Question for Gates STA Level users...

Jetblack · 22nd November 2007

How do you "calibrate" your gr meter on a gates STA Level? I have never figured out the deal with that annoying meter pot behind the face plate (when and how to set it), and I tend to ignore what the meter reads due to that. I love the results using only my ears, but I do get really nervous when I look over at the meter and see 20 to 30 dB of reduction that I don't hear. Thanks.

bdmctear · 22nd November 2007

I know mine was calibrated just perfectly and it still wasn't uncommon to have 20 dB gain reduction. That is a majorly solid compressor. Lots of users will tell you they push it way up into the 10 to 20 to even 25 dB range. As I recall you calibrate it simply by having the meter rest at 0 when there is no gain reduction going on. There could be something more complicated than that, but I don't think so.

Rick Sutton · 22nd November 2007

20+ dB of gain reduction is the norm for my two Sta Levels. That's where they come alive.

fuddfar · 22nd November 2007

Ours seem to operate the same way. That is; the meter is hitting minus 20 db and all's well. Our 670 shows no degradation in quality even when hit hard. On that unit, if the meters are even moving, it's usually too much compression. Just the opposite of the Sta Level. 6386's rule.

22nd November 2007	#1
Jetblack Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 585 Thread Starter	Question for Gates STA Level users... How do you "calibrate" your gr meter on a gates STA Level? I have never figured out the deal with that annoying meter pot behind the face plate (when and how to set it), and I tend to ignore what the meter reads due to that. I love the results using only my ears, but I do get really nervous when I look over at the meter and see 20 to 30 dB of reduction that I don't hear. Thanks.

22nd November 2007	#2
bdmctear Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 596	I know mine was calibrated just perfectly and it still wasn't uncommon to have 20 dB gain reduction. That is a majorly solid compressor. Lots of users will tell you they push it way up into the 10 to 20 to even 25 dB range. As I recall you calibrate it simply by having the meter rest at 0 when there is no gain reduction going on. There could be something more complicated than that, but I don't think so. __________________ B Brian McTear Shaking Through Weathervane Music Weathervane Music is a non-profit organization that exists to create community, opportunity and resources that advance the careers of musicians while creating a healthier independent music ecosystem. Together with NPR affiliate WXPN radio, Weathervane produces Shaking Through, a documentary video series that explores the birth of song by emerging independent artists in a high-end recording studio.

22nd November 2007	#4
fuddfar Gear maniac Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 193	Sta Level Ours seem to operate the same way. That is; the meter is hitting minus 20 db and all's well. Our 670 shows no degradation in quality even when hit hard. On that unit, if the meters are even moving, it's usually too much compression. Just the opposite of the Sta Level. 6386's rule.

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22nd November 2007	#3
Rick Sutton Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Atascadero, CA Posts: 3,861	20+ dB of gain reduction is the norm for my two Sta Levels. That's where they come alive.