13.10 Using The Rta While Mixing - PRESONUS StudioLive III Series Owner's Manual

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13.10 Using the RTA While Mixing

13.10 Using the RTA While Mixing
Below are some of the most common parameters for the flanger and chorus effects:
• Rate. Sets the frequency of the LFO modulating the delayed signal.
• Width. Shifts the phase of the LFO modulating the delayed signal.
• Shape. Sets the type of wave form the LFO will use to modulate the delayed signal.
• Delay Offset. This is the time (in milliseconds) between the source signal and the
delayed signal.
• Delay Modulation Amplitude. Sets the amplitude of the LFO modulating the
delayed signal.
• Delay Feedback. Variable feedback, or regeneration, produces multiple decaying
repeats. Increasing the feedback value increases the number of echoes, as well as
the resonance that is created as one echo disappears into another.
The Standard EQ is equipped with a Real-time analyzer, or RTA, in which x =
frequency and y = amplitude. An RTA provides a close visual representation of
what you are hearing because it is a view of amplitude and frequency content over
a specified plane in real time. It provides a view of the long-term spectrum of the
signal—for example, the one- third-octave spectrum long-term average of a musical
performance.
The ability to analyze frequency content—specifically, being able to visualize the
exact frequencies you are hearing in order to hone in on problem areas— makes the
RTA a secret weapon for many a mix engineer. The RTA also lends itself very well to
ear training and gives you confidence that you are choosing the right frequencies
when making adjustments.
Because the RTA is analyzing the channel or bus signal digitally, room and speaker
anomalies are taken out of the equation. This provides a pure measurement of your
mix because you are measuring what is happening inside your StudioLive.
For example, let's say you are mixing a particularly edgy-sounding lead guitar that
is competing with the male vocal and distracting from the overall good tone of
the instrument. By using the RTA in the Fat Channel, you can quickly identify the
offending frequency by looking for spikes in the RTA. This saves time and frustration
by taking some of the guesswork out of equalization.
Power User Tip: It should be noted that an RTA cannot be used as a substitute for careful
listening. While these tools provide a great visual analysis of your mix, critical listening
must always be your main guide.
StudioLive™ Series III
Owner's Manual
140