Compression during drum tracking.....COMMON PRACTICE???

[jmorris]

In Mix mag. I have read a ton of articles in the " classis tracks" or "producers/mix masters" catagorys. They all as I remember use compression going in. Some even talk about how they really "slam" the overheads or the bottom snare mic. I compress on the way in my kick and snare. Just to try to even them out. I'm talking very low ratio's. 1.5 0r 2:1. Does it help? I dunno? I guess the safe bet is NOT to but I figure if I am careful, listen real good while setting up, I can compress on the way in and have it be ok. This topic is very subjective.

 

[twostone]

I like to compress all kind of instruments because of musicians lack of consistency not do I only appliy to drums but just about all of instruments from accustic guitars, drums for drummers who beat the fuck out of them, on vocals for those who scream their lyrics and I've lerned it's a great tool for auto leveling signals and that's my main reason I use before and after mix down I suggest go for it until you get the hang of it.

 

[Dogman]

I'd say, in homerecording...whatever gets the desired result. I track all my vocals with an RNC. I can't sing. This just helps me in the long run. If something helps you get the results you want, do it.

 

[Reggie]

Ever think to try and get the drummer to play better versus using effects to fix what they are doing?

I'm not usually one to bring back a dead thread, but this one just tickled me. "Uh, hey guy. Could you, uh, like, play better? OK, thanks. Let's try another take...."