to an acceptable level. If the de-ess level is set too high, there
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