• J2daf
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  • Registered: 2024-11-27
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Topic: Auto Level & Dynamics

So I have been looking around in the forum as well as on google about the Dynamics fx in TotalMx, more specifically the Auto Level feature and couldn't find too much on it.

I got my UCX II primarily to sing live/stream online and have traditionally been putting on a compression to keep my level relatively even. I can definitely see Auto-Level being a very useful feature for what I need but hope to understand more about it.

I did see several very different recommendations on the parameter settings but am still a bit fuzzy on the "Rise Time" (especially since its in seconds vs the attack/release being in ms).

I guess my main questions is if I typically like to run a light compression (3-4:1, 5ms attack, 70-100ms release) on my live vocal, how would that equate to the Rise Time in Auto-Level? (still quite a noobie in audio engineer so pardon me if I got the concepts completely wrong)

Also, for live vocal, would you see an application for using both the compression/expander and auto level together? (been trying out different combination and frankly my ear has gotten a bit numb lol)

Thanks in advance!

2 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi 2024-11-27 04:56:20)

  • waedi
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  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
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Re: Auto Level & Dynamics

Make the Auto-level time between 1 and 2 seconds and you should be fine, it's somehow the same as the release time of the compressor and yes you can switch it ON regardless wether the compressor is on or off.

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
  • J2daf
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Re: Auto Level & Dynamics

waedi wrote:

Make the Auto-level time between 1 and 2 seconds and you should be fine, it's somehow the same as the release time of the compressor and yes you can switch it ON regardless wether the compressor is on or off.

Thanks. That’s good to know. How do you normally set your max gain and headroom? I know the gain is mostly going to be based on what sounds comfortable to me… but any suggestions in terms of like gain to headroom ratio?

  • waedi
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Re: Auto Level & Dynamics

6 gain and 6 headroom is fine to start with

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
  • J2daf
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Re: Auto Level & Dynamics

waedi wrote:

6 gain and 6 headroom is fine to start with

Appreciate the help. Will give that a try

  • Registered: 2018-12-21
  • Posts: 327

Re: Auto Level & Dynamics

We are trying to use it for limiting here, with 0 Gain and 3dB headroom, shortest attack.
Can’t catch all transient peaks, but still useful in combination with the compressor.