Compressing Vocals

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nexus
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Nexus

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Hello everybody. I am a new Cubase user and I'm a bit lost as to how to compress vocals. What I am wondering is, if I want to record a rock-style vocal, is it generally a better idea to compress the vocal during or after recording it?

To be quite honest, I don't even know how to set up a compressor plugin. If anybody could offer me some beginners tips on how to set up a compressor plugin (before or after) recording vocals I'd be really grateful.

Thanks a lot.
 
This question has got me curious.

I would consider myself an intermediate engineer but, what is better..........to compress during tracking or mixing??????????????????
 
I personally prefer to compress only on mixdown, unless for some reason I need to handle an unusually dynamic signal and it's causing problems during tracking.

The rationale behind this is that if you decide that it needs different compression than what you originally recorded with, you're stuck!

BUT....... ymmv!!!

Bruce
 
Bruce, do you use Cubase? If so, what version, and how do you like it?
 
I'll sometimes use a light compression when recording just to even out the peaks, but I don't do it with the plugins because I don't deal well with the lag. I can't hear it well enough to tweak it. I use an external compressor.

Figuring out what settings to use on a compressor is a fun game, indeed. Maybe start by soloing a vocal track with compression on it and fiddle with the settings. Listen to how the settings affect the sound. Hit the on/off switch frequently to coompare the dry track to the compressed track.

When learning a new effect, I'll generaly crank each knob back and forth until I have an idea of the extremes. Then I start playing with the finesse in the middle. Compressors are fun becuase the setting of one knob will change how the others work, too.

-Chris
 
Vocal Compression

Hmmm, after reading posts at various Cubase forums, it seems that most people are compressing vocals AFTER tracking. But I thought that one of the main reasons to compress vocals was to prevent the loud parts from clipping during recording. Obviously, I have much more to learn on this subject.

Also, I wonder if the average home studio musician is using any FREE plugins (or semi-inexpensive) or one that comes with Cubase itself or mostly external units. I'm not expecting to do anything marketable in the near future so I'm not really prepared to shell out big bucks. I've been considering buying the package from Dave Brown which includes a compressor. Do any of you have these and have you found them to be sufficient?

Rock on, friends!
 
tdukex said:
Bruce, do you use Cubase? If so, what version, and how do you like it?
Click to expand...
Damn!!! I've got to start watching the actual Forum names a little more closely!!! No, I don't use Cubase at all............I thought this was a generic question, but it's in the Cubase forum!! *sheesh* I'll shut-up now!

Bruce

:o
 
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