Compression/Gate Question

[timandjes]

I plan to buy one more condenser mic so I'll also need something that supplies phantom power. Instead of just buying a phantom power adapter, I'm considering buying an ART TPS Tube Pre-amp System for $179. I think it has two phantom power adapters but I'm not sure until I check into it further. If so, it will give me the phantom power, two tube pre-amps, and will help to avoid digital distortion on my drum tracks.... (so I've heard) Here's the question.... Do I really need that since in my NTrack, I can apply compression, limit, & gate to the track anyway? Will those effects do the same thing that the ART TPS is supposed to prevent in digital distortion?

 

[Robert D]

Well, it sounds like you need a preamp, almost all of which come with phantom power. The other stuff you don't really need, though such channel strip boxes are becoming increasingly popular. Yes you can, and most would say should, do eq and compression in the software, after you record. But you can't "prevent digital distortion" from the soundcard with software. That has to be done by either carefull gain adjustment on the preamp, proper mic placement, and relatively consistant dynamics by the player, or it has to be prevented with a compressor or limiter between the preamp and the soundcard inputs (can be included with the preamp).
Cheers, RD

 

[j]

what kind of soundcard are u using?