gate/expander/compressor & sibilance

[GMT]

I'm working in a small production studio where we are producing spoken word and video content. We have a software-based audio processing system (Biamp Audia/Nexia). It seems oriented toward the task of PA/signal routing but it's not really strong on overcoming this problem: the beginning and ending of some words dropping out (falling below threshold of limiter/compressor). I've fiddled with parameters (threshold, levels, etc.) but have decided to try some outboard gear. We're using good Audio Technica lav mics and are recording into a NewTek Tricaster system.

I'm considering the Drawmer 241 2-channel gate/expander/compressor. I could route stronger voices to one channel and softer voices to the other. Vendor literature looks promising. However, one of the regular talents has considerable sibilance in his pronunciation. I'm wondering if I should get a separate parametric EQ unit or a de-esser. Or is there a suitable device that someone could recommend that incorporates gate/expander and de-esser functions? Thanks.

[mrbillet]

I have to recommend the Dan Dugan Automixer. They seamlessly allocate gain between all mics with the ability to set gain priority to the more important people.

When one or more people talk, it takes gain away from the other channels and gives it to them. Since the total amt of gain doesn't change, you don't have mics popping in and out dramatically like you would with standard gating. It is incredibly fast too, so you don't get stuttery words.

Prioritzation is set on each channel with a rotary knob to make sure that the most important people talking get to override the other inputs. Totally optional and adjustable.

Dan Dugan demo'd the system for me once and I got to use it at work once. We had a round table discussion with 12 participants amplified in a tiny room. The Dan Dugan made the number of open mics manageable in terms of reducing feedback, and minimizing background noise in the recording.

-Ian

[mhschmieder]

Although it sounds like you're focusing on hardware solutions, you might also want to consider Eiosis E2 Deesser, which has very flexible routing for separately processing sibilants from the rest of the audio signal.

There are probably hardware modules that take this approach as well; particularly those from Drawmer. Also, iZotope has a rack-mount hardware module that has lots of processing modules in it that are relevant to your context, though primarily aimed at broadcasters.

[mrbillet]

I read your post again and it seems the Dan Dugan mixer might be overkill for what you're doing. I had the impression you had to deal with multiple voices simultaneously. If you're just doing one or two voices at a time then the Izotope or Cedar stuff could reduce background noise quite well, from what I've heard.

-Ian

[GMT]

Thanks for your replies, I will look into your suggestions. We are recording live to tape into the Tricaster, so the short story is that outboard gear is the option I'm looking into.

The Audia software doesn't have an interface which allows for 3d party plugins, and while it does feature pre-configured setups that can be customized, I'm not a big fan of the interface, or re-inventing the wheel to attempt functionality.


Ian, we usually have 2 voices, and we've had to deal with up to 5, no problems there. But it sounds like the DD system could be useful if things get complicated with multiple mics.

Greg

[GMT]

Ian, I looked at the Dan Dugan stuff, very good concept. He's got the right idea.
A bit out of our price range, but it would certainly be appropriate for high-quality/high-end production facilities.

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