1/2 Newbie... Need Help With Compressor

[lowlow42]

Nevermind about the outputs, I had to push in an "In/Out" button, and as soon as I did that, it was the output I wanted.

But my recording is not around the same level like I had wanted it to be (to test it out). Is there anything I missed about how to do that?

 

[Farview]

A compressor is only going to go so far. Good mic technique will help you here.
Now that you don't have it bypassed, it will work better.
What is the recording level that you are getting?
Are you trying to get a vocal line to look like thhis picture?

 

[Farview]

A well recorded vocal track should look something more like this.
BTW this is compressed and more of a screaming and yelling type of vocal, not talking.

 

[lowlow42]

Well, the second image you have posted is what I'd like it to look like throughout the whole vocal recording, because all the "tips" or "tops" of the "spike" are around the same height/volume. When I record, some are high and some are low. So how would I record and get like, almost a mix between the first and second image?

 

[lowlow42]

Something along the lines of these two... (Sorry about the crappy screens! )

 

[Farview]

The first image is a song that I smashed to death (completely un-listenable) The second was sung by a singer that has control over his dynamics. That is also a snapshot of an entire 5 minute song, if I zoomed in, you would find quiet parts and loud parts. The vocalist is doing the quiet and loud parts on purpose. You should too. If you want everything the same volume, perform it that way. There is nothing in the analog world that can do this for you and still not have it distorted. (that first picture is what distortion looks like)

 

[lowlow42]

Yeah, I kinda noticed. Well alright then... I actually posted when you did, so you probably didn't see my screenshots on the 1st page. But anyways, THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!! I think I should be all set now, hopefully!

 

[Farview]

Your screen shots are of songs, not vocal lines. They aren't supposed to look the same.
Stop looking, start listening. If it sounds fine, it is.

 

[lowlow42]

Those were vocals I had recorded in Adobe Audition. That was just 1 verse, not a whole song. But I guess they sound fine, so I'll leave it be.

 

[Farview]

Those are vocals? You have them extremely compressed. your release time might be too fast, which allows you to sneak up on it and get a peak through.

 

[lowlow42]

Oh no, what I meant, is that I wanted them to sort of look like that. I had done that on purpose just to show you a screen. What I am getting now with my compressor, you'll see in the picture attached. I think it looks pretty healthy, or does it?

 

[Farview]

you should be good.