Audio Processing Pros and Cons

[RadeoEngineer]

Bill, I know you don't have much budget, but if you can find a way to wangle (even borrow) a decent second exciter and a slightly leaky dummy load, I would highly recommend setting up any trial system on a separate, closed-circuit FM frequency.

You'd need to be able to get a good signal to a mod monitor to set things up, but, seriously, having the ability to directly A/B compare two signals on the same radio can be very revealing. And being able to do it without disrupting the normal program chain - or letting your competitors listen in on your experiments - is a bonus.

Even though the transmission systems won't be identical, the technique is extremely useful for basic instantaneous comparisons, and should allow all but the most subtle adjustments well before you place the new equipment on the 'real' air signal.

Obviously, you don't want to be radiating all over the place, but covering only the studio and only running for a limited time should keep you out of trouble.

Kind Regards,
David

I highly agree with this. What I've done in the past is put both processors on a coax switch so you can go back and forth direct on air. This method leaves no doubt in what you're hearing. If you have live jocks it can make them a little nuts if you switch while the mic is open, so be careful with that.

 

[gtomas]

Bill, if you have a separate exciter with a dummy load, you can use it as David suggested for an in-house broadcast and not interrupt your on-air signal. This will provide you an objective set-up where the only variable is the processor, which is the goal here. However, when you narrow your choice down to two processors, I would personally put them both in your air-chain for the final on-air comparison. The exciter plays some role in the overall sound and after all, this is how the processor will be used when purchased. You can do that one evening, when you're not upsetting your staff or the listeners too much.

A couple more pointers... The important thing is that all processors that you are comparing have exactly the same peak modulation level. This is absolutely critical! Make sure the input levels to the processors are set-up as each manufacturer recommends in the manual. Keep in mind that different presets will make the processor sound very different, both in terms of texture and loudness. So compare processors with similar sounding presets (even tough they might not have the same name).

Lastly, make sure you make both short-term and long-term comparisons... When you are quickly switching back and forth between processors, the thing that may jump out at you may be the processor that is louder and/or has more bass and/or high-end. However, you will not be very sensitive to things such as distortion, breathing, unnatural gain changes, musicality, naturalness and overall "grip" the processor has on the incoming levels. These would only be apparent to you when you listen to the processor for some time, say a few hours. Often the processor that is louder on quick comparisons sounds better, however when you listen for a bit longer, the distortion or other effects it may be producing may prove to be excessive, irritating or fatiguing. Listening to one processor for a few hours and getting accustomed to it, then switch to another for a few hours will give you a much better picture of the good and the bad sides of the particular processor and whether it is the right choice for you.


Regards,
Goran Tomas

 

[RealityCheckr]

Amen Goran, Amen !

<snip>

A couple more pointers... The important thing is that all processors that you are comparing have exactly the same peak modulation level. This is absolutely critical! Make sure the input levels to the processors are set-up as each manufacturer recommends in the manual. Keep in mind that different presets will make the processor sound very different, both in terms of texture and loudness. So compare processors with similar sounding presets (even tough they might not have the same name).

Lastly, make sure you make both short-term and long-term comparisons... When you are quickly switching back and forth between processors, the thing that may jump out at you may be the processor that is louder and/or has more bass and/or high-end. However, you will not be very sensitive to things such as distortion, breathing, unnatural gain changes, musicality, naturalness and overall "grip" the processor has on the incoming levels. These would only be apparent to you when you listen to the processor for some time, say a few hours. Often the processor that is louder on quick comparisons sounds better, however when you listen for a bit longer, the distortion or other effects it may be producing may prove to be excessive, irritating or fatiguing. Listening to one processor for a few hours and getting accustomed to it, then switch to another for a few hours will give you a much better picture of the good and the bad sides of the particular processor and whether it is the right choice for you.


Regards,
Goran Tomas

 

[RadioMan203]

I don't have any problems with setting up a test exciter and monitor to do the trials with. In fact, if it can be done at the studios it would allow those in the decision-making chairs to hear it through their personal reference monitors in the station and perhaps out in the parking lot.

I'm also experienced with listener fatigue/burnout as far as processing goes. It took almost two weeks of listening the last time I did it and darts between my "9-to-5" employer and the transmitter to do tweaks to things I didn't like and then getting the owner/programming folks to put in their suggestions too (and relocate the studio gear to prevent unauthorized tweaks of the pre-processing).

I appreciate all the great input and I'm looking forward to this project. I'll report on the findings when all is said and done.