Compressing Vocal while recording

[Neeps]

Is it best to compress vocals while recording or to wait until after? I think my behringer UB2442 mixer has a compressor built into it so I could try and use that or will I just be spoiling the sound? Are all compressors made equal? (I'm guessing not) Also, should I record at the highest sample rate I can (96 khz, 24 bit) or is 48 khz, 16 bit good enough? I seem to be having more problems with audio (drop outs, needing to increase the buffer) at the higher sample rate.

Cheers
Ally

Intel 3.2 ghz
1024 Ram
Cubase 2.2.0
EWS 88 MT pro audio soundcard

 

[Rokket]

Is it best to compress vocals while recording or to wait until after? I think my behringer UB2442 mixer has a compressor built into it so I could try and use that or will I just be spoiling the sound? Are all compressors made equal? (I'm guessing not) Also, should I record at the highest sample rate I can (96 khz, 24 bit) or is 48 khz, 16 bit good enough? I seem to be having more problems with audio (drop outs, needing to increase the buffer) at the higher sample rate.

Cheers
Ally

Intel 3.2 ghz
1024 Ram
Cubase 2.2.0
EWS 88 MT pro audio soundcard

You can compress before and after, if your vocals really need it. I usually do it after, and make sure that I have a good, strong signal when recording.

As far as bit rate, it has been stated that the higher bit rate will give you a better quality sound. CD's are 16 bit, 44.1khz, so conceivably, recording at the higher bit rate and converting to the lower one is ideal. But if you are having problems at a higher bit rate, keep it lower. It doesn't seem to be a problem with your pc, so I can't really tell you what is causing the drop out.