Samson SCOM Compressor Setup

[anomalousbass]

Ok let me start by saying I'm a total noob when it comes to setting up a compressor. I know what its supposed to do, etc, and I've set it up for bass according to the manual:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/samsontech/r...com_manual.pdf

But it seems to me that I should be using both channels, one as a compressor and one as a limiter. There is a stereo link key that will combine the sides. When I record to the laptop, I've noticed that when I slap that it clip. But if I pluck the strings normally I stay in the green/yellow. Shouldn't the volume level stay pretty consistent? How would I set this up to use both limiting and compressing? Do I limit first, then compress?

Help me I'm a noob!

[anomalousbass]

doh

"The S•com can be configured from dual-mono operation to stereo by using the Stereo Link switch. In Stereo
Link mode, Channel 2 functions are controlled by the settings of Channel 1 with the exception of IN/OUT and
KEY."

So it looks like Id have to do this:

SCOM-Chan1---->SCOM-Chan2---->AMP

since the stereo link will make chan2 be controlled by chan1's settings.

But it looks like I could still use it as a limiter then a gate.

[bongomania]

You want to have it dual mono mode, not stereo, because you need different settings for each channel if you want them to do different things. It doesn't matter whether you limit first and then compress, or the other way around. Check the FAQ linked in my sig for more info about setting it up.

[anomalousbass]

Thanks for the reply, I got it figured out.

One thing though, your link doesn't work for the compressor FAQ. I'd like to read it.

[anomalousbass]

This is what I did to get it going. This is for a different compressor, but most of the same settings can be applied here. I have this SCOM compressor set up in dual mono mode. This means I go into channel 1, then out of channel 1 into channel 2, then out of channel 2 into the power amp. Channel 1 and Channel 2 have different settings, and they are described here On the SCOM, do not use "Stereo Link". This is not my work, I'm posting from this link compressor setup :

From Finger Blister:

SUGGESTED SETTINGS:
Behringer Composer 2200 & 2600
for BASS GUITAR in a Live Rig.

Daisy Chain both halves of the Stereo Compressor
by patching channel one output into channel two input.

Bass -> Preamp -> FX Send ->
MDX Channel 1 Input -> Channel 1 Output -> Channel 2 Input -> Channel 2 Output -> FX Return.

The Following Functions SET the same on BOTH CHANNELS

Set both rear panel level switchs to -10 dbV.
COUPLE: Set to DUAL MONO Not Stereo
SC EXT: OFF
SC MON: OFF
AUTO: OFF *
I/O METER: OUT (measure Output signal: button light is off)
IN/OUT: IN (Compressor is on: button light is on)
INTERACTIVE (Knee): ON
High Pass Filter = MDX 2200: SC FILTER: ON / MDX 2600: LO CONTOUR: ON
Expander/Gates =
MDX 2200: Slow Release. Threshold: 50 and Ratio: 3.5
MDX 2600: Long Release. Gate ON. Trigger @ -30 (at 10:00).

The Following Functions (if employed) should be used on Channel 2 Only

MDX 2600 Only: Tube
Later MDX Models Only: De-esser - play with this for best sound.
Later MDX Models Only: Dynamic Enhancer
If in doubt, or if HISS is present leave it out (off).

Channel 1:

Threshold: -10db, 12:00
Ratio 4:1, 12:00
Attack: 8:00
Release: 10:00
Output: 1:30
Set Peak Limiter (+16-18 db)...

Channel 2:

Threshold: 0db, 2:00
Ratio 6:1, 2:00
Attack: 7:00
Release: 10:00
Output: 1:30
Set Peak Limiter (+16-18 db)...

------The Theory Behind The Madness------

Channel 1's has Classic Bass compressor settings.
The magic is that Channel 1 gives Channel 2 a hotter signal
while maintaining dynamics and thus raises the headroom seen
at Channel 2 (1 gives 2 an additional Gain Stage)
Then Channel 2 re-compresses only the Peaks
that have been processed and boosted by Channel 1
thus Channel 2's Output provides a level, hotter signal.

The noise floor is lowered as high energy peaks are tamed, not limited,
for excreasing headroom without over compressing the dynamic signal.

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by anomalousbass

your link doesn't work for the compressor FAQ. I'd like to read it.

Fixed it, thanks.