Do I need a compressor now?

[RobertN]

Hi, My question is do I need a compressor now?
I will be doing rap music. I haven't yet recorded, but plan to soon.
Should I go for a compressor now? If so what kind?

The gear that I will be purchasing is a studio projects b1(accessories) and m-audio moblie(pre-amp and interface rolled into one. Sound good for a start?
The gear I have and are familar with.
I am running all of this through a inspiron 1150, p4, xp pro, and I am not sure about the other stuff. Sonar 3 pe.

I hope I was clear.

 

[trenttati]

I started recording with the M-Audio Mobile-Pre into a Powerbook using sm57's and/or a Behringer. What I learned in those first months was that the pre's and/or A/D converters in the mobilpre are frustrating at best. If you want stuff that you can share with people, I recommend something different. I wish I could point you in the right direction, but I made a big $ leap to the Digi002R as soon as I could, ignoring most of the stuff inbetween.

If you're using software to record, you most likely have a compression plug-in. Get familiar with it in order to get an understanding of what compression is/does. Then, get better with your mic placement and rapping technique before delving into compressors. Your source sound needs to be as good as possible, if it's not, compression and any other effects are not going to make it better. Maybe different, but not better.

What I've learned from the brilliant people on this board is that you shouldn't get gear thinking it will get you a better sound. Work for the better sound with what you have, and once you hit limitations and know what you need, get it and master using it to the best of your abilities.

That said, most people here agree that the FMR RNC is the best sound/price deal for home studio compressors. I love mine (2 of 'em) on drum sets and use it on vocalists that don't have enough natural umphf to their voice or can't use a mic like the musical instrument it is.

 

[XLR]

you shouldn't get gear thinking it will get you a better sound. Work for the better sound with what you have, and once you hit limitations and know what you need, get it and master using it to the best of your abilities.

It's the truth.

There isn't much gear that's both inexpensive and usefull at any level of studio sophistication, but the RNC is one of them. Can't go wrong as an investment.

Tim