I host open mics, and, as many of you know, sound settings for open mics are typically "close enough," due to the time constraints when switching between performers.
Due to a couple of incidents with overly-loud performers (louder voice than sound check or increasing instrument volume after sound check) I'm going to implement the Precision Limiter on the mains. Realizing that this is a general, "one size fits all" situation, and the settings will not be changed for each performer, does anyone with experience with this have any advice on settings? The need here is not to improve the audio but to prevent sound from blaring in those situations. I'm really looking for a starting point here, as I will not be able to experiment in real time.
Again, if you have used a limiter in this kind of situation I would appreciate your input.
Thanks.
Limiter settings recommendations for live sound
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Re: Limiter settings recommendations for live sound
Interesting thought. I use an XR18 for several open mic nights each month (have done for some time) and have tended to go down the channel compression route. Given we have everything from solo performers to whole bands (we have drums & backline with guitar amp mic'd) the overall level is likely to change for us a lot more than someone running events with two or three mics, acoustic guitar & keys for example. In that second scenario, I could see the limiter on the main out maybe playing a role.
Our two main vocal mics (we usually ave 4 mics up) have a compression ratio of around 3/1 or 4/1 from memory, and that keeps things relatively under control without all dynamics being eliminated. We certainly have a few performers who don't get the idea you back off when your voice gets louder rather than get closer!!! We do have one of us controlling the sound all the time though, as my wife and I work the open mics as a team. We also know a lot of our regular performers and compensate before they really 'get going'.
Best, Karn.
Our two main vocal mics (we usually ave 4 mics up) have a compression ratio of around 3/1 or 4/1 from memory, and that keeps things relatively under control without all dynamics being eliminated. We certainly have a few performers who don't get the idea you back off when your voice gets louder rather than get closer!!! We do have one of us controlling the sound all the time though, as my wife and I work the open mics as a team. We also know a lot of our regular performers and compensate before they really 'get going'.
Best, Karn.