Compressor newbie question. Threshold setting?

[RobertPhilbeck]

Am I correct in assuming that regardless of the instrument you are compressing, you should set the threshold so that gain reduction is at about 6-8 db?
On my RNC compressor, I have been turning the Threshold counter-clockwise until the Gain Reduction meter hits 6-8 on a constant basis.
Is this correct, or do I have the wrong idea about how this is supposed to work? I really cant tell much a difference between compressed and non-compressed except on acoustic guitars,and vocals....a bit on drums. When running my guitar to POD, and than POD to Compressor I hear little difference. Same with the Bass Guitar.

Robert

 

[dobro]

Hi Robert. I think you don't need that much compression. In a recent thread here, I gave somebody some bad advice about compression (I'm just learning about it too), and was corrected by a person or two who knows a lot more about it than me. The rule seems to be: use as little compression as possible. Don't have the gain reduction full on all the time, just for the noisiest bits. Here's the thread:
https://homerecording.com/ubb/Forum26/HTML/000249.html

There are two really useful articles on compression by Sonusman and Shailat. The links:
http://www.echostarstudio.com/thecompressor.html

and
http://www.geocities.com/shailat2000/

The first one is an overview of compressor use, and the second one's got useful things to listen to.

[This message has been edited by dobro (edited 07-06-2000).]

 

[Shailat]

You would want to compress as least as possible.
But you also want a good sounding track.

Aim for both but first indicate to yourself what are you trying to achive?. More level control? limit peaks? punchier tracks? After you know you will be able to make a better choice for your Threshold.

As for exact gain reduction I camt tell you becuase it depends on your specific track and also what specific sound you have in mind.

How ever... try to aim for a more subtle compression as a general aspect. Go for a 3-6dB reduction on the loudest parts of your track. If you can reduce even 2dB and it sounds good then that is the correct reduction. If it sounds good with out compressing then even better !.
In many situations you should compress peaks only
and leave the rest of the track alone.

Good compressing can be many times very subtle. If it shoots out to much then you could very well be over compressing or not setting the knobs correctly.

Read Ed's article until you really understand the basic's
(and the danger) of using a compressor and then read mine
to hear some examples.

The RNC is a great budget compressor.



[This message has been edited by Shailat (edited 07-06-2000).]