C100: Audio settings: Limiter vs attenuator vs trimming

[Darren Levine]

so, as i understand it, trimmer just lets you reduce the input by a certain amount, attenuation does something similar of it's own accord, and limiter protects blowouts?

please chime in here, what do you get the most use out and in what situations?

 

[BeeHop]

As a one man band I have always used the limiter for like you said 'to protect blowouts'. When ive been in extremely loud events like a nightclub etc I lower the trim which reduces the mic sensitivity. Re attenuation I have never touched it.

I should ask my soundie when I use one !!!

 

[Allan Black]

You should set your record levels before you start and depending on how varying the levels are going to be:

Eg: 2 actors having a heated argument on a boom mic, set the trim and attenuation a tad lower than you think it should be, and enable the limiter to contain peaks.

Eg: An acoustic guitar solo on a stand mic in front of the player, set the average trim first then attent. level, no limiter.

Every situation will be different, you gain experience with all of them, and never underestimate any situation.

In all cases record 10 secs of tone at the head and record tests with playback before you start each day. Always monitor the recording on headphones
and fill out sound sheets with takes and comments to assist post, even if it's you.

Cheers.