Omnia 3fmt Settings

[zachm]

It's been over a year since the upgraded software came out for the Omnia 3. Does anyone have a setting(s) that sound as good as major market stations? If so, let's talk. I am attempting to hit that sweet spot, but can't seem to get there. <P ID="signature">______________
Zach Morton
Chief Engineer
Legend Communications
Gillette, Wyoming</P>

 

[DudeFan]

> It's been over a year since the upgraded software came out
> for the Omnia 3. Does anyone have a setting(s) that sound
> as good as major market stations? If so, let's talk. I am
> attempting to hit that sweet spot, but can't seem to get
> there.
>

It depends on your format and what you are trying to achieve.

I am not barefooting it, so your mileage may vary. We started with the Heavy Urban setting (I think that is what it is called) and backed off the AGC drive and the bass, tweaked the mixer a bit and upped the clipper drive a tad. That did it for us.

 

[westlife]

> It's been over a year since the upgraded software came out
> for the Omnia 3. Does anyone have a setting(s) that sound
> as good as major market stations? If so, let's talk. I am
> attempting to hit that sweet spot, but can't seem to get
> there.

The best setting for the Omnia is OFF.

All joking aside, please remember Rule #1 of audio processing: Don't try to sound as good as the major-market stations. Try to sound better than them.

Rule #2: "Better" doesn't necessarily mean "louder". In many major markets, some of the highest-rated stations are the ones using the least aggressive audio processing.

And as for your request, I suggest you contact the folks at Omnia. Their products rule major-market FM processing, so if you really want to sound like a New York City or L.A. station -- despite the two rules above -- I'm sure they can help.
<P ID="signature">______________

"This is the New York Emergency Broadcast System satellite channel. They took the crosstown bus."</P>

 

[gtomas]

> It's been over a year since the upgraded software came out
> for the Omnia 3. Does anyone have a setting(s) that sound
> as good as major market stations? If so, let's talk. I am
> attempting to hit that sweet spot, but can't seem to get
> there.

If anybody's going to help you, you first have to tell us your format, which preset are you currently using and what do you want to achieve? What do you find lacking in your current sound?


Regards,
Goran Tomas

 

[RadioActive05]

I'm now using a modified Urban preset on a rock format. With the Urban preset rock music sounds full and musical. The stock rock preset seems a bit dull. On the Urban preset I've backed off on the bass and added a little high end. Be careful not to push the clipper too hard when using the Urban preset.

We also do a daily Jazz/Blues show so I daypart the processor and use the Jazz preset with a tweak in the ACG sections.

I've found it hard to get LOUD with the 03Turbo without it sounding harsh. Out of curiosity I tried to get our 03Turbo to sound like the 06 up the dial and couldn't really come close. The 06 has a much greater presence on the dial compared to the 03T due to its 6 band processing structure, the enhancement features and the 06's clipper section is very different than the 03T.

I've used Omnia Tech Support in the past and they have been excellent, they may be able to help you out..

I'd be curious to find out what others are using for presets on this box and if Omnia is planning on a new version of the Turbo software with maybe some upgraded presets.

Happy Holidays.

 

[DudeFan]

> I'm now using a modified Urban preset on a rock format. With
> the Urban preset rock music sounds full and musical. The
> stock rock preset seems a bit dull. On the Urban preset I've
> backed off on the bass and added a little high end. Be
> careful not to push the cliper too hard when using the Urban
> preset.

That's about where we ended up, too. I am not sure what we are running against in the markets, but with some judicious use of pre-O3T processing, we are just about as close in terms of loudness... and without dipping above 105% modulation. The CHR and AC presets seemed way similiar to us. The Rock one really didn't do it for us. I actually liked a lot of the old Omnia 3 presets.

 

[RadioActive05]

I forgot to mention in my last post that we run a compellor ahead of the 03T which I think opens up the sound a bit.


I'm now using a modified Urban preset on a rock format.
> With
> > the Urban preset rock music sounds full and musical. The
> > stock rock preset seems a bit dull. On the Urban preset
> I've
> > backed off on the bass and added a little high end. Be
> > careful not to push the cliper too hard when using the
> Urban
> > preset.
>
> That's about where we ended up, too. I am not sure what we
> are running against in the markets, but with some judicious
> use of pre-O3T processing, we are just about as close in
> terms of loudness... and without dipping above 105%
> modulation. The CHR and AC presets seemed way similiar to
> us. The Rock one really didn't do it for us. I actually
> liked a lot of the old Omnia 3 presets.
>

 

[oldiesstation]

> It's been over a year since the upgraded software came out
> for the Omnia 3. Does anyone have a setting(s) that sound
> as good as major market stations? If so, let's talk. I am
> attempting to hit that sweet spot, but can't seem to get
> there.
> YOU might take up scott's offer and trade it for the dsp-x .i promise it will
hit the sweet spot and you won't need a compellor in front of it..i think all
you pay is shipping...now that's a deal.Scott must have BIG BALLS on his Christmas tree to do an offer like this.HEY FRANK, what's for Christmas...

 

[DudeFan]

> I forgot to mention in my last post that we run a compellor
> ahead of the 03T which I think opens up the sound a bit.

We've got a couple boxes ahead of the O3T, as well. I do think that does make a difference in overall loudness and "openness." Adding a couple layers of minor (really minor) squeeze and pre-processing takes the load off of the Omnia. Not that it can't do it by itself...

 

[cranium]

> > I forgot to mention in my last post that we run a
> compellor
> > ahead of the 03T which I think opens up the sound a bit.
>
> We've got a couple boxes ahead of the O3T, as well. I do
> think that does make a difference in overall loudness and
> "openness." Adding a couple layers of minor (really minor)
> squeeze and pre-processing takes the load off of the Omnia.
> Not that it can't do it by itself...
>

Another processing opinion:

Digital boxes, up until the Omnia 6, pretty much stunk as "all in 1" solutions.

The digital boxes were just loudness generating devices (and stereo generators) but poor AGC/multiband units

Looking forward to trying a dsp-x.

 

[shoreliner]

> We
> started with the Heavy Urban setting (I think that is what
> it is called) and backed off the AGC drive and the bass,
> tweaked the mixer a bit and upped the clipper drive a tad.
> That did it for us.

Agreed. The Urban works well as a nice, full setting but has
way too much deep base and mixer base (up 1 db in preset) for
most pop formats---CHR included. We did the same as mentioned
above including setting the clipper at .5 and the composite
clipper at 0 db because we are feeding a composite STL and they
tend to bounce (and create MORE overshoot) when you drive too
much comp clipping into them. If your box is at the xmttr
then go ahead and crank the comp clipper to .5 to 1.0 for more
loudness. I am going BACK to using a compellor in front of
the O3t because I liked the old, non-turbo version with a compellor
before I added the turbo upgrade. I think the turbo is still
too lazy in the WB AGC section and needs help in front. Omnia
told me to back off PHAT base to .2 max to clear up the "busy"
low end/squashed sound and that helped a lot!

 

[DudeFan]

> > We
> > started with the Heavy Urban setting (I think that is what
>
> > it is called) and backed off the AGC drive and the bass,
> > tweaked the mixer a bit and upped the clipper drive a tad.
>
> > That did it for us.
>
> Agreed. The Urban works well as a nice, full setting but has
>
> way too much deep base and mixer base (up 1 db in preset)
> for
> most pop formats---CHR included. We did the same as
> mentioned
> above including setting the clipper at .5 and the composite
> clipper at 0 db because we are feeding a composite STL and
> they
> tend to bounce (and create MORE overshoot) when you drive
> too
> much comp clipping into them. If your box is at the xmttr
> then go ahead and crank the comp clipper to .5 to 1.0 for
> more
> loudness. I am going BACK to using a compellor in front of
> the O3t because I liked the old, non-turbo version with a
> compellor
> before I added the turbo upgrade. I think the turbo is still
>
> too lazy in the WB AGC section and needs help in front.
> Omnia
> told me to back off PHAT base to .2 max to clear up the
> "busy"
> low end/squashed sound and that helped a lot!


We had to come way way off the Phat bass and we added a skootch of warm bass to complement our pre-processing. The upper mid range and highs we had to tweak up a bit. I think this was a function of our exciter, though (we'll see what happens when the new one comes in the next few weeks). The clipper does add a little bit of voice distortion, but it is only noticeable in the headphones and not if you're listening like normal folks over a clock radio or car radio. Come to think of it, with the setting we have on the Omnia, we sound unbelievably great on clock radios... particularly the cheapie ones in hotels...

 

[shoreliner]

> > YOU might take up scott's offer and trade it for the dsp-x
> .i promise it will
> hit the sweet spot and you won't need a compellor in front
> of it..i think all
> you pay is shipping...now that's a deal.Scott must have BIG
> BALLS on his Christmas tree to do an offer like this.HEY
> FRANK, what's for Christmas...

What was that offer? I would be a bit reluctant to trade in
my Omnia for a UK built box unless I knew I could get service
etc. quickly and that it has been in use here by others I can
respect. (no offense meant, I just don't know anyone using one)

 

[dspxscott]

> What was that offer?

www.broadcastwarehouse.com/offer

I would be a bit reluctant to trade in
>
> my Omnia for a UK built box unless I knew I could get service etc.

Boxes are supplied out of the US or drop shipped from the UK by FedEx to be with the customer within 24-48 hours. We also have parts and spare boxes at our NYC office. You shouldn't have any problems. The DSPX range have become popular because they are cheap (to buy). Why are they cheap? Because they are made with the most up to date components resulting in lower parts count which translates to reliability and lower cost for the consumer.
Is the sound cheap? If it was people would take us up on our 3 month money back satisfaction offer. How many returns? none!
I would say that the current line of BW processors will give you the same performance as that of a competitors product that costs twice as much.


quickly and that it has been in use here by others I
> can
> respect. (no offence meant, I just don't know anyone using
> one)
>

We have lots on the air. London, NYC, Paris, Moscow and the number is growing exponentially.
BW are reluctant to name drop radio stations as this just gives our competitors a sale to chase.

Remember that you have nothing to fear or lose by trying one of our products. You can always get your money back if you change your mind a couple of months down the track.
take a look at the brochure at www.dsp-x.com/DSPX-RANGE-BROCHURE.pdf

Best regard
Scott

 

[FFoti]

> > > YOU might take up scott's offer and trade it for the
> dsp-x
> > .i promise it will
> > hit the sweet spot and you won't need a compellor in front
>
> > of it..i think all
> > you pay is shipping...now that's a deal.Scott must have
> BIG
> > BALLS on his Christmas tree to do an offer like this.HEY
> > FRANK, what's for Christmas...
>
> What was that offer? I would be a bit reluctant to trade in
>
> my Omnia for a UK built box unless I knew I could get
> service
> etc. quickly and that it has been in use here by others I
> can
> respect. (no offense meant, I just don't know anyone using
> one)

With all these Holiday offers, we advise that any interested user consider the following (2) things first:

1. Does the alternative processor actually beat the sound of your existing unit? Make sure that you can demo the freebie first. If so, make sure you have the latest/greatest settings and suggestions from your existing provider. We have access to *all* current processors and have been able to *successfully* race against each one! BTW: That's not only our impression, but that of customers as well.

2. Have you checked with Omnia Support for any specials that exist. We run specials for existing customers from time to time, and we wouldn't want anyone to go away empty-handed. Lots of new stuff coming in the next year, so don't cut yourself short.

For further info, contact the Omnia Support Dept.

-Frank Foti

 

[DoctorWu]

I normally keep pretty quiet in these discussions because processing is so subjective, but I have to throw out a couple comments on this one, because there seems to be so much hype flowing here.

> I would say that the current line of BW processors will give
> you the same performance as that of a competitors product
> that costs twice as much.

Of course you would say that! It's your box! Your assertion here is loaded with subjective spin. How do you measure "performance"? By my subjective analysis, your box does not perform as well as Bob's or Frank's. Let's talk hard data here!

> We have lots on the air. London, NYC, Paris, Moscow and the
> number is growing exponentially.
> BW are reluctant to name drop radio stations as this just
> gives our competitors a sale to chase.

If your customers are so happy with your gear, how could your competitors sway them away from you? Especially when their boxes cost so much more? Give us names. Orban & Omnia both list their clients!

Riddle me this, Batman.

- Doc

 

[dspxscott]

Doctor
You 'riddle me this' like you are uncovering some sort of scam.
There is always an element of hype when talking about processing and you bring that word 'subjective' back into play again. IYO you think our box does not perform as well! Which box, what version of software, what was it tested against. Even still, its only one mans subjective opinion. Each processing manufacturer has advocates that will swear night was day. The only opinion that matters it that of the person who will be using the product. we advocate testing all the boxes including our own and think the O&O products are great products and SHOULD be tested. I don't know how many times we have to repeat it.

> I normally keep pretty quiet in these discussions because processing
> is so subjective, but I have to throw out a couple comments on this
> one, because there seems to be so much hype flowing here.
>
> > I would say that the current line of BW processors will
> give
> > you the same performance as that of a competitors product that costs
> > twice as much.
>
> Of course you would say that! It's your box! Your assertion here is
> loaded with subjective spin. How do you measure "performance"? By my
> subjective analysis, your box does not perform as well as Bob's or
> Frank's. Let's talk hard data here!

Ok. In terms of hard data.
For approximately the same DSP horsepower and feature-set our boxes are about half the cost of the other two leading brands. FACT!
In terms of audio performance we have conducted multiple blind listening tests on a/b switchboxes between our products and the other brands. Our units held their own and the results came out at about 50/50. Remember that the comparisons were being made between a box that was half the cost to the consumer as that of what it was being tested against. In my book that makes it a lot easier to decide which one of the two to go for.
These tests were conducted with the top of the range Belar test equipment and a set of $4000 monitor speakers. The belar typically reads less modulation from the BW units than one of the competitors products, but that’s another story and I don’t want to go there.

To put in some subjective spin.
BW Vs a.n.other brand

28 bit processing vs. 24 bit
Smaller, lighter box
Less component design, more reliability
Easier to use remote control program
Half the cost

It can't all be subjective, can it?

>
> If your customers are so happy with your gear, how could your
> competitors sway them away from you? Especially when their boxes cost
> so much more?

That’s easy to answer. The main reasons customers buy a product is.

Brand loyalty!
Perception!
Marketing!
Security!
Performance!

Most points covered in previous threads but to recap quickly.
Point 1. I am just as guilty as the next man. I will pay $100 for Nike rather than just as comfortable $50 davy wavy sneakers.
Point 2. A larger box, a more established company, more existing users of the product.
Point 3. When the message keeps getting drilled into your head that a box is great, you start to believe it, regardless.
Point 4. You trust the company that has been around for longer and has a greater customer base to deliver a reliable product.
Point 5. All those customers cant be wrong!?

So... A customer who has enough money to buy an 0 or 0 box has to get over the above five points to even consider a BW box. Hard work we know. But as time goes on our brand loyalty increases, the perception that we are a professional company increases, our marketing improves, customers faith in us and our products increases and our product line expands.

Now before you pick up on point 5 I would like to point out AGAIN that the Orban and Omnia boxes DO perform very well. We have never said they don't. I will restate my case that the BW boxes offer similar (subjective) performance for about half the cost. If someone doesn't believe me then they should try a box, risk free. We will win some over, some we won't. It really doesn't matter. I think the phrase the 'pie is big enough to go around' was a good one.

Best regards
Scott

 

[1290wgli]

>
> What was that offer? I would be a bit reluctant to trade in
>
> my Omnia for a UK built box unless I knew I could get
> service
> etc. quickly and that it has been in use here by others I
> can
> respect. (no offense meant, I just don't know anyone using
> one)
>

I can tell you, you have an open line to the designer. Unlike other processor designers who, instead of giving tips from the horses mouth tell you to "contatct so-and-so Golden Ears at our headquarters" or others who never return calls (or leave you on hold), Scott gets back to you quickly.

I have a DSP-X box that is almost 2 years old and another on air that is over 2 years old with no hardware or software issues. AND, the DSP-X is supported in the US by TransLanTech Sound LLC in New York City.

 

[shoreliner]

> I can tell you, you have an open line to the designer.
> Unlike other processor designers who, instead of giving tips
> from the horses mouth tell you to "contatct so-and-so Golden
> Ears at our headquarters" or others who never return calls
> (or leave you on hold), Scott gets back to you quickly.
>
> I have a DSP-X box that is almost 2 years old and another on
> air that is over 2 years old with no hardware or software
> issues. AND, the DSP-X is supported in the US by
> TransLanTech Sound LLC in New York City.

Beautiful. That sounds great. Thanks for your help!

 

[oldiesstation]

> > > > YOU might take up scott's offer and trade it for the
> > dsp-x
> > > .i promise it will
> > > hit the sweet spot and you won't need a compellor in
> front
> >
> > > of it..i think all
> > > you pay is shipping...now that's a deal.Scott must have
> > BIG
> > > BALLS on his Christmas tree to do an offer like
> this.HEY
> > > FRANK, what's for Christmas...
> >
> > What was that offer? I would be a bit reluctant to trade
> in
> >
> > my Omnia for a UK built box unless I knew I could get
> > service
> > etc. quickly and that it has been in use here by others I
> > can
> > respect. (no offense meant, I just don't know anyone using
>
> > one)
>
> With all these Holiday offers, we advise that any interested
> user consider the following (2) things first:
>
> 1. Does the alternative processor actually beat the sound of
> your existing unit? Make sure that you can demo the freebie
> first. If so, make sure you have the latest/greatest
> settings and suggestions from your existing provider. We
> have access to *all* current processors and have been able
> to *successfully* race against each one! BTW: That's not
> only our impression, but that of customers as well.
>
> 2. Have you checked with Omnia Support for any specials that
> exist. We run specials for existing customers from time to
> time, and we wouldn't want anyone to go away empty-handed.
> Lots of new stuff coming in the next year, so don't cut
> yourself short.
>
> For further info, contact the Omnia Support Dept.
>
> -Frank Foti
> FRANK HERE'S THE OFFER http://www.broadcastwarehouse.com/offer .o3t for a dsp-x you just pay shipping..what a deal....