preamp->compression->effects or preamp->effects->compression?!

[rogi138]

Focusrite TrakMaster Pro Channel Strip (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...ors?sku=188228)

i was going to buy a preamp and a compressor, (my budget was $200 for each) but the guy convinced me to go with this one instead... even though it doesnt have as many knobs and options he said it would get me better results... and since i got it for $260 (the price was $299) and he knew my budget i dont think he had any intentions to rip me off....

anyways.. has anyone had any experience with this thing?

also, i'll be runing my microphone into this thing and than into Lexicon MX200 Dual Reverb/Effects Processor (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...ors?sku=181014 )and than straight into the soundcard... now i'm guessing that the signal should hit the preamp and than hit the effect processor before it hits compressor, which in this case is impossible... is it going to mess up my sound if i rin it through the preamp and compress it before it hits the effect box? should i return it anad get two separate units so that i can compress the sound RIGHT before it hits the soundcard?

[SonicAlbert]

I think you are okay putting the fx after the compressor. It would be nice to have the flexibility of putting the fx wherever you want, but as long as the compression is not too extreme it should be alright.

Another way of doing it is to hold off on the fx until later, when you are mixing your song. The advantage to that is that you don't get locked into a specific reverb early on, that you might want to change later.

[petermiller]

You shouldn't put any spacial effect (reverb/delay) in front of compression because it will mess with the decay times. The trackmaster is a decent channel strip type of preamp. real easy to use but will color the tone a lot if you are not careful. Good for the money if you have nary a preamp to work with. Watch your gain structure

[MOFO Pro]

Better to compress the source before reverb for a more natural open sound...

[dementedchord]

im one of these guys that never says never ok? but youll go a lomg time waitin for me to put reverb before dynamics.... rule of thumb (black and blue) try to stay with an order of eq/dynamics/timebased you dont want the compresor to hide the tonal anomolies so eq first and you domt want to kill the wash of the reverb so compress first...good luck and happy hunting...

[dgatwood]

Originally Posted by petermiller

You shouldn't put any spacial effect (reverb/delay) in front of compression because it will mess with the decay times.

Unless that's what you're going for. Not that useful in general, but it could make for a cool effect if taken to the extreme.

[soundchaser59]

Originally Posted by MOFO Pro

Better to compress the source before reverb for a more natural open sound...

Tha's why compressors go on inserts and fx go on post-fader loops.....

[Supercreep]

Try both and decide which sounds better. Go with that one.

[littledog]

Originally Posted by dementedchord

im one of these guys that never says never ok? but youll go a lomg time waitin for me to put reverb before dynamics.... rule of thumb (black and blue) try to stay with an order of eq/dynamics/timebased you dont want the compresor to hide the tonal anomolies so eq first and you domt want to kill the wash of the reverb so compress first...good luck and happy hunting...

I'm with you on processing before fx, but I tend to EQ after compression rather than before, at least on individual tracks. On a master fader I would do it as you said. Different strokes for different folks...

[bigtoe]

i always eq after compression.

just how i was taught as "standard"...

the rational for that is that if you eq before compression it affects the compression...i'm sure you could use this to your advantage...i just find it easier to tailor the frequency after the dynamics...unless it is a severely screwy track.

Mike

[mixsit]

So we can easily get back to saying either way is the rule.
Another example; The bass track has a bit too much low end so you might eq first to nip it up front, or second, depending on how you like (or not like) how the extra energy down there grabs the comp. You might prefer how the comp deals with it vs the eq.

[bigtoe]

Originally Posted by mixsit

So we can easily get back to saying either way is the rule.
Another example; The bass track has a bit too much low end so you might eq first to nip it up front, or second, depending on how you like (or not like) how the extra energy down there grabs the comp. You might prefer how the comp deals with it vs the eq.

yep. as i was typing the post above i was thinking to myself...

"now why in the hell am i not eq'ing before compression more often?"



Mike

[littledog]

Sometimes you can even do both. Corrective EQ, like notching out an obnoxious frequency, is probably better to do before compression. Then you might have a second EQ after the compressor to do final color adjustments.

[mixsit]

Originally Posted by bigtoe

yep. as i was typing the post above i was thinking to myself...

"now why in the hell am i not eq'ing before compression more often?"



Mike

I like the similar cross-check for options toward the end of a mix adding automation; Does the correction work better pre-comp (gain envelope) or post (fader). The choice can play with volume and/or density (or whatever you might be getting out of the comp..
Fun stuff.