Compression pre/post opinion question...

[kranky]

I'd like to hear other peoples methods for this question.
Is it better to eq a compressed signal or to compress an eq'd signal?? Does it even matter? Example: Using Nuendo 2, I have a distortion guitar track that I want to run a bit of compression on for control. 1-6 inserts on the channel strip are pre eq and 7-8 are post. If I feel that I need to adjust the eq of the track, is it better to punch the compressor pre or post of the eq??

Thanks!

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo KranK-man: Before or After?

Well, it depends on what you are trying to achieve in your recording.

I like to use compression going "in" on bass lines, and chord lines, to keep the "loudness" under control. This isn't, like, a 2 + 2 = 4. You need to experiment and see what happens with the gear your are using.

I speak from using a synth to do a lot of work for the work I like to do; I also use CD background music for clients who want to sing with a "big band." I always insert the the background music into my system using compression -- then, if I need to, I can adjust or raise the input --- like the Blue Bear would say, "It depends."

If the Bear would post a clip of my great recording, "The River Turned Muddy When She Turned Me Down," you could "hear" what I mean -- however, with that recording, I did NOT have a compressor -- but it's a nice tune, isn't it Bear?

Ah, well, use the great RNC for a lot of fun when you record tracks.

Green Hornet

 

[Massive Master]

Although there are certainly no hard rules, you might try "shaping - compression - surgery" -

Generally speaking, get the sound "ready" for compression before compressing - Would it benefit from a low cut? Do it now, or the low energy is going to affect the compressor. Is there not nearly enough highs? Give them a little boost now and get them in the ballpark.

Then, compress...

Then, take care of any specific EQ problems that may become exaggerated by the compression. Maybe the high mids seem a little washy... Maybe the low mids are a little thin - or muddy...

Again, no rules - This is just a pretty common route.

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com