Compressors on channels

[NYMorningstar]

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?

 

[moresound]

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.

 

[NYMorningstar]

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.

Are your inserts pre or post aux sends? In other words, if you compress a vocal channel will the stage monitor get the compression?

 

[moresound]

pre .

 

[NYMorningstar]

pre .

Do you use compression on the channels for vocals? If so how do ou deal with the stage monitors?

 

[moresound]

It's not like I'm squashing them hard ... barley a tickle on the vocals ..... now bass that's another story.

 

[moresound]

But I have several consoles from different manufacturers let me check them all and get back to you.

 

[gecko zzed]

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.

 

[michaelst]

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.