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MDJ · Posted - Sun Jun 10, 2001 3:53 am

I wonder, if I could simulate typical broadcast processsor with waves Gold 3.0?
And if so, how?

I started producing commercials for several difernet radio stations (with diferent broadcast compressors) so I would prefer a typical FM setup!

Also, anyone using waves C4 for final compression of his work?
Wich preset is good to start with? (and witch settings do you usualy change in preset if any?)

I plan to use this setup for final processing:

1. eq
2. Compressor C4
3. Ultramaksimizer L1

Is it Ok?

Best Regards!
MDJ

Graeme · Member Location: Spain

Funny thing - I thought this was the Syntrillium forum?

MDJ · Posted - Sun Jun 10, 2001 2:25 pm

I'm using Waves with CEP!! Is this thing posible to do with CEP alone? (I mean - there is no Multiband comp in CEP?)

Best Regards!
MDJ

Dave Merkel · Posted - Sun Jun 10, 2001 8:23 pm

MDJ:
Most radio stations already use multi-band processors on the air. My suggestion is not run your final work through processing at all. Since every radio station has their processors set-up differently, there's a very good chance any processing you apply will only fight against the stations' on-air processing (ie: pumping).

Read this thread:

'Fm-izing Music Recordings?'

Craig Jackman · Location: Canada

There is no multi-band compression in CEP that is true. You can make your own using the CEP comressor, and setting band limititations on it and running the compressor several times with different band limitations. But you already have Waves C4 which is the best multiband plug in available. I have it and love it ... for specific uses though. I would NEVER EVER run a radio spot through the C4 plug in then into an L1 plug in. That's fine for home CD's or client dubs but WILL sound horrid on air.

I agree with Dave. The LESS compression that you use on your work, the better it will sound on air. Todays radio is compressed within an inch of it's life anyway. Just because it sounds bigger and better in your studio after going through multiband compression doesn't mean that it will sound great when it goes through on air. (As an aside, what is everyone afraid of with dynamic range these days. I record a song into the computer to do a concert spot and it's one giant square wave!!)

Here's a test. Run your spot once through Waves C4 or anyother mulitband compressor/limiter. Sounds better right? Then run it through the same effect again. Sounds a lot smaller and defintely not as good right? That's what's happening to your work after it goes through a broadcast chain. Just remember one simple thing. Compression is a good effect. More compression is not necessarily better, in fact it's usually worse.

MDJ · Posted - Mon Jun 11, 2001 5:57 am

OK here is how it is:

I have a friend who has a TC Finalaizer, and he runs all his radio spots trough it. (He uses the wizzard...)

And it sounds great... (on air also).

Now I'm trying to do the same with Waves, but I just can't make it sound right! (It's just like you've said - In my studio sounds ok, but on air is squashed.)

So I read in one topic before that I should simulate on air processing to see how it will sound on air (But not actualy process it!!) That's why I wantetd a broadcast simulation (Just to test my work trough it..)

But I wonder - What does TC Finalaizer do then? Should I buy it or can I do the same thing with Waves?

Best regards! (and thanks for your posts)

MDJ · Posted - Mon Jun 11, 2001 5:59 am

I'f you want I can post a link with a sample of his work and a sample of mine (in mp3)!

Sevo Stille · Posted - Tue Jun 12, 2001 9:09 am

The Waves C4 should be good enough to simulate broadcast conditions. You won't get exactly the same results, but neither would you with a TC Finalizer - stations use different (and more expensive) tools anyway (TC dBMax, Optimod and the like).

In any case, set it up to squeeze the hell out of the mix - way beyond anything you'd dare to do for a record production. Even quality stations (NPR and the like) will compress quite considerably - I've rarely seen a 20dB dynamics range here in Europe, and have been told that it is worse in the US. Mainstream commercial formatted radio stations usually compress to dynamics quite considerably below 10dB - the worst station hereabouts manages to maintain a modulation within 4dB of the peak level throughout every music track.

Graeme · Member Location: Spain

Jace · Posted - Tue Jun 12, 2001 5:50 pm

I do enjoy reading so many of your replies Graeme :-)
I guess because my internet radio show is barebones ,, I dont have the the $$$.00 to buy very much equipement,, so my commercials and background music kinda go out there live all the time,, the fat sound,, over the internet is a dream that Is probably a few years away still..
But again the few listeners that I have love the rawness to it all..
I suppose it is a bit of a throwback to my parents days of radio back in the 1930's..
Just more $0.02 thrown in . :-)