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DBX 166XL/XS for IEM limiter usage?

TedH

TedH

Dec 6, 2014
1,371
2,093
Westchester, NY
#1
I've searched around a bit and I'm trying to find a limiter solution for both wedge and IEM situations using a Yamaha MG12XU board. I've seen pretty reasonable feedback on the DBX 166 series, but no specific feedback on the limiter usage for live sound, especially with respect to IEM usage. Ovnilab wasn't impressed with the limiter, but that seemed to be specific to the usage with a bass guitar, so not sure if that would carry over to sound usage.

Any experience or thoughts? Thanks.
 
#2
Anything with a "brick wall" limiter should work... even tho' many entry-level IEM systems have them built in... PSM200's, Carvin EM900, etc.
I don't think the AS900 series have them tho'...
But yeah the used the older model 166 as limiters when we "tried" to go wired IEM about 4 or 5 yrs ago since they were not built into the Mixwiz console we had. They worked OK, that I can;t provide stats as to whether or how often the limiters were triggered. Used because I had them and for hearing protection.

To come back to today: - Our X32 has them on the output busses going to the IEM's and the PSM200/EM900 devices have them also.
 
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#3
s0c9 said:
Anything with a "brick wall" limiter should work... even tho' many entry-level IEM systems have them built in... PSM200's, Carvin EM900, etc.
I don't think the AS900 series have them tho'...
But yeah the used the older model 166 as limiters when we "tried" to go wired IEM about 4 or 5 yrs ago since they were not built into the Mixwiz console we had. They worked OK, that I can;t provide stats as to whether or how often the limiters were triggered. Used because I had them and for hearing protection.

To come back to today: - Our X32 has them on the output busses going to the IEM's and the PSM200/EM900 devices have them also.
Click to expand...

Thanks; this will be for a wired solution via Rolls PM351 headphone amps, so need to rely on a separate unit for this. Saw the DBX has this and they are reasonably cheap on eBay. Appreciate the comments.
 
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#4
you'll want to set it with maximum ratio and minimum attack time, and adjust the threshold until it just doesn't kick over with normal volumes.

the idea is of course for it to do nothing with normal monitor use, but slam down hard on anything that goes over that normal level, like feedback.
 
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#5
This >>>
walterw said:
you'll want to set it with maximum ratio and minimum attack time, and adjust the threshold until it just doesn't kick over with normal volumes.

the idea is of course for it to do nothing with normal monitor use, but slam down hard on anything that goes over that normal level, like feedback.
Click to expand...

The 166 will be decent for what you need to do.

If you need regular compression, yeah, you could do better (and a lot worse, to be honest...). But your intention is to stop accidental damaging levels from hitting your ears. You don't want to be in limiting while you play with normal levels. Therefore, while it shouldn't suck dirt, you are't terribly worried about sound quality. You are worried about brick-wall limiting for ear protection.
 
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#7
TedH said:
Thanks; this will be for a wired solution via Rolls PM351 headphone amps, so need to rely on a separate unit for this. Saw the DBX has this and they are reasonably cheap on eBay. Appreciate the comments.
Click to expand...

Do you sing? If so, where are you placing the limiter in your chain to limit all the inputs to the PM351?

You might risk not having the limiter on your bass signal if your bass chain is pretty much straight-wire, with no filter or high-gain effects. But I'd be wary of leaving the limiter off the PM351's vocal mic input. Even if the band isn't using any stage wedges, you're gambling that the guitarist won't clumsily bash his headstock into your mic, or that nobody will ever tip over your mic stand.

Awkwardness happens; you'd hate to have it cost your hearing.
 
#8
EastCoastThump said:
Do you sing? If so, where are you placing the limiter in your chain to limit all the inputs to the PM351?

You might risk not having the limiter on your bass signal if your bass chain is pretty much straight-wire, with no filter or high-gain effects. But I'd be wary of leaving the limiter off the PM351's vocal mic input. Even if the band isn't using any stage wedges, you're gambling that the guitarist won't clumsily bash his headstock into your mic, or that nobody will ever tip over your mic stand.

Awkwardness happens; you'd hate to have it cost your hearing.
Click to expand...
Currently only in the shower :), but may do some backup stuff.

Fair points for sure, and that is one of the reasons that I'm buying the compressor, which is to control the inputs, especially for microphones and line out. If everyone wants to jump in the pool, then we likely need to move to a new board that will accommodate limiting on every channel. Right now, I'm trying to get the drummer and myself set up. The singers need a solution IMO, but can likely get the personal Rolls with the built in limiter.
 
#9
TedH said:
Currently only in the shower :), but may do some backup stuff.

Fair points for sure, and that is one of the reasons that I'm buying the compressor, which is to control the inputs, especially for microphones and line out. If everyone wants to jump in the pool, then we likely need to move to a new board that will accommodate limiting on every channel. Right now, I'm trying to get the drummer and myself set up. The singers need a solution IMO, but can likely get the personal Rolls with the built in limiter.
Click to expand...

My comments are directed at using the 166 on the mixer output feeding your IEM transmitter or or amplifier, not strictly on one instrument. The 166's inputs and outputs are line-level, it's doubtful that your bass's output will drive it properly. Besides, any input on the console could cause a problem that could damage your hearing.
 
#10
Geri O said:
My comments are directed at using the 166 on the mixer output feeding your IEM transmitter or or amplifier, not strictly on one instrument. The 166's inputs and outputs are line-level, it's doubtful that your bass's output will drive it properly. Besides, any input on the console could cause a problem that could damage your hearing.
Click to expand...
I'm with you. My approach was going to be:

vocals from monitor/board->166->PM351->IEM
my microphone->166->PM351->IEM
my amp->PM351->IEM (I have a TC BH550 with a DI out, will have bass compressor via TonePrint for now)

I think that should be solid. Let me know if that's a screwed up setup.
 

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