Compression Question...

[ghetto3jon]

i got a samson s-com compressor, which seems to be working pretty good. i'm just concerned about the input/output meter. to try it out, i plugged a sm-57 into the xlr input. everything seemed ok, but the input meter didn't really move. if i screamed into the mic, it moved the slightest bit...i know if i had a better signal to the compressor, it would perform better.

is the sm-57 just to weak when going direct into the compressor? do i need a preamp before the compressor to boost the signal before it reaches the compressor (which i was going to do anyway). will a condenser mic give the compressor a better signal? is it supposed to meter this low?

i tested the cables and stuff, so i know everything is working.

if you can help me out, i'd me greatful.

[kristian]

You need a pre amp between the mic and compressor.

mic->mic pre->compressor->recorder.

Or else you will never have a level significant enough to use the compressor, and if you crack the gain of the compressor you will just add too much noise.

[Track Rat]

You need a preamp before the compressor. I mic isn't going to have enough out put to drive it properly. And if you want to use a condenser mic, you'll need a preamp to supply phantom power to the mic just to make it operate

[ghetto3jon]

thanks! that's what i thought...

now i join the "what preamp should i buy?" team. yeah...

[MiXit-G]

Most people just use the mic pres on their mixer ,but if you wanna be a fancy pants you can get a dedicated mic pre,even tube ones..which look really cool when you turn the lights out