Compressor?

[jonhall]

Hi all,

Our church has recently begun live audio streaming of services. I've heard from some listeners that there is quite a bit of fluctuation in volume throughout the sermon. We're using a podium-mounted mic, so this is probably because the pastor moves around a bit. I'm trying to find a solution to this issue.

This brings me to my question: would it be possible to fix or at least substantially lessen the volume variation using a compressor to control mic gain? I've heard that this may work, but I don't have one to try it with and I wanted to get some opinions before recommending the purchase. Could it deal with more substantial volume variation or is it only good for slight differences in volume? (Sorry for my ignorance, but I've never used an audio compressor before beyond the post-recording compression feature in my recording software).

I've also been shopping around to get an idea of what products are available. Has anyone used the Pyle PPCL-E2020 or the Behringer MDX1600 before? If so, I'd really like to hear your opinion on the specific product. Is there anything I should be looking for in terms of specs for this particular application?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[tedanderson]

Get the best compressor that your budget will allow for. The price tends to be the determining factor for the quality. You can put a DBX and a Behringer compressor side-by side and have the exact same specs, however, the quality of the components aren't the same.

If you have a $100-$200 budget, having some compression beats having none at all, however, something in the $300 to $500 range will give you better results..meaning that you will not need to adjust the volume as often. Also, if you get a two-channel compressor (as most units are of this variety) you can chain both channels together giving you double the performance and then you can run a split mono signal into your PC.

[jonhall]

Thanks for your reply! So you think that adding a good compressor would be an effective way to address the problem that we've been experiencing? Or would there be a better way to go (without getting rid of the podium-mounted mic)?

[waynehoskins]

Compressors are perhaps the best electronic device ever invented.

The lowest I would go is a Behringer Multicom. They're dirt cheap and a useful utility compressor, somewhere around $30 a channel.

If I could, I'd go with a dbx 166A or 266, perhaps a 160XT if a noise gate wasn't necessary. The dbx comps are nice, industry standard for ages. They run in the $100-200 range per channel. The Presonus comps are nice too, comparable to the 160 line and available in 8-channel increments for $125 a channel.

My favorites so far are from BSS, but street price on those is $500 a channel for a compressor-gate pair.

[zactommo]

Originally Posted by waynehoskins

Compressors are perhaps the best electronic device ever invented.

Amen to that!

Having compression, and knowing how to use it well is one of the keys to getting a good mix for broadcast/video. Consistent levels are very important for this sort of mixing (which can often be a foreign concept for people used to live mixing)

If you're new to using compressors, it may take a bit of trial and error to get the compressor working in a way that is effective, without being intrusive, or detrimental to the quality of the mix, but its worth the effort.

I'd put my vote in for a DBX unit too. They're the best value for money, especially when budgets are tight.

[Brad Weber]

Are you creating a separate mix for the streaming feed? One potentially relevant consideration is whether any compression applied would be affecting all mixes or just the 'broadcast' mix. If it would be affecting the house mix then you may end up with different and less aggressive compressor settings than you would if it was just affecting the streaming audio signal.

Just be aware that while a compressor can likely help, it is not a leveler. It will reduce the levels of the signal when it is above the threshold level selected, thus also reducing the dynamics, but it will not affect the signal where the level is below the threshold. A compressor is also not going to address any changes in frequency response caused by someone moving off axis of the microphone or turning relative to the mic.

Because of this, the best solution for dealing with volume issues would probably be to close mic the pastor, maybe with a wireless boom mic. Next best might be a dedicated operator for the streaming mix that can adjust the level, EQ, etc. for that mix as necessary. Then you might start getting into various compressions and leveling options.

A simple compressor will probably provide some benefit but the effectiveness may depend on the speech patterns of the pastor and how much level difference you are trying to compensate. For example, if your pastor likes to get into it and then back off for effect, avoiding excessive compression when he speaks loudly could result in settings that have little effect on the signal when he is moving around while talking normally.

[jonhall]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions; I'll look into some of DBX's offerings.

Are you creating a separate mix for the streaming feed?

Not right now, though that would be a possibility. However, we also have live audio going to separate nursery rooms, and I've had people mention the same volume issues there too, so I'd probably want to use the compressor for the entire system.

It will reduce the levels of the signal when it is above the threshold level selected, thus also reducing the dynamics, but it will not affect the signal where the level is below the threshold.

So I could just keep the signal level high to make sure that everything comes through at a decent volume, and the levels would be reduced when it gets too loud?

Next best might be a dedicated operator for the streaming mix that can adjust the level, EQ, etc. for that mix as necessary.

I am currently that dedicated operator, but I'm finding it too hard to keep up with the constant level changes. I want something to do that for me . Also, once in a while I get someone else to do the audio work for me when I can't make it to a service and for their sake it would also be good if it needed a bit less involvement.

effectiveness may depend on the speech patterns of the pastor and how much level difference you are trying to compensate.

I'd say that it is a fair bit of level difference. Not so much from speaking loudly/softly but just because his distance from the mic varies depending on whether he's reading/talking/etc.

avoiding excessive compression when he speaks loudly could result in settings that have little effect on the signal when he is moving around while talking normally.

I guess this raises another question for me... what are the unwanted side-effects of compression and why would "excessive" compression be a problem?

Thanks for bearing with me; I know I have a lot of questions but I'm new to a lot of this stuff. I want to make sure that any equipment purchases that I recommend actually turn out to be worth it.

[buggyboy]

I've been in this boat before myself.

My pastor likes to rock back on his heals, but doesn't move from side to side much.

My situation was more concerned with increasing gain in the room before feedback. before the mics were very quiet, and if i tried to turn them up i'd get feedback.

We had been using a dynamic handheld on a stand, then i tried using a boom to get the mic closer to his face. then I picked up a gooseneck cardioid condenser mic (great sonic quality, but still had feedback issues) then I moved to a wired lav. the wired lav is what I'm using now, and it's by far the best sound in my situation, much more gain.

I also got an MDX1600 so that i could set the system for pastor's "quiet" voice, and prevent instant feedback if he used his "loud" voice.

My review is over at beheringer mdx 2600
I've been quite happy with the unit.

if you've never used compression, its a bit odd. the threshold knobs turns counterclockwise to increase the compression you are using. that is, turn the knob left to make the unit activate at a lower volume level (more often). the ratio knob turns clockwise to increase compression. the attack time should go far left, and the release knob can be almost anything.

But if your pastor move around more than a foot or so, you really ought to try a lav mic.