Compressor Question (and other general q's)

[BJW]

OK, maybe this is a stupid question, but I'm a newbie, so bear with me. I've also searched a bit for an answer to this but didn't find anything, so if anybody could point me to a link that explains an answer to my question, please post it.

How essential is it for me to have a compressor? Here's a bit of what I have. I Use my computer (Athlon XP 2.4gig, 512mb ram, Windows XP) to record and run into a M-Audio Delta 44. I've got a behringer mx2004a mixer that I run everything into (would like to have better mic pre's, but I'm poor). I just connect the channel inserts in the back of the mixer to the ins of the delta 44. I mainly record just acoustic guitar and vocals, but I like to stick my sm57 in front of a guitar amp for some electric every once in a while. I also just bought a djembe for recording with acoustic stuff, and I recently acquired a bass with bass amp. I use an sm57 for instrument miking, and I've got a superlux h-8a (or something like that. . .their cheap LD condensor mic) for vocals and instruments, but I'd love to get a Studio Projects b1 and ditch the superlux.

Finally, the question: Do I need an outboard compressor, or can I use the compressor plug-in in my Vegas (which is Sonic Foundry) software? I currently use the plug-in, but I was wondering if I could get a way better sound with an outboard compressor (especially for vocals). Mostly I record acoustic guitar and vocals, and the vocals are kind of that warm mellow sound--think dishwalla or john mayer. (at least I wish I could sound like the guy from dishwalla, but my voice is probably somewhat similar as far as pitch and fullness. . .)

From what I gather, I could probably improve my sound by getting a better mic, better pre's, and a little acoustic treating of my room in my apartment. I'm also thinking of building a little vocal booth with pvc pipe and moving blankets to isolate myself from my niosy apartment (and super loud computer--the thing sounds like a jet engine--its what I get for building a decent computer).

Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to give some background so you guys could give me more of an educated response. . .not one of those "tell me what cheap compressor to buy" questions.

If you want a link to some of my recordings to hear how the vocals and stuff sounds already, I'd gladly post it.

Thanks

-Brian

 

[VSpaceBoy]

Well I'm not the best person to answer but I do get good results using <quality> software compressors. I do have hardware as well and that works fine too. Remember.. its all software on the inside.

Ron

 

[BJW]

Remember.. its all software on the inside.

Ron

True. . .

I think I'd get a better sound updating other equipment (like mic's and mic pre's)

-Brian

 

[jonhall5446]

I hung a some old curtains up in the corner and pinned it up on both sides. Whenever I need a vocal/iso booth I just let it down and close it up

 

[notbradsohner]

hanging curtains around some pvc pipe wont isolate you from anything in your apartment. the only thing that will do is make a virtual treated room, so that there are no echos. You mic will still pic up the computer and anyone talking within a good 100 ft. You need to build an iso room if you want isolation. There are tons of threads on this in the studio building and display forum. Check that out before you start working on your studio.

 

[NYMorningstar]

Hey Brian, welcome to the BBS.

If you are going to be playing in a live type situation then an outboard compressor would probably be a better deal for you. Compression on live vocals can sound awesome if used sparringly and also can be used to tame a screamer. For studio work the plug-ins are fine and your room treatment is extremely important for improving your sound. For lowering your computer noise you could use a switch on the case fans which are usually the source of most the noise and turn them off while recording. Just keep the case open so it doesn't overheat. Better yet move it to another room. Don't forget about educating yourself too because that will make the biggest difference in your recordings, read, read and read somemore. There's all kinds of must know stuff here in the forums to get you started. G/L with your project.

 

[artCROSS]

now i'm still new at this, but for me, i try to compress the signal before it goes into my computer. That way, it would prevent any digital distortion which could completely ruin a good take. If i need any further compression, i'll then use software plugins. With your mixer, i'm sure you can just plug it in through the channel insert and an insert cable. I'm using a cheap presonus comp16 compressor ($80 if you haggle) which is working wonders for me. (I'm also using a behringer mixer and its pre's UB2442fxpro)

 

[glynb]

hanging curtains around some pvc pipe wont isolate you from anything in your apartment. the only thing that will do is make a virtual treated room, so that there are no echos. You mic will still pic up the computer and anyone talking within a good 100 ft. You need to build an iso room if you want isolation. There are tons of threads on this in the studio building and display forum. Check that out before you start working on your studio.

How cruicial really is this for home recording? I guess it depends on the style of music right?

I mean if you are recording say an acoustic guitar and vocal alone, then yes it might be crucial not to hear the sound of a PC fan in the background or someone in the house closing a door in the next room, etc. But if you are recording a loud rock band with loads of distorted guitar overdubs, drums, vocals etc, then even if there's a PC fan droning on the track very low in the background you're not likely to notice it in the final mix are you? (I'm talking about very quiet background noises picked up by a condenser mic obviously).

Then again, some people's houses are more noisey than others!!

 

[sweetnubs]

"Remember.. its all software on the inside.

Ron"



Not if it is outboard analog nubile nub.

 

[BJW]

I mean if you are recording say an acoustic guitar and vocal alone, then yes it might be crucial not to hear the sound of a PC fan in the background or someone in the house closing a door in the next room, etc.

I mostly do acoustic guitar and vocals alone

-Brian

 

[starch]

I'd say, if you already have a software-based compression, save your money and upgrade mic/preamp. If you were thinking of buying a compressor under a few hundred dollars you probably wouldn't be that far ahead as far as sound quality anyway.

Your only limitation is that you wouldn't be able to use the comp during tracking. But you have to find a trade-off somewhere.

Just my feeble opinion. Good luck.

 

[artCROSS]

Sonar 3 lets you use plugins while tracking...that is if your comp and hardware can handle it...