compressors: do they work on analog?

[antispatula]

just wondering. I don't know much about them, sorry if it's a stupid question.

 

[robin watson]

I'd say with analog, a compressor is better employed at the tracking stage because of possible (tape) noise issues (if used at the mixing stage), and a compressor would vertainly help maximise your level of signal to tape I suppose, BUT I'm consciously trying to stress a difference in the way a compressor might be used with analog as opposed to digital.

Regardless of all the baloney I just dribbled above, the answer is "Yes."

 

[antispatula]

wait- just to let you know, I don't know what you or even myself is talking about........but anyways, are you tryig to say it should be used when I actually lay down the tracks, as opposed to mixing? Thanks in advance!

 

[robin watson]

Yes, that's what I was getting at, but it was just a general suggestion. You can and would certainly use a compressor with analog equipment, that's for sure - studios have been doing it for quite some decades, just to prove the point!

 

[cjacek]

are you tryig to say it should be used when I actually lay down the tracks, as opposed to mixing? Thanks in advance!

Most recordist don't have the budget to afford a compressor (or reverb) on each channel for each instrument and so I'd suggest mixing as you go .... meaning that you should print to tape the exact sound you're looking for or at least close to it. Do this with each instrument and you'll have very little to do at mixdown time.

....and YES get a real compressor with REAL KNOBS. The RNC from FMR audio is a great compressor for very little money.

~Daniel

 

[Muckelroy]

Compressors themselves usually are analog devices to begin with, so, definately.

Stay away from digital compressors. They're allright but a bit more limited, and are usually seen as a feature on an effects processor, but they can make some nasty latency delays (comb filters) if you're not careful.

happy tracking
-callie-

 

[guido #2]

I keep hearing you guys talk about FMR...
I've never seen or used their stuff. I just Googled them and found they made several low priced comps.
Anyone of you guys feel like filling me in on this little secret?
What are they like? They have several models. Whats a good price? Etc...

 

[cjacek]

I keep hearing you guys talk about FMR...
I've never seen or used their stuff. I just Googled them and found they made several low priced comps.
Anyone of you guys feel like filling me in on this little secret?
What are they like? They have several models. Whats a good price? Etc...

Pretty much everyone in the industry swears by them (the RNC1773). They go cheap, for about $150 - $175 USD new. Many would say they compete with comps MANY times its cost. I've had one many moons ago and found it to be very "transparent" and natural sounding. It's a very cool "vintage" looking piece.

~Daniel

 

[SteveMac]

I've never heard of the FMRs either. They look pretty nice. I use a ART tube pac which I've been getting pretty good results with.

 

[EDAN]

There are a number of good quality cheap compressors out there. I have an RNC I bought used for $100.00 a while back. It's fine and somewhat transparent, but in all honesty I prefer my lowly (dare I say it?) ...old Behringer on vocals and drums and my Fatman on everything else. The problem with pro reviews; If you look hard enough you can find many legitimate sources that praise just about any low end piece of gear you're considering buying. I've seen great "pro" reviews of the RNC and I've seen other "pros" claim it's your typical hyped low end piece of gear in a market full of other similarly priced compressors that are just as good or better. So who knows.

I say, when all else fails .. go for looks!

EDAN