Questions- Symetrix 501, Alesis multimix 8, Behringer Tube ultragain mic preamp

johnnyd · 23rd March 2008

So I recently purchased a Symetrix 501 used. decent cosmetic condition, older, works perfectly. Heres my problem. I'm new to this field in every respect and all I have to go on is my own ingenuity, my ears, and this vast expanse of internet to learn from. Trial and error of course will be my best friend for learning but I would love some advice.

My main question I have as I read over this 501 manual is what kind of settings should I use for vocals? I know its not the greatest vocal only compressor but for 60 bucks I couldn't beat it. I read many reviews and such before hand and it helped me feel good on the purchase.

What kind of levels should I use for compression/limiting on vocals?

Alesis multimix 8 channel mixer-

No real questions here. I would jsut like to know what preset effects people found most useful for vocals, I'm having trouble finding a decent one (can't afford a seperate processor just yet).

I also bought a behringer tube ultragain mic preamp, and love it. even after only two days.

I currently record very badly via line in with the mixer or through a roland cakewalk input at a friends house. Sonar/Audacity/Cool Edit are my programs of choice at the moment

New to the forums, new to the field. please bare with my noobness

gregl · 24th March 2008

Start with a ratio of maybe 4:1- set the attack on the fast side and the decay for a medium to medium slow release. Experiment with the threshold so that the compression kicks in where you want it. If you're not sure where you want it, set to where you think it sounds best. This is just a starting point. You need to experiment from there to get what you want out of it.
By the way, the 501 is a very decent compressor IMHO. Many others think so too.

johnnyd · 25th March 2008

thank you very much for the info.

Now I've got another problem presenting itself. I returned a Behringer Tube Ultragain Mic preamp after one usage because the next day it began peaking on me in channels I wasn't plugged into. Now the new one I received has the needle on the level VU jumping to max the second I plug in the output cable. This is with all my functions (phantom power, phase reverse, high pass) off and all levels at zero.

This is getting a bit unnerving. Any suggestions?

23rd March 2008	#1
johnnyd Gear interested Joined: Mar 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 2 Thread Starter	Questions- Symetrix 501, Alesis multimix 8, Behringer Tube ultragain mic preamp So I recently purchased a Symetrix 501 used. decent cosmetic condition, older, works perfectly. Heres my problem. I'm new to this field in every respect and all I have to go on is my own ingenuity, my ears, and this vast expanse of internet to learn from. Trial and error of course will be my best friend for learning but I would love some advice. My main question I have as I read over this 501 manual is what kind of settings should I use for vocals? I know its not the greatest vocal only compressor but for 60 bucks I couldn't beat it. I read many reviews and such before hand and it helped me feel good on the purchase. What kind of levels should I use for compression/limiting on vocals? Alesis multimix 8 channel mixer- No real questions here. I would jsut like to know what preset effects people found most useful for vocals, I'm having trouble finding a decent one (can't afford a seperate processor just yet). I also bought a behringer tube ultragain mic preamp, and love it. even after only two days. I currently record very badly via line in with the mixer or through a roland cakewalk input at a friends house. Sonar/Audacity/Cool Edit are my programs of choice at the moment New to the forums, new to the field. please bare with my noobness

24th March 2008	#2
gregl Gear addict Joined: Sep 2004 Posts: 376	Start with a ratio of maybe 4:1- set the attack on the fast side and the decay for a medium to medium slow release. Experiment with the threshold so that the compression kicks in where you want it. If you're not sure where you want it, set to where you think it sounds best. This is just a starting point. You need to experiment from there to get what you want out of it. By the way, the 501 is a very decent compressor IMHO. Many others think so too. __________________ Greg

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25th March 2008	#3
johnnyd Gear interested Joined: Mar 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 2 Thread Starter	thank you very much for the info. Now I've got another problem presenting itself. I returned a Behringer Tube Ultragain Mic preamp after one usage because the next day it began peaking on me in channels I wasn't plugged into. Now the new one I received has the needle on the level VU jumping to max the second I plug in the output cable. This is with all my functions (phantom power, phase reverse, high pass) off and all levels at zero. This is getting a bit unnerving. Any suggestions?