best way to incorporate a hardware compressor?

  • Thread starter Thread starter vrocko
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vrocko

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Hello all I wanted to know how you guys are using hardware with you control surface. My setuo is aPresonus Firetudio Project, I have an Art Pro VLA and an ART MPA gold inserted on channels 1 and 2 using the send and return jacks on the back. Is it better to do this or put them before the interface?
 
The preamp should be first in the chain for obvious reasons. Compressors work perfectly as inserts.
 
Just plug the pre-amp to the compressor, and the compressor to the interface when you are recording, if you are mixing and want to use the compressor, just connect from one output of the compressor to one input of the interface, and one output of the interface to the compressor's input, or just use an insert cable.
 
dualflip said:
Just plug the pre-amp to the compressor, and the compressor to the interface when you are recording, if you are mixing and want to use the compressor, just connect from one output of the compressor to one input of the interface, and one output of the interface to the compressor's input, or just use an insert cable.
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If you put the compressor in the middle of the signal, you will be recording a compressed signal. I'm not sure about the firestudios, most interfaces can do this: A MUCH better idea is to use the compressor on an insert, and have the interface record a dry signal. Then you can track with the compressor as 'comfort' fx for the musician, and apply a compressor plugin on the track during mixing. The plugin will sound better than your hardware, and you won't be stuck with it if you laid it on too thick during tracking.
 
suprstar said:
The plugin will sound better than your hardware, and you won't be stuck with it if you laid it on too thick during tracking.
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Well it depends on the hardware compressor, in this case probably yes, but absolutely no if you have nice outboard compressors (you all know them). I do like recording compressed signals, sometimes ill double the signal, so ill record one track uncompressed and the other compressed.
 
I think the 1/2 channels run directly to the preamp when you have it hooked up to the back, if I read my firepod manual correctly. Not 100% sure on this one, though.
 
I have the presonus firepod. is there a way that i can use an outboard comp or eq when i mix, or must i use plugins?
 
Run your mic into an outboard compressor, then you can run xlr out of the compressor to the xlr in, if your compressor doesn't have xlr out you might have to use a 1/4" out to 1/4" in. I have to do that when I use one of my compressors, but I much prefer the xlr out to xlr in just makes me feel better about not degrading quality by using 1/4". but personal preference I think. but sorry started ranting, lol but yeah u can do it.
 
RD423 said:
Run your mic into an outboard compressor, then you can run xlr out of the compressor to the xlr in, if your compressor doesn't have xlr out you might have to use a 1/4" out to 1/4" in. I have to do that when I use one of my compressors, but I much prefer the xlr out to xlr in just makes me feel better about not degrading quality by using 1/4". but personal preference I think. but sorry started ranting, lol but yeah u can do it.
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Hi RD,
surely the use of 1/4" TRS jacks would still hold a balanced signal? (which I would have thought all but the crudest racks would have?):confused:
But if you're using the standard old git lead, yep, fair enough.:)

But your general idea has worked well for me....in the past.;)
 
RD423 said:
Run your mic into an outboard compressor, then you can run xlr out of the compressor to the xlr in, if your compressor doesn't have xlr out you might have to use a 1/4" out to 1/4" in. I have to do that when I use one of my compressors, but I much prefer the xlr out to xlr in just makes me feel better about not degrading quality by using 1/4". but personal preference I think. but sorry started ranting, lol but yeah u can do it.
Click to expand...

Just cuz it's XLR doesn't mean it's a preamp. Unless you need a track of amplified noise... And you can prolly find a plugin that does a better job of THAT too!
 
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