I was browsing through a wholesalers catalog and found a Terk Volume Regulator. It says it is compatible with any audio device using RCA jacks and uses digital signal processing for automatic volume adjustments in 2/1000's of a second. It also claims to remove hiss and has built in noise reduction and works well with MP3 playback through audio devices and computers. Basically what it seems to do is to equalize volume levels from an audio source.
I was browsing through a wholesalers catalog and found a Terk Volume Regulator. It says it is compatible with any audio device using RCA jacks and uses digital signal processing for automatic volume adjustments in 2/1000's of a second. It also claims to remove hiss and has built in noise reduction and works well with MP3 playback through audio devices and computers. Basically what it seems to do is to equalize volume levels from an audio source.
Have any of you used one of these as a poor man's limiter? They cost around $35. It would seem to me that they would help a station have a more consistent volume level, even if it wasn't super high quality compression and limiting. Before I order one I'd like to hear from anyone who has used one on their station and what results you had.
Here's some reviews from folks that used it for general stuff. I'd try it.. 🙂
The "Turk Volume Regulator" in simple terms is a broadband compressor or "leveler". It has a mediocre "attack" time and a reasonably slow "recovery" time. If you have nothing else to use, it would be OK.
However, there are several very good software audio "processors" that will do a far better job of controlling audio for a broadcast station. And best of all, most are $35.00 down to free downloads.
A basic broadcast audio processing system in this day and age should have, as many as possible, the following:
1. a gated expander (AM/FM)
2. multiband equalization (AM/FM)
3. stereo image enhancer (FM)
4. multiband compressor/limiter (AM/FM)
5. dual band final compressor/limiter (AM/FM)
6. clipper (FM)
7. phase adjuster (AM)
8. pre-emphasis (AM/FM)
9. NRSC audio mask (AM)
10. assymetrical modulation controller (AM)
11. peak limiter (AM)
If you want to sound like the "big boys" then you need to learn what these things do and how they work. Or make friends with someone who can help you learn and do more than fiddle with the knobs.
The object of audio processing in broadcasting is to get noticed by the listener as sounding "really" good and reasonably loud. Of course, that is as subjective a judgement as anyone can make. So, if it doesn't sound good to you, it doesn't sound good to the listener either. If the listener has to turn their radio up or down to listen to your station when tuning in, then you need to spend some time and money to "improve" your stations audio chain. Excessive distortion on the signal from over modulation or audio chain by-products can make a station unlistenable. And sometimes, biting the bullet for the right set of tools is the most inexpensive and satisfying in the long run.
Marshall Johnson, Sr.
Rhema Radio - The Word In Worship
http://www.rhemaradio.org
8. pre-emphasis (AM/FM)
10. assymetrical modulation controller (AM)
Do you know of any VST plugins that provide these functions? I have looked at lots of free ones and a few paid ones, but haven't seen any that do these two functions.
On the pre-emphasis, I found a web page that tells how to simulate a 75uS pre-emphasis curve with an equalizer.
Hi 12vman- The reviews were helpful. It seems this would be a good product for us. Much of our programming is from CD's or DVD's or live and it sounds like this device would help with the audio levels as only a portion of our programming is run through the computer. Thanks!
I have searched high and low for plugins that will provide actual broadcast quality transmitter audio processing. And, as of yet, I have found none. However, there are several stand-alone programs that do a pretty good job. Several automation software systems provide most of the items on the list. However, when it comes to getting close to NRSC AM standard compliance, I have not found any plugins or programs that would allow the "non-engineer" to properly process transmitter audio.
When it comes to assymetrical modulation control, the only current source is with broadcast audio processing boxes like the Inovonics 222. This processor has a peak limiter, pre-emphasis (NRSC standard) and the NRSC audio mask. All of which will help your station sound like the big boys. Its the box I use.
Spacial Audio's SAM3 and DRS2006 both have excellent audio processing engines. I use SAM3 for the processing and for the user friendly audio codec encoders. Both of the aforementioned programs have 50 u/sec and 75 u/sec pre-emphasis. In fact, SAM3 has enable buttons on the processing page of the interface. I am sure there are a lot more available.
The best route, however, is to discover what your station can use, and actually needs, depending on the application and/or transmitter design. Some Part 15 AM transmitters will not produce 125 percent modulation, ever.
And remember, when you pre-emphasize audio, there will be momentary spikes of high frequency audio energy that can cause the transmitter to over modulate. It takes special multi-band processing and/or DSP to control this type of audio. Plus, on FM these spikes cause some really weird signal products with the composite audio. So, beware.
The free-download or $35 software solution has been elusive up to now. Maybe in the future someone will solve this dilemma for the low budget Part 15 broadcast station.
Marshall Johnson, Sr.
Rhema Radio - The Word In Worship
http://www.rhemaradio.org
While this thread is centered on real time processing, it might be worth a moment to check out Peak Limiter at:
http://www.x-ways.net/peaklimiter/index-m.html
Peak Limiter is a nice little WAV file processor that gives you peak limiting and vloume normalization far beyond anything else I've seen in low cost audio processing.
Running one of your pre-recorded files though the Peak Limiter process; like bumpers, segues, liners and other essential parts of a broadcast day, can really improve the listenability of your program content.
The application is available for an unlimited trial from the link above, and the unregistered version only gives you an audio nag ("Please register"). Registration is around $25.00