Mixing Tips
Limiters and Noise gates:
When recording, you will often have
problems with the sound source. You either have a signal
that has too much volume for a very short time (a peak),
or you have too much background noise. When you have a signal
with occasional peaks overloading speakers or inputs, you
probably want to use a limiter. A limiter is an extreme
compressor, used to keep peaks from exceeding a certain
volume level (adjustable). Limiters are usually used with
very short attack and release times so the volume reduction
isn't noticable. When too many peaks occur consistently,
limiting would probably be noticable. When you have too
much background noise, noise gates are used. A noise gate
is basically a limiter in reverse. Instead of cutting a
signal above a certain level, it cuts off signal below a
certain level. It is often used when you have a strong vocal
signal, but there is a fan, heater, fridge, or computer
in the same room. If you set the noise gate threshold level
slightly above the volume level of the undesired sound,
it will not record these sounds. You are left with a clean
vocal signal, without any of the background noise. This
is especially useful in recording interviews or recording
outside. If you want a little bit of the background noise
outside, you can still use a noise gate on the vocal mic
and add a distant condenser microphone to capture the outdoor
noise. This allows you to have a clear vocal signal, and
to add only the amount of outdoor noise desired.
