helix output gain staging

[bypassvalve]

I don't know how gain staging works in the digital realm between digital model and digital model, or digital output and converter, but I just added a deluxe comp to the end of the chain and boosted the output level to +32.5 db, as much as I could get away with before the output dot started blinking red, and omfg it sounds so powerful and rich, like amp CAJONES

 

(after cab it looks like stereo deluxe comp into stereo parametric into stereo dual delay, nothing is clipping out, just got full and fury and FAT)

 

don't know if that's driving the converters, or if the headphone amp is more efficient when it's not having to be cranked up high, or if there is input and output circuitry of the blocks after the comp that are modeled to add their own harmonics or what, all I can say is to the extent the output isn't clipping, TURN THAT SHEET UP

 

 

mic scout.hlx

[codamedia]

 

 

1 hour ago, bypassvalve said:

boosted the output level to +32.5 db, as much as I could get away with before the output dot started blinking red,

 

Don't get fooled by LOUDER. Louder always sounds better, until it doesn't, or until you need more  :) 

 

I don't know exactly what you are trying to do.... but in the digital realm, the last thing you want  are things blinking RED. Keep them well under that at all costs! 

Digital generally works best with levels between -24 and -12. On the older VU (analog) systems this would be 0 - +12 (aka, blinking red)

 

1 hour ago, bypassvalve said:

don't know if that's driving the converters, or if the headphone amp is more efficient when it's not having to be cranked up high, or if there is input and output circuitry of the blocks after the comp that are modeled to add their own harmonics or what, all I can say is to the extent the output isn't clipping,

 

You have nothing to gain by running a digital system to it's limits! Keep your meters in the green, and shape your tone PRIOR to that! 

There is ZERO "tone/special sauce" added by running the signal as HOT as  possible. Digital doesn't work like that. 

 

 

[bypassvalve]

converters and the output stage are analog, they need pixie pressure

[waymda]

So yep that's running super hot to the extent the input gain on my mixer is clipping.

 

The attached uses channel volume on the amp model to hit around -3db - with no compression.

 

Whilst the compressor is off, turning it on would add some more gain but I've adjusted the mix to something more to my liking - I rarely use 100% compression.

 

That's the only change - so not sure why you'd be adding 32.5db gain with a compressor which is squishing the life out it which pushing everything into the red.

 

 

 

 

 

mic scout2.hlx