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Internet Streaming

U

URradiolistener

Hey guys, I am streaming online to a Shoutcast Stream Host via a Barix Instreamer, a great device I might add, and I currently have the processing going through an Aphex 204 Exciter. I was curious if a compressor/limiter would be good to add to the chain as when I listen I notice it can be off a bit. I wanted to know what compressor would be good and what part of the chain to add it to? This is just internet streaming as a hobby so a compressor that isn't TOO over the top is preferable. Just to add info, I've had an engineer with Clear Channel suggest a DBX 166XL as it would have the most "commercial radio sound". Any thoughts?

Computer Audio > Console > Aphex Exciter > Barix Instreamer
 
Plug a second ASIO-compatible card in your computer & get Breakaway Live. Then connect the 204 to the card input & the output to the Barix. You won't regret it.
 
I assume you are asking this question due to the fact that you are looking for hardware not software. I have used an continue to use the DBX 166XL . It is a great compressor with great sound. Just a thought , if your goal is to just level off the audio you could also look for a used Symertix 422, they always creep up on ebay. Either one in my opinion. Now for a high end compressor I love my Aphex 320A Compellor. Of course, if a DSP software program is what you are interested in then Breakaway Live is the way to go.A lot of people love this program, for me, I found it a bit to restrictive when it comes to the presets. But overall it is the best DSP out there on the market.Of course there are many other great options out there.
 
Yeah I wanted to keep with hardware because I could add it at the end of the chain...after the mics and what not so it all sounds uniform. I was looking at getting one tonight. A compressor/limiter. So the DBX would be best?
 
I think you would like the DBX. I say go for it. :) It does an outstanding job for me. Just remember a little compression goes a long ways.
 
Apparently I didn't make myself clear. Let's try this again.

Plug a second ASIO-compatible card in your computer & get Breakaway Live. These two items are the equivalent of an external processor and can be hooked up just like a hardware box. You won't be messing with the existing streaming setup - this will be a totally separate application.

You take the Aural Exciter's 204 output and connect it to the ASIO sound card's input. Then connect the ASIO sound card's output to the Barix.

You'll be spending about the same money as the DBX costs but will have a LOT better sound.
 
Um, yeah. I'm with Rob. I'm not going to name streams, but some of the best sounding 32kbps AAC+ streams on the internet are using Breakaway Live. There are reference and classical settings, if you want to keep it clean....there's even a talk setting...bandpass filtering, etc...you really cannot go wrong with Breakaway.

Seriously.
 
The Breakaway Live would be fantastic and would love to have it, but due to budget and age of the computer, it's has choked and killed over twice just on the trail versions. So as long as that computer sticks to music only, which is why I bought the Barix Instreamer. So back to the hardware!
 
URradiolistener said:
Which one? The 166XL or 266XL?
Click to expand...

I bought the 266xl to save some money when I built my studio and to date I am very happy with it. However, next time I probably will upgrade to the 166xl to get a couple of more knobs to fiddle with.

If you are streaming mp3's out of the Barix remember to keep a light hand on the compression since it will be further compressed as it goes through the Instreamer. The AGC functions are what you really need to compensate for varying levels of your recorded music.
 
Nostalgia said:
If you are streaming mp3's out of the Barix remember to keep a light hand on the compression since it will be further compressed as it goes through the Instreamer.
Click to expand...

Hopefully you understand the distinction between audio dynamic range compression (what dbx or any other compressor does) and data "compression", which is really data reduction (what MP3 or any other perceptual codec does)...


Regards,
Goran Tomas
 
Awesome guys! I decided to go with the DBX 266XL. More economical for now. Does anyone have any recommended settings they wish to share? If you care to hear the stream in order to get an idea of how it should sound or better tweaks, the link is below. I appreciate all of your help!

Chain: Tapco LINK.Firewire Computer Audio Interface > Behringer 1204FX Mixer > Aphex 204 Exciter > DBX 266XL > Barix Instreamer 100

Website: www.myhitstream.com
 
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