Limiter help

[Brent Evans]

1. max out the input attenuators on the amps
2. figure out how many dB of attenuation you need to match the max output of the SAC system to the max level you want to feed to the amps
http://www.uneeda-audio.com/pads/
3, build the pads in the XLR(s) plugged into the amps

Not software dependent. Works really well on bi-amped systems. This is how you "kid proof" church systems.

LarryB

This might be effective for preventing over voltage damage to some degree, but when you hit digital clip on the mixer and your waveform squares off very quickly, RMS current still goes up way more than if you use a plug like the Levelizer or a good DSP hardware limiter.

One of the benefits of the way real limiters work is that they maintain the integrity of the waveform to some degree, preventing over current damage.

[operationwhat]

DO YOU NEED A BRICKWALL????
If yes here is a few FREE one's, even better than the Retro Series Limiter:

Anterss Modern Black Limiter


link: http://antress.blogspot.com/


LoudMax


link: http://bedroomproducersblog.com/2010...ated-to-v1-09/


TerryWest SafeLimit


download: http://db.tt/MiNJMrRR

+ some usefull free stuff
http://www.terrywest.nl/compressors.html


7AMP Limiter II


link:http://7amp.net/software/compressor?id=91


Betabugs W1Limiter


Download:http://www.betabugsaudio.com/dl.php?id=9


Antress Modern Amplifier


link: http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php...lifier&id=1170

[LarryBfaderJockey]

This might be effective for preventing over voltage damage to some degree, but when you hit digital clip on the mixer and your waveform squares off very quickly, RMS current still goes up way more than if you use a plug like the Levelizer or a good DSP hardware limiter.

One of the benefits of the way real limiters work is that they maintain the integrity of the waveform to some degree, preventing over current damage.

That is true, but padding down the input to the amps goes a long way to stop calls from the church install for blown drivers because the teenagers were "tweaking" the system. Sometimes you can"t stop Wilbur from being stupid. Why not pad the amp inputs and use a limiter plug? Belt and suspender approach. And if Wilbur bypasses the plug you still has some protection. I guess the plugin is easier. A couple mouse clicks vs. a soldering iron.

Larry B

[soundchicken]

Call me a geek but I'd wear the suspenders with the belt. Properly configured neither of these "band-aids" are going to harm your dynamic range of a system. But they will add additional steps that someone would have to go through to "tweek" the system too far.

[operationwhat]

Using a limiter in SAC is much cheaper than having a Analog board driven hard +6 or even more into the PA by a r....d and it does the job + it saves the PA.The only backdraw is that if someone who doesn't know how to mix will actually go for the higher SPL,where it is going to sound like sh...., but if limiter's been setup to -1db you wont need to worry.U will notice the problem right away,cause until RMS hits the same level as PEAKS you will have horrible distortion, like a hand mixer, instead of a fine mix. And when that happens, just slap the boy

[RandyHyde]

The big problem with *any* limiter plugin is that any teenager is quickly going to figure out how to bypass it. That's why DBX Driveracks and their ilk are usually locked behind a door so prying hands can't easily reconfigure the system.
Cheers,
Randy Hyde

[Brent Evans]

The big problem with *any* limiter plugin is that any teenager is quickly going to figure out how to bypass it. That's why DBX Driveracks and their ilk are usually locked behind a door so prying hands can't easily reconfigure the system.
Cheers,
Randy Hyde

+1000

I run my personal rig with sac as the speaker processor, but I'd never install one like that. Dsp units are cheap.

[muzicman0]

hmm...that reminds me...I actually have a QSC DSP3 that has a limiter on it. It's only 2 channels though now that I think of it. I could at least use it to protect the top cabinets though.

Although I doubt that the people using the system will have enough knowledge to remove the plugin, and we will be on site during their service, so this is really just a protection against accidental stuff.

mm0

[LarryBfaderJockey]

The big problem with *any* limiter plugin is that any teenager is quickly going to figure out how to bypass it. That's why DBX Driveracks and their ilk are usually locked behind a door so prying hands can't easily reconfigure the system.
Cheers,
Randy Hyde

I was thinking the same thing. If a teenager is going to be using it you can bet he\they will be under the hood tinkering because they know haw to make it louder. Which is always better. Right? I have a DriveRack 260 in my sac rig but for installs my favorite is the Rane RPM series. NO KNOBS to play with and password protected! But I hve learned to pad the inputs to the amps because sound engineer wannabe teenagers have a way of trying to bypass things like DSPs. The behind locked doors is a good thing!

Larry B

[operationwhat]

Sorry guys but...you would really want to ruin the sound of an Active JBL,Meyer or Nexo with a driverack?