Compressor ???

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Shredder

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Can anyone help?I recently bought a Art tube mp preamp(its in the mail) and Im saving for a Rode nt 1 mic,Im going straight into my sound card wich is not the best but hopefully do for now,I was wondering should I buy a compressor and if so can anyone recomend a cheap one.Im useing a Ev N/D257b going through a rp1 guitar processor now,So my sound should improve alot with the new mic and preamp.Im mostly recording vocals and acoustic.
 
The Behringer Composer Pro MDX2200 costs around $150.00 and is a very good compressor /limiter / gate for the money.
 
Lambo,First thanks for replying.Second Ive never mess with a compressor is it really a must.Also what is the deal with NanoCompressor becouse Ive seen them around $100.
 
A compressor's a must if, like me, you're always wrecking otherwise good takes by occasional clipping.

If you can afford the $50 difference between the Behringer and the Nanocompressor, get the more expensive gear.
 
What should I get first,A compressor The Rode
NT 1 Or a better sound card,My sound card that im useing is a Creative labs soundblaster AudioPCI 64V my recordings are clean and clear but there kinda bla ,just there not in your face.Im sure any of the 3 things I want to get will make a improvement
but what would be best thing to get first.
 
As this is my first post here (I'm one of those dreaded 'VS Planet refugees'), I'd like to say hello to everyone and I'm looking forward to help out people and get helped out... (pardon my English, I'm Euro-trash, see...)

OK, to the topic:
Your input chain is the most important link in your recording chain.
As your budget is obviously fairly limited, you'll be looking for a 'bang for the buck' thing. So I will not bore you with the expensive stuff.
My suggestions:
- Mic: get the best you can afford. Good entry level choices are: Rode NT1 or 3, JoeMeek mic. The NT1 is a bit brittle to me, but this is subjective. If you can spend about 500 bucks, the Shure KSM32 is wonderful. I would definitely go for a large dia condenser when recording mainly vocals or acoustic instruments.

- Preamp: the ART will do for now. If your budget allows, get another soundcard first (Soundblaster A/D converters are not that good). Other good choices are:
* Clean sound: Focusrite Platinum Voicemaster, Drawmer MX60
* 'Character' sound: JoeMeek VC3, Envoice MindPrint

- Compressor: get one, really. You'll find this is one of the main tools the recording engineer uses. IMHO the best budget compressor (pro sound for budget money) is the RNC or Real Nice Compressor from FMR (www.fmr.com if I'm not mistaken) It's about 180 bucks so it won't break the bank. But it has a nice, smooth sound. You'll want to use the compressor to even out signal peaks and to give the recording a smoother, more 'pro' sound. The Behringer Composer is not bad, but the FMR beats it hands down soundwise.

If choices are really limited and you must choose one thing first, go for the mic and the preamp, then the compressor. Next look for a sound card upgrade, you won't believe the difference it makes.

Hope I could help you out a bit. Don't hesitate to ask if you need to know anything else.


Cheers

Arthur
 
Here's another thought, if you're not completely locked into the ART Tube MP-

Consider the ART Tube PAC, which is pretty much the same thing as the tube MP, with the addition of a compressor. It's not really that much more expensive than just the Tube MP itself.

I've been using one for almost a year, and have had great results with it.
 
My only qualm with the Tube Pac is that you have limited control over the compression parameters. Nothing wrong with it, though--I hear it has a nice sound of its own. I would echo the FMR RNC endorsement. I would also plug the Presonus Blue Max--presets work great in most cases and it teaches you about compression as you use it--plus it allows you to spend less time tweaking and wondering if your settings are "right." Around the same price range as the Behringer mentioned above.

[This message has been edited by MM2 (edited 06-06-2000).]
 
For the money the RNC might just be the most bang for your buck (if you were just gonna have one compressor but really, who just stops at one).
 
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