Thje noise gate and the compressor aree more trouble than good in the psr line. I turn them both off. The sound is much better, and the dynamic control is far better as well. They are very budget minded effects and should not be used unles a thorough understanding is present.

...of which there is none here, I assure you! I didn't think to turn them both off. I'll try that next. That 'fuzz' or 'hiss' noise the noise gate supposedly suppresses bugs the **** out of me!


[This message has been edited by cam8neel (edited 09-18-2003).]

Angelooooo - why?
t.

T.-

I just like everything in the same mix, and don't want to fuss with monitors or mixers. That keyboard mix is very helpful when I'm TRYING to hit some of those notes!

I find that the "on-off" status of the hiss is more noticable than a constant level, and I don't get drop offs in the harmonies that way. The purpose of a gate is to limit the signal strength that enters the mic. This (in theory) keeps out unwanted noises that are below the designated threshold and leaves room only for the intended vocal signal.
The problem is: sometimes the gate will close on a soft vocal passage and screw up your phrasing and dynamics.

Compressors are equally tricky to set correctly, and will definatly cause troubles with dynamics if not set properly.
I still advise to leave them off for the most expressive response from the mic.
Read up and practice setting levels before you decide if they will help you or hinder you. It's an easy choice for me ..... I get a much better sound using the mic and vocal techniques that I've mastered over time. A machine can't think creativly ... it only works with mathmatical settings... sometimes good....most times inappropriate.

Try turning both off and see what you get.

Thanks UD! I'll try it and see what happens. I'll keep you posted.

Angelooooo ...... how are you doing with the EX? ... While doing a sound check at 'Conversations' Saturday, I noticed some distortion from the mic ... I checked the mixer controls (I use the PA equipment [couple of eons, and a good sized mixer] of the guy who usually works there, and I've hadn't had a problem previously), tried a few different settings, but nothing was helping ... finally, I checked the 'input' slider on the EX, and it was higher than I usually have it ... lowered it a little and the distortion disappeared ...

PS On Saturdays they don't open for dinner until about 4:30 - 5, so it is a good place to get set up early in the day, and then just walk in and play ... while I was setting up the manager told me it looked like it was going to be a really slow night ... Figuring it would be an early night I started a little before 7:15, and there was NO ONE in the 'piano room' for dinner yet ... about 7:30 one couple came in... by 8:30 the room was full (about 40 people), and there were about another 40 in the main room ... a real good crowd, dancing, lots on interaction, decent tips ... I played over 2 hours before taking a break.... finished up almost midnight with the last couple finally paying their tab ..... You never know....
t.