USB Mic Preamp with Clip protection that also resets back to normal

[Lambda]

So no i would not say this has been solved for live streams where you can not easily adjust in post.

i’m not saying it has been solved. it can be solved. and now it’s easier, and cheaper then ever.
It still needs some amount of effort and knowledge. but this amount has never been lower then today.

You can do with consumer grade technology and and software what recording engineers 50 or even 30 Yeras ago could only dream of.
And it may come as a surprise to you but they had Live Concerts and brodcasts back in the days.

You can even Ask Caht GPT:

Spoiler: ai text

To achieve maximum and consistent loudness without the risk of clipping during live streaming, it's essential to properly set up audio processing tools like compressors, limiters, and normalizers. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you configure these settings, primarily using OBS Studio:

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️ Understanding Key Audio Processing Tools​

1. Compressor​

• Function: Reduces the dynamic range by lowering the volume of loud sounds and amplifying quieter ones, resulting in a more consistent audio level.
• Key Settings:
  • Threshold: The level above which compression begins.
  • Ratio: Determines how much compression is applied.
  • Attack: How quickly compression starts after the threshold is exceeded.
  • Release: How quickly compression stops after the input drops below the threshold.
  • Make-up Gain: Boosts the compressed signal to the desired level.

2. Limiter​

• Function: Prevents the audio signal from exceeding a specified level, effectively avoiding clipping.
• Key Settings:
  • Threshold: The maximum allowed level.
  • Release: How quickly the limiter stops affecting the signal after it drops below the threshold.

3. Normalizer​

• Function: Adjusts the entire audio signal to achieve a target level, ensuring consistent loudness across different sources.

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️ Setting Up in OBS Studio​

1. Access Audio Filters:
   • In OBS, right-click on your audio source (e.g., microphone) and select "Filters."
2. Add a Compressor:
   • Click the "+" button and choose "Compressor."
   • Recommended Settings:
     • Threshold: -18 dB
     • Ratio: 4:1
     • Attack: 10 ms
     • Release: 100 ms
     • Make-up Gain: Adjust as needed to achieve desired output level.
3. Add a Limiter:
   • Click the "+" button and choose "Limiter."
   • Recommended Settings:
     • Threshold: -1 dB
     • Release: 60 ms
4. Normalize Audio:
   • While OBS doesn't have a built-in normalizer, you can achieve similar results by adjusting the gain or using VST plugins that offer normalization features.

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Tutorial Videos​

For visual guidance, consider watching the following tutorials:

• OBS Compressor & Limiter EXPLAINED!
• Audio Compressor Settings Guide for Streaming
• Compression to Improve Your Live Stream Audio Mix

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Additional Resources​

• OBS Compressor Settings Guide: A detailed Reddit post discussing compressor settings in OBS. Reddit
• StreamGeeks on OBS Audio Filters: An article explaining various audio filters in OBS, including compressors and limiters. StreamGeeks

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By carefully configuring these settings, you can enhance your live stream's audio quality, ensuring a professional and enjoyable experience for your audience.

 

[Mordred]

And it may come as a surprise to you but they had Live Concerts and brodcasts back in the days.

Do you want to insult me?

 

[audio2920]

i do not own a 2i2

Ah cool. My mistake.

Well, in that case, if it's in budget, sorry to keep banging the drum, but the Rubix44 may well do what you need in one box at a not extortionate price compared to a 2i2.

The compressor/limiter only has a few settings on the back (softer, harder, brick wall-ish) and a threshold control on the front. But I think you'll get a usable sound out of it with the TM1. As with any compressor, but especially due to lack of numerical values to get going with here, it might take a bit of experimentation to get it dialed in; tweaking gain and compression, shouting, talking quietly etc. but then it should be set and forget, obviously. And you [probably] won't need to get into routing via a DAW, which keeps things simpler when you're getting ready to start your live stream.

Although, if you do decide you want further control at some point (e.g. multiband compression, EQ, noise reduction, whatever else...) you still of course have the option of routing the rubix mic pre through a DAW to sort it out.

However..... There may be better suited products out there for you... RodeCaster, PodTrack? I just don't know anything about them, whereas Rubix I know works like any other USB audio interface, just with a compressor/limiter in it.

 

[Mordred]

yes, i think i will try a ssl2+mk2 and the rubix out. I also of course toyed around with what obs offers but i found that the obs limiter degrades audio quality when it kicks in (admitted might also be a configuration issue on my side).

 

[drumphil]

uhm no i have seen/heard tons of channels that do clip when they raise their voice a lot or are extremly quiet (that is a problem on the tubes in general with constantly changing audio levels depending on what you watch). So no i would not say this has been solved for live streams where you can not easily adjust in post. It certainly works when you just record and then simpley normalize it and be done with it.

the livestream situation is another thing. Some stuff records at 2 levels at once (the zoom 232 does this) to work around this i also know some videocameras having this feature for uncontrolled situations.

And yet somehow I manage to get reliable, clear, loud and consistent, without clipping, vocals for radio broadcast every day. Without the ability to "adjust in post"

I don't think you're appreciating that the issue to making this work is mostly an issue of getting your compressor settings right. You don't need dual stage pre-amps. They're just an insurance policy.

You aren't facing any problems that aren't solvable with audio productions techniques. So long as your microphones and preamps aren't just broken.

Just because there are a lot of channels that don't effectively, or comprehensively solve this, doesn't mean it can't be done.

Heck, some people leave some clipping for dramatic effect when they yell. That's a choice too.