adding a DBX compressor to 424 mkII. . ??

[studiodrum]

Hey everybody, . . Can someone help me with hooking up a DBX 166 compressor on my 424 mkII. The compressor unit is a DBX 166 unit, it has a simple slider switch for how much compressor you want to add . ..It has a 1/4" OUT, and a 1/4" IN. . .

I would like to experiment with adding some compressor to the kick drum on Track No. 2 of my 424. But, I'm not sure what type of cables will work best, and where or how to configure hooking it up. . .?

any assistance would be gratefully appreciated.

 

[DigitalSmigital]

Ideally, you would put the compressor in-line before bringing it into the 424 when recording, I think you said you have already recorded track 2?

If you have not, or are going to re-do it, you'll need only bring the mic signal into the compressor (XLR to 1/4" cable) then patch it into the 424s 1/4" input.

So you are putting compression on the kick, but not the snare?

 

[studiodrum]

Hey Digi, . . .!

Actually, I haven't recorded the bass on Track 2 yet, . . and Yes, I have 2 DBX 166's and was planning on putting compression on both the Bass, and Snare. Would it be wise to just put compression on the snare first, . . and hear how it sounds. . .?

Okay, so the way to hook-up the compressor would be MIC --> (using an XLR to 1/4" plug) COMPRESSOR ----> TASCAM 424's INPUT (using a 1/4" to 1/4" plug). . .correct. . . ?

Can I buy these adapter plugs at Radio Snatch, . .or should I get better quality patch cables? Thanks man. . .

 

[The Ghost of FM]

Does the dbx compressor have a microphone pre-amp built into it? If it does, the above info will work.

If not, you should use the insert point on the mixer's channel in question with an inset cable which has a TRS plug at the insert point and two TS plugs to interface with the comp. This was, you'll be able to use the microphone pre-amp on the Portastudio.

T = Tip = Send
R = Ring = Receive
S = Sleeve = Ground

If the inset cable is color coded at the two mono plug ends, black is left channel or Send and Red is Right channel or Receive.

Send goes to the comp's input.

Receive goes to the comp's output.

Cheers!

 

[DigitalSmigital]

But Ghost...

my 464 has insert jacks on the first two ch. inputs, my 424 mkIII doesn't have them. I doubt his mkII does.

The boost is necessary before compression though, got a mic pre?

 

[DigitalSmigital]

Can I buy these adapter plugs at Radio Snatch, . .or should I get better quality patch cables? Thanks man. . .

I was on the monster cable bandwagon for a while, but I've been making my own cables lately. I'm lousy with an iron, but I think I'm improving to the point where I'm saving money and getting better quality.

I started making my own patch cables so to hook up balanced to non-balanced gear.

 

[The Ghost of FM]

my 464 has insert jacks on the first two ch. inputs, my 424 mkIII doesn't have them. I doubt his mkII does.

You're right!

The 424 Mk II does not have any inset points on any of the mixer's channels!

My apologies.

Cheers!