Limiter suggestions for the EHX Bass Micro Synthesizer

[rratajski]

So, the limit light on my Ampeg SVT-4Pro is coming on with some of the settings on my Bass Micro Synth (high levels of suboctave, large start-stop sweeps , etc.).

I have the compression on the head currently set at noon. I have the ability to disengage the limiting warning on my head, but I don't feel like that's a smart thing to do...it's there for a reason, right?!

I was thinking about adding a limiter to my pedalboard after my BMS.

I don't want a limiter that pops and hisses. I want something that will tame the spikes on the BMS to keep my head happy, speakers intact, and still let the BMS do what it's supposed to do.

Yes, I did a search, but nothing comes up pertaining to the limiting the BMS specifically.

Ideas?

Setup: Rick 4003 -> Korg Pitchblack -> EHX HOG -> EHX BMS -> Wounded Paw Blender (w/ GGG-tuned Big Muff in the loop) -> Catalinbread Semaphore -> Ampeg SVT-4Pro w/ Emperor 2x12 1x15

[RickenBoogie]

Try searching on compressors.

[Jared Lash]

If all you actually want is limiting, the Guyatone BL-2 is good, the Boss LMB-3 work well while not changing your tone (for better or worse) much at all.

Not a pedal, but the Alesis Micro Limiter is my favorite for clean limiting. It's a 1/3 rack unit that just does it's job in terms of protecting my amp from spikes from filters etc. I'm not sure if I know where the AC adapter is but if you'd be interested I'd be willing to send it to you for just the cost of shipping as I'm not using mine.

[rratajski]

I would like to stick w/ non-racked gear...something for the pedalboard with solid construction (the Guyatone Micro series sounds great, but I don't trust the construction), with no popping/rustling (LMB), etc.

[John Wentzien]

Sounds like you need a multi-band comp.
This one looks interesting.
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....dal?sku=151466

[cheapbasslovin]

I don't have a ton of experience with limiters, but I want to +1 the Alesis Micro Limiter that Jared mentioned. It doesn't click, is easy to use, and absolutely does it's job.

It will eat a lot of real estate, though, unless you can put it under a riser or below your board.

Good luck.

[lowregister]

This guy has done us all a great favor:http://www.ovnilab.com/index.shtml

Check out his list of favorite compressors and limiters.

[bongomania]

Yeah, he knows about me. I'd suggest the Maxon CP9Pro+ or maybe the Demeter, or of course the FEA if it's in your budget. There's a list of recommended limiters at the "top picks" link on my page.

[bassbmx]

My Boss LMB-3 is working great as a hard limiter until I get the cash for an FEA compressor.

Have a look around for a used LMB-3 for a low budget solution.

[rratajski]

Would raising the level on my compressor in the head unit help rather than get a limiter? (currently set @ noon)?

Would using a limiter remove the spiked frequencies or do they just get squashed down and are still heard?

[jgroh]

Originally Posted by Jared Lash

If all you actually want is limiting, the Guyatone BL-2 is good, the Boss LMB-3 work well while not changing your tone (for better or worse) much at all.

Not a pedal, but the Alesis Micro Limiter is my favorite for clean limiting. It's a 1/3 rack unit that just does it's job in terms of protecting my amp from spikes from filters etc. I'm not sure if I know where the AC adapter is but if you'd be interested I'd be willing to send it to you for just the cost of shipping as I'm not using mine.

Hey I am in the same boat...I got a synth pedal and I need a limiter. I would certainly take you up on your offer! Still have it? Ill shoot you a PM.

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by rratajski

Would raising the level on my compressor in the head unit help rather than get a limiter? (currently set @ noon)?

That can only be answered by you, via experimentation.

Originally Posted by rratajski

Would using a limiter remove the spiked frequencies or do they just get squashed down and are still heard?

Ideally they are just squashed down, but there are some instances where heavy compression (limiting) can affect the tone too.

[rratajski]

I tried setting the compression to 75% on the head. It corrected the limiting issue, buuuuut the head has a fixed attack, so when a heavy, hard note would get hit, the volume would drop a bit, then move back up to the master volume.
So, all in all, the compression raising was okay, but I don't like the audible corrections in volume. Also, the general tone was waaaaay too fat for me and lacked some clarity (which I probably could correct a bit with some EQ'ing).
I am guessing at this point, I would want something that has a extremely fast attack rate to squash the notes before I would even have a chance to notice anything at all...

[bongomania]

Give the Demeter a try. It's not perfect for all limiting situations, but one thing it does well is it catches that leading edge transient spike instantaneously.

[RCCollins]

Originally Posted by rratajski

I would like to stick w/ non-racked gear...something for the pedalboard with solid construction (the Guyatone Micro series sounds great, but I don't trust the construction), with no popping/rustling (LMB), etc.

I never notice the popping with my LMB-3 - maybe that's because I've rolled off so much high end? Or I'm just not hitting it hard?

[rratajski]

Sweet! On the lookout for the Demeter Compulator!
I'll report back when I get one!
Thanks!

[Bob C]

There were two Demeter Compulators on eBay last week. I think both auctions have ended, and at not bad prices. So, they are out there. I'm semi-seriously looking for one too.

[bassbmx]

My BMS showed up last night and the LMB-3 works really well after it.

I did notice the pop when it hits the threshhold though. It's not a big issue and I'm sure it wouldn't be noticeable but if you're super picky, it could be an issue.