Settings for Using CueMix Dynamics

[bax3]

Using the MOTU 896MK3 -
I know some are going to say "Trust your ears." Ok, but can I get some help with starting places. I can find no place for downloading Presets. I am familiar with using a "regular" compressor, but I'm not clear about the Leveler in CueMix.
The manual says the Leveler is a better way to control vocals.
One the Leveler there are two dials - Gain Reduction and Makeup Gain. The dials offer no clear method of determining a precise number, but can I get some estimate of what would be good setting to start when recording vocals and acoustic guitar?
I do not want to take out the dynamics, only protect against sudden gain above about -6db, in other words I do not want Clips or random spikes because someone "hit" a note particularly hard.

Questions:
- Suggestions for “beginning” settings
- does the Leveler do what I am looking for or does it tend to take the dynamics out of a vocal performance?
- as a general rule - how much less should be the Makeup Gain than the Gain Reduction?
- is there a place to find presets or suggested settings for using a MOTU 896mk3?

Thanks for you indulgence and answers,.
Bax

[reeper]

http://www.audiomasterclass.com/arc.cfm ... essor-work

A compressor works by lowering high signal levels. This reduces the dynamic range. However, the overall signal level is now lower. So correct this, the whole signal is brought back up in level. (This is called 'gain make up', or 'make up gain'.) When this is done, the highest levels will be at the same level they were before, but the lower levels will be louder than they were before.

[bax3]

Thanks for the response. I guess the only way to use the "Leveler" is to try different settings and see if anything works. This seems a silly way to learn a tool - a good way to refine , yes, but to start blind seem a waste of time.
I read the page you sent the link to - thanks again, at least you took to trouble to respond, The passage quoted seems to say match the Make up Gain to the Gain Reduction - I can see this on a mix, sort of, but if you turn it down the same amount as you put back what has changed? There is no Thresh-hold and no Release - I read where that is random using the "leveler." So, is this really more of a "mastering" tool than a track recording tool? I obviously, do not understand the Leveler - that's why I was hoping for a starting setting guide. Oh, well . . .
Here's what it gets down too:
- there do not seem to be any pre-sets available for what looks like some fine tools in CueMix, but they are useless unless I am willing to "reinvent the wheel." or have a degree of experience beyond what I may have.
Hopefully, someone on the forum has actually used these tools successfully and has some suggested “starting” settings.

Anyone who has successfully used these tools to record and is willing to share?
Why hasn't MOTU supplied any presets?
Thanks for listening.
Bax

[reeper]

you have to study the link i gave you and also google on the topics you need to know more about. this is the fun part learning by doing.

[Raphie]

The leveler is a La2a emulation.
There is no good or bad, it's really up to you how uo want to use it.
I've used it even on full mixes in a mastering chain.

In general: the right button works as a "colourasation Maximizer" adding colour and volume to your track. The left button works as a compressor, introducing a dynamics touch and when used to much killing all transients.

Good generic starting settings would be: left dial on 25 to the hour and right dial on 20 to the hour (as in a clock)

[reeper]

Goos generic starting settings would be: left dial on 25 to the hour and right dial on 20 to the hour (as in a clock)

a good setting for what? lol..

[monkey man]

The OP asked for “beginning” settings. Guess that'd be them then. LOL

[bax3]

Thanks Raphie. I appreciate the information.