Nebula Explained Free - Secrets Of Nebula Gain Staging Pt 1

[david1103]

Here it is, I hope you all enjoy it and really look forward to some feedback!

Please sign up for the full course if you have not done so already, this is just a taster!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaHQJ0T9iHg&hd=1

Table of Contents
-----------------
What is Gain Staging?
What are the Basic Concepts of Gain Staging?
Signal to Noise Ratio
Headroom
Example of a Typical Signal Chain
An Audio Example Of Having Gain Too Low
The Problems With Having Gain Too High
Why is Gain Staging so Important For Nebula?
Too Much Input Volume to Nebula: Overload & Artefacts
Too Little Input Volume to Nebula on a Dynamic Program: Loosing Realism & 3D Sound
Nebula's Dynamic Layers
The Optimum Input Volume to Nebula and Controlling the Level Of Distortion
Testing SCS Treble & Bass Amp EQ For Distortion
Summary
Coming Next: -18dBFS RMS = 0dBVU

[jkervin]

Seriously, if this is an indication as to how this course is going to be, I'm thrilled! Really well done. Examples and explanations couldn't be clearer. The section on the envelope follower was brand new to me, but was definitely explained well. I had a decent grasp on gain staging before, but didn't really have a good understanding on how it affected Nebula - so this really, really helped me.

I'm even more excited for this than I was before (and I was pretty excited).

THANKS!!!

[zabukowski]

Excellent work, i was looking at the video as a small child with mouth open

I've guess I am not a newbie, but I really found it interesting and very well done ...

Zabukowski

[jeffbdavis]

Really terrific work on this!

[Gemini Audio]

The video is excellent!

[hwasser]

Thank you! I have never used a real analog mixing console so this was very helpful to me. I have only had nebula for two weeks but have learned so much already, for example:
Now I know that I used to record to loud.
I am learning how different EQs sounds (analog that is), I have had the URS N, N4 and A for years but nebula sounds completely different, might I even say more analog? (that is, more different from the digital EQs I have)

I have some analog preamps though, my favorite is the Vintage Design M87D (sort of N**e 1081 with the output section of a N**e 1073 with an air-button for more presence, built by hand by an audio-enthusiast in Sweden with Carnhill/St'Ives-transformators). It sounds really good matched with AlexBs N**e 1073-eq-program. I'm not such a fan with the high-shelf of the 1073 though, there I prefer the Telefunken W695s-high-shelf.

[giancarlo]

very good!
Just a side note: even if acustica's new planned releases will feature new products, this knowledge base will not change.We could hide menus, make things more applealing or skinning things here and there, but our core engine will not change any more, so general rules will apply.

[david1103]

Thank you everyone for you support and very kind comments!

[indelible]

Great video.I have a question.What about the relation between rms and peaks?For example on percussion instruments sometimes vu meter is really low and if try to a rise the reach 0VU the peaks goes over digital 0.In this case I have to watch the peaks and put them between -10 and -6?

[Cupwise]

tons of info,
professional look and sound,
very focused,
logical flow,
great first video and a great introduction to the series. every nebula user should see it.
great job, david!

[enriquesilveti]

Great video.I have a question.What about the relation between rms and peaks?For example on percussion instruments sometimes vu meter is really low and if try to a rise the reach 0VU the peaks goes over digital 0.In this case I have to watch the peaks and put them between -10 and -6?

PPM > Peak = sort time value
VUM > RMS = middle time value around 300/400 ms

If your audio program (for example percution instrument) has huge dynamics, you can rise your normalization value to -20, -22 or -24 dBFS or use a peak limiter to reduce the difference between peak and RMS value.

[indelible]

Great video.I have a question.What about the relation between rms and peaks?For example on percussion instruments sometimes vu meter is really low and if try to a rise the reach 0VU the peaks goes over digital 0.In this case I have to watch the peaks and put them between -10 and -6?

PPM > Peak = sort time value
VUM > RMS = middle time value around 300/400 ms

If your audio program (for example percution instrument) has huge dynamics, you can rise your normalization value to -20, -22 or -24 dBFS or use a peak limiter to reduce the difference between peak and RMS value.

So if I refer only to the peaks values of a snare and leave them between -10 and -6 the gain staging is not right?It's better to solve the difference between the peaks and the rms and then going to 0VU i guess

[enriquesilveti]

So if I refer only to the peaks values of a snare and leave them between -10 and -6 the gain staging is not right?It's better to solve the difference between the peaks and the rms and then going to 0VU i guess

You ears works in RMS, your digital system in peaks. If -18 dBFS is 0VU in your system. Use trim pre insert to get a RMS level around -18 dBFS if peaks exceed -1.00 dBFS you will need a limiter in the insert point. To make things easy is better to work with a headroom higher than the dynamic range of the highest track. You can limit or compress more dBs but is for the esthetics of the sound.

[indelible]

So if I refer only to the peaks values of a snare and leave them between -10 and -6 the gain staging is not right?It's better to solve the difference between the peaks and the rms and then going to 0VU i guess

You ears works in RMS, your digital system in peaks. If -18 dBFS is 0VU in your system. Use trim pre insert to get a RMS level around -18 dBFS if peaks exceed -1.00 dBFS you will need a limiter in the insert point. To make things easy is better to work with a headroom higher than the dynamic range of the highest track. You can limit or compress more dBs but is for the esthetics of the sound.

Good answer.Thank you

[djayart]

Excellent vid.
Can't wait to see more.