compressor problems

[tmcbrinn]

I'm having trouble with limiting some vocals. The dynamics are very drastic, so I ran them through an Alesis 3630. I used some real harsh limiting settings cause that's really what it needs ( I think), but now it seems like the part that was limited is now quieter than the part unaffected. In other words, my peaks are now the quiet part. Any idea what I'm doing wrong?

[Blue Bear Sound]

Well... you just seriously over-compressed your track. Try a much lower ratio (say 4:1) and adjust the threshold so that you get a gain reduction of about 4-6 db... then adjust attack and release until you get the desired effect (start with faster attack, moderate release).

And another thing - throw away the 3630 and get a real compressor (seriously).... that thing's a piece of junk...

Bruce