[Dr.EParticipant]

I believe the solution is to change the MixPAd setting on the IPAd. If you go to Setup Tab at top right menu. THEN look to left upper side, you will see:
Strip Assign
Audio
Mixer Config
Mixpad

Select MIXPAD. . . middle upper section titled Channels. . . turn OFF “Follow SQ Mix Select. I also suggest turning OFF, “Follow SQ Channel Select”. This will solve your problem. In short, you don’t want the actions you take on the SQ surface forcing the MixPAd app t follow it.

[Dr.EParticipant]

Thanks for the guidance. I have used the stock compressors on the GLD, QU and SQ for many years. Thye are good, but I am also looking for specialty tools at this point to polish up a few things. I thought the Opto sounded amazing on speaking parts during a live church service, almost magical in smoothness and clarity. And, I intuitively had rolled off 250 hz. And, when I used it during a smaller coal rich ensemble, the Opto was very good. Our music leader even said it sounded like a new sound system. So, FOH was pretty good. The mains sounded mushy due to having Opto on both each individual channel AND n the mains etc. I have removed it from mains and am taking a more selective approach. I have to watch to not apply too much compression and am trialing the PL76 on instruments tonight.

Question – I see the lighted button that reads either Transient or Burn. Is the effect off if no light is on for either one? Just curious.

[Dr.EParticipant]

Thanks. . .I have adjusted the release time to FAST setting. I think I have learned from all of you that I need to sparingly use compression especially with the OPTO. FYI – I just purchased the PeakLimiter PL76 compressor to use on insturments per recommendatin this thread. I will be trying that out tonight in a rehearsal.

Seems the PL76 compressor is set up in reverse. So, let me see if understand it after watching a handful of videos.

My Understanding of using the PL76 Compressor Basics After Reading is:
– Use Input knob to set the threshold of compressor processing signal (USe sparingly to trim high transients
– Use Output knob to balance signal strength. . relative to Input setting
– Attack and Release controls are backwards to normal compressor set-up
– To dial in Fastest Attack, push dial all the way to 7 (or fully clockwise)
– To dial in Slowest Release time, dial all the way to 7 (fully clockwise)
– Initial Attack setting should be set at around 4-5?
– Initial Release setting should also be set around 4?

Questions
Do I have my basic understanding correct?
– I am planning on using the PL76 for instruments only per suggestion of HUGH – with input in input above
– Any suggested Attack / Release settings for drums, vs bas, vs keys?

[Dr.EParticipant]

YEs, I think the life was being sucked out of the mix. On one hand the podium / preaching mic was incredibly smooth, but not as articulate so I added just 1 db of mid-highs in the PEQ and pulled a little out of the 250 hz range. I will remove the OPTO from the main mix. And, I was thinking of buying the Peak 76 (1176 emulation) today and now I know it is a better comp for instruments. THNX!

[Dr.EParticipant]

Thanks! I was seeing alot of compression to two vocals (out of the 4), the bass guitar and drums. I was very familiar with the stock compressor in the SQ6 and I’m in the early learning curve of the OPTO.

[Dr.EParticipant]

So grateful for your sharing your expertise! While I love compression as a tool, I have alot to learn. So, pardon my ignaorance and possibly poor practices. . . i inserted the OTPO compressor per channel replacing stock compressor). For most channels, 3:1 ratio, left threshold setting at default (I think it was -12db – I know it was at 12:00noon position). Left default values alone of Fast attack and Medium release. For vocalists with wildly swinging levels, I used a 4:1 ratio and cut in threshold 3 db, so about 11:30 clock position on dial. Oh, and for most vocal channels I dial in about 3db of make-up gain.

It now occurs to me, that I also, inserted same OPTO compressor on main mix L/R output. . . for use as a limiter like I did with the stock compressor. . . . dialed ratio to 6:1, pushed threshold up much higher to 0db trigger. I wonder if doubling up screwed up my mids / highs?

[Dr.EParticipant]

Good idea to check I/O settings. I will do that when I am back in church this week. I keep forgetting that I/O is scene specific. I’ll let you know

[Author]

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