Taperssection.com

Gear / Technical Help => Ask The Tapers => Topic started by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on March 20, 2004, 10:01:08 PM

Title: Another JB3 Question (ARVL)
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on March 20, 2004, 10:01:08 PM
I'm messing around with my JB3's settings.

Should I use the Automatic Recording Volume Limiter? I don't usually go over on the levels, but it would be nice just in case, EXCEPT if it is going to negatively affect the sound.

Thanks,
MIKE B
Title: Re:Another JB3 Question (ARVL)
Post by: sleepypedro on March 21, 2004, 07:53:07 AM
i have no first-hand experience with the nomad limiter, but i'll go out on a limb and bet the roll-off isn't as smooth as we'd like it to be, so i'd steer clear of it.

same thing with the sony portables.  i've got a friend who uses AGC (automatic gain control), swears it's saved his @ss a few times, but listening to his tapes it's really obvious where AGC has kicked in and worked its 'magic'.
Title: Re:Another JB3 Question (ARVL)
Post by: sickrick43 on March 21, 2004, 08:18:28 AM

I'd HIGHLY DOUBT the JB3 limiter is structured like a compressor/limiter, but more along the lines of an AGC circuit (probably spun off its "volume normalizer" for making tracks sound the same loudness.  

The EAX stuff is actually not "too bad" (all things considered), but most people run these off outboard A/D's, so the line in/pre-amp/levels circuitry isn't a consideration.  I'm sure it's not going to be as "musical" as say the soft-knee limiter on the MiniME.  It wouldn't be the type of thing I'd depend on, in place of setting proper levels though.

It appears that Creative put the recording abilities in as an afterthought, as they sure didn't spend much time DOCUMENTING them.

Rick
Title: Re:Another JB3 Question (ARVL)
Post by: BCostigan on March 21, 2004, 09:54:30 AM
I'll agree that I can't imagine it works any miracles.


Mentioning the EAX.....I think it's a pretty cool feature for listening.
Title: Re:Another JB3 Question (ARVL)
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on March 21, 2004, 11:12:29 PM
Thats what I figured. I'll stick with keeping the levels below -3db. I haven't had a problem yet. The other day at Super Furry Animals I noticed I went over or came pretty damn close. Turned out to be my best tape ever.

MIKE B