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multiband webcast proceessing suggestions

R

Robert Bass

What are some good considerations for multiband processing for an Internet radio station?

Right now I'm running a free DSP software program, but I know the “you get what you pay for” line quite well. So I'm trying to explore my options for something better. My objective is to run gentle processing that won't introduce extreme listener fatigue. What I am using now is OK, although it has some trouble with the Kim Carnes tune Bette Davis Eyes (a classic processor testing song). I'm also not quite convinced of the source-to-source EQ consistency

If you want to listen to what I have now, just go to www.live365.com/stations/robertbass.

Thanks,

R
 
Breakaway Live is not only inexpensive, it's truly "ready for prime time" in any sized market.
 
Another vote for Breakaway.

Also, if you want to have the processing and the encoder in one place, the Omnia AX/E is a good piece of software. The processing isn't as aggressive as Breakaway, but for webcasting, I've found it gets the job done.
 
Thanks guys for the suggestions! I'll give Breakaway a try.

R
 
I'm trying out the Breakaway demo now, but I have a question about the proper settings. Here's my setup:

Mixer ---> PC running Breakaway ---> PC running streaming encoder EdCast Standalone

With this setup, should I bypass pre-emphasis in Breakaway? I can't use the PC running Breakaway with the DSP encoder option at this time. That computer is not on my network at the moment, and I don't have a router with an open port to connect it to.

Thanks,

R
 
If you have pre-emphasis available, you're using Breakaway Broadcast. BB is aimed at terrestial Broadcast, but does a fine job for webstreaming as well.
Breakaway Live has no pre-emphasis and no clippers and (therefore) is less of a strain on the CPU and cheaper to buy. Whether to use pre-emphasis, Breakaway Live or Breakaway Broadcast is up to you... :) Using pre-emphasis for web-use DOES provide some air to the encoder in the highs and personally I would recommend mild pre-emphasis (25uS). If you're streaming in a bitrate lower than 128kbps go to 50uS.

BTW, you can find great setting at the Breakaway forum.
 
Ahh yes, Breakaway Live is the version I should use. It's looking quite promising so far!

R
 
Michael said:
Breakaway is sounding good so far Robert. Good to see your name pop up online again.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I'm still running it in demo mode, so you'll hear that occasional advertisement. I hope to get it out of demo mode later today.

R
 
OK I got my copy registered now, yay!

Do you guys have any thoughts about which preset would work best for an all-80s format? When I was testing the program, I used the Protection Limit 12dB preset. I figure I should test out some of the other presets before I choose that one.

R
 
Robert Bass said:
When I was testing the program, I used the Protection Limit 12dB preset. I figure I should test out some of the other presets before I choose that one.
Click to expand...

That preset does nothing... It's like a bypass preset. Choose another one. There is no best for this or that - the best is the one you like ;)


Regards,
Goran Tomas
 
I wouldn't say it “does nothing”, as I can hear a difference as compared to not using anything. It's doing a great job of maintaining level consistency as compared to not using anything at all. I can really hear the difference on a lot of songs! It did a great job with U2's With Or Without you, for example.

I tried the CHR setting but I could clearly hear it pulling down levels on vocals. I'm looking for gentle processing, since this is an Internet station. I don't need ultra-smashed here.

R
 
It sounds pretty clean. I'm not sure I would change anything. What are you running for automation? Can you lengthen the fade during segs? It seems to whipe out the previous track a bit fast.

Ill be glad to check and see if I have a better copy of Hall and Oats One on One when I make it back home from the holiday.
 
Hey Robert, I am listening now at 11:20 AM CDT. I would have to say that this is some of the most pristine processing I have ever heard (is this what Breakaway can sound like?). Hopefully I am not the only one who appreciates dynamic range. Spectral balance is also perfect. If it were me, I wouldn't change a thing from what you are doing at this particular moment. Thank you for being one of the few that appreciates processing delicately. I will definitely bookmark your stream for future listening.
 
I see some live 365 stations on tunedin hopefully you can get listed there also. I use it on my tablet, phone, and even my tvs at home.
 
On second thought (to my ears), it might be a tad bit bright (meaning a bit too much highs). For a comparison check out:

http://rewoundradio.com/

Even though Allan is running a lot of compression (he likes to simulate early AM radio), listen in particular to the spectral balance (bass, mids, highs), and see if this doesn't sound more correct.

BTW, if anyone else is interested, Allan is running an all 60's Thanksgiving weekend on his Rewound Radio stream, never once repeating any song. It is amazing!
 
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