Compressor question

[cjacek]

Ok, outside of getting an m-30 mixer or similar, how would I go about using a compressor with the TASCAM 34B ? Reason I ask is that, even with good mic technique, my vocal levels go from quiet to quite loud and many times even my mic technique can't control extreme peaks. See, I have to be careful not to stay too close to the mic but at the same time I have to have sufficient db level going on to tape. BUT if I increase the gain, I usually go waaaay into the red when the loud parts come in. I try to use mic techinque but it's quite ridiculous what acrobatics I have to use to get the levels constant - it's nearly impossible. Then I reduce the gain and mostly hit around -20 or -15 db with occassional peaks at around +3. Many times I get waaaay to loud for my backing music and go off key. Another problem is that I don't wanna squash the levels, just control the peaks. So yeah, as per my question above

Thanks a lot!

Daniel

 

[Outlaws]

Other than bouncing I don't think you could.

 

[Beck]

Do you have any mixer other than your Portastudio that you can use with your 34B? You can use that. Maybe you do, I don’t know that much about your setup.

Whether you’re using a mixer or not a compressor will even out the levels on your vocals. It’s best to put a compressor in the insert point of the channel that the mic is plugged into. There are some compressors out there that will accept mics directly.

There is a very simple and inexpensive compressor/limiter that Alesis used to make called the Microlimiter. They are available used on ebay, usually less than $30.00. For a little box it yields surprisingly good results. A manual is available in PDF on the Alesis web site.

The specs are good:
20 Hz – 20 KHz
Dynamic range 100 dB
THD <.2%

The Microlimiter is designed to accept a wide range of inputs, including direct guitar and mic.

There are a lot of better compressors out there, but if you’ve never used compression this box will have you up and running in a short time. You would be amazed at what even a 2:1 ratio will do to tame those VU meters.

 

[cjacek]

Do you have any mixer other than your Portastudio that you can use with your 34B? You can use that. Maybe you do, I don’t know that much about your setup.

Whether you’re using a mixer or not a compressor will even out the levels on your vocals. It’s best to put a compressor in the insert point of the channel that the mic is plugged into. There are some compressors out there that will accept mics directly.

There is a very simple and inexpensive compressor/limiter that Alesis used to make called the Microlimiter. They are available used on ebay, usually less than $30.00. For a little box it yields surprisingly good results. A manual is available in PDF on the Alesis web site.

The specs are good:
20 Hz – 20 KHz
Dynamic range 100 dB
THD <.2%

The Microlimiter is designed to accept a wide range of inputs, including direct guitar and mic.

There are a lot of better compressors out there, but if you’ve never used compression this box will have you up and running in a short time. You would be amazed at what even a 2:1 ratio will do to tame those VU meters.

Hey Beck!

First you give this unbelievably great tech response re how turn off DBX and then this cool info I'd never be able to find! Thanks!!! Your input (no pun intended) is GREATLY appreciated on this HR board!

Daniel

PS: Oh yeah, to answer your question .. No, I don't have a stand alone mixer other than my 244 and 246. I know I can use these though - the 246 especially. Obviously if I had a m-30 it'd be a bit better! . I do, however, use a compressor in the inserts and send/receive jacks for my 244/246. I have an older DBX 163X compressor (mono). All it is, is gain control and 1 slider. It's what they call "over-easy". I got it for about $30 USD but it works great, even on voice so I don't know why people say it's only best for some instruments. It's great on voice. So yeah, I really like how the levels are in check on my 244 and 246 while using this box and I want to do the same on my 34B. I guess I'll just wait for a m-30 or somethin' or just patch in the 246.