Any tips for compressing flute??

  • Thread starter Thread starter Spinney Lainey
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Spinney Lainey

Spinney Lainey

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Hi guys, I've nearly finished a progressive psytrance track with flute in it. I can't quite get the compression right on the flute. Also, when I've been putting compression on recently, it's been cutting some bits out and I'm not quite sure why! Any suggestions?
 
Spinney Lainey said:
Hi guys, I've nearly finished a progressive psytrance track with flute in it. I can't quite get the compression right on the flute. Also, when I've been putting compression on recently, it's been cutting some bits out and I'm not quite sure why! Any suggestions?
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I'm not sure that I would compress a flute.
I'd just volume automate, if necessary.
 
We could attempt.. knowing what are you compressing with, all the settings, a description of how it's not sounding right vs what you're trying to do (control/leveling? an intentionally effected tone..?
And as said for the least 'effected sound -most neutral- depending on how fast things are changing (need controlling), automation ..once called 'moving the darn fader
 
Please don't compress a flute. Why do you feel the need to do that?
 
The reason why I want to compress the flute is that the low notes naturally don't come through as much as the high notes and I played the flute with lots of expression, so at times the dynamic range is a bit too much for the electronic music setting but maybe I'll just leave it, as it's not a huge issue.....
 
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By the sounds of it, I could just do some volume automation....
 
Spinney Lainey said:
By the sounds of it, I could just do some volume automation....
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Bingo. ;)
If the low notes are the problem, that's definitely what I'd do.

Think about it; Compression is going to completely obliterate all the higher register parts just for the sake of clear low notes.
Automation will be much more natural sounding.
 
I have compressed flute, but only in a pop/rock type song, never for ballads or classical. I actually like the edge that the compression gives the flute, but again it has to suit the song.

If some notes are missing it is because the release is too slow and the compression is not coming off fast enough for a soft note that follows a loud note.

Alan.
 
Unless you're talking about a live performance where the flautist is moving on and off mic at quick, random intervals, I wouldn't compress at all. Fader riding and E.Q. (& automation if you're ITB) is all you should need for most flute tracks.
 
Yeah the flute has got practically zero transient and is as close to a sine wave as you can get in the instrumental world, maybe besides a penny whistle.

Like has been said, volume automate.

To address the problem at the source, I would guess that the room it was recorded in is the culprit here, possibly combined with inconsistent playing.

Cheers :)
 
I bet Jethro Tull would know. Is he a member? What about Ian Anderson?
 
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