XM Radio through Optimaster

Chisel · Post by **Chisel** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 11:51 pm

I'm just kicking back listening to XM Radio tonight and decided to run it through Optimaster for fun. I ran the wizard and cranked up my studio monitors. Sounds great!!

Peace /
Chisel

Shroomz~> · Post by **Shroomz~>** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 4:46 am

There is a separate bypass switch for all sections of Optimaster, meaning (as I'm sure you know Stardust) that the compressor can be switched off

samplaire · Post by **samplaire** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 5:24 am

Limiter, maximizer

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 12:57 pm

I've mentioned it a couple of times - a local radio station (which happens to be CWA customer...) has exactly the same 'aha' effect.
It IS the best sounding station around and I once even suspected they used special mixes.
Made me even consider 'well, that sh*tty radio isn't that bad at all, no need to change it...'

I guess Optimaster succeeds first of all because it compensates (regular) fm radio 'weakness'.
But it gets pretty annoying after some time if all is smashed 'in your face'

cheers, Tom

Shroomz~> · Post by **Shroomz~>** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 1:17 pm

expanded colour + expanded depth = EXPANSION

virtualstudio · Post by **virtualstudio** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 1:53 pm

the NOB wich is Dutch Broadcast Compagny is also using CW, they are something like the dutch BBC, and these guys know what they're doing! thats why CW!

about the optimaster, when I had it in the beginning I was also using it l like you, I've tried it with everything, love this thing!
but be carefull don't spoil your ears!!!
remember when people are listening to your music they don't have a optimaster!!

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: virtualstudio on 2005-12-23 13:58 ]</font>

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 2:13 pm

On 2005-12-23 13:04, stardust wrote:
...And maybe some color of the optimaster signal response. ...

'color' as used in the context of mixing is leading to wrong conclusions imho.
It's not that subtle - it is drastic.
I don't have an audiophile car stereo, but I guess the 'result' would completely s*ck.

The approach itself is pretty clever, as the station knows that most listeners have cheapo gear, either in the kitchen, workplace or car.
So their setup is optimized exactly in this direction.
Not to forget that the audience of the station ( 1Live - to not miss the chance to make a fool out of myself in case they do it differently

), is anything but audiophile oriented.

cheers, Tom

Shroomz~> · Post by **Shroomz~>** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 3:17 pm

Yes, studio life is all about Scope, there is of course nothing else.

braincell · Post by **braincell** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 8:07 pm

Is the wizard the way to use the optimaster? Is it really that easy?

Post by **garyb** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 1:10 am

it can be. i run the wizard and then adjust. the wizard makes it much easier, although if i were a better engineer, i might skip the wizard.....

Post by **hubird** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 5:46 am

I use the wizard Branincell, at least you start with nice and coherently leveled params

virtualstudio · Post by **virtualstudio** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 6:29 am

yep me to, first the wizzard. I use it in the loudest, most dynamic part of the piece,than I stop it and adjust if nessasery.