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Chapter 7: Editing Presets
Many broadcasters will be amazed at the dramatic sonic improvements Omnia-3 delivers right out of the box
using one of the factory presets. Some will want to tailor the presets slightly to create a more "custom" sound. A
few broadcasters will wish to delve in and really modify the parameter settings to create their own "signature
sound."
If you're new to audio processing, we recommend proceeding with caution. Your success in getting the most
out of your Omnia-3 processor starts with knowing your objectives beforehand. If your goal is to be the
moment-to-moment loudest station and obtain extreme amounts of detail and quality, please keep in mind that
there are limits. Thus far, there has never been any research, or ratings information, that has indicated that being
the moment-to-moment loudest station on the dial is of sole benefit. Generally it gives a select few individuals
the false security that louder is better and that the added distortion from added loudness doesn't generate a
negative effect on your listeners. Be careful.
Having said all of this, though, we firmly believe that Omnia processors will get you closer to your ideal than
any other processor or combination of processors. It is definitely capable of generating moment-to-moment
loudness; it has the muscle. The point of view presented in the paragraph above is motivated by an effort to
encourage broadcasters to create good, competitive loudness while maintaining a high degree of quality.
Preset Editing Overview
Clarify Your Processing Objectives
Whether one is seeking better overall quality or specific spectral improvements, try to articulate and write down
your goals. Do you want a little more loudness or "presence" on the dial? Are there certain characteristics of the
sound of other stations in your market that you want to emulate or surpass? Are there any you want to avoid?
This point is probably the most contentious issue with regards to adjusting processing. Please give thought—
real thought, to how you'd like your station to sound. What do we mean by that? Well, if your desire is to add
loudness, and in most cases it probably will be, decide on the degree of loudness that you want. Is the goal to be
competitively loud with respect to other stations on the dial, or must you be the kingpin, the moment-to-moment
loudest thing known to God and Man? This will impact how you set up the processing.
Engineering, programming, and management should all participate in the development of these objectives. After
all, processing can have a direct effect on the bottom line of your station. A little bit of agreement before
installation can save you a whole lot of disagreement afterwards.
Set Aside Some Time
It can take some time, a good deal of serious time to optimize the audio processing for your station. We realize
that in our business today, time is a precious commodity. But please don't try to install the Omnia-3 in between
other major projects or the week your boss or your assistant is on vacation. Make certain in advance that the
staff members who helped you set your objectives will be available to consult with you when you adjust the
processing parameters.
How much is enough time? We feel that working with a system for at least a week is a good starting point. We
don't suggest that you drop everything for a solid week. What we do recommend is that you install the Omnia-3
during a week when you can spend a few hours per day on the project.
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