The Telos One Mix-Minus …
It was after a conversation with Scott Bourne that I sort of realized I may have approached a very important issue in a reversed order. Considering posts on my forum, email correspondence, and telephone inquiries, the implementation of a standard mix minus bus continues to baffle and confuse most people who are considering digital hybrid integration. To date, I have posted two articles [linked in the articles category] that address what I would consider advanced configurations and work-flows in reference to this issue. What I should have done is - begin this series of articles by addressing the basics prior to addressing advanced implementation.
I am now providing a new article that focuses on the basics of mix minus implementation, with specific reference to the Telos One … the industry standard. Keep in mind that the configuration concept can be applied to any digital hybrid with similar I/O options. Also, a stand-alone audio interface can be used without a mixer. There is a strong possibility that I may address this specifically in the very near future.
One final note: I wanted to reference the available I/O options on the back of the Telos One in a clear and efficient manner. It turns out that the graphics provided in the manual are not usable, and there is nothing else around on the web. So - I decided to graphically recreate the Telos One and I/O options myself. This required more work than the composition of the article. I hope you find this installment helpful …
-ptfigg.
Thanks Paul. You’ve helped me get this issue straight. I’m particularly looking forward to your tutorial on the face panel settings for the Telos One. Their effective application is still a mystery to me
In addition to studio-caller recordings, I’m also using a single telco line and single Telos unit to record client interviews. Do you have any advice on maximizing quality when passively recording second- and third-person conversations (no studio mic recorded) using 3-way calling (cleaner than most conference services)?
I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned from you Paul. Thanks.
Shayne
You are welcome for the help Shayne.
In this particular situation there is not much you can do on your end except hope the quality of the telco connection is halfway decent. In terms of levels, since the participants will be on a single track, apply ND/EQ first if necessary, then pass the file through our Levelator. This is about all that you can do.
-ptfigg.
Another keeper.
I followed your advice and got myself a Telos One. Great device, it works beautifully and I have already recorded three interviews with it with more planned in the near future.
Reading your 2 minus and the Telos manual, I had been able to figure the cabling by myself but it’s good to find a confirmation.
A suggestion for new topics: I am now considering recording in the field. Two specific situations that I am considering: recording a group photo event and recording the interaction between a photographer and his team (assistant, make-up artist, model). So my suggestion: articles on field-based recording would be great.
Hi Paul,
I’ve been using two Telos Ones in a mix minus configuration to record remote host and guest interview style podcasts, but have generally been unhappy with the sound quality. It seems as if the 40dB of separation on the hybrid, when two are used together is not sufficient to get the broadcast quality I’m looking for. Are the Delta 100s or the Telos Twos significantly better?
Hi Tim,
Here is a snippet, part of a segment that I recorded for a client.
The first thing that I need to make clear is that consistency can vary dramatically based on the quality of the telco connection[s] at any given time.
Also, assuming that you have things set up correctly, it’s possible that you are over driving the inputs on the hybrids. This can create big problems in terms of cross-talk and noise. I also suggest that you disengage the AGC on both hybrids.
Fill me in on your exact set-up configuration, mixer used, etc.
Keep in mind the example clip is after post production. I removed a slight hum that is normal with pots lines … and I maximized loudness.
-ptfigg.
Hi Paul,
Your snippet sounds very good. If I could get that level of quality all the time, I’d be happy. It’s come close a couple of times, but it’s never been that good.
Set up:
Two Telos Ones in a mix minus configuration
Mackie 1202 VLZ Pro mixer
dbx 266XL
Edirol UA1-EX USB converter
I’m using the Aux 1 and Aux 2 busses to create the mix minus feeds.
I do have AGC set to “on” for both Telos Ones. I’ve previously tried with AGC off but found that I got consistently “better” results with AGC on. I’ll try it again with AGC off and see if I can make it work.
Input levels to the Telos Ones. I monitor the input levels on the Telos Ones closely during the calls and the signal levels to each one are typically -12dB to -6dB. They rarely hit 0dB and never hit “Ovl”. Is that about right?
The mains of the Mackie go to the 266XL - one caller on the left the other on the right. I typically set the gate at -60dBu with a 2:1 ratio and the compressor at -20dBu at a 4:1 ratio for both channels.
The output from the 266XL goes into the Edirol.
I’ve done about 30 recordings and I’m surprised by the amount of “bleed through” between the left and right channels. It happens more on one channel than the other and I’m wondering if something is wrong with one of the hybrids. It’s not bad enough to be “broken” and I have been able to reduce the bleed through with the noise gate, but I’m thinking that there must be a better way.
This episode is a typical example:
http://www.personallifemedia.com/podcasts/beauty-now/episode004-janet-miller-hair-extensions.html
Thanks taking a listen for and thanks for your suggestions! I feel like there must be a few changes I can make to get the audio quality where I want it to be.