beginner at compression

[floz26]

i have an alesis 3630 compressor (i know it sucks). a condenser mic. and a tascam porta studio mkII 488 (the one that records on tape but is an 8-track recorder). i really honestly cant figure how to plug this compressor in. or when to plug it in, during recording, mixdown?

[apl]

Here is a good article on compression, with some links for eq. Hope this helps.

[futurestar]

Does your 488 have any inserts?

[futurestar]

I just looked it up on Google and answered my own question. Get yourself one or two insert cables, (depending on if you want to record mono or stereo sources), and use the channel inserts on your 488 to connect your Alesis. You could use it while tracking, after, or both, depending on your needs.

[futurestar]

This is copy and pasted from here:http://homerecording.com/tas488review.html

"The first two channels are the "super" ones, as they have not only your choice of XLR or 1/4" mic inputs, but also channel inserts, so you can put a compressor (for instance) after the mic preamp where it belongs. The first 4 channels have mic preamps; the next 4 are mono line inputs only. Then you get 2 more stereo inputs with level controls, but no EQ or access to effects sends (these are the places where you normally plug in your effects returns or synth outputs, though)."