MOTU Spatial Maximizer presets

[remmet]

One aspect of the SM that, in my opinion, could be improved would be the addition of an input level control. (Please tell me it's not already there and I just haven't found it!) I generally place the SM in the next to last position in my mastering chain, just before the limiter. By the time all the other mastering plugs have had their way, the level reaching the SM is quite hot and results in the meters showing red pretty much constantly. (I noticed this as well in the video link referenced earlier in this thread.) While I generally haven't perceived that the signal sounds distorted, it's a bit disconcerting visually to see indications of an over-driven signal, and I'm frequently second-guessing what I'm hearing. Turning down the Master level on the SM lowers the output level, but the meter levels aren't affected. So the question arises whether it matters that the meters are blasting away in the red.

Anyone have thoughts about this?

Richard

[bayswater]

Input level control would be convenient, but you could just reduce levels earlier in the signal path if the level going into the SM appears to high. With internal processing at 32 bits, you're not going to lose resolution. If the signal path is too complex to deal with you can put a Trim in the insert before the SM.