Compression - correct me if I'm wrong

  • Thread starter Thread starter bigfoot
  • Start date Start date
B

bigfoot

New member
but compression cannot be added to a track (say a bass track) once the track has been recorded. This may not be true for PC recording, but I'm using a Fostex DMT-8 and use the insert jacks for applying compression while recording the track. Once recorded, the compressor does not react to the recorded track.
 
If you are re-recording the track compression can be applied or if you are doing a mixdown down of your recorded tracks as an overall comp of the recording to another medium.
 
The compressor has no idea whether the signal it's processing is the original (your bass), or a recorded signal. You can therefore route recorded signals through a compressor at mixdown, and it will work. However, if you compress a signal before you record it, and then run it through a compressor again at mixdown, you shouldn't notice any difference the second time, unless the compression setting are changed.

Twist
 
I the fostex an intergated recorder/ mixer or just a recorder? There is no reason that the compressor wouldn't effect the singal. you sure you got it plugged in? :D

-jhe
 
Further Info

the DMT-8 is an 8 track integrated recorder/mixer with insert jacks and 2 effect send/returns. First, compressors do not work as effect send/return type signal processors, correct? I have recorded on all eight tracks - there are no free tracks. I initially recorded the bass with compression through the insert jack. Now at mixdown, I want to add more compression to the bass track only. The compressor is not responding to the bass through the insert jack as it was when I recorded the bass track. Yes it is hooked up correctly. Do insert jacks only work when recording?
 
Make sure that the compressor is being inserted into the TRACK output on which the bass has been recorded - that's what you want, right? Originally, the compressor was inserted into the INPUT into which the bass was plugged - that's what I understood from you post. There's a difference...

- Wil
 
Aha! Now I see. To add additional compression, you need to run the stereo output of the Fostex through the compressor to its destination device. This will of course compress the entire mix. Or you may install the compressor in the "Insert Loop", which will effect only the signal from that mixer channel.ie: if the bass is recorded on track 2,and you play it back through mixer channel 2, and the compreesor is installed on channel 2 insert, the signal is routed out of the insert jack to the compressor,out of the compressor, and back to the insert jack, where the compressed signal is then routed back into mixer channel 2,and then to the stereo outputs. Just to be sure you're aware, the insert jack is an input and an output.

Sorry if you already knew all this, but it should work this way if you've hooked it up correctly. Twist
 
are there any direct outs on the mixer, seperate from the main outs, from the recorder but before the mixer section? (a tape out for each track)if so run an out from that track and into the input of the same channel. I think a pre fader aux send will do this too. If only you had an extra channel...

-jhe
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top