Beefing up OT output

technicoloraudio · 2015-04-30T05:36:10.000Z

Sometimes I find that even if I have a satisfactory sequence coming off the OT, once I start sequencing my analog gear, the OT sounds kinda weak.

I have been fairly exhaustive with my mixing options, and I’d rather not turn down my Sub37 and DRM1 to the point where they lose their edge.

I’m primarily using the OT with two PU machines, 5 static, and a master. OT, Sub37, and drm1 go into my Motu 828x and out either studio monitors or Yamaha powered speakers. I’ve been cognizant of phase and stereo imaging,

I have considered running the OT into the pre-amp channels of the Motu, but would prefer to put guitar in those holes.

Is anyone using outboard signal processing for their OT? Am I just doing it wrong?

reeloy · 2015-04-30T09:05:23.000Z

…since the ot has quite some different gainstaging options, it’s hard to tell you what might cause your impression the overall output is too low…
keep in mind, you got track levels…source volumes…and mastergain…
for now, if your using the mastertrack option anyway, give the compressor a try here and raise it’s gain carefully…

Rael · 2015-04-30T09:27:41.000Z

good advice
Also whenever the master track 8 is enabled
the overall volume drops by 27, you can put the master track 8 volume up to 127 fromm 100
and that does make a significant difference

aswell as the individual track volumes and initial volumes of your samples
there is the master volume on the mixer page
which is set to zero, and can go plus 63

Perso i have no problem with my OT volume, sitting aside its elektron companions AK and AR, and i leave the master volume at zero

michalronin · 2015-04-30T09:51:37.000Z

Read up on signal flow in Merlin’s “OT thoughts” (really, this article should be printed as an appendix to the official OT manual), very descriptive and enlightening.

analogback · 2015-04-30T11:07:46.000Z

“weak” sound can happen for a few reasons but i’m not sure it’s lack of volume here… The digital conversion can suck the perceived ‘body’ out of some types of raw analogue sampled sounds, especially midbass it seems. I thought this was more of a problem with the machinedrum sound when mixed with an all analogue kit but it’s actually an issue when analogue mixing of digital and analogue instruments generally. The OT has an airy quality that can sound great with an external pre-EQ, tube or solid state really helps to give some life back to the sterile, flavourless OT chip amplifiers. At the moment I’m using a Studer fixed EQ channel strip with nice old transformer inputs to help give the OT a more controlled, powerful tone generally, works a treat.

Allerian · 2015-05-04T14:05:46.000Z

Have you ever used a Master Track and given its filter distortion a little nudge?