compression question

[guitarnerd]

OK, so obviously I'm a beginner if I'm asking this question, but that is the nature of this forum. I'm preparing to record some bass guitar and then some vocals onto an analog 8 track (tascam studio 8), and I plan on using the RNC compressor that I just bought.

The question: Do I apply compression as I am recording the track, be it bass or vocals by putting it directly in the signal path, or do I add it later as if I would add an effect or something?

-Chris

 

[RAK]

OK, so obviously I'm a beginner if I'm asking this question, but that is the nature of this forum. I'm preparing to record some bass guitar and then some vocals onto an analog 8 track (tascam studio 8), and I plan on using the RNC compressor that I just bought.

The question: Do I apply compression as I am recording the track, be it bass or vocals by putting it directly in the signal path, or do I add it later as if I would add an effect or something?

-Chris

In many ways that's a subjective question. Many people record with a little EQ or Compression going "to tape," while others don't affect the signal at all during tracking. Although, EQ and Compression during tracking are about as far as it goes. You don't usually hear about someone who tracked a bass line with a delay on it.

Remember, once you track, you're stuck with it. I think what you have to ask yourself, is, would the bass sound benefit from compression going to tape. Does the compression seem to "color" the sound at all, and is this good or not (to your ears).

A couple other questions to think about are (and don't take this the wrong way). How familiar are you with how to use a compressor and what it does?
Are you familiar with which effects generally are used inline (via inserts) such as compression/EQ, and which are generally used via aux busses to be mixed with the dry signal, such as reverb.

 

[daav]

RAK is right on target. To add just a bit, you are askjing a subjective question whose answer will always be "yes use it while tracking if it makes a better track and copmpressing later, don't if it doesn't". Not very much fin or an answer though.

One thing, there is a diference between comression and compressors. Compression as a general concept controll dynamics- if you had a signer or player that isn;t very good as playin/singing to a mic, it might help to limit or proess during tracking. I find it helpful with vocals sometimes, but i usually only compress a teeny bit to even things out and avoid headroom issues.

A conpressOr on the other hand, can be just about anything for a track. THat is, it will do that complression thing sure, but when you hear about compression as a holy grail in recording, you are ually talking about the color you get from a compressor. Beyond the simpleact of dynamics control, some great compressors actually add tone and flavor to the voice or instrument and make it sound better almost like an effect. I have asolutely no real life experience with these, my compression is built into a pre that is not that incredible to begin with, or from software plugins (and not expensive ones either).

So most people when they talk about how great and "professional" compression can make a track are usually tlaking about using these incredible tone enhancing compressors to control dynamics and generally improve the track jsut by being in the chain.

If you can get a clear recorded signal without compression while tracking, you probabaly don't need compression going in. But the best thing you can do is use it before, after, heavy, soft, with different settings, etc and find what you like. I am just starting to scrape the surface of that enough to notice that i really don't like the sounds of too much cheap compression and that the right mics and placement usually will do more for my recording than anything. I find that as I improve the quality of my recording, it reveals how many mistakes i am making and how bad the room is, etc.


Daav.

 

[guitarnerd]

Thanks for the input. I readily admit that I don't have much experience with individual compressors Or recording for that matter, but I do understand the general concept of compression. The main problem that I am trying to overcome it is with the bass guitar. Often the low frequencies come through a lot louder than the high frequencies, so that the bass will often "disappear" sometimes when I'm playing certain notes. I figured that the compressor will help even out the overall mix of the bass.

Am I on the right track? (no pun intended)

-Chris

 

[JCM900]

No, you are not on the right track. The problem that you describe is an EQ problem at the bass amp. you do not have a balanced tone. You must balance your tone FIRST before you ever record, then you must check its balance in the monitors before you track, to make sure your recording device isnt coloring the sound. The most important thing in recording, is making sure the sound source is good first. If the source sounds like shit, the recording will sound like shit, and we all know, if you try to polish a turd, you end up with a turd.

 

[guitarnerd]

I agree, that is, with the turd aspect. Although my bass rig will not win any awards, I am running a nice G & L bass through a Mesa boogie head and cabinets, and close miking it with a D112. I have Avalon U5 direct box but I really don't like the sound that I have been getting from that. It's too flat. Maybe I should sub mix the D 112 and the direct box and equalize the mix so that it sounds good or something.

 

[legionserial]

Have you tried seeing if you get better results recording it direct?

 

[guitarnerd]

i'll keep trying, it just sounds thin compared to the great guitar sounds i have thus far.

 

[dementedchord]

$.02

2 things
1. what they said about a eq problem not comp...
2. the avalon's a real nice piece if you dont want to use it send it to me....
oh....#3. in all probability the problem is more related to what your hearing in the room when your playing and your not noticing the bass build up...

 

[Greg_L]

and we all know, if you try to polish a turd, you end up with a turd.

yes but it will be a nice and shiny polished turd.

 

[guitarnerd]

as a rule, i try to avoid all turds, polished or not.