[John Abnarthy]

For years, I've been using a tiny FIIO amp ahead of my car MP3 player to
play my mostly classical music. The amp has a cassette adapter in it
that allows me to play the system through my car's stereo. While this
has worked pretty well and, to my surprise, the tiny FIIO amp has lasted
over nine years, I've always wanted to add a small compressor/ limiter
between the MP3 player and amp. Oh, I've done some of the compression
in software, but for many, many MP3's, this takes a lot of time and have
been wondering for quite some time if there was a small unit about the
size of the FIIO that is of decent quality and not too expensive that
would be suitable? Thanks.

[Scott Dorsey]

John Abnarthy wrote:
For years, I've been using a tiny FIIO amp ahead of my car MP3 player to
play my mostly classical music. The amp has a cassette adapter in it
that allows me to play the system through my car's stereo. While this
has worked pretty well and, to my surprise, the tiny FIIO amp has lasted
over nine years, I've always wanted to add a small compressor/ limiter
between the MP3 player and amp. Oh, I've done some of the compression
in software, but for many, many MP3's, this takes a lot of time and have
been wondering for quite some time if there was a small unit about the
size of the FIIO that is of decent quality and not too expensive that
would be suitable? Thanks.

A long time ago, Blaupunkt made a number of head units and standalone car
stereos that had dynamic range control (actually more of a slow AGC than a
fast compressor) built in. They may still do.

You might also ask in rec.audio.car.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[geoff]

On 21/10/2016 1:30 AM, Scott Dorsey wrote:
John Abnarthy wrote:


A long time ago, Blaupunkt made a number of head units and standalone car
stereos that had dynamic range control (actually more of a slow AGC than a
fast compressor) built in. They may still do.

You might also ask in rec.audio.car.
--scott



Yes, some current car CD/USB players do indeed have built-in compressor
controls. And some 'Loudness' controls .

No, I can't remember which, but the one I saw was a major Jap brand ;-|

geoff

[Mike Rivers[_2_]]

On 10/20/2016 2:57 PM, geoff wrote:
Yes, some current car CD/USB players do indeed have built-in compressor
controls. And some 'Loudness' controls .

So you're suggesting that he buy a new car? I had a Mitsubishi Galant
rental car more than 20 years ago that had a compressor, by some other
name. I guess if they called it "compressor" you'd think it was for
filling the tires.

--

For a good time, call http://mikeriversaudio.wordpress.com

[geoff]

On 21/10/2016 9:29 a.m., Mike Rivers wrote:
On 10/20/2016 2:57 PM, geoff wrote:
Yes, some current car CD/USB players do indeed have built-in compressor
controls. And some 'Loudness' controls .

So you're suggesting that he buy a new car? I had a Mitsubishi Galant
rental car more than 20 years ago that had a compressor, by some other
name. I guess if they called it "compressor" you'd think it was for
filling the tires.


Anew car - why ? A bit like buying a new house if what you want is a
new TV.

geoff

[Mike Rivers[_2_]]

On 10/20/2016 2:57 PM, geoff wrote:
Yes, some current car CD/USB players do indeed have built-in
compressor controls. And some 'Loudness' controls .

On 21/10/2016 9:29 a.m., Mike Rivers wrote:
So you're suggesting that he buy a new car? I had a Mitsubishi
Galant rental car more than 20 years ago that had a compressor, by
some other name. I guess if they called it "compressor" you'd think
it was for filling the tires.

On 10/20/2016 4:44 PM, geoff wrote:
Anew car - why ? A bit like buying a new house if what you want is a
new TV.

Well, as quoted from you above, you did say "some current cars . . . "

Perhaps you were suggesting that he get a new aftermarket audio system
for his present car? Whether or not that makes sense, or is even
possible, depends on what kind of car he has now. I have a 2003 Lexus
ES-300, and when I investigated a new audio system so I could have a
line input (this was before anyone put a USB file player in a car) I was
told by three shops that what I had was so custom that nothing they sold
would fit, nor would integrate with the amplifiers and speakers.

I think this car might last longer than me, so I guess when I go on long
trips I'll have to be content listening to my phone playing MP3 files
through a cassette adapter. Fortunately it's old enough to still have a
cassette player, as well as a 5-disk in-dash CD changer that sometimes
has to be coaxed to eject a disk.



--

For a good time, call http://mikeriversaudio.wordpress.com

[geoff]

On 21/10/2016 10:32 a.m., Mike Rivers wrote:

On 10/20/2016 2:57 PM, geoff wrote:
Yes, some current car CD/USB players do indeed have built-in
compressor controls. And some 'Loudness' controls .

On 21/10/2016 9:29 a.m., Mike Rivers wrote:
So you're suggesting that he buy a new car? I had a Mitsubishi
Galant rental car more than 20 years ago that had a compressor, by
some other name. I guess if they called it "compressor" you'd think
it was for filling the tires.

On 10/20/2016 4:44 PM, geoff wrote:
Anew car - why ? A bit like buying a new house if what you want is a
new TV.

Well, as quoted from you above, you did say "some current cars . . . "


Naa . The object being referred to was not the "car" but the "car
CD/USB players" ;-)

geoff

[Scott Dorsey]

geoff wrote:

Naa . The object being referred to was not the "car" but the "car
CD/USB players" ;-)

Nevertheless there are good arguments to be made for a quieter car that
will require less compression. If your car didn't come equipped with
air conditioning, for instance, a new car might be a worthwhile improvement.
--scott

--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[JackA]

On Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 5:32:41 PM UTC-4, Mike Rivers wrote:
On 10/20/2016 2:57 PM, geoff wrote:
Yes, some current car CD/USB players do indeed have built-in
compressor controls. And some 'Loudness' controls .

On 21/10/2016 9:29 a.m., Mike Rivers wrote:
So you're suggesting that he buy a new car? I had a Mitsubishi
Galant rental car more than 20 years ago that had a compressor, by
some other name. I guess if they called it "compressor" you'd think
it was for filling the tires.

On 10/20/2016 4:44 PM, geoff wrote:
Anew car - why ? A bit like buying a new house if what you want is a
new TV.

Well, as quoted from you above, you did say "some current cars . . . "

You mean, melted Barbie Doll cars of today. Plastic crap.
Took my 20 year old car to Firestone to get some work done. Mechanic (from India) tells me, "sir, they don't make them like this anymore!". I knew that, but nice to see he noticed all the My Pillow garbage of today.

I suggest John try my 3kHz boost approach, rather than a compressor. Though it may be dangerous and shatter every car window!

Jack

Perhaps you were suggesting that he get a new aftermarket audio system
for his present car? Whether or not that makes sense, or is even
possible, depends on what kind of car he has now. I have a 2003 Lexus
ES-300, and when I investigated a new audio system so I could have a
line input (this was before anyone put a USB file player in a car) I was
told by three shops that what I had was so custom that nothing they sold
would fit, nor would integrate with the amplifiers and speakers.

I think this car might last longer than me, so I guess when I go on long
trips I'll have to be content listening to my phone playing MP3 files
through a cassette adapter. Fortunately it's old enough to still have a
cassette player, as well as a 5-disk in-dash CD changer that sometimes
has to be coaxed to eject a disk.



--

For a good time, call http://mikeriversaudio.wordpress.com

[[email protected]]

JackA: "3kHz boost approach"

I've come to the conclusion that you just want to be different. You
KNOW that the region 2-4kHz is the LAST arsa of the human
audio spectrum that needs boosting, but you boost there anyway!
I can pretty well guess how you feel about Mr. Trump.


As far as compressors go, I feel they should be removed from
recording studios and post-suites, and be placed - in simpler format,
in cars, home stereo gear, and mobile players. Recorded music
could sound more like live music again!

[JackA]

On Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 9:44:42 PM UTC-4, wrote:
JackA: "3kHz boost approach"

I've come to the conclusion that you just want to be different. You
KNOW that the region 2-4kHz is the LAST arsa of the human
audio spectrum that needs boosting, but you boost there anyway!
I can pretty well guess how you feel about Mr. Trump.

With the Democratic party acting like Satan, kill them, kill those, hate this, hate that, starve them, beat them to death, Transgender this, Gay that, feel Trump would have to be 100 times more powerful to steer this fine country from looking like Syria!

Here, this is the crap I get/find, three mono tracks solicited as multi-tracks, and the key track sounds like a old, worn 45. Harmonix Music would have no use for it, so someone mangled it. Just like the never heard ending, that is uncommon! Thanks

Jack



As far as compressors go, I feel they should be removed from
recording studios and post-suites, and be placed - in simpler format,
in cars, home stereo gear, and mobile players. Recorded music
could sound more like live music again!

Well, compressors could be removed, but then it takes even more talent from the recording "engineer" to make the music sound impressive!

[JackA]

On Friday, October 21, 2016 at 8:06:57 AM UTC-4, JackA wrote:
On Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 9:44:42 PM UTC-4, wrote:
JackA: "3kHz boost approach"

I've come to the conclusion that you just want to be different. You
KNOW that the region 2-4kHz is the LAST arsa of the human
audio spectrum that needs boosting, but you boost there anyway!
I can pretty well guess how you feel about Mr. Trump.

With the Democratic party acting like Satan, kill them, kill those, hate this, hate that, starve them, beat them to death, Transgender this, Gay that, feel Trump would have to be 100 times more powerful to steer this fine country from looking like Syria!

Here, this is the crap I get/find, three mono tracks solicited as multi-tracks, and the key track sounds like a old, worn 45. Harmonix Music would have no use for it, so someone mangled it. Just like the never heard ending, that is uncommon! Thanks

Jack



As far as compressors go, I feel they should be removed from
recording studios and post-suites, and be placed - in simpler format,
in cars, home stereo gear, and mobile players. Recorded music
could sound more like live music again!

Well, compressors could be removed, but then it takes even more talent from the recording "engineer" to make the music sound impressive!

Forgot this in last post!...

http://www.angelfire.com/empire/abps...thislove-x.mp3

Jack

[[email protected]]

JackA wrote: "t this in last post!...

http://www.angelfire.com/empire/abps...thislove-x.mp3

Jack"


Where'd you pull THAT off of... a TELEVISION SPEAKER?!

Good LORD, big fat censor 15 seconds in, scratchy grainy
audio. Near ZERO stereo separation compared to my 'Songs
about Jane' CD. Not good for your credibility around here.

Per your prior comment: Most engineers are paid to bring
the artist's(or producer or label's) wishes to life - even if they
go against every last grain of that engieer's existence, education,
and core principles. Engineers can also target their core
clients, as does Bob Katz.

[[email protected]]

JackA wrote: "
With the Democratic party acting like Satan, kill them, kill those, hate this, hate that, starve them,
beat them to death, Transgender this, Gay that, feel Trump would have to be 100 times more ." SKIIIP!

Why are the Democrats always being compared to
the Devil?.


Figures someone who intentionally applies the
INVERSE of the Equal Loudness Contour to their
project Eq would support the Donald!

[JackA]

On Friday, October 21, 2016 at 8:58:03 AM UTC-4, wrote:
JackA wrote: "t this in last post!...

http://www.angelfire.com/empire/abps...thislove-x.mp3

Jack"


Where'd you pull THAT off of... a TELEVISION SPEAKER?!

Good LORD, big fat censor 15 seconds in, scratchy grainy
audio. Near ZERO stereo separation compared to my 'Songs
about Jane' CD. Not good for your credibility around here.

Just trying to emulate what Geoff and John appreciate! :-)
I KNOW it sounds foul. I'm grateful for whatever I can find that is "uncommon" to US Top 40.
While I found (4) different mixes of the song, two of which I like, I have never heard the (studio?) ending as heard here!



Per your prior comment: Most engineers are paid to bring
the artist's(or producer or label's) wishes to life - even if they
go against every last grain of that engieer's existence, education,
and core principles. Engineers can also target their core
clients, as does Bob Katz.

Bob's updated book...
"New Chapters focus on loudness measurement and normalization, which all audio engineers working in the 21st century need to know".
Just tossed that in there for you.
So, Maroon 5 brings that song to Bob Katz, Bob listens to the home recording. Does Bob tell them the truth that is sounds like poo, or is he more interested in making money and not about maintaining his audio reputation, and agrees to mix and send it out the door?

Jack

[JackA]

On Friday, October 21, 2016 at 9:04:36 AM UTC-4, wrote:
JackA wrote: "
With the Democratic party acting like Satan, kill them, kill those, hate this, hate that, starve them,
beat them to death, Transgender this, Gay that, feel Trump would have to be 100 times more ." SKIIIP!

Why are the Democrats always being compared to
the Devil?.

Look, I personally came to my own conclusion, but MANY agree...
http://www.wbdaily.com/uncategorized...ic-party-evil/



Figures someone who intentionally applies the
INVERSE of the Equal Loudness Contour to their
project Eq would support the Donald!

It was YOU that claimed to desire to hear on CD what you heard on vinyl.
That is why I do what I do, to bring the sound on CD closer to vinyl.
It was YOU that claimed you'll settle for less than ideal sound, a flat spot hear, a flaw there. I ALWAYS thought America took GREAT PRIDE in anything that is accomplished, the best this, the best that, but you support something less.

Can you elaborate?

Jack

[[email protected]]

JackA wrote: "It was YOU that claimed to desire to hear on CD what you heard on vinyl.
That is why I do what I do, to bring the sound on CD closer to vinyl. "


I have at least 100 pieces of vinyl that sound head and shoulders
better than that THING you linked to several posts back.

Seriously!

[John Williamson]

On 21/10/2016 23:28, JackA wrote:
Can you elaborate?

Which is better? A mathematically perfect performance with no excitement
in it, where all the bad notes played at the session were overdubbed
afterwards, or a really exciting performance where the musicians are
really getting together, but where one or two notes which are slightly
off in tuning or timing are left in?

Listen to the Made In Japan LP by Deep Purple and while there are one or
two rough spots. It is, by general consensus, the best album they ever
made, but it's not perfect either technically or musically.

In a similar vein, listen to the early version of Jeff Wayne's War Of
The World, recorded in one hit with musicians entering and leaving the
studio as they were needed with all the fluffs left in, but has the
musicians feeding off each others' vibes, then listen to the technically
perfect new version, with the musicians recording on their own in a
small studio. For all its imperfections, the earlier version lives,
while the later version sounds as if it was just glued together from a
load of samples.

For the purpose indicated in this thread, I find I need to lift the low
level passages a touch and also increase the bass a bit, both in order
to overcome the mainly low frequency background noise you find in any
vehicle from an aircraft to a microcar.
--
Tciao for Now!

John.

[[email protected]]

John Williamson wrote: On 21/10/2016 23:28, JackA wrote:
Can you elaborate?

"Which is better? A mathematically perfect performance with no excitement
in it, where all the bad notes played at the session were overdubbed
afterwards, or a really exciting performance where the musicians are
really getting together, but where one or two notes which are slightly
off in tuning or timing are left in?

Listen to the Made In Japan LP by Deep Purple and while there are one or
two rough spots. It is, by general consensus, the best album they ever
made, but it's not perfect either technically or musically.

In a similar vein, listen to the early version of Jeff Wayne's War Of
The World, recorded in one hit with musicians entering and leaving the
studio as they were needed with all the fluffs left in, but has the
musicians feeding off each others' vibes, then listen to the technically
perfect new version, with the musicians recording on their own in a
small studio. For all its imperfections, the earlier version lives,
while the later version sounds as if it was just glued together from a
load of samples. "

I have no problems with imperfections in
the performance itself. I do however have
big problems when the recording of that
performance is F-d with in post. You know
what I mean.


"For the purpose indicated in this thread, I find I need to lift the low
level passages a touch and also increase the bass a bit,"

Most home and car systems have a BASS
control for that. No need to F- with that in
post.


"both in order to overcome the mainly low frequency background noise
you find in any vehicle from an aircraft to a microcar. "

Apps exist or can be created for compressors
on smartphones, or a compress mode can
be built into car stereos. Again, needless in
post.

[JackA]

On Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 9:22:13 AM UTC-4, wrote:
John Williamson wrote: On 21/10/2016 23:28, JackA wrote:
Can you elaborate?

"Which is better? A mathematically perfect performance with no excitement
in it, where all the bad notes played at the session were overdubbed
afterwards, or a really exciting performance where the musicians are
really getting together, but where one or two notes which are slightly
off in tuning or timing are left in?

Listen to the Made In Japan LP by Deep Purple and while there are one or
two rough spots. It is, by general consensus, the best album they ever
made, but it's not perfect either technically or musically.

In a similar vein, listen to the early version of Jeff Wayne's War Of
The World, recorded in one hit with musicians entering and leaving the
studio as they were needed with all the fluffs left in, but has the
musicians feeding off each others' vibes, then listen to the technically
perfect new version, with the musicians recording on their own in a
small studio. For all its imperfections, the earlier version lives,
while the later version sounds as if it was just glued together from a
load of samples. "

I have no problems with imperfections in
the performance itself. I do however have
big problems when the recording of that
performance is F-d with in post. You know
what I mean.


"For the purpose indicated in this thread, I find I need to lift the low
level passages a touch and also increase the bass a bit,"

Most home and car systems have a BASS
control for that. No need to F- with that in
post.

I see. So you have to continually fiddle with a Bass control to make it sound impressive?



"both in order to overcome the mainly low frequency background noise
you find in any vehicle from an aircraft to a microcar. "

Apps exist or can be created for compressors
on smartphones, or a compress mode can
be built into car stereos. Again, needless in
post.

Since you seem to dislike my "This Love" by Maroon 5, maybe you can point me to the CD that has that uncommon ending. I KNOW it sounds a bit foul, but I get the hand-me-downs and make the best of what I have, hoping for better days.

Jack