Compressors on channels

  • Thread starter Thread starter NYMorningstar
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NYMorningstar

Recording Modus Operandi
Do you compress individual channels, the sub channels and/or the main mix for say a common 5 piece rock band(guitars, keys, bass, drums, vocals)? Why?
 
Every channel I have an inserted Comp/Limit/Gate sometimes they get used for the obvious reasons other times they get by passed.

You can put a comp on the sub group of say drums but as for on the main mix I have never been a big fan of for just one little peak can bring your whole mix down ... it can be run as a limiter if someone other than you is at FOH as a precaution.
 
moresound said:
Every channel I have an inserted Comp/Limit/Gate sometimes they get used for the obvious reasons other times they get by passed.

You can put a comp on the sub group of say drums but as for on the main mix I have never been a big fan of for just one little peak can bring your whole mix down ... it can be run as a limiter if someone other than you is at FOH as a precaution.
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Are your inserts pre or post aux sends? In other words, if you compress a vocal channel will the stage monitor get the compression?
 
It's not like I'm squashing them hard ... barley a tickle on the vocals ..... now bass that's another story.
 
But I have several consoles from different manufacturers let me check them all and get back to you.
 
I selectively use compression on individual channels if, for example, the levels are too wayward (e.g. a vocalist). Most of the time, though, I don't.

I have compression on the output bus, but that has a very high threshold, and is mainly acting as a limiter. Again, it rarely gets called in to play.
 
I concur with Gecko.
I run compressors (DBX 166xl) on kick, snare, toms(2) and bass. I also run a comp on the vocal group, with just then gentle-est of settings. My live mixes are widely admired for clarity, and presence of the vocals, if I do say so.
 
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