I'm using one of these for voice processing my amateur radio station. This video helped me a lot in setting up the downward expander and compression. Your explanations are right to the point and quite helpful. I believe the voice symetry button is supposed to control the negative and positive voice peaks in such a way as to avoid overmodulating the transmitter. AM broadcast transmitters should not exceed 100% modulation or they will "splatter" and cause interference to neighboring signals.
Finally a pro that explains how things work! I have experimented with my own settings and even watched another video of how a voice over guy set his, but your run through made a world of difference. I have 4 of these units that all still work very well. I even have a couple of the DBX 286 units that I now know how to set better by watching another one of your video's. Can't thank you enough for your expertise and sharing with the rest of us.
Hello congratulations nice tutorial on this symetrix I have been using it for more than 10 years live on the air of my radio with a re20 c is so good I also found a Symetrix 628 more difficult to adjust I find with more adjustment on the compression and the expander gate Thank you for your advice that I am looking at here in France good luck
Just found your tutorial. I do voice over and hear that your voice and mine are similar. I was chuckling when you went through the compressor/limiter and then the EQ and they were incredibly similar to what I have my 528 set for. By the way, I'm using a Sennheiser 416 on my unit. Enjoyed your clear presentation. Thanks!
The voice symmetry is basically sounds more like a phase rotator or something like it. It makes sure that the waves are mostly in the middle. This can reduce over compression due to uneven waveforms but can impact the sound. This can be vital in broadcasting due to the amount of (multiband) compression and limiting.-
Hey Lenny this video was amazing, I learned so much just from your video, very well done. I do voice overs with the sm7b and for years i have been using the 528 the wrong way. Thank you so much! 🙏
Awesome Lenny!! Curious why you used cloud lifter. There’s more than enough gain in preamp even for that gain hungry mic. I have all kinds of preamps ….Wheatstone, Dbx, Avalon, distressor etc but I always Come back home to the 528e. Thanks again for breaking down the settings for me. FYI I’m the reason that management kept these things on lockdown. I was always “improving” the settings. As they say …. Your results may vary. Mark Driscoll my PD at Y95 in Dallas had 5 processors on our audio chain totally locked down including a sinclavier of some kind. We sounded like we were broadcasting from the death star. Keep up the great work. I really like what you are doing for the new generation of air talent. None of them have a PD, chief engineer or other talent to learn from. Forgive typos. I’m on my bike working out.
Great walkthrough of this unit. To really understand the 'symmetry' button, you should record it in your daw. You'll definitely have some microphones that create asymmetrical waceforms (even some high end studios like columbia have this in some of their recordings). Try it without and with this function.
Hi Nico, Thanks for the tip. I recorded with and without the symmetry button engaged and my wave file didn't seem to look too different. Maybe I'll give it a shot with a different mic. Thanks!
Great stuff, as always. I love gear talk. Focusing on the Symetrix with that LA-2A in the frame took a lot of work. Yes, there was some drooling. I noticed you adjusted the De-esser after the EQ, but looking at the back, the De-esser is normaled to the mic-pre output. It looks like you can customize the routing from the back with cabling. I did not see any routing when you plugged in the cables. Did you run the output of the EQ into the De-esser and then the output of the De-esser into the input of the output stage? I believe the Voice Symmetry switch corrects for excessive positive or negative signal peaks of the human voice. I assume it resembles what iZotope RX does with its phase module. I use that all the time before processing anything. Very cool device. A nice piece of gear in your toolbox.
Hi Rocnred. No, I didn't do any kind of routing for this video. However, it is cool that you can with this unit. I think I prefer doing De-Essing pre Pre EQ anyway. Thanks for watching!
Yes and No Beach Bum Media. Those two mics are dynamic yes, but have quite a different sound. The settings in this video would be a good start, but would ultimately be different because your voice and your room are different. I'm thinking of offering this type of setup as a service. I'm getting tons of requests.
I have an RE20 and I'm about to get a 528e. Maybe I'll make a video of my settings, but it will really vary by the voice and what you want to sound like in the end.
Hi @lucasjuniorproducer. It's a tough call because the Symetrix units are old, and if they work, you can't count on them for too much longer without needing to repair or replace them. For me, I think I'd lean toward a new DBX 286s, the Behringer UV1, or the ART Voice Channel. That's my opinion. Hope that helps.
YES! I made a comment in the Behringer UV1 video 4 months ago asking for this! This is the only good overview of this unit on RUclips (IMO), so thank you! I finally just bought one, and it's on the way, but down the road I'm thinking of swapping all the outboard stuff for a Universal Audio interface with the onboard DSP. I do a lot of narrated screen recordings for work through either an RE20 or an AT2035, and I do it "live" to save time, so I want the sound to be processed going in. It looks like one of those UA units will do this. Compared to the 528e, do you think the DSP interface would net me the same results or better? To ask that another way, would you rather have something like an Arrow or Apollo over the outboard analog processor? It's pretty attractive to me to just have one unit instead of a 19" rack-mount processor on my desk in addition to an interface, but only if the interface is reliable, and I can send the processed audio to something like Loom, Vimeo Record, Zoom, etc.
Adam, this is a fantastic (and very popular) subject. Would you be willing to chat with me on Zoom? I would like to answer this question for your and share it with on my channel. Email me at lenny@lennyb.com and we can discuss this further.
None that I know of. However, the Scheps Omni Channel is similar and offers a few more features. It's one of my favorite plugins for Voice-Over processing. It's by Waves plugins.
Great tutorial Lenny... I have this exact Voice processor....What settings would you recommend for the RE-27 mic? The mic itself has switch settings so I would need to know where they need to be defaulted as well....thanks in advance !
I would start with the switches on that mic in the flat position. Then I'd listen without any processing. If necessary, I would adjust the switches to get as close as possible to a sound that I like without processing using only the switches. Then, when I found the position I think sounds best on the voice, I'd use the 528e to optimize further. That's how I'd approach it. I hope that helps you.
Hello. Thanks for sharing the settings. I use my 528e together with the zoom Fn8 and Sennheiser MKH 416 microphone. Now yesterday I bought the Rodecaster pro ii. I don't think the noise gate is as good as that of the Symetrix. Can I also use the 528e together with the Rodecaster for the noise gate, for example? Or just stick with the zoom fn8 and send the roadcoster back? You can do a lot with the Rodecaster and you don't need any other devices.
Hi @aboezakariaa.a1240. Generally, the more stuff you put in the chain, the more noise is introduced to the signal. However, there are no rules. I think you should try all configurations and do what sounds best to you. Hope that helps.
They each have different pros and cons. I lean towards the DBX only because you can get them new. You can see the DBX review here ruclips.net/video/mTg-HzHTsec/видео.htmlsi=uRuNIPUdnndQGKf0
very nice video! what do you think is better? the dbx 286s or the symetrix 528e? Also, which one has a better compressor? Could you tell me in a couple of words?
Great vid. I love mine but it's getting long in the tooth as it's 20 plus years old.. How would you say it compares the the new units out there like the Behrenger?
Hi Nick. The Behringer UV1, the DBX 286s and the Drawmer MX 60 are all great. There are more channel strips out there and I intend to do videos on all of them soon. I think decades kind of degrades the audio, but it could be in my head. I love my DBX286s for a quick and dirty great broadcast sound. However, there's nothing that can beat the detail and control I can get when processing with plugins. I guess it all depends on what you're using it for. Thanks for watching.
@@HeyLennyB Cool! Thanks for the reply. I do have some good channel strip plug ins but find it's easier when doing voicetracks for radio to not have to individually process each file. I enjoy your vids. Cheers!
Hi @SaverioTanzi, That's a tough question. I'd probably lean towards the DBX only because my 528e is very old. However they really both offer a great sound.
Hi@@HeyLennyB, does the dbx 286A (not Project 1, just vanilla in black color) sound different/worse than the dbx 286S? Does the Symmetrix have better sound quality overall than the dbx? Thanks!
Hello, I bought a Symetrix 528e and I'm having a problem, I looked at videos saying to change an internal switch to use the line output to get better audio quality, but the equalizer, compressor and esser are not working, I've done everything and I can't make them work, would it be because I'm entering it with XLR and leaving it as a line or maybe it's a defect in the device itself? Thanks !
I'm not sure I understand what you are asking. Do you want to know the price of the Symetrix 528E? Unfortunately, they are no longer made. However, you can find them used online. Prices will vary.
![Kodak Black - Versatile 4 [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VcP_1Ua__vY/mqdefault.jpg)
Wow, well done! We're very happy people still use our products in the studio, since that is where we got our start. Same with the 501 Comp...
Are there new and current products made/sold?
Yes. Check them out here: www.symetrix.co
Love my 528E, it makes sounding good easy.
They were in almost every station I worked at! Terrific product!
I'm using one of these for voice processing my amateur radio station. This video helped me a lot in setting up the downward expander and compression. Your explanations are right to the point and quite helpful. I believe the voice symetry button is supposed to control the negative and positive voice peaks in such a way as to avoid overmodulating the transmitter. AM broadcast transmitters should not exceed 100% modulation or they will "splatter" and cause interference to neighboring signals.
Thanks for the info! 👍
Finally a pro that explains how things work! I have experimented with my own settings and even watched another video of how a voice over guy set his, but your run through made a world of difference. I have 4 of these units that all still work very well. I even have a couple of the DBX 286 units that I now know how to set better by watching another one of your video's. Can't thank you enough for your expertise and sharing with the rest of us.
I used to be in radio and I believe a few stations where I worked had one of these. This is a great explanation, well done!
I used a Symetrix 601 for years. It was awesome. Great A/D too.
Hello congratulations nice tutorial on this symetrix I have been using it for more than 10 years live on the air of my radio with a re20 c is so good
I also found a Symetrix 628 more difficult to adjust I find with more adjustment on the compression and the expander gate
Thank you for your advice that I am looking at here in France good luck
Just found your tutorial. I do voice over and hear that your voice and mine are similar. I was chuckling when you went through the compressor/limiter and then the EQ and they were incredibly similar to what I have my 528 set for. By the way, I'm using a Sennheiser 416 on my unit. Enjoyed your clear presentation. Thanks!
Hi @voiceofjeff. Glad it was helpful!
The voice symmetry is basically sounds more like a phase rotator or something like it. It makes sure that the waves are mostly in the middle. This can reduce over compression due to uneven waveforms but can impact the sound.
This can be vital in broadcasting due to the amount of (multiband) compression and limiting.-
Hey Lenny this video was amazing, I learned so much just from your video, very well done. I do voice overs with the sm7b and for years i have been using the 528 the wrong way. Thank you so much! 🙏
This makes me happy! Thanks for taking the time to write.
Very helpful walkthrough - even after having done this many times. Thank you!
Awesome Lenny!! Curious why you used cloud lifter. There’s more than enough gain in preamp even for that gain hungry mic. I have all kinds of preamps ….Wheatstone, Dbx, Avalon, distressor etc but I always Come back home to the 528e. Thanks again for breaking down the settings for me. FYI I’m the reason that management kept these things on lockdown. I was always “improving” the settings. As they say …. Your results may vary. Mark Driscoll my PD at Y95 in Dallas had 5 processors on our audio chain totally locked down including a sinclavier of some kind. We sounded like we were broadcasting from the death star. Keep up the great work. I really like what you are doing for the new generation of air talent. None of them have a PD, chief engineer or other talent to learn from. Forgive typos. I’m on my bike working out.
Great walkthrough of this unit.
To really understand the 'symmetry' button, you should record it in your daw. You'll definitely have some microphones that create asymmetrical waceforms (even some high end studios like columbia have this in some of their recordings). Try it without and with this function.
Hi Nico, Thanks for the tip. I recorded with and without the symmetry button engaged and my wave file didn't seem to look too different. Maybe I'll give it a shot with a different mic. Thanks!
Great tutorial. If anyone needs one rebuilt or REPAIRED.. I work on these all the time... So feel free to contact me if you need one repaired...
Great stuff, as always. I love gear talk. Focusing on the Symetrix with that LA-2A in the frame took a lot of work. Yes, there was some drooling. I noticed you adjusted the De-esser after the EQ, but looking at the back, the De-esser is normaled to the mic-pre output. It looks like you can customize the routing from the back with cabling. I did not see any routing when you plugged in the cables. Did you run the output of the EQ into the De-esser and then the output of the De-esser into the input of the output stage?
I believe the Voice Symmetry switch corrects for excessive positive or negative signal peaks of the human voice. I assume it resembles what iZotope RX does with its phase module. I use that all the time before processing anything. Very cool device. A nice piece of gear in your toolbox.
Hi Rocnred. No, I didn't do any kind of routing for this video. However, it is cool that you can with this unit. I think I prefer doing De-Essing pre Pre EQ anyway. Thanks for watching!
Boy did I need this video! I imagine that your settings would be fairly close to the RE20 as well? Both of them being dynamic microphones?
Yes and No Beach Bum Media. Those two mics are dynamic yes, but have quite a different sound. The settings in this video would be a good start, but would ultimately be different because your voice and your room are different. I'm thinking of offering this type of setup as a service. I'm getting tons of requests.
I have an RE20 and I'm about to get a 528e. Maybe I'll make a video of my settings, but it will really vary by the voice and what you want to sound like in the end.
What a great Vocal sound. Still worth the Symetrix in this days in your oppinion? Thanks. 528 or 528E?
Hi @lucasjuniorproducer. It's a tough call because the Symetrix units are old, and if they work, you can't count on them for too much longer without needing to repair or replace them. For me, I think I'd lean toward a new DBX 286s, the Behringer UV1, or the ART Voice Channel. That's my opinion. Hope that helps.
@@HeyLennyB Of course . I will go with the Amek Pure Path by RNeve. Expensive but really good. Thanks a lot... :)
YES! I made a comment in the Behringer UV1 video 4 months ago asking for this! This is the only good overview of this unit on RUclips (IMO), so thank you!
I finally just bought one, and it's on the way, but down the road I'm thinking of swapping all the outboard stuff for a Universal Audio interface with the onboard DSP.
I do a lot of narrated screen recordings for work through either an RE20 or an AT2035, and I do it "live" to save time, so I want the sound to be processed going in. It looks like one of those UA units will do this. Compared to the 528e, do you think the DSP interface would net me the same results or better? To ask that another way, would you rather have something like an Arrow or Apollo over the outboard analog processor?
It's pretty attractive to me to just have one unit instead of a 19" rack-mount processor on my desk in addition to an interface, but only if the interface is reliable, and I can send the processed audio to something like Loom, Vimeo Record, Zoom, etc.
Adam, this is a fantastic (and very popular) subject. Would you be willing to chat with me on Zoom? I would like to answer this question for your and share it with on my channel. Email me at lenny@lennyb.com and we can discuss this further.
Great tone! Does anyone produce a plugin for this particular device?
None that I know of. However, the Scheps Omni Channel is similar and offers a few more features. It's one of my favorite plugins for Voice-Over processing. It's by Waves plugins.
After comparing the DBX 286(A) to the 528E. I can say for ham radio use, the 528E spanks the DBX.
Great tutorial Lenny... I have this exact Voice processor....What settings would you recommend for the RE-27 mic? The mic itself has switch settings so I would need to know where they need to be defaulted as well....thanks in advance !
I would start with the switches on that mic in the flat position. Then I'd listen without any processing. If necessary, I would adjust the switches to get as close as possible to a sound that I like without processing using only the switches. Then, when I found the position I think sounds best on the voice, I'd use the 528e to optimize further. That's how I'd approach it. I hope that helps you.
@@HeyLennyB appreciate it...I'll let you know how it goes !
Hello. Thanks for sharing the settings. I use my 528e together with the zoom Fn8 and Sennheiser MKH 416 microphone. Now yesterday I bought the Rodecaster pro ii. I don't think the noise gate is as good as that of the Symetrix. Can I also use the 528e together with the Rodecaster for the noise gate, for example? Or just stick with the zoom fn8 and send the roadcoster back? You can do a lot with the Rodecaster and you don't need any other devices.
Hi @aboezakariaa.a1240. Generally, the more stuff you put in the chain, the more noise is introduced to the signal. However, there are no rules. I think you should try all configurations and do what sounds best to you. Hope that helps.
Great test! This or the dbx 286A is the better choice?
They each have different pros and cons. I lean towards the DBX only because you can get them new. You can see the DBX review here ruclips.net/video/mTg-HzHTsec/видео.htmlsi=uRuNIPUdnndQGKf0
The voice symmetry sounds like parallel compression being pushed up underneath the final signal.
very nice video! what do you think is better? the dbx 286s or the symetrix 528e? Also, which one has a better compressor? Could you tell me in a couple of words?
Hi Mike, You won't get answer to that question from me. For voice, they're both great for different reasons.
What was your Shure SM7b settings? Thanks
Hi @Art_64. I believe they were flat.
Is it good for singing voice recording?
I expect it would be good for singing (both live and recording)
Great vid.
I love mine but it's getting long in the tooth as it's 20 plus years old..
How would you say it compares the the new units out there like the Behrenger?
Hi Nick. The Behringer UV1, the DBX 286s and the Drawmer MX 60 are all great. There are more channel strips out there and I intend to do videos on all of them soon. I think decades kind of degrades the audio, but it could be in my head. I love my DBX286s for a quick and dirty great broadcast sound. However, there's nothing that can beat the detail and control I can get when processing with plugins. I guess it all depends on what you're using it for. Thanks for watching.
@@HeyLennyB Cool! Thanks for the reply. I do have some good channel strip plug ins but find it's easier when doing voicetracks for radio to not have to individually process each file. I enjoy your vids. Cheers!
I'm with you 100%
How does this compare to the DBX 286s? Seem hard to find this in my country.
I believe they can both sound good. The Symetrix offers a little more control. They're hard to find because they're discontinued. Thanks for watching.
Good stuff😎
Do you prefer The Symetrix 528E or DBX 286s?
Hi @SaverioTanzi, That's a tough question. I'd probably lean towards the DBX only because my 528e is very old. However they really both offer a great sound.
@@HeyLennyB Thanks a lot for the answer!
Hi@@HeyLennyB, does the dbx 286A (not Project 1, just vanilla in black color) sound different/worse than the dbx 286S? Does the Symmetrix have better sound quality overall than the dbx? Thanks!
thanks sir keep it up
Lenny, is there any reason that this or the 286s would be a worthy addition if someone already owns unison channel strips? -for VO, audiobook etc.
In my opinion, no. The UA AMS Neve DFC channel strip, for example, has everything the DBX has with a higher-quality signal path.
Hello, I bought a Symetrix 528e and I'm having a problem, I looked at videos saying to change an internal switch to use the line output to get better audio quality, but the equalizer, compressor and esser are not working, I've done everything and I can't make them work, would it be because I'm entering it with XLR and leaving it as a line or maybe it's a defect in the device itself? Thanks !
It's difficult to tell. I don't have any experience with the internal switch Mod. Sorry-
Someone should make a plugin.
Hello, can you purchase this device and send it to Turkey? I will send it to you, whatever the price.
price??
I'm not sure I understand what you are asking. Do you want to know the price of the Symetrix 528E? Unfortunately, they are no longer made. However, you can find them used online. Prices will vary.
Behringer UV1