Compressor question (RNC content)...

[Deaj]

Hello all,

This is my first post here. Lots of friendly and knowledgeable folks here

I have zero experience with compressors so pardon my ignorance. I just received an RNC today and experienced something strange (didn't seem normal). I was using the RNC in the VTB1 pre's insert recording a bass direct (not a great sound ). I had the RNC set to 'super nice' mode and it performed very, well, nicely. I then turned off 'super nice' mode and it sounded gritty (for lack of a better description) unless the Attack control was set to 12 o'clock or higher.

Is this normal for the RNC (or compressors in general)?

Thanks everyone!
Deaj

[JazzMang]

It is a well known fact that the RNC doesn't really shine as much as it can when compressing bass-heavy tracks (or just bass by itself, as in this case).

If you are pushing the compressor with high ratios on a bass track with a low enough threshold and attack time, almost any compressor will alter the sound in a somewhat clamped-down fashion. Just compress the bass lightly where it needs it.

[Deaj]

Originally Posted by JazzMang

It is a well known fact that the RNC doesn't really shine as much as it can when compressing bass-heavy tracks (or just bass by itself, as in this case).

If you are pushing the compressor with high ratios on a bass track with a low enough threshold and attack time, almost any compressor will alter the sound in a somewhat clamped-down fashion. Just compress the bass lightly where it needs it.

Thanks for the reply JazzMang!

The sound was definitely more than just clamped down - it was almost like clipping (though not harsh) when the attack time was set lower than 2 msec. Again, this was only with 'Super Nice' disengaged - it sounded fine with 'Super Nice' enabled. Very strange to my ears but then I'm pretty new to this.

The unit was new-in-box and I'm sure I didn't send anything too hot to the compressor. Should it do this? Am I paranoid over nothing?

Thanks again!
Deaj

[Teacher]

Originally Posted by Deaj

Thanks for the reply JazzMang!

The sound was definitely more than just clamped down - it was almost like clipping (though not harsh) when the attack time was set lower than 2 msec. Again, this was only with 'Super Nice' disengaged - it sounded fine with 'Super Nice' enabled. Very strange to my ears but then I'm pretty new to this.

The unit was new-in-box and I'm sure I didn't send anything too hot to the compressor. Should it do this? Am I paranoid over nothing?

Thanks again!
Deaj

the whole idea of supernice mode is for the compression to be transparent....turn it off and it becomes painfully obvious....i haven't found a use for the RNC w/o super nice engaged.

So nothing is broken. If you have plug-in compressor try clamping down with a fast a attack and low threshold and it'll do the same thing.

[JazzMang]

Almost any compressor, when set incorrectly, will sound bad. Attack times of 2ms or lower with a high ratio (>4:1) on a bass track is just not what the RNC does well (at least with supernice mode disabled).
I would just leave supernice mode on with bass, and experiment with it on other material.

[Harvey Gerst]

You also hafta remember that the RNC attack is "super-fast" as well, compared to any other compressors. Most others can't get down to that 2ms and under range.

[rpd]

Compressors are the hardest effect to use well.
Someone around here had a link about setting up a bass limiter/compressor with sound clips and stuff. It spelled it out real nicely. If no-one posts it by tonight i have it at home.

In the mean time do a little research! here is some stuff i googled

http://homerecording.about.com/od/te...basic_comp.htm
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun9...es/mixcomp.htm

[Smoulders]

Someone here posted this link once. A huge amount of info on compression:

http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/articles3.htm

[Deaj]

Thanks for all of the feedback everyone! Paranoia gone

Also, thanks for the link - after some experimentation I can tell that I have alot to learn about compressors.

Deaj

[aaroncomp]

Originally Posted by Teacher

the whole idea of supernice mode is for the compression to be transparent....turn it off and it becomes painfully obvious....i haven't found a use for the RNC w/o super nice engaged.

So nothing is broken. If you have plug-in compressor try clamping down with a fast a attack and low threshold and it'll do the same thing.

I haven't used my RNC in some time, but I thought that the Super-Nice mode was to be used more for multiple/mixdown tracks and not so much for individual tracks. Perhaps my understanding has been wrong.

[XLR]

My RNCs only get used in Super Nice mode, and very gently at that (maybe 4 dB gain reduction at peaks). It's a pretty amazing tool. I just don't have a use for the "regular" mode myself.

Tim

[fraserhutch]

Originally Posted by Deaj

Thanks for all of the feedback everyone! Paranoia gone

Also, thanks for the link - after some experimentation I can tell that I have alot to learn about compressors.

Deaj

If your paranoia's gone, then we are NOT doing our jobs correctly

[rsolinski]

With Bass it is all about a slower atttack and a much slower release time...regardless of the comp..try more of each..keep turning up the release until it sounds better...Don't go above 4:1 on the ratio and shoot for 4-6 db of maximum reduction...Also, Don't clip the input of the rnc with too much gain from your pre...Super Nice mode on the rnc doesn't cut it for bass imho. Regular mode is okay as long as you don't abuse it..Super nice for vox or acoustic instruments is STUNNING for the price...if you need more comression, use a second compressor (or limiter, no, they are not the same thing) in the chain. FMR is coming out with a limiting amp version of the RNC..other than that I can't think of a true limiter that doesn't cost as much as my first two cars...combined!

Ray

[Teacher]

Originally Posted by Harvey Gerst

You also hafta remember that the RNC attack is "super-fast" as well, compared to any other compressors. Most others can't get down to that 2ms and under range.

soooo whats teh scope on the RNLA...heard it in action on a sound clip from GS sounded pretty damn amazing for that price

[rpd]

Here is that other compression link

http://www.recordingproject.com/arti....php?article=6