Compress Bass During Tracking or at Mixdown?

[chardin]

Do most folks compress the bass while recording or wait until mixdown? I don't play slap style bass. I'm using a Tascam 414 but I don't yet have a compressor. I'm considering the Real Nice Compressor from FMR Audio.

Any hints on compression will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Gidge]

as a general rule, use as little or no compression during tracking....if needed, use it by all means.....if the player isnt very consistent, if the part is just to damn dynamic, is you cant ride faders, do what you have to do....but waiting until mixing gives you more options/control.....

 

[dr.colossus]

gidge makes a good point there however i am unsure if the 414 has aux sends/returns, therefore compression while tracking may be the only real option, other than compressing the entire mix during mixdown....

 

[gec]

I always do it during the mixdown....but its probably a habit

 

[Irony]

I track as much dry as is possible and do stuff to the tracks during mixing